The Squirrel Machine

A THIRD HIATUS?

2011-10-25T17:24:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is true. ECTOPIARY and COCHLEA & EUSTACHIA will be temporarily halted yet again. This time, however, I feel it is for positive reasons.
I am not unsympathetic to those whose patience has been whittled to dust. I am grateful to every individual who has faithfully checked in on the comics on a weekly basis.
A number of changes are in the works, and time is needed to implement them. I plan on re-starting updates on January 12, 2012 (My 39th birthday). In the meantime, please spend some time reading these other excellent online comics:

http://tragedyseries.tumblr.com/
http://www.nateneal.com/
http://www.nijomu.com/
http://www.themoonprince.com/
http://www.ansis.tv/magicforest/mf/?page_id=830
http://ishotroy.com/

Comix Continue

2011-10-15T07:13:00.000-07:00

LATEST PAGE OF ECTOPIARY IS VISIBLE HERE.

Apologies for the silence. I had been hoping to update the format of the webcomics with the intention of rendering this blog unnecessary. Unfortunately, that day is still far off in the future.

Also apologies must be made for the absence of the past weeks' COCHLEA & EUSTACHIA update. With my current work schedule, I can not realistically maintain two weekly webcomics. Already, I can see some drop in quality of the pages I've been drawing; A result of rushing to meet deadlines. I'm afraid I've had to demote one of my ongoing features to a bi-weekly schedule.

Readers who may wish to rebel at this appalling state of affairs are urged to take action. The best possible way to restore things to their proper place is to make a DONATION or BUY SOME MERCHANDISE!

Nonetheless, I still persist in making these online picture-books. Remain calm.

Back again

2011-09-06T16:39:00.000-07:00

I'm a little wearier than usual this week. Just as I'm easing into my new job at a local discount grocer, Hurricane Irene turned the landscape of Western Mass. into apocalyptic scenery. The road I live on collapsed into the river, leaving me stranded for a few days without electricity, water or phone. I had to hike 12 miles over rubble nd through the woods to get into town.

In spite of this, the comics are ready to resume. Page 8 of Cochlea & Eustachia has just been posted. The next page of Ectopiary will be up Saturday evening.

It seems that my life is going through a bit of a rocky patch. I ask all for patience and forgive my lackluster post this week. In spite of my current exhaustion, I am hopeful and optimistic. Next week's blog post should contain some exciting announcements!

Another hiatus?

2011-08-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

My unemployment checks will be running out soon, so I have to crank up my job-search. I'm going to take this opportunity to take a break form the webcomics for a bit. I will definitely start updates again on the first week of September. ECTOPIARY has finally reached the point of the story which engages my interest more intensely. COCHLEA & EUSTACHIA has been rustier than I'd like. I believe both comics would benefit from my taking a breather for a few weeks before resuming.

The exhibit in Greenfield went very well. Crowds of strangers came to gape at the comics and devices. A good time was had by all. Below are some pics from early on in the evening. The mysterious black boxes are dioramas I built, More photos to surface in the near future!

COMIC BOOK ART SHOW in GREENFIELD, MA

2011-08-02T16:19:00.000-07:00

Page 83 of ECTOPIARY was another difficult page to draw. I think it ultimately came out alright. I'd be interested in any opinions.

Page 7 of COCHLEA & EUSTACHIA did not come out as well as hoped. I rushed through this one, and I think it shows. Subsequent pages look better. Patience, please!

The BIG NEWS this week is the Grand Opening of the Greenfield Arts Salon (G.A.S.). The premier exhibit features work by local cartoonists Colin Panetta and Mark Velard. Their stuff is viewable HERE. Also included will be some pages of comics and (hopefully) other devices by me. I plan on being present at the opening. It is free to the public, and I encourage every able person to attend! DETAILS HERE!

WONDERFULNESS

2011-07-28T06:12:00.000-07:00

Page 82 of ECTOPIARY seems to be a landing spot of sorts. THINGS will be occurring in the next few pages.

COCHLEA & EUSTACHIA also transpires in the world. Notify your friends!

Because I am now drawing two regular comics strips, I haven't yet nailed down a consistent schedule for posting on this blog. What I desperately need is someone who is willing to perform the necessary routine online tasks for promoting my comics. For anybody willing to undertake this task, I am offering a percentage of net profits! Interested persons may contact me at hansrickheit@hotmail.com!

This week, I've decided to give another peek at my usual drawing process when I make these inexplicable comics.

Unlike most cartoonists that I know, instead of penciling in an entire page before inking, I compose each panel separately. Often, I will break it down even further, by fully rendering & inking each individual element in the panel (foreground figures or background details) one at a time. Here is the feature character, Pimwit, in his wheelchair, sans background.

Here is Pimwit in initial inked form, pencils erased.

Art Baxter (http://artbaxter.com) would teasingly call me a "line-builder." I have no adeptness with a brush or any kind of pen that flares out the line as you draw. In fact, I tend to press down with a lot of force onto the page. As of yet, I have not ceased this habit. I destroy a lot of pens this way. Consequently, I carefully draw over each line until I get the desired thickness. I suspect most people would lose patience with this, but I rather like it. This is probably why I would flunk out of art school if I ever had the notion of attending.

Now I have Pimwit "locked down" in inked form. I'm fairly satisfied that he looks okay, so I proceed to rough in the background. Unlike most of the backgrounds in my panels, this one is relatively simple.

Fun with rulers.

A couple of hours of nervous stippling, a big blob of black ink and it's done. In my opinion, it's actually kind of a crappy drawing, but here it is, exposed in its developmental stages for posterity. Forgive me.

COMIX and ECLECTICA

2011-07-19T15:39:00.000-07:00

In case last week's installment wasn't enough, for the benefit of my less-patient readers, page 81 of ECTOPIARY continues with two more big panels containing nothing but scenery!

COCHLEA & EUSTACHIA continues its own trajectory quite nicely. The website is slowly accruing wonderful bits of fan-art. Just this past week, this lovely illustration by Thomas Stetson arrived in my mailbox! I rather like it. I hope it inspires others to send in their own interpretations of the girls. Any artwork I receive will be gratefully posted along the others!

More Things

2011-07-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

Page 80 of ECTOPIARY is dedicated to those readers who complain of the snail's pace of the story. Two big panels of scenery!

Page 3 of COCHLEA & EUSTACHIA contains a nod to my recent experience of filling up pages of comics with lots of birds. I think I am quite done with them now. Shall we move onto other things?

A mostly uneventful week has passed. I've been occupied with seeking employment. Anybody out there have a use for a weird cartoonist?

Let's continue with the wallowing. Instead of posting my usual drawings of deformed people, I feel like showing off. Inspired by a recent post at http://motorduley.blogspot.com, I've decided to post a letter I received by the luminous Jim Woodring when I sent him a copy of my book The Squirrel Machine. Pretty, neat, huh?
(This letter has been posted without Mr. Woodring's foreknowledge or permission. Should he ever request that I take it down, I shall humbly apologize and remove it without delay.)

More Comics & Drawings

2011-07-04T10:16:00.000-07:00

Last week was over-full of activities. Thus, I was unable to post my usual weekly blog update. I am here, now!

Now that I have two ongoing webcomics, I am uncertain about the headings for these blog posts. Ideas & suggestions are welcome.

Page 79 of ECTOPIARY is up. I think this page marks the halfway-point of Chapter One of the book. Pages to follow will feature strange and (I hope) interesting events.

COCHLEA & EUSTACHIA seems to have gotten a warm reception all around. Scott McCloud, Robot 6 and the Comics Reporter have all taken notice of its arrival. I thank these fine people and anybody else who spreads the word!

Also, beginning this week (or next week, depending on my ability to sidestep technical snafus) Cochlea & Eustachia will be a regular feature as one of The Weekly Dig's Sunday Comics! Be sure to check them out, as they are a fine crew with an excellent track record of bringing lunacy to the masses!

Speaking of masses, now is your chance to amass new goods! Now available from my recently-devised Zazzle Goods Store are Chrome Fetus themed T-shirts, mugs and other silly gewgaws! I urge you to buy large quantities now and demonstrate your support for the frontline of the abstruse!

Many other developments are in the process of developing. Remain alert, and I will inform you of them in future days!

But now, let us cast our eyes to the past, and gander these nascent drawings by a youthful Hans Rickheit and his collections of medical images:

COCHLEA & EUSTACHIA BEGINS

2011-06-21T11:00:00.000-07:00

ANNOUNCING A NEW WEBCOMIC by HANS RICKHEIT

COCHLEA & EUSTACHIA BEGINS TODAY

www.chromefetus.com

In response to clamoring public demands, I've decided to redouble my cartooning output and release a 2nd ongoing webcomic that veers in an entirely contrary tangent to that of the critically-acclaimed ECTOPIARY,

Cochlea & Eustachia have previously appeared in numerous. well-publicised venues, including POOD, PROPER GANDER, TYPHON. LEGAL ACTION COMICS, REGLAR WIGLAR, THE STRANGER and the original run of CHROME FETUS COMICS.

