2006 RAMBLINGS
January 7th, 2006
Howdy all! Well, a whole new year is upon us which means a brand new start for this website (or another chance to royally screw up again.) And from what I see so far, 2006 is going to put everything we've done in the past to shame. By far! We've got comics that will be debuting, galleries finally getting updates, more guest artists... trust us - you'll be impressed.
But for today we're just going to unveil one of our big surprises: a new comic story that will be debuting over the course of the next 22 weeks called "Next-Gen Necessity". And yes, that means weekly updates for the next 22 weeks, thank you very much. But don't think it's all going to be people around talking; oh no. There's going to be action, suspense, and so much more.
Next week: page 2 and possibly a new entry in the "Commissions/Request" gallery. So until then! - Jake
January 14th, 2006
Hey everyone. I've got to make this short (I've got little kids attacking me with plastic swords and grabbing my legs) so let's just get to the nitty-gritty. Page 2 of "Next Gen Necessity" is now posted for your enjoyment. And I've got to say, I'm really having a blast doing this story. I think a lot of you are going to be surprised to see where all of this is going.
Alright, I've got to lay down the law on a couple of children. See ya next week! - Jake
January 21st, 2006
Hey guys and gals! We've got another new page in our ongoing comic; just like we promised. And I've got to say, it's been pretty fun hearing all the guesses on who the attackers' identities were. Some were really interesting theories; I mean, REALLY interesting! So hopefully you'll enjoy this latest page, which starts to shed some light on the situation... or does it? You'll just have to check it out and, by all means, keep the guesses coming 'cause I'm really having a ball here. See you then! -Jake
January 29th, 2006
Hey everyone! For those of you who've been waiting all week for the next page of "Next Gen Necessities", I'm afraid I'm going to disappoint you. Page four will be debuting very shortly, but not today. And when it is finally posted, it's going to be awhile until the story continues.
See, I haven't lost my enthusiasm for the project, but I have realized that it was wrong for me to have focused myself on this rather than two things I should have been doing instead: the first issue of "Plight" and the "Yin Versus Plight" mini-series. Maybe it's because I need to get this decade old story out of my head once and for all, or that I should start at the beginning and then build on. Or maybe, just maybe, it's because of 23 people (that I know of so I'm sure there's more) asking me who the hell is that 'Rahistal' guy that Erik mentioned in page 3 and then being MORE confused when I tell them he really has no importance in the comic. The point is: I made a mistake and I'm sorry. I know it's a very minor and trivial thing, but still...
However, this doesn't change anything else. Next week we'll be back to our posting a comic page a week format. The only difference is it's going to be for PLIGHT # 1 instead!!
Yeah, yeah. I know. A few years back we posted the first couple of pages before they were taken off. And I won't lie to you - most of those pages are going to be 'mostly' the same with new revisions and such due to my artistic skill having improved over the years. But I promise you that these are going to be the final locked-down versions and that the posting will go in a weekly or close-to-weekly fashion. Plus look at it this way: instead of 22 updates to look forward to this spring, you can now expect 31!
In my opinion, this is a win-win situation. Plight # 1 will become a reality at long last, I'll have time to continue pencilling "Yin Versus Plight", start up a second round of "Requests", AND I can get around to cleaning up this website with new graphics and such.
I hope that sounds like a better deal for all of you. It does to me. See ya Saturday with a couple of things! - Jake
April 22nd, 2006
I know it's been three months since you guys and gals heard so much as a peep out of us, but if our last update was any indication, it was apparent things were getting way off track in a hurry. I realize it was foolhardy to think I'd be able to tackle drawing two comic series, pencil a third, and maintain the rest of this site on a weekly basis. So rather than keep pushing myself and digging even deeper, I took a break. And I listened to all of your suggestions. And I did some planning. A LOT of planning.
And now here we are: three months later and I'm ready to start again; only in a somewhat different manner. But that's a subject for another time.
For today we're starting it off slow. We begin with the first page of "Plight # 1". Sure, it's just a revamp of something that's been on here for years, so if any of you are feeling cheated; I apologize. All I can do is assure you that not only is this the final version of the page, but the start of finally getting the damn thing done once and for all! And while the first few pages are going to be unavoidably revisions of previous material, they are going to contain new artwork and dialogue which leads into a completely new introduction for when Erik shows up.
