Johnny Goes To School.
That’s right, everybody’s favorite Nature TV host goes to school. He must be doing community service or something. This is one of those, “to be continued…” types, so expect a lot more Johnny Sanderson action on the way.
Artist Notes:
There are certainly changes a foot in JP&TM these days. I went to smaller comics, now I’m doing some bigger comics, then I’ll go back to smaller comics, now I’m doing a longer storyline, last comic was simpler than any comic done previously… I’m out of control (or experimenting, take your pick.)
I’ve decided to change it up and go with the larger comics for a little while, because I think it helps me flesh out the world of Jetpack and Time Machines better than I can in smaller panels. For the exact same reason, with this comic I’m starting my first true story in the Jetpacks and Time Machines Universe. For a while now I’ve been putting off any sort of elaborate story, mostly because I’ve been uncertain that a two day a week update schedule could keep enough momentum going. Recently I’ve changed my mind, about doing a story that is. I’m still not certain I can keep the momentum going, but I’ve gotten really sick of writing stand alone gags, and of not much happening in my strips.
Hopefully in the next few weeks this will all change.
As far as this particular comic goes… It’s a bit of a narrative experiment in the top half, and a little more straightforward in on the bottom. Technically, I could have broken up this one into two jokes in the standard strip format, but I didn’t want to.
My favorite panel is number two.
September 18th, 2007 at 3:37 am
This is a great start to a continuing story. For some reason, though, I kept waiting to read “…here’s Johnny!”. Every panel in this one just sucks you in to the world of JP&TM. I am in awe by all the detail that went in to this strip.
September 18th, 2007 at 4:46 am
“I am in awe by all the detail that went in to this strip.”
I second that.
September 18th, 2007 at 5:00 am
Me too. And you’re right. This strip could total work as two strips if you ever decide to stick to a small format. Either way it works.
September 18th, 2007 at 6:21 am
JOHNNY’S BACK!!! WHOO-HOO!!! Crunching that blasted nature as he rolls.
And that nerdy-hot teacher.
I think panel 5 is my favorite. I just love all the gadgets and things, including the wired-in potted plant and all the cords going to the chalkboard, yet still kids drawings on the same board. Is there an Escher thing going on with the hanging plant? It looks like it’s a drawing, but the cord it’s hangin on extends beyond the page.
September 18th, 2007 at 8:48 am
Thanks guys.
I decided to go a little more detail oriented than I otherwise might have, in part because it’s the beginning of the story. Took freakin’ forever though.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:05 am
Wow. I dig the ‘waiting outside’ panel with all that cross hatching, and the shot of him in front of the chalkboard…great classroom environment with those drawings on the wall. Nicely done. Excellent strip!
September 18th, 2007 at 10:12 pm
Better late than never. The crosshatching is rocking. Even though I like the smaller formats, I sure did miss the biggies…Great job Jim.
September 19th, 2007 at 4:00 pm
I’m guessing Johnny-boy here isn’t very good with kids.
Love the way the size changes panel to panel, so we can se the contrast in setting. Absolutely goregeous.
September 19th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
Hey there,
I just stumbled across your strips and I absolutely love them.
Von
September 19th, 2007 at 11:41 pm
@Scott: Thanks man, I’m trying!
@MJ: Where the heck you been! (and don’t give me that “workin” excuse!)
@Rachel: Thanks Rachel. Johnny has a problem with most biological things.
@Von Allan: Hey, thanks for say hey! Glad you like the work… Check back in, as I think it should only get better. (at least I hope so!)
December 4th, 2007 at 12:59 pm
The portrait of JS in the last panel is super good, but what’s with his arms. Is there a story line behind their Popeyenish?
December 4th, 2007 at 1:19 pm
Hey Brandy, Thanks for the feedback. Nope, no story, just regular old deformity…