It is my intention to post a new installment every Wednesday for your edification and delight. You can help this effort by visiting the Merchandise Page and purchasing my wares! Original Art is now being offered for sale from both COCHLEA & EUSTACHIA and the ongoing ECTOPIARY website. Also, pages from my other reputable graphic novels CHLOE and THE SQUIRREL MACHINE are on sale.

At the very least, you are encouraged to DONATE whatever you feel is appropriate. Even the smallest amount is gratefully appreciated!

Friends, as always, I thank you for your attention and generosity!

ECTOPIARY, Page 77

2011-06-20T13:44:00.000-07:00

I HOPE YOU LIKE THE LATEST PAGE OF ECTOPIARY

Page 77 of ECTOPIARY was one of the most difficult I've ever drawn. I'm ambivalent about the results. What do you think?

I am having a good day. My girlfriend just moved in with me. Although my limbs ache from moving several large pieces of furniture up & down many flights of stairs, I am hopeful about my future. Naturally, as anyone who knows me will testify, my moods pendulate dramatically, and tomorrow I may sink into suicidal depression. At the very least, I have something to look forward to!

To bolster high spirits all around, here are more pictures of afflicted people:

ECTOPIARY. Page 76

2011-06-13T05:18:00.000-07:00

I think you need another page of Ectopiary

Hopefully, the current page of Ectopiary generates a sense of suspense. Next week's page took a very long time to draw.

The second webcomic should have been up three weeks ago. Having rescued my old domain name, chromefetus.com, from the clutches of techno-pirates, the transfer to the new server apparently takes 7 - 17 business days. This is particularly aggravating. Today is day no. 12, and the site is still not up.

While we wait, here are some pictures!

ECTOPIARY, Page 75

2011-06-06T10:33:00.000-07:00

Another Page of Ectopiary is up.

In deference to current fads which emphasize that "less is more", I've decided to chuck that attitude altogether and let it all hang out. If I'm going to kill trees in the production of this eventual book, I'm going to treat that sheet of paper with the attention and respect it deserves. Hence, every square centimeter gets smothered in tiny lines, stippling or carefully considered blobs of ink. I thank my proxy mentor, Mahendra Singh, for encouraging this mode of attack. I cannot but agree that the world is in desperate need of healthy dose of the Neo-Baroque. Won't you do your part?

In celebration of the coming New Age of Reason, here are some medical oddities and similar monstrosities. Enjoy!

ECTOPIARY, Page 74

2011-05-31T10:43:00.000-07:00

Here's a new page of Ectopiary, ready for you to ignore

This is my earnest promise to all readers who classify themselves as descendants of homo erectus that this latest trickling of my blood, tears & cerebral-spinal fluid contains nothing that will strain the intellect or even require the minutest level of cognizance. Rest assured, regardless of race, gender or social background, any sentient being exposed to this example of pictographic narrative is safe from potentially damaging perils commonly associated with rampant unmonitored fictionalizing, such as plot, timing, subtext, symbolism or taste. Each ingredient has been pulverized and ground to a smooth fine paste that will pass though the digestive system with only the slightest rumbling, so grab your straws and start sucking!

Speaking of sucking, here is the another batch of images appropriately accompanied by the sound of rapid, wet inhalation - more medical images from my youthful days of wasted effort and doomed ideals.

ECTOPIARY, Page 73

2011-05-23T06:50:00.000-07:00

Would you like another serving of Ectopiary?

Page 73 looks alright to me. I especially like the first panel. More things to come.

Rain and engine troubles kept me housebound for most of the week. I've had plenty to work on at home, though. The new website is very close to being ready. I hope to have it up and running within the next few days.

An enjoyable weekend was spent with my girlfriend, picking through the trash at Rietta Flea Market in Hubbardston, MA. We are slowly gathering necessary ingredients for the eventual puppet show/movie. The Cochlea & Eustachia puppets are very nearly completed. Photos to come soon!

As I've posted before, in my younger days I decided to learn drawing by copying images from medical books. I do not advise this practice for students wishing to get an accurate understanding of human anatomy. More examples:

ECTOPIARY, Page 72

2011-05-16T06:24:00.000-07:00

Another Page of Ectopiary has been pumped out.

Despite what Dale says on page 72, I don't think she'll grow up to be crazy. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

I've been absorbed with lots of drawing and fretting over my financial future. Currently, I am collecting unemployment; it seems to be the only form of arts funding in the U.S. for slobs like me. As I may have stated before, I've been using this as an opportunity to develop a 2nd, more lucrative webcomic. I dread having to look for work. Too many precious hours of my life have been spent being some jackass' "employee." I have no desire to step back onto that odious treadmill.

Much of my life recently has been devoted to learning to live cheaply and minimizing obligations to other people. If I can spend the majority of my time drawing and making strange, beautiful things, I am a happier and healthier being.

For instance, this past weekend, now having the time to do so, I finally got some decent photographs of the original bear-head costume which precipitated the Unnamed Protagonist featured so prominently in many of my comics. Samples to follow:

ECTOPIARY, Page 71

2011-05-09T07:02:00.000-07:00

YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO READ THE LATEST PAGE OF ECTOPIARY HERE.

Dialogue and character exchange and things like that actually occur on page 71 of Ectopiary. I'm kind of funny that way. Don't expect it to happen too often, though.

Readers who are fond of stories with actual plotlines that contain beginnings, middles and endings will be sure to enjoy this new horror-themed comic from PlanetSlade.com. It's an etymological tale called "Mother's Day" written by Paul Slade and drawn by myself. I recommend you begin reading it here: http://www.planetslade.com/insect-horror.html

It's been a pleasant, cool Springtime here in Western Massachusetts. If ever you should experience a paucity of activities, I recommend you & a friend can enjoy a round of miniature golf. If you're like me and dislike spending money on frivolities, you can always seek out an abandoned miniature golf course in your area. You need only bring your own balls and clubs!

The advantages of golfing in a disintegrating reliquary are multifold. No screaming children or waiting, only the pleasant sound of birds and crickets as you disturb their concealed nests within the decaying fixtures. Weeds and brambles add an extra sense of challenge. There is even an interactive quality, as some structures need to be propped back into position, and golf balls occasionally need to be fished out of clogged plastic piping. A guaranteed fun time for all!

ECTOPIARY, Page70

2011-05-02T09:15:00.000-07:00

Yes, We Have More Ectopiary. Thank You For Asking.

I think page 70 of Ectopiary is quite reasonable. If you disagree, I'd be interested to learn why. All readers are encouraged to post comments below!

The past couple of weeks have been kind to me. I am enjoying the spring weather and my peaceful life among the New England trees and hills. Consequently, I have little to write about as today.

In the meantime, I've posted more samples from my old sketchbooks. In my younger days, I attempted to learn to draw anatomy by copying images from old medical textbooks. I have hundreds of drawings like the ones below. Note my wimpy cross-hatching attempts to fill in negative space around the subjects.

ECTOPIARY, Page 69

2011-04-25T06:54:00.000-07:00

ECTOPIARY MOVES FORWARD, ALTHOUGH IMPERCEPTIBLY

I've had a good week. I completed the artwork on a commissioned comic strip for Paul Slade of PanetSlade.com. I've also finally begun artwork for an upcoming webcomic to run concurrently with Ectopiary. With luck, it will be up and running an about a month's time.

I've also had opportunity to finally archive my ancient sound-collage recordings from my pirate radio days. For those with a strong stomach, I will post some samples on a future date.

Puppet production is advancing with great strides. Krissy and I painted the dolls yesterday. Next week, we hope to give them wigs and begin dressing them. Photos to come soon!

To celebrate my good mood and good fortune, I've posted this old drawing from one of my sketchbooks:

ECTOPIARY, Page 68

2011-04-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

MORE ECTOPIARY IS HERE

My apologies for the late update. My internet connection crapped out on me over the weekend.

A thankfully uneventful week has gone by. I've spent most of that time drawing. My friend Kristina visited me this weekend and puppet-making (among other things) transpired. The Cochlea & Eustachia dolls are forming admirably. Next week, we'll begin applying paint.

Other interesting things occurred, but I sense it may be too early to make them public. If all goes well, it may develop into some very big news, indeed!