Last but not least, we've managed to get the letters page back up and running. Unfortunately we didn't print every single one since I had a moment of stupidity late last year and accidently deleted a large portion of e-mails without saving them first. So if you wrote in and didn't get a response in here or from me directly I'm very, very sorry. That is unless your initals are C.T. If that's the case, I deliberately ignored you and your foul mouth.
Next time: a few new things. And in two weeks: the new season of the Blockbuster Gallery begins! See 'ya then! -Jake
May 6th, 2006
Well folks, it's that time of year again. The summer movie season is upon us again and with it, we've got a new round for the Summer Blockbuster Gallery" goodness. Once again Tony and I are sharing duties; alternating on pencilling and inking because it worked so well with us last year and given our track record on everything else, we don't dare risk screwing up. So check out our little homage to that little art film called "Mission Impossible 3".
And while we're at it, we also have the next page of the comic book posted. Out of the handful that's being redone, this was the one with the minimal amount of art changes but a major revamp in dialogue. Expect Page 3 to be posted shortly.
So tune in next week when we poke fun at "Poseidon"! Until then! -Jake
May 13th, 2006
Boy, did I screw up.
Here I was all prepared to post the new Summer Blockbuster picture, page 3 of the comic, and some more letters. I had an entire week off from work to make sure it all gets done and then some. But here I am at the moment of posting, over at the Larsons home and I find myself only with the new Blockbuster picture on me to post, and a shrunken version at that. Page 3 is not on my memory card and the files with the new letters are absent.
Like I said, I screwed up.
At least we have the picture for "Poseidon" up. When I get a chance, I'll repost the larger one. In the meantime enjoy this selection from "Shoebox Theatre". As for the other stuff, they'll be in here very shortly too.
Next week will be better. I can guarantee it. Thanks! - Jake
May 20th, 2006
Hello all! Guest updater Tony here, bringing you the latest and greatest from the Plight front! Jake is busy, busy, busy at work today, and unable to touch a computer for a while, so I guess its up to me to keep this website up to date and on time
So go ahead and check out the latest entry in our annual Summer Blockbuster Gallery --> "The Da Vinci Code"! Yay!
That's it for me, it is possible Jake may chime in with his two cents if he gets a chance, but if not, see you all next week! - Tony
Don't fret, I'm here. I just needed to take care of a few things, that's all. But we indeed have ourself an update today. Not only do we have the before mentioned PSBG picture, but we also have the next page of the comic book up! And of course we get to more letters in the letters page where the subjects range from our ramblings to the next round of picks for the request gallery.
Alright. Time to go back to cleaning bloody instruments. Until next week, stay cool! -Jake
May 27th, 2006
Hey everybody! We're into week four and for some reason, at least for me, it finally feels like summer is here. Maybe it's because the sun is shining or that it's so flipping hot outside. Or maybe it's because the last three movies that came out prior to this just didn't feel like summer movies to me. Yeah, they were good flicks - but they lacked a certain something that said otherwise. I know, I know... there's a screw loose in my head.
Anyhow, today's entry is based on the latest "X-Men" sequel which means not only did we have to come up with a cool idea, but one that didn't infringe on any of Marvel Comics properties. What did we conjure up? A picture that strays a little away from the theme of mutant super heroes and more on the emphasis on comic books. And I might add, we've managed to raise the bar on this one. So check out "Wednesdays" (yeah, even the title is an inside joke) and we'll see you all again next week! - Jake
June 3rd, 2006
You know, for a minute there, it looked like we weren't going to make it this week. Jake had his half done in time, but my week just filled up with personal crap and I almost plum ran out of time. If I hadn't just forced everything away so I could have an hour or two of time yesterday, I don't think we would have had a picture on time this week. Thankfully, we do.
So take a look at our idea of what a Crimsonpug published romance novel would look like, with the "Moist Embrace". And which seems like a regular thing nowadays, we have some more letters in the same-name page.
Jake was going to chime in later, but I just finish talking to him about 5 minutes ago and he gave me the go-ahead to post everything up. So see everyone next week! - Tony
June 10th, 2006
Hey everyone, I have a little bit of bad news to report. As most of you might remember, a few years back Tony was pretty sick and had to bow out for awhile while going on the mend. He went through hell, but he pulled through just fine. Well, it seems the little bastard of a disease has come back and thus Tony is preparing to go through it again. So when he gave me the bad news and told me he'd have to step away from the remainder of the blockbuster gallery, I completely understood. So for the foreseeable future Tony will be helping out whenever he can. He might ink and color a picture here and there, but for all of you with mad crushes on his art, well, it's going to be awhile I'm afraid.
