Grizzly & The Bear Patrol #4

[kybearfuzz]

I've not been online too much of late because I've been working on issue #4. A while back, I posted an entry asking how folks would like to see my comics, in installments or all at once. I got mixed answers, so I thought I would give the "all at once" folks this issue. Drawing, inking, coloring and lettering 18 pages at one time, plus a cover, was quite a chore, but not so bad either. I was thrilled in that I got the issue done two weeks earlier than I had planned.

This is what I call a "filler issue," meaning that it is pretty much stand-alone. I remember seeing these when I was a kid, usually when a more major story arc was going to happen. It's not a strongly written issue (as much as any of them are). I put a few notes about the issue after the pages, so if you're interested in reading them, just go past page 18.

If you want to see any past issues, just hit the "finished comic" tag at the end of the entry. As usual, big graphics behind the cut (18 pages worth), but all work-safe.







































Notes and such:

• Family: This issue introduced a new character that was mentioned briefly in issue #2, Anna, the daughter of Polar Bear Paul. And while most of you readers might not be so interested in girl in a bikini, I wanted to show one of our heroes is a gay parent. I had a lot of fun thinking up Paul's reactions to his daughter's bikini.
  
  
• Humor: This issue has a bit more humor than past ones, I think. Most of it is in the familial relationship between father Paul and daughter Anna and, of course, that bikini. One of the other plot points I enjoyed including was Zeke and Beulah. I modeled them after some of the couples I've seen in Wal-Mart -- a relatively attractive, blue-collar daddy bear and his overweight, hideous bride in curlers, the latter usually bitching to him incessantly.
  
  
• Settings: I haven't decided exactly WHERE Bruin City is located geographically. I know it's surrounded by woods, near a lake, has a university, etc. I've sort of done this on purpose to allow me to put the city in any geographical situation I want, but it's also limiting. I put them at a lake for this story because if I put them near an ocean, it would limit me from putting them elsewhere later.
  
  
• Questions: While I'm not really doing any of the question month stuff, if anyone has any questions or comments about this or any other issue, just ask.

Comments

[madknits.livejournal.com]

Yay! A new Grizzly Comic! Nice way to start spring break.

2. I love the fact that you're showing a gay dad. And I love that his kid is a daughter. As the Chairman said, "Women hold up half the sky."

3. I have to protect my privacy.
In these shoes? In that bikini? I don't think so.

4. The only thing we know about Bruin City's location is that it's east of the Mississippi, otherwise that radio staion would be K-O-O-F.

5. Not Professor Davis! ONOEZ! He's, like, the hottest prof in the department. All the bears and cubs love attending his lectures.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I'd rather compliment you! This is terrific! A wide variety of characters, differentiated, a fun story .. I really did treat it as a page turner. I wish your works were published. Can you imagine being a gay teen and coming across your work? It would seem like a lifesaver! Thanks for sharing. I am in awe of your talent, Mark!

HUGS!

[itzgid.livejournal.com]

Loved the plot and the character development. I love the gay dad theme, and wonder if superhero powers are dominant or recessive traits. Green Slime monster looked like it was covered in boobs, which added to the comic value, as did Beulah's resemblance to Bitchie Ann. And the men... WOOF! Your talent is amazing.

[stereobare.livejournal.com]

uh....wow. great job Mark

[jccub1.livejournal.com]

What a wonderful surprise! Loved it Mark - lapped it up page by page - thanks for putting a smile on my face this morning :D Look forward to the next installment!

I really liked the gay parent angle too - really rounded the characters out I thought and added a different dynamic :)

And I had NO idea that one of them was Jerry Gaudet! I met Jerry years ago when I was still in London and went out for drinks/dinner with him a couple of times ;) REALLY lovely fellow :)

*hugs*

[texwriterbear.livejournal.com]

Great job Mark.
I really did enjoy seeing it all at once.
Keep up the amazing work.
HUGS

Where is Bear City?

[bruinwi.livejournal.com]

Thanks to the radio station's call letters, we know it's east of the Mississippi.

Since people are out frolicking on the beach during Spring Break, that rules out the northern tier states, so we're talking Kentucky and points south.

Since we're talking about a lake, and not a seashore, Bear City is inland, rather than a coastal city.

That still leaves a lot of territory to cover.

As always, I'm in awe of your artistic skillz.

You have a prodigious talent, Mark.

[bonkishnurtaz.livejournal.com]

Your ability to depict attractive looking men is phenomenal. Thank you for sharing your extraordinary illustration skills with us. Out of curiosity, was there some reason why you did not depict Zeke as being bald?
Congratulations! This is quite a noteworthy achievement! :-)

[killerjoe.livejournal.com]

I was very happy to see more of Anna and to see her using her power. I think the bikini angle was hilarious!

I enjoy every issue of your comic, Mark. Thanks for the work.

[rootbeer1.livejournal.com]

Another fabulous issue! Especially enjoyed the "Bikini Girl" part. The characters' personalities are also becoming clearer.

[mort-83.livejournal.com]

Yay!

I love these. Love the way you draw, Mark.

You also have great comic lettering skills. Srsly.