In the meantime, here's an ancient drawing that once served as the cover illustration for Chrome Fetus #3:

ECTOPIARY, Page 67

2011-04-09T10:25:00.000-07:00

ECTOPIARY HAS RETURNED

The hiatus on the weekly comic was blessedly brief. Although I am still jobless, my finances are now sufficient for an (extremely) modest existence. During the next few months, I will be making some dramatic changes to the website to improve my chances of livelihood.

I do not have the words to express my gratitude to the individuals who helped me through this recent debacle. I'm genuinely deeply touched by the response to my last post. I don't know how I would have made it without all your generosity. Many, many thanks to you all!

Whilst struggling to eat & pay rent, I still found time for pursuits related to my comics and similar projects. Here are two interviews of interest:

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/webcomics-ectopiary-110328.html

http://geek-news.mtv.com/2011/04/01/kleefeld-on-webcomics-9-interview-with-ectopiarys-hans-rickheit/

Also, a surprise review at Webcomics Overlook:

http://webcomicoverlook.wordpress.com/?p=8560&preview=true

On top of all this, my dear friend Kristina Dorn & I have nearly completed construction of the Cochlea & Eustachia puppets! More info can be gleaned from her site here.

ANNOUNCEMENT/PLEA

2011-03-19T12:54:00.000-07:00

Due to circumstances beyond my control, the shop where I work has shut down. I am now without work or income. ECTOPIARY is going on temporary hiatus while I seek employment. Having the job-search eat into my drawing time makes the situation even more demoralizing.
If you've ever considered buying any artwork or books, this would really be a very helpful time to do so. I recommend you check out the links below:

CHLOE ORIGINAL ART
SQUIRREL MACHINE ORIGINAL ART
BOOKS
Or you can DONATE

As always, I thank you for your time and am grateful for any and all support!

ECTOPIARY, Page 66

2011-03-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

MORE ECTOPIARY IS HERE.

Page 66 of ECTOPIARY does little to disrupt the glacial speed of the comic's progression. I think it's pretty, though.

The past week has been another quiet one for me. I am grateful to live here in peaceful, wintry New England where the trees outnumber the people.

Puppets are progressing, as are the mysterious black boxes with windows. I am also slowly getting closer to working on another vague project. Details not yet available to the public.

In the meantime, her is another rejected comic strip from the much-anticipated Fantagraphics collection, FOLLY.

ECTOPIARY, Page 65

2011-03-07T14:59:00.000-08:00

HAVE ANOTHER SLICE OF ECTOPIARY

Page 65 of Ectopiary is a fine example of Hans Rickheit doing battle with the rules of perspective. I still kind of like this page, though. It's better than the previous few entries, at least.

Although the past week seemed to be crammed with activity, I have little to report on. I have been making black boxes with little windows in them, drawing bugs and helping to construct puppets.

The following comic (rejected from the upcoming Fantagraphics book, FOLLY) gives a fair depiction of what my everyday life looks like:

ECTOPIARY, Page 64

2011-02-28T14:46:00.000-08:00

Latest Page of Ectopiary is UP

My apologies for no blog post last week. The work piles up to suffocating amounts sometimes.

New England has buried itself under several feet of white snow, with weekly blizzard reinforcements. I have been essentially a prisoner in this rural cabin due to the combination of unploughed roads and lack of snow tires on my wimpy Volkswagen.

Fortunately, I have used this enforced solitude to get more drawing in. I've completed another 16"X22" comic strip for the upcoming issue of POOD. Future pages of ECTOPIARY look more promising than the current posting. Also, I am slowly putting together the necessary elements for yet another webcomic!

On top of all this, my good friend Kristina Dorn (who owns a better vehicle) has been able to navigate the treacherous roads to my hovel. Collaboratively, we have made significant progress on the Cochlea & Eustacia puppets! (Video visible via Facebook)

This week, I've posted yet another small cartoon excluded from the upcoming Fantagraphics collection, FOLLY. This strip originally ran in The Stranger some years ago.

ECTOPIARY, Page 62

2011-02-14T16:23:00.000-08:00

If You Want, You Can Read The Latest Ectopiary Page Here.

Page 62 is nothing to scream about. Although it seems scant, it does push the story forward in unseen ways.

I have been very busy this past week, drawing many things. I've been working on some new Cochlea & Eustachia stories. I've been learning many new things about them. For instance, I did not previously realize that they would kill each other over a cupcake. I've also learned why I've resisted pursuing a career in mainstream comics; I suck at drawing fight scenes. Example: Here is my first attempt at portraying the girls in mortal combat.Some things that looked good in pencil form can become very disappointing when you start inking them in. The figures are stiff and at an overly polite distance from each other to be a believable tussle.

With my second try, I used a photo of women wrestlers for reference. Although the prominent butt-cheeks provide an amusing pulchritudinous effect, the girls appear too relaxed to convince the reader of their murderous intentions. Also, it's confusingly difficult to determine the position of their bodies.

The third attempt seems about as accurate as I'm ever going to get. Both figures are clear, visible and occupy equal space in the frame. The hair-pulling, gritting of teeth and flailing of limbs give a better sense of earnest violence. Also, this time I remembered to include the coveted cupcake! A lot of effort for a single panel. I are a hopeless case.

More things next week.

ECTOPIARY. Page 61

2011-02-07T12:31:00.000-08:00

ANOTHER PAGE OF ECTOPIARY IS READY TO READ.

I know that it's considered bad form to publicly criticize your own work. I'm not particularly happy with this page or the ones that follow. Scenes that boil down to simple conversations are problematic for me. It has been well-noted by others that my characters are not very emotive and tend to have a stiff appearance. This is something I hope to master before Ectopiary is through. Unfortunately, my readers will have to endure the results while I sledgehammer my way through this narrative.

I've been busy drawing yet another Cochlea & Eustachia strip for the upcoming POOD #3. Also, I am in the planning stages of another ambitious project to run concurrently with Ectopiary. Await further announcements.

Posted below is a comic strip that originally ran in The Stranger newspaper. I decided to exclude it from the upcoming FOLLY collection because of its inherent redundant quality.

ECTOPIARY, Page 60

2011-01-31T17:17:00.000-08:00

MORE ECTOPIARY IS HERE

Page 60 is, in my opinion, a merely adequate offering that serves as a somewhat clumsy scene transition. Many thanks to my fine cat, Proxy, for providing the necessary pose in the first panel.

It seems that New England is scheduled for yet another foot of snow this week. I have no doubt I'll be getting a lot of cartooning done.

As promised, here is the cover for the upcoming collection of my comics. The full title is FOLLY - The Consequences Of Indiscretion. It's being published by Fantagraphics and is scheduled to be released this Fall! Tell your friends and enemies!

ECTOPIARY, Page 59

2011-01-24T07:36:00.000-08:00

Page 59 of Ectopiary Cannot Be Ignored.

This page took longer to draw than expected. Clearly, it is designed to rupture the optic nerve; at least that was its effect on me while rendering it. Consider yourself warned.

This past week, I having been scurrying to complete the final touches on my next big book release, FOLLY. It's a collection of Chrome Fetus Comics andother 0dd tidbits. The title is apt, and is scheduled for release this coming Autumn from Fantagraphics. Next week, I'll post a cover image.

Chad Parenteau, my unofficial biographer, has posted some thoughts about my last albatross, THE SQUIRREL MACHINE. You may read it here: http://chadparenteaupoetforhire.blogspot.com/2010/12/thoughts-on-squirrel-machine.html

For this week, I'll be posting an image from Chad's blog. It's an old sketch I produced upon request. Do not hold him to blame. As always, I thank you for your endurance.

ECTOPIARY, Page 58

2011-01-17T17:30:00.000-08:00

Yes, Another Page of Ectopiary is Here.

Friends, I am always grateful for your patience and tolerance! I think this is a fine page, I hope general consensus agrees. I'm just doing my part to make the world a better place.

Here in Western Massachusetts, we are buried under two feet of snow, with more on the way. As long as fuel, food and electricity sustain, these are optimum conditions for drawing comics without interruption!

This week, in celebration of my recent vasectomy, here is an image (from my "Debris" file) that I hope will inspire others to do likewise.

Ectopiary, Page 57

2011-01-10T12:19:00.000-08:00

Another Fine Page Is Ready for Reading.

I like the current page. I have suspicions that readers familiar with my earlier comics are probably thinking to themselves, "not this again." Although it serves a different purpose in the current story, I do admit to having an affinity for drawing this sort of thing. Let's just say I couldn't keep it in my pants, okay?

io9.com gave Ectopiary a nice write-up which brought some attention to the site. I welcome all new readers. I apologize for the glacial progress of the comic, which seems to be everybody's main gripe. Such attitudes make me want to slow the plot down even further. However, in my opinion, it is developing at the exact velocity it requires. Those with patience will be rewarded.