Which means you guys are stuck with me for here on out (unless I seek some outside help). I'm going to do my best to keep the weekly updates going; I kind of HAVE TO just to redeem myself the last time this happened to Tony. And I'm happy to say so far I'm in the clear. Today we have a new piece based on "The Omen". Granted I'll be honest and say it's not the most detailed piece I've ever done, but I was under a time crush and I promise I'll make it up to all of you.
So until then, hope you're having a great summer. And hey, if you get a chance, why not drop Tony an e-mail and wish him well. I know he appreciates it! - Jake
June 24th, 2006
Every year around this time something frustrating happens on your local public broadcast stations; your regularly scheduled programming gets interupted by pledge drives. You know the whole song and dance: "We want your money", "Please send us all your cash" and "We'll throw in this cheap piece of crappy merchandise if you give us even more money!". And true, they do offer some great choices on television, don't get me wrong. But by the time the pledge drives are over, you've already lost interest in whatever it was you were so captivated with. Two minute breaks are bad enough; fifteen minute breaks put even the happiest of folks in a foul mood.
So why am I talking about this? Because this is also around the time Yahoo hits me up with their whole propaganda of renewing this site for another year. And while they're trying to sell me added features I would never use, this site gets locked up so that no one can update it until a deal's been finalized. So for all of you would thought the delay was all my fault - well, I guess I can't blame you for thinking it was my fault. But it wasn't.
Anyhow, next week's pictures will finally get us back on track so until then, hope you're all enjoying the summer! - Jake
July 1st, 2006
Hoo doggie, it's been a long week! I won't bore you with everything, but I will point out a few things. Some of it relates to this site, some of it doesn't.
Crimsonpug.net: As some of you have already noticed, this site was closed down this week. It was by and large something we knew was going to eventually happen since updates were sparse and it seemed one of the contributors (*ahem*) never got around to even contributing to his little, er, 'niche'. So rather than keep throwing money away on a monthly basis, Tony decided to close it down. But don't worry - "Chronos and Blackley" and "Generic Funkin Cartoons" will be finding a new home very shortly. I'm personally seeing to it.
The turmoil in Iraqi: Like all Americans, Tony and I support the soldiers overseas fighting for Iraqi's independence. We might not agree with them being over there in the first place but every single man and woman has our gratitude. And if that didn't have enough importance to me on the verge of this Fourth of July weekend, it certainly has now that I've learned my cousin is going to be sent over there next week. I have complete faith he's going to be all right; if there's anyone who can take care of himself and others, it's my cousin. But until everyone is back home safe, the Fourth of July won't be happy enough.
Superman Returns: It's too soon to relieve the excruciating pain we have after watching this film. But I will point out Brandon Routh did a remarkable job considering what he was up against. With all the expectations people had of him, he pulled it off nicely and I think Christopher Reeve would have approved. Of course Kevin Spacey was excellent as always. And that's all I have to say about that subject for now.
Well, I guess there's ONE more thing I'll have to say about it: it's also the subject of this week's blockbuster picture, "Flights of Fancy". Yes, we actually have a picture up on time for once; I'm as shocked as you all are.
Oops! I've got to wrap this up before I'm late for work. We hope everyone has a great holiday weekend and please, don't be an idiot and blow your hands off with fireworks. I say that partly in jest, partly because I work in a hospital and I don't like dealing with the aftermath. It's not pretty folks, and it seems to happen AT LEAST once a year.
Later! - Jake
July 29th, 2006
I know some of you are annoyed with the lack of updates this month; especially in the thick of the summer blockbuster gallery. And while I keep hearing the word 'lazy' being passed around, it's in no part the truth. Yes, it's been three weeks since we've checked in, but it's been three weeks to get a rather important problem out of the way.