As always, I am very, very grateful to people who have donated money to help me survive. If you care to help, you can do so here: http://ectopiary.com/donate.html

Also, I am pleased (and maybe a little disconcerted) to report that Cochlea & Eustachia are now getting close to occupying this world embodied as three-dimensional puppets. Wood carved heads (still in production) by the talented Kristina Dorn are displayed below as evidence!

ECTOPIARY, Page 56

2011-01-02T18:00:00.001-08:00

Yet Another Ectopiary Page Is Now Ready To Read.

I think this is a good page. It pleases me to look at it. It progresses the action nicely. Yes, this is good. I thank you!

Earlier this week, I received this e-mail:

Hello Mr. Rickheit!

My name is Benjamin Abaya and I'm the host of The Freakin' Awesome Podcast! and a member of artisticalliance.org. This Sunday, we're going to discuss and give our impressions about your webcomic Ectopiary. With all respect I just want to know how do you pronounce the word. I say ecto-pear-ee or is it ecto-pi-ree? I want to comfirm this before we record on Sunday. If you want to listen to us discuss it, it's going to be release on Monday, January 3rd on iTunes. Search us at "Artistic Alliance Presents" Thank you again and keep it up! We love support indie comics.

- Ben

I have faith that this will be an entertaining and enlightening show. I recommend it to all my faithful readers!

In the meantime, here is a teaser of my own entry in the upcoming POOD #2! Be sure to get a copy when it hits the stands!

ECTOPIARY, Page 55

2010-12-27T08:27:00.000-08:00

Another Ectopiary Page is now UP.

I've reasonably recovered from my surgery. Thanks to all for their patience during my brief absence.

I feel like a bit off a celebrity this week. There is a relatively coherent interview with me at REGLAR WIGLAR, a fine review of my own inclusion of Pood #2 at TRAVALANCHE. The biggest event, however, is the selection of Ectopiary as The Best Webcomic of 2010 by MTV"S SPLASHPAGE!

On top of all this, I an pleased to announce the digital release of Ectopiary for Japanese readers, courtesy of TOGENOJIZO! I daresay this edition looks more attractive than the English version. I've posted some sample pages below. Enjoy!

ECTOPIARY, Page 54

2010-12-13T09:37:00.000-08:00

LATEST ECTOPIARY PAGE IS UP!

This page, despite its flaws, came out better than expected. I am much pleased with this thing I have made.

The next update will have to be postponed one week. I am currently recovering from some minor surgery, and am unable to do the necessary things to get the page ready. I could also use the break. My thanks to you all for your patience!

ECTOPIARY, Page 53

2010-12-06T15:01:00.000-08:00

MORE ECTOPIARY WAITING TO BE READ.

I like the first panel of page 53 very much. The other two panels not so much. The next page is much better, I promise.

The Squirrel Machine is still perplexing people, more than a year after its release. Here are more reviews:

The Name Of This Cartoon Is Brunswick
Comics disturb readers, celebrate Halloween season | The Daily Texan - (scroll down for the Squirrel Machine review.)

Earlier this week, I learned that when asleep and dreaming, looking up words in the dictionary is a hopeless (but interesting) endeavor. I found the word "forsonym." According to this dream-dictionary, it means "a pictorial diagram of the metaphysical digestive tract of female oxen, often used to punish disobedient schoolchildren."

Another book, which one would presume only to find in the nocturnal libraries of the other side of consciousness is currently manifesting itself in a downright corporeal edition, waiting to fill that gaping void in your bookshelf. I am writing of none other than Mahendra Singh's majestic adaptation of Lewis Carroll's oft-overlooked epic "THE HUNTING OF THE SNARK." If you do not rush to acquire this beautiful book immediately, you are a fool. Rather than add my own ham-fisted verbiage to M. Singh's splendid eloquence, I shall simply let the following link guide your way: http://justtheplaceforasnark.blogspot.com

As an incentive, below is posted an example of the master's work. Consider this my effort towards what I hope will be a Worldwide Emerging Mahendra Singh Awareness Movement! Indulge, seekers!




(Note: These comic pages have been posted without permission, and may be removed pending any such requests from the author.)

ECTOPIARY - FIRST ANNIVERSARY!

2010-11-29T11:02:00.000-08:00

What you need - ECTOPIARY page 52 is now UP.

For the first-time reader, now is an excellent opportunity to jump into this peculiar and inexplicable graphic tome. A full year's worth of plodding picture-making hammered into a strained narrative is just waiting for you to peruse and castigate!

Of course, page 52 doesn't contain too much in the way of fast-paced plot progression. This is one inherent weakness of releasing a long graphic novel in single-page weekly installments. When read in context, I hope that silent pages like this help to provide the proper rythm of the action as it grinds along. At the risk of repeating myself, I don't intend to modify my storytelling approach to satisfy the strictures of serialiazation. Also, with my current time constraints, one page a week is the fastest I can produce. I have no plans to simplify my style to speed up the process. The detailed backgrounds and fussy pointillism are essential to my dubious mental state. Let's not shift my internal paradigms too rapidly, please?

Speaking of which, here is a picture I drew that was inevitably appropriated for the June 9th 2009 edition of the Philly Comix Jam collection. They're still active and their doings are observable here.

ECTOPIARY, Page 51

2010-11-22T07:48:00.000-08:00

MORE ECTOPIARY

As evidenced by the latest page, I have a tendency to get involved in drawing background detail. I hope it induces a pleasing effect on the casual reader. This is one of those pages where nothing "happens", but gently buffers events in the story so they don't collide and increase the confusion. Patience, intrepid observers!

From the feedback I've gotten, the general attitude is that Ectopiary doesn't update frequently enough. The day that I can quit my day-job and devote all my time to the comic cannot come soon enough for me. Perhaps if someone would donate $15,000 I could take a year off and accelerate my output?

Until then, here is another poster I drew for a silent movie/live music event:

ECTOPIARY, Page 50

2010-11-14T06:46:00.000-08:00

LATEST PAGE IS UP NOW.

Having reached 50 pages feels a little like a milestone (or a millstone). It means in a couple of weeks, this site will be one year old! Considering the weekly update schedule, and the estimated length of the book, ECTOPIARY will be finished sometime in 2020. (Truthfully, I hope to increase the updates to twice a week before long, thereby shortening that span.)
It's been an interesting week for the site. After meeting the talented and lovely Spike (responsible for Templar, AZ) at the New England Webcomics Weekend shindig, she graciously plugged my comic on her own site. It was extremely gratifying to see the increase in the readership. My thanks to her and everybody who takes the time to read my efforts.
Also, some of you may have noticed that I gave the website a much-needed sprucing up. I replace the hideous logo, added a couple more links and gave it new buttons. The "About" page is still a bit dry, and when I finally get the inspiration, I'll spice up the text a bit.
As always, I'm grateful to all who write in their thoughts. I am also extremely grateful to people who kindly donate $$ to help my cause. If you wish to join their illustrious ranks, you can do so HERE.
Below, I've posted a drawing for a music poster from 2007. My best to you all!

ECTOPIARY, Page 49

2010-11-07T13:13:00.000-08:00

The Latest Page Of My Uncategorizable Book Is HERE

What Milton says in the last panel of page 49 is a statement of fact. You cannot prove to me otherwise.

I attended the New England Webcomics Weekend. The first day was a bit dispiriting, as I was overwhelmed by the overabundance of trendy genre-spewing CRAP. There were, however, a handful of people who manage to produce comics that contain (in my opinion) original, imaginative and skillful work. I will list the top three:

Dylan Meconis' FAMILY MAN is an exemplary effort that combines historical accuracy, deliberate pacing, subtle symbolism, masterful rendering, thoughtful dialogue and exquisite attention to detail. It rewards upon repeated readings.

Evan Dahm's RICE BOY website is filled with eminently enjoyable and readable fantasy-based comics. It has a quirky style that provides a breezy reading experience that makes one overlook the precision and detail that goes into this comic. His current work, Vattu, is his most promising effort to date.

Spike's TEMPLAR, AZ is another superb example of world-building. It has a rich cast of enjoyable characters, fun dialogue and a solid, crisp drawing style. On top of this, Spike is a wonderfully informative and thoroughly lovely individual.

Of course, the creators listed above already have established themselves with successful webcomics; and deservedly so. They do not need my endorsement. One could argue that each of them could easily be labeled under specific genres, but I believe that is incidental. Of the thousands of webcomics I have looked at, I have found less than a dozen that (in my mind) display a sliver of originality and craft. Sure, I enjoy junk-culture as much as anybody; but where do I find sustenance?

(Humbly, I offer my own efforts as nourishment for similar seekers.)

As always, I thank each of my readers. I am grateful for any and all response, and encourage you to write some in the Comments Section below.

For this week's post, I've squeezed out another sampling of Out-takes from The Squirrel Machine. Thay have a tendency to scatter the floor about my drawing table like hair scraps under a barber's chair.

ECTOPIARY, Page 48

2010-10-31T06:32:00.000-07:00

NEW ECTOPIARY PAGE HERE!

Page 48 : I used to have this dream as a child.

This coming weekend, I'm going to attend the New England Webcomics Weekend in Easthampton, MA. I hope to learn a few things about improving this site and increasing its pitiful traffic. Also, I'll get to meet some talented local cartoonists. Mayhap I'll see you there.

This week. for this blog, I've posted yet another cover for The Zeitgeist Gallery Monthly Calendar.

As always, I savor all comments, suggestions, praise and epithets. Feel free to write some below!

ECTOPIARY, Page 47

2010-10-25T16:00:00.000-07:00

A NEW ECTOPIARY PAGE IS UP AND READY FOR READING

This page turned out better than expected, so I am happy. More similar pages are coming the next few weeks, filled with stuff that actually moves the plot forward!
The month of October has not been an easy one for me, with very little time for comics. I am glad it's nearly over. Things are changing at my day-job, so I am hoping this coming month I will be able to devote the necessary time to draw with the level of intensity that I require for quality and sanity.
Sometime before the end of the year, I hope to make some considerable improvements to the website. I am always open to suggestions and will be grateful to anyone who feels inclined to offer some in the Comments Section below.
In the meantime, here is another piece of wreckage from the halcyon days of the Zeitgeist Gallery:

ECTOPIARY, Page 46

2010-10-18T16:33:00.000-07:00

LATEST PAGE OF ECTOPIARY IS READABLE HERE.

I try each week to think of some comment regarding each page of The Ectopiary graphic novel in progress. I will state that the last panel turned out cuter than intended. I think the page turned out alright. If I had more time, I may have tweaked some details to give it a greater sense of realism (inasmuch as I am able to render it.) I will mention that while drawing this page, I was listening to the fine music of Lau Nau, whose dreamy sound-makings I cannot recommend highly enough.
Whilst digging through my archives, I've unearthed this cover I drew for the monthly calendar of the Zeitgeist Gallery back in its heyday:

ECTOPIARY, Page 45

2010-10-10T19:04:00.000-07:00

LATEST PAGE OF ECTOPIARY IS HERE.

I rather like this page. I hope my readers feel the same. Bicycles are harder to draw than you would think.
Once again, I don't have any drawings ready to post for this little blog. Here, instead is a fine review of The Squirrel Machine from Fuel Your Illustration.

ECTOPIARY, Page 44

2010-10-03T18:24:00.000-07:00

Page 44 of Ectopiary is HERE.

Dale's statement in the first panel of this page echoes the sentiments of some readers of this comic. There she stands, complaining amidst lushly drawn foliage and painstakingly rendered background detail, and all I can think is "Ingrates, all!"
Still lacking for drawings to post on this blog, here is yet another song; a somewhat embarrassing cover (with screwed-up lyrics) of The Stones' 2000 Light Years. I have an affinity for cheap psychedelia.

WHAT YOU NEED.

2010-09-29T15:43:00.000-07:00

SQUIRREL MACHINE ORIGINAL ARTFriends, now is your opportunity to purchase your very own piece of The Squirrel Machine! Adorn your headquarters and personalized womb-rooms with a sampling of authentic puerile surrealist squeamery! Outstrange your friends with this dubious deviant dalliance of deftly drawn dibble dabbery! (Ignore feeble alliterations.) Placate your inner samaritan and consider your payment a donation to aid the frontline of the nouveau-obtuse! Use it to enhance your jealously-guarded hoard of unmentionable etchings or use it to wipe your hindquarters! Endless are the possibilities! DO NOT RESIST.

PRICELIST HERE: http://ectopiary.com/SquirrelMachineSale.html

Ectopiary, Page 43

2010-09-26T19:00:00.000-07:00

CURRENT ECTOPIARY PAGE IS HERE.

Another fine page is up. I'm curious if people are enjoying this comic or not. If you have a moment, feel free to type in your complaints below.
I don't have any artwork ready to post for the blog this week, so instead I've decided to post yet another song. It's a little two-chord ditty with excessive over-dubbing: Little Brown Things

ECTOPIARY, Page 42

2010-09-19T18:27:00.000-07:00

NEW ECTOPIARY PAGE HERE

Despite its may flaws, I actually like page 42 of Ectopiary. I hope future pages will prove equally satisfying.
A head cold and household drama have rendered me too tired to type very much this week. My apologies.
Here is a really crappy poster I drew for The Bad Seed movie:

ECTOPIARY, Page 41

2010-09-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

NEWEST PAGE HERE

It's been a strange week here in Hawley, Massachusetts. Disregarding details of personal strife, I managed to finish my entry in the upcoming POOD #2. Other important clandestine projects are also in the works.
Exciting news for those who wish to read ECTOPIARY in danish! A new website, Serieland launched this past week and is rapidly posting translated pages of Ectopiary at a stunning rate! I recommend you check them out here: http://serieland.dk/category/comic/ectopiary/
Also, an astonishing new book made its debut at SPX this past weekend. THE SANTUARY by NATE NEAL. I am ill-equipped to cobble together the necessary words to induce you to rush out and buy this book.It really is a glorious thing and a stunning accomplishment. I urge you to read it now! http://natenealsanctuary.blogspot.com/

ECTOPIARY, Page 40

2010-09-05T18:45:00.000-07:00

LATEST ECTOPIARY PAGE HERE

It's been a full week of continuous drawing for the Ectopiary Website and cranking out a giant comic for the upcoming issue of POOD. I'm hoping the public will respond to these things graciously. Past experience has demonstrated that this rarely happens. Consequently, I tend to spend a lot of time hiding in my lair scribbling away in solitude. Here is a reasonably accurate depiction of my hovel rendered by my very talented friend, Kristina Dorn:

ECTOPIARY, Page 39

2010-08-29T20:06:00.002-07:00

ANOTHER PAGE OF COMICS IS HERE

I can only offer my apologies for another page of boring dialogue. The characters keep on yakking and not a single punch is thrown. I promise more violence in future pages.
In the meantime, here is an unexpected treat. A good friend brought this to my attention; A tattoo inspired by The Squirrel Machine graphic novel. I'm actually pretty impressed by it and this individual's other work which can be seen here.

ECTOPIARY, Page 38

2010-08-22T19:24:00.000-07:00

NEW ECTOPIARY PAGE IS HERE

Intensifying drama on the current page. Maybe there'll be fisticuffs in the next installment!
I haven't much to say this week. Forgive my brevity. I'm drawing lots of things...
Here is the original color cover for Chrome Fetus #5. The first printing sold out rapidly at a zine fair. Unfortunately, my inside connection at Inko's got fired, so I couldn't scam any more free color xeroxes. Hence, all subsequent printings got a new B&W cover.

ECTOPIARY, Page 37

2010-08-15T16:21:00.000-07:00

CURRENT PAGE OF ECTOPIARY SHOULD BE READABLE HERE

Lots of dialogue in the next few pages. I wish it were less clunky. Hopefully, in the future I'll be able to write smoother, more natural conversations. My only defense is that New Englanders do talk in the same rigid, stilted fashion that my characters do. Maybe even more so.
In scrounging my archives, I've found this fun drawing "jam" between myself and Mazen Kerbaj, talented performer and cartoonist from Beirut.

Translation: What is Hans thinking about? "Professional secret."

ECTOPIARY, Page 36

2010-08-08T12:57:00.000-07:00

READ THE NEW ECTOPIARY PAGE HERE

The only remark I can think to make about the current page is that I'm very pleased with the feet in the first panel. Anyone who glances at my sketchbooks or the many pieces of paper about my headquarters will find an overabundance of sketches and doodles of feet in every possible angle. I've studied anatomy books, read numerous art books and done online research, but I can't seem successfully render good feet. The concept of how to draw them recognizably and effectively eludes me. It is only by accident when a decent pair manifests in my drawings. I'm happy to say this is one of them.
In celebration, I'm posting a teaser panel from an upcoming Cochlea & Eustachia strip for the next issue of POOD:

ECTOPIARY, Page 35

2010-08-01T13:08:00.001-07:00

THE NEWEST ECTOPIARY IS HERE.