During the past ten months I've been using other people's internet connections to update this site. Whether it's been at Tony's house or the library at work, I've been able to do everything I've had to simply by taking them up on their generosity. Yet with all the e-mails I keep getting and other tasks requiring some time, it's also been a hindrance. And as I'm sure you've noticed, it's started to affect this website greatly. So rather than continue the trend, I've done the right thing and turned the phone line in my house back on. Of course it means I'll have to pay $59 a month for something that very few people will call me on (*sigh* I'm so lonely), but if makes things in here easier, than just call me a fool. And I assure you this decision which I thought long and hard about was in no way caused by the fact some unknown person (or persons) in my apartment building living 500 yards or closer to me moved out earlier this month which has prevented me from playing on X-Box Live illegally on a wireless remote. So yeah, I can once again answer all your e-mails in my boxer shorts and do so within the confines of the law.
Anyhow, enough of that stuff. Today we have a picture based on "Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Man's Chest", which I'm well aware opened in theaters three weeks ago. The reason for the tardiness is because rather than rush through the pictures hap-hazardly like I did with "Nacho Libre" and "The Omen", I'm making sure from here on out that the quality is better. Nothing is going to be getting cut out of the list Tony and I had planned out from the beginning and I'll still be handling everything chronologically. It's going to take me a few more weeks to catch up, but by the time summer is over, I will have caught up.
And if that's not evidence enough that I'm shooting myself in the foot, I've also compiled the suggestions so far for the second round of requests. Yeah, I'm still willing to do it (it won't start until the summer gallery is over) but I'm happy to say there's actually a few MALE suggestions for a change! So check the list out and if you don't see any of your ideas, drop me a line and let me know. There's still a few weeks left before voting begins. So get to it! *s*
Next time, the gallery continues and we finally post up page four of the comic. So until then! - Jake
August 12th, 2006
Hey everyone! It took a little longer than we hoped for but we're finally getting back in the groove. We're not in a 'guaranteed weekly updates' groove yet, but there's definately some progress. Tony's treatment is going well and as I write this, he's feeling pretty good (he's giving me grief again so that's a good sign). Of course the ugly part has yet to begin, but I have no doubt he'll get through it just fine. And with any luck he and his family will never have to put up with this crap ever again. Instead they'll have to put up looking at my sorry excuse for an update. But boy do I have plenty to show today!
In the "Summer Blockbuster Gallery", I target two films this time around: the CGI masterpiece "Monster House" and the sorry excuse for a film "The Devil Wears Prada". Yes, I realize they've been out for awhile now but as I stated in an earlier post, my plan is to take them in order of release. It might not make sense in the sake of being current, but it does prevent me from cutting the list of choices short this year. And don't worry: I will catch up pretty soon!
Over in "Comics" the next page of the Plight comic book is available for viewing. Long time fans will notice while this concludes the revised part of the story, it also takes it in a different direction. And here's a hint: that last panel isn't what you think!
Speaking of your thoughts, we have some new mail addressed in the letters page. What was Erik saying in the "Nacho Libre" pic? Where's last year's Christmas card? And why is the gallery order different this year than all the rest? These questions and more get answers.
And finally, as you might have already noticed, the suggestions for the next round of requests are over and now it's time to vote. But rather than cause you the inconvience of having to remember everything on the list and then e-mailing us, we've made it easier this year. Simply click on the link here or above and check the ones you'd like to see. You can vote for as many as you want by September 2nd, but in the end it all comes down to the top 5 choices. And for those of you who didn't feel comfortable revealing your e-mail addresses, this year's poll is 100% anonymous. Also, like before, all requests will be donated to anyone who asks for them.
Now if you excuse me, I've got to get some more movie pictures done. Catch you all later! - Jake
September 20th, 2006
No, we didn't forget about the website. We just had a little thing called 'life' get in the way a little. But don't fret - we're back now and boy, do we have a lot to report.
ITEM # 1: You know my pal Tony? He's been feeling pretty good lately. Oh, he's still preparing for his treatment and so far things look very optimistic. But that's not why he's happy. I mean, yeah, it IS something to cheer about, but no... he's got a bigger reason. You see, after him and his girlfriend have been courting for well over a decade (at least for as long as I've known them), the two love birds finally tied the knot. That's right - Tony is officially a married man. Pretty cool, huh? So I'd like to take a moment and congratulations both of them. Here's to many, many years of happiness (and after this ugly bout of treatment) good health to both of them.