Although I'm not into experimentation with form or distracting layouts, I try my best to make every page as interesting and dynamic as possible. I try keep the narrative clear, simple and straightforward; and it is evident that my compositional skills aren't always the best. I think this page is an example of one that "does its job." It acts as sort of a link between two (hopefully) interesting events.
It's pages like these that I'd like to improve on, as making these sort of transitional plot lags is a challenge unto themselves. Pages in which something "significant" happens are easy to plot out compositionally (although not necessarily easy to draw). Producing seamless progressions in the plot propulsion is high priority for me. Simultaneously, the look of the page must be as visually pleasing as the rest of the book. I have to confess, the current page kind of falls short of my own standards.
At this point, I do have admit that, yes, I do complain too much about the quality of my own work. I am aware that it is generally considered bad policy to publicly denigrate one's own artistic output. But I do hope that it is understood by my faithful, patient readers that ECTOPIARY is (to me) a worthwhile project that I very much believe in. It is a large book with an expansive scope that I plan on devoting many years to. I do not plan on churning out "crap", and I don't think this book falls into that category.
Forgive the rambling. I am an odd person with not much of a life, and little to fixate on.
This week, I am posting a sequel to my tribute to Hugo Baratta, a man who transferred his visions onto paper much more succinctly than I:

ECTOPIARY. Page 34

2010-07-24T17:13:00.000-07:00

A NEW ECTOPIARY PAGE IS NOW READY FOR READING HERE

The story of the book moves on, as does life for most of us.
Since moving to these rural climes, news often takes awhile to reach me. I learned only yesterday that a most unusual individual who I was proud to call a friend passed away on June 11. Hugo Baratta, as I remember him, was a slender, soft-spoken gentleman who would ride his bike into Leavitt & Pierce in Harvard Square (where I worked 2001 - 2006) and peddle his peculiar watercolor paintings; sometimes in exchange for a pack of smokes. His conversation was sometimes stilted and non-sequitorial, but always friendly, good-spirited and enjoyable. Those who've seen the video of me on YouTube will remember that I had quite amassed quite a collection (about 1/3 of which is visible in that particular document.) His paintings are pure, unpretentious, sometimes containing confounding symbolism. Some of the best examples are hidden away in storage at the moment, but I hope to locate them soon. I shall remember him dearly as kind-hearted soul with a beautiful smile, gentle manner and spirit. His obituary can be read here.

ECTOPIARY, Page 33

2010-07-18T12:34:00.001-07:00

LATEST ECTOPIARY PAGE READY TO READ HERE

Page 33 is an excellent metaphor for my ability to charm the ladies. You'd think I'd have learned by now.

Speaking of slow learning curves, here's pictorial essay titled WHY IT TAKES ME A WEEK TO DRAW A SINGLE COMIC PAGE:
A single panel can become a prolonged ordeal. An example is the one that follows. An ostensibly simple image: Dale and her uncle walking in single file down a hallway with some expository dialogue. This is the first penciled attempt. The figures are awkward, poorly balanced and out of proportion. They also seem to be floating above the floor that they're supposed to be walking on; that is, if I drew one.
Attempt number two: Dale's uncle looks okay. However, Dale looks more like a misshapen midget instead of a little girl. Also, I don't like the background.
I decide to draw each element separately. Here's a drawing of Dale that, although not stunning, is acceptable.
Then I proceed to pencil a new backdrop:
Here it is, in ink:
Next, I begin lavishing it with details that are inevitably going to be obstructed by characters and word balloons.
Having fun with scissors, glue, white-out and neurotic texturing. Here is the result. (Dialogue removed for this post.)

ECTOPIARY, Page 32

2010-07-12T12:18:00.000-07:00

NEW ECTOPIARY PAGE CAN BE READ HERE!

Fluctuous internet connectivity delayed this week's post by a day. I'm hoping all enjoying Ectopiary's development. Please, if you will, click on the advertisements, if only to help support my own site.
Unfortunately, I have no penis drawings to post this week. Perhaps a forgotten Cochlea & Eustachia drawing from my archives will suffice as a remedial substitute?

ECTOPIARY, Page 31

2010-07-04T17:33:00.000-07:00

LATEST ECTOPIARY PAGE VIEWABLE HERE.

I have now disrupted the harmonious layout of my website with Project Wonderful advertising. Nonetheless, I urge people to click on them and lend support to those who would support me!
This post was delayed a few hours due to my inability to locate a convenient public establishment with a WiFi connection. It seems they all closed today due to some kind of holiday. I'm not sure which one, but I'm sure it has nothing to do with me.
To continue the theme of last week's blog, I am now posting Further Adventures With My Penis. (Originally printed in TRUE PORN #1)

ECTOPIARY, Page 30

2010-06-27T14:16:00.000-07:00

LATEST PAGE VIEWABLE HERE!
A reasonable new page. I wish they all were this coherent. As will be seen by the pages to come, I've made cultural references which suggest that the story takes place sometime around 1956 - 1957. I originally intended the time period to be a bit more vague; I didn't want to be tied down to incorporating un-ignorable contemporaneous events into the fabric of the book. We are all assigned our own personal albatrosses in spite of ourselves.
Speaking of which, as promised, for the sake of readers with a need to know, here is my penis:
(Sorry, ladies, the homunculus is not a guaranteed attachment to the featured item.)

ECTOPIARY, Page 29

2010-06-20T12:22:00.000-07:00

NEW PAGE HERE.

The comic is moving along briskly. Many pages are in production right now. My buffer is slowly regenerating strength. I'm hoping people are enjoying the results.
In place of my own usual renderings, I'm posting this astounding drawing by the talented Krissy Dorn. I rarely receive "fan art" that impresses me like this. I heartily endorse it and her amazing squirrel drawings on her blog: http://sxwrl.blogspot.com/
Next week : drawings of my genitals.

ECTOPIARY, Page 28

2010-06-13T13:22:00.000-07:00

CURRENT PAGE OF ECTOPIARY CAN BE LOOKED AT HERE.

I'm actually pleased with the current page. I like dogs.
In a couple of weeks, I'm going to attempt parceling out parts of the Ectopiary site with Project Wonderful advertising. Probably this is a vain gesture at pulling some income from my cartooning efforts.
My teenage comics are still elusive. Perhaps it is simpy for the best that they remain unfound. The only images I can muster up this week for this blog are some photos from my years as a Zeitgeist Basement Gnome in Cambridge.

ECTOPIARY, Page 27

2010-06-06T10:44:00.000-07:00

Newest ECTOPIARY page HERE.

I think I'm finally starting to produce some pages that don't make me cringe. I hope my readers will sympathise with my affinity for these more recent efforts.
According to the counter on the main page of the Ectopiary site, the comic passed 10,000 hits on Tuesday. I don't know if this counts for much in the grand scheme of webcomics, but I consider it a small personal victory.
I have yet to locate the comics pages from my teenage years. Maybe next week I will be able to post some. As a placation, here is a casual snapshot of myself in younger days.

ECTOPIARY, Page 26

2010-05-30T13:10:00.001-07:00

Latest ECTOPIARY is ready for reading HERE

Another page that I've deemed as being "barely adequate." I hope that after 100 pages, I'll be able to render the characters with some tiny semblance of confidence. In the meantime, I must again request patience on the part of my troubled readers.
As always, my gratitude extends to all who generously donate to the site's maintenance! If you are not among these luminous beings, you can join their illustrious ranks HERE!
The promised artworks I intended to post have concealed themselves among my cluttered shelves. Resultantly, I am posting a download link for the curious listener; an odd song that I made with what my musical friends call "cheesy Garageband effects." Enjoy!
Download Hans Rickheit - Little Peepers

ECTOPIARY, Page 25

2010-05-23T11:14:00.000-07:00

The latest Ectopiary Page can be read HERE.

"Shut up and eat your peas" was a common parental utterance at the dinner table when I was a lad. It seems I still experience the societal equivalent of that attitude whenever I show off my creative efforts as an adult.
An example of that sort of thing can be seen below in what is probably my first professionally-printed illustration back in 1994. It's a piece of fan-art for one of EC's horror comics reprint editions. Please don't hurt me.

ECTOPIARY, Page 24

2010-05-16T09:14:00.000-07:00

Newest ECTOPIARY page ready for inspection HERE.

My page buffer is dangerously small at this moment. I am only a few pages ahead of what you see here. My only reassurance is the page currently on my drawing table is the most interesting Ectopiary entry thus far. My worries about the future of this project are temporarily assuaged by its comforting presence.
I am beginning to scrape the bottom of the metaphorical barrel of my backlog of old drawings and detritus. Next week, I may start posting some of my teenage efforts. In the meantime, here is an ad for a now-extinct bookstore. It was a good place with many fond memories for me.