ITEM # 2: After taking a short sabbatical, I'm pleased to announce Plightsite has become the new home for Tony's current serial: "The Adventures of Chronos and Blackley". If you didn't read it on Crimsonpug.com or you don't happen to check out the Gamespot message boards often, "Chronos and Blackley" is the story of two galactic bounty hunters assigned to retrieve a valuable item called 'The Blood Crystal' from an evil race called the Rygarians. So if you haven't read it yet (or you're like me and want to refresh your memory), the first six chapters are already posted for your enjoyment. And don't worry - there'll be more coming.
ITEM # 3: As you already know, Steve Irwin (aka "The Crocodile Hunter") recently passed away at the age of 44. He was shooting footage for a nature special on manta rays and was accidently stung. And while he took great risks when it came to approaching and handling animals, he always showed a great love and appreciation for them. It's no wonder then that for years there's been all sorts of jokes about how insane those risks would wind up becoming the death of him. Well, the jokes have become a reality and it's not funny anymore. That's why the Summer Blockbuster picture of "Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course" has been permanently removed. To keep it posted would be in poor taste. We send our condolences to his family and fans and hope he's somewhere in heaven right now playfully admiring all creatures, by crikey!
ITEM # 4: Even though the updates in here were sparce while it was going on, the second request poll is now over with a staggering amount of entries. Now I realize we live in an "American Idol" world and saying 'the votes were more than double than last time' has become a clique, but it's true! During the 29 days the poll was opened, I received 83 entries comprised of 1289 responses with each character vote counting as a response. And throughout the whole campaign, there was never any clear sign of which entry was going to lead # 1. But it's all done now and the winners are:
Number #5: Raven from "Teen Titans"
Number #4: Kari as a Hooters Waitress
Number #3: Mary Jane Watson from "Spider-Man"
Number #2: Supergirl from "Supergirl"
Number #1: Power Girl from "JSA"
The plan is for me to start on them as soon as I complete.....
ITEM # 5: The remaining five pictures for the now severely delayed "Summer Blockbuster Gallery" are mostly completed and will be debuting very shortly. I made the mistake trying to coordinate it with some outside help, and to no fault of their own, it didn't quite work as I planned. So expect to see that start up again in the next couple of days.
We have some more things to announce, but we'll just save that for later. In the meantime, stay warm and we'll see you back here shortly with some new artwork for a change. Later! - Jake
December 18th, 2006
It's been awhile, hasn't it?
It wasn't our intent to disappear but shortly after our last update waaaaaay back in September, we ran into a few problems with the website. Pages were refusing to load, page banners no longer existed, pictures had become corrupt and missing pieces in it; replacing them with little black squares. On top of that, my computer's window software became obsolete, we were having problems in our personal lives, and so many other things that for a short time there was nothing we could do but wait it out and hope things settled down. And I'm happy to say it has. So for those of you who wrote in to express your opinion, I'm sorry it took as long as it did. But from all the things we have to debut today, I think you can see we weren't just sitting around playing our X-Box 360. Well, not ALL the time.
But let's get down to business.
Instead of delaying this year's requests even longer until I finish the remainder of the Blockbuster pictures (the first one will debut next week; pinky swear!), I've decided to go against my word. It was not right for me to conduct the poll and then have you all waiting because I couldn't get my act together. So today we're starting it up with the fifth place choice: Raven from "Teen Titans". Hopefully it was somewhat worth all the trouble I caused.
Over in our miscellaneous section, most specifically under professional artists, we've included TWO new illustration done by artists fairly well-known around the internet. First up is Garrett Blair, an artist with a very unique style as well as his ability to draw some of the cutiest women around. Just click on the link for his rendition of the X-Men's Rogue to see what we mean. And with any luck, this won't be the only piece of Mr. Blair's we'll ever feature on this site. And last, but not certainly least, I've posted a christmas card/sketch of Hellboy I received from Pat Loika; hands-down one of the nicest guys around. I've never heard an unkind word said about the man, and if there ever was, you better believe a very large lynch mob would form. Pat is full of too much kindness and compasion that it's practically impossible NOT to like the guy! Plus him and I share a unique bond: we've both had to deal with werewolves (hense the joke).
And finally, because the holidays are upon us, we have a new Christmas picture to debut. Yup, we couldn't allow to skip the tradition on account of us not getting our act together.
Well, that's all for today. Next week we'll be getting back to the summer blockbuster pictures (now to hopefully jive with their DVD releases) and perhaps have a few more things. So until then, have a safe and wonderful holiday! - Jake