ECTOPIARY, Page 23

2010-05-10T13:28:00.000-07:00

CURRENT ECTOPIARY HERE

The current page, no doubt, will have some readers rolling their eyes. "Another typical Rickheit trope," they will doubtlessly say, "the mysterious object in the woods. Does he never tire of it? Perhaps he has run out of novelties to render?" Fear not, I am not trolling the same weary path. The device on panel two does serve a purpose that will be elucidated at my leisure! So, kootchie-koo, y'bastards!

On that note, here's a photo a fan sent me from some fashion website, commenting on their similarity to Cochlea & Eustachia. I have re-touched it (ineptly) to complete the effect. You can judge the results for yourself:
By the way, I want to thank people who have donated money to the site. I'm reluctant to mention their names; I'm unsure of the proper rules of conduct regarding these things. I'd just like to express my gratitude. Even the smallest amount is a tremendous help. If you're reading this and you haven't donated any $$ to Ectopiary's continuation, you may do so HERE if you're so inclined. If you're reading this and you've already donated $$, my many thanks.

ECTOPIARY, Page 22

2010-05-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

Newest ECTOPIARY page HERE.

The latest installment is virtually painless. My page buffer has shrunken to dangerously miniscule size. I am now only a few pages ahead of what you see here. I will refrain from listing the reasons for the lapse. Please let it suffice that the reasons are valid.
If I run out of fresh material, I may resort to posting some selections of my other comics. I may even have more unpublished crap hiding somewhere. I flake off comics pages like dead skin everywhere I go...
This week's eye candy is an image I squeezed out for a Music Festival Poster. I'm not too keen on it. It kind of looks like a tattoo for some biker's perineum.

ECTOPIARY, Page 21

2010-04-25T07:31:00.000-07:00

LATEST ECTOPIARY PAGE VIEWABLE HERE

I'm enloying the peace and solitude of my countryside headquarters. When I'm not slogging through my work at my day-job or working on the house, I'm sitting by the river atring at the water move. Occasionally, wild turkeys come to terrorize me.

I've been busy with future pages of Ectopiary. Also, this week I'll be working on a collaborative multi-media project with violinist and eclectic noisemaker Katt Hernandez.

In the meantime, I've looked through my archives and found this oddity; a re-touched-up panel from "Hail Jeffrey". Aside from the story's appearance in Chrome Fetus #6, it has been published in The Comics Interpreter and Danny Hellman's Typhon. In both former publications, this one image has been altered from its original appearance (lower left-hand corner) to accommodate their sensitive readers. Perhaps when a book collection eventually comes out, the poor girl's tits will be allowed to remain as they were meant to be....

ECTOPIARY, Page 20

2010-04-18T16:09:00.000-07:00

Latest Page Viewable HERE

Twenty weeks of updates and I've yet to tire. Let's hope this resilience persists.

Not much to report this week. This may be a good thing; Most occurences in my life recently have not been overwhelmingly positive. I will refrain from complaining further.

In the meantime, here is an ancient illustration which is a partial homage to the effervescent Mahendra Singh, who is soon to publish his inspired adaptation of The Hunting Of The Snark.

ECTOPIARY, Page 19

2010-04-13T16:48:00.000-07:00

Latest Page Visible HERE

This week's blog is a couple of days late. I'm recovering from my trip to New York to attend MoCCA. Many thanks to Ken Applebaum for letting me crash at his place. He is a fine host, and his cat is exceptionally tolerant.

I had a fine time signing at the Fantagraphics table. They only brought a handful of The Squirrel Machine, so they sold out rapidly in the first day. Fortunately, I brought some of my self-published booklets to sell, so it wasn't a total loss.

I also had a blast hanging out with the fine folks of Blurred Books for the premier of their comics newspaper POOD. They have a knack for pulling together some extremely talented people. I am honored to be among them.

Below is a snapshot of me (with no copies of The Squirrel Machine to sign), sheepishly sitting beside Miss Lasko-Gross, who is actively autographing books for long lines of admiring folllowers. Sigh.

ECTOPIARY, Page 18

2010-04-04T19:05:00.000-07:00

Latest Page Viewable HERE.

Another adequate page in the slowly aggregating narrative. I'm hoping the pretty pictures help ease the digestion.
(Note: I recently attempted to add a link to this blog at the Ectopiary site, but it doesn't work. It may take a couple of weeks before I can repair it.)
I plan on attending MoCCA in NYC this weekend. I'll be at the Fantagraphics Table, signing copies of The Squirrel Machine, and I'll also be at the POOD table, promoting their debut comics newspaper that contains a new giant Cochlea & Eustachia comic. If you're in the area, be sure to visit! I promise not to drool on you.
Speaking of expectorations, here is yet another product of my being; a third unpublished C&E color comic. Enjoy!

ECTOPIARY, Page 17

2010-03-28T18:24:00.000-07:00

Latest Page Viewable HERE

This another page that I'm reasonably pleased with; only a few minor quirks with this one. No doubt, in a year's time, I may amend my opinion.
Things are improving for me here in Hawley. I now have employment at a rustic shop that specializes in local cheeses and quaint countrified sundries. It's not much $$, but my survival is no longer imperiled.
Since moving to Massachusetts, my page buffer for Ectopiary has shrunk considerably. I am now hustling to correct this. New pages are coagulating on my drawing table at this very moment.
Old comics occasionally bubble to the surface. Here is another C&E single-pager rejected by newspapers worldwide. Please enjoy!

ECTOPIARY, Page 16

2010-03-21T16:44:00.000-07:00

Latest page Viewable HERE.

Ectopiary, Page 16 looks nice. Obviously, I'm still introducing characters. Maybe eventually plot propulsion will increase.

I've been using Project Wonderful to boost readership, and it seems to be working. Now I recommend people buy some books; or better yet, you can purchase some of the remaining CHLOE pages!

This week, I'm posting a record cover commision that I did a couple of years ago for Katt Hernandez. It's an excellent vinyl album, really; haunting improvised microtonal solo violin. You can check out her website for upcoming performances. If you wish to buy the record, you can contact her via katthernandez(at)gmail(dot)com.

ECTOPIARY, Page 15

2010-03-14T15:43:00.000-07:00

Latest Page Viewable HERE

I like Page 15 simply because it contains a stuffy old lady denigrating beatniks and artists; that is always a winning ingredient of any succsessful book, in my opinion. Upcoming pages feature better artwork. I'm slowly loosening up my style, though I suspect it may not be at all apparent to my diminishing readership.

This week, I will be utilizing Project Wonderful to promote the webcomic. Does anybody have suggestions for suitable websites that I should advertise on? I'm genuinely in need of feedback.

Below are the pencils for an upcoming Ectopiary panel. It will be interesting to see how different the inked-in version will be. Thanks for reading!

ECTOPIARY, PAGE 14

2010-03-07T15:48:00.000-08:00

Newest Page Viewable HERE

Lovely day. I am enjoying the slow warming among the wooded hills of Hawley, Massachusetts. New possiblities are looming on the horizon. I am hopeful.

Page fourteen is okay; Nothing spectacular. It moves the plot along. I wish it were better-drawn. What are your thoughts?

No new goodies to post this week, so here's the color version of an old Cochlea & Eustachia one-pager. It was rejected by The Philadelphia City Paper and The Seattle Stranger. Eventually, it found a home on the back cover of HOAX #2 by Mental Note Press. It needs your love:

ECTOPIARY, PAGE 13

2010-02-28T08:08:00.000-08:00

Latest Page Viewable HERE

Peace has been restored to the house. Tuesday morning had all the makings of a classic Stephen King novel; the power goes out, there's a raging blizzard outside, we're trapped in a cabin in the woods, and there's a maniac in the house. The men in white suits were summoned, and my friend is now receiving much-needed help in a hospital near Plymouth.

Five days later and we are buried in three feet of snow. My limbs ache from perpetually shoveling out the automobile. Not much drawing has . This will be remedied soon.

Posted below is a sampling from a recent comic strip that I completed. More things next week.

Ectopiary, Page 12

2010-02-21T14:20:00.000-08:00

Latest Page Viewable HERE.

This page took an eternity to draw. I worried about how it would look in color, but I guess it came out alright. I hope others appreciate the effort I put into it.
My woodland retreat in Western Massachusetts is becoming less restful with each passing day. Apparently, one of my housemates has gone coo-coo and may require hospitalization. The rest of us are hiding in our rooms as this madman is running about the house, rearranging furniture, writing cryptic messages all over the walls, babbling and cackling.
Speaking of wall defacement, here are the murals left behind in the living room of my last nest in Philadelphia. (Photos courtesy of Chad Parenteau)

Thank you for your attention. I hope peace and sanity will be restored next week.

Ectopiary, Page 11

2010-02-13T13:48:00.000-08:00

View Latest Page HERE.

The Ectopiary story progresses at a snail's pace. A few readers have complained that what they've read thus far is "boring." I'm not sure what excitements are expected. The comic follows its own rythm. I have stated before that patience is recommended for this particualr narrative. It's a rather large project and will take time to unfurl.

Existence in Western Massachusetts is peaceful, but inactive. I've been spending lots of time sitting by the woodstove and wandering the woods. All my drawing gear is still in storage in Philadelphia, so I am continuously anxious. Thankfully, tomorrow my friends and I will journey hence to collect my belongings. Hopefully, the predicted snowstorms will wait until our task is completed.

For those in need of eye-candy, here is the rough layout version of The Comics Interpreter #1 cover. (Also, below is a tiny jpeg of the final version. I recommend you buy a copy to see it full-sized.)

Ectopiary, Page 10

2010-02-07T12:36:00.000-08:00

View the latest page HERE

I am now an inhabitant of Western Massachusetts, enjoying the New England winter and tranqulity of the quiet countryside. Although internet access is scarce in this remote rural part of the world, I am finding the means to update the site and this blog. I hope this quieter and less hectic pace of life will help me to concentrate on drawing comics and building odd things. We shall see.

Currently, most of my belongings are in storage, but I was able to scrounge up this picture from my computer; the central image from the cover of Hoax #4.

Friendly Reminder: I am still selling pages from CHLOE. Currently, I am broke and jobless. Help me make ends meet and get a splendid piece of original art to adorn your home!

ECTOPIARY, Page 8

2010-01-24T16:03:00.000-08:00

New Page Visible Here

The current page is a slight improvement over the past two week's installments. In spite of breaking the rules of perspective in the last panel, I think it looks alright. Please take note in future pages how I evade using the words "spinal tap" in order to avoid confusion with the farcical pop band of the same name.

I am not certain if I'll be able to post a blog update for the next week or two. I'll be moving into Massachusetts. Consequently, many of my things will be in temporary storage. In the meantime, here is an old Poster from the vaults. How many reader were able to attend this event from 2003?

ECTOPIARY, Page 7

2010-01-17T09:03:00.000-08:00

Latest Page Viewable Here.

A lot of suspense in the current page of Ectopiary. What happens next?

The SQUIRREL MACHINE is getting mentioned on people's "Best of 2009" Lists. Here are some numbers:

#1 (Top 20 Comics) at Comics & More
#10 (Top 10 Comics) at But Before I Kill You
#56 (Top 100 Comics) at Comic Book Resources
#30 (Best Comics 2009 Meta-List) at I Love Rob Liefeld
A glowing review at Politics & Prose Favorite Graphic Literature of the Year

Other reviews:
http://joshuamalbin.com/2009/11/the-squirrel-machine/
http://www.graphicnovelreporter.com/content/squirrel-machine-review
http://blog.newsarama.com/2009/11/11/comics-grinder-the-squirrel-machine/
http://nisbooks.blogspot.com/2009/11/squirrel-machine.html
http://www.comicsreview.co.uk/nowreadthis/?p=4248
http://strangekidsclub.blogspot.com/2010/01/squirrel-machine.html
And one more from Iconoction. (Link to Google-Translated page from Italian. Broken English is quite revealing!)

All very positive commentary by generous and astute people. I endorse them all! Visit their sites frequently!

This week's space-filler illo is a cd cover for "A Midwife's Blues" commisioned by Jamie McLaughlin, an extraordinary musician and performer:

(Unfortunately, I have no link for Ms. McLaughlin. Perhaps, if she sees this, she'll provide one in the Comments Section below.)

ECTOPIARY, Page 6

2010-01-10T17:29:00.000-08:00

Latest Page viewable here.

Occasionally, I draw a page of comics which inspires creative bliss. This is not one of them; It is merely an "adequate" connector between points.
To remedy this, I have posted below a recent rendering that I am pleased with. Perhaps next week will bear more splendid fruit....

ECTOPIARY, Page 5

2010-01-03T08:44:00.000-08:00

Page 5 is viewable here.

It's the wonderful world of photo-referencing! With the power of Google Image-Search, I can place my characters in any number of miss-matching environments and backdrops. The last panel took a long time to draw. More examples of pilferage to come in the weeks ahead.
To my embarrassment and relief, I can now report that my financial woes of last week will not impair my relocation plans. It seems that I pendulate from determination to despair on a regular basis. Thanks to some un-named heroic benefactors, I shall make good my escape from Philadelphia to the green and peaceful regions of Western Massachusetts!
To celebrate, I've posted a fake ad/collage that I made more than a decade ago. I thought it was very amusing at the time:

ECTOPIARY, Page 4

2009-12-27T17:57:00.000-08:00

Latest Comic Page viewable HERE

JUST A'WAITING FOR THAT NEXT DROPLET OF MILK...
That's how life is, sometimes, ain't it? Just when you're ready to make some life-changing decisions, some force of nature grabs your testicles and gives a hard yank. My plan to flee Philadelphia has been crushed, and the necessary funds are now depleted. A car accident (in which nobody was harmed, thankfully) is to blame. I will spare you the details...
Nonetheless, I count my blessings and attempt to persevere. Page four of Ectopiary is now posted. Although it is unremarkable, I am rather pleased with the 3rd panel. Also, don't believe what the woman says in the last panel...
By the way, pages of CHLOE are still for sale! Curiously, none of the more explicit (i.e. "pornographic") pages have sold yet. Jump on this opportunity to seize a piece of unique "erotic art" to adorn your hovel or conceal under your mattress!

ECTOPIARY, Page 3

2009-12-20T16:42:00.000-08:00

(view page 3 here.)
Until I devise the correct programming to include a Message Board/Forum page for the Ectopiary Website, I will try to conduct such business on this blog. I very much encourage any and all (positive and negative) observations regarding the Ectopiary webcomic here.
I may attempt to write my own commentary about each page in this space. I will try my best not to point out the many flaws in the art that painfully apparent to myself. I leave that to you, my faithful vultures!
Caleb Goellner wrote a generous notice about the website debut at The Comics Allian ce. I am grateful for the exposure. However, I must correct the otherwise astute Mr. Goellner about the feature's title. "Ectopiary" does not refer to ghosts or ethereal gardens. (Although this possibility is not ruled out.) This peculiar nomenclature sprouts from a hybrid of sources. The initial source is from an astonishing artifact currently being preserved by The Empire S.N.A.F.U. Restoration Project. According the website there, the word comes from a peculiar vocabulary base called "lxt'lot'l" : "This language of the deceased is communicated via pure sensory dilation. Ixt'lot'l is a precision tongue of immaculate vagary, and misappropriated recollection."

Also, it stems from the medical term "ectopia" which is "the usually congenital displacement of an organ or part." For instance, consider the plight of the youngster below who was born with his brain outside his skull.

I hope you will agree,as the webcomic progresses, that this title appropriately reflects its tone and general nature. After all, my fellow creatures, aren't we all displaced organs from our mothers' wombs?

BLOG THE TWENTIETH

2009-12-12T19:08:00.000-08:00

Webcomic Debut
ECTOPIARY.COM

ECTOPIARY is a graphic novel in the making. I expect it will be about 600 pages in length when completed. Currently, I plan on posting a new page once a week. Hopefully, in the future, I will be able to increase the updates to twice a week. The first two pages are now ready for viewing.
ECTOPIARY does not fit neatly into any known genre. At the moment, I fancy calling it "science fiction." I may change my mind tomorrow. Readers familiar with my other comics are encouraged to suggest other categories to file this critter.
The story, like most of my other comics, is cumulative in nature. Patience is suggested for the casual reader, as the speed of narrative is prodded by the needs of the story and not by the dictates of weekly installments.
Webcomics are a new territory for me. I am hopeful that my efforts are well-met.

REMINDER: Pages of CHLOE are still for sale. Please help me raise funds so I may have a roof over my head this winter when I make my escape from Philadelphia! Spread the word!

BLOG THE NINETEENTH

2009-12-05T20:31:00.000-08:00

EMERGENCY FUNDRAISER SALE

CHLOE ORIGINAL ARTWORK FOR SALE

In a desperate effort to raise funds to escape Philadelphia, I am now offering the original pages from my 2001 Xeric-Winning graphic novel, CHLOE for purchase. (I am also using this as an opportunity to try out PayPal.) The pages are listed HERE and are priced accordingly. Each page will be mailed to any area within the U.S.A. in a flat cardboard envelope with no shipping charge. Adorn your home with a unique piece of cartooning perversity, or conceal your newly-obtained treasure in your precious vaults! Frame it or deface it with your own doodles! Give it as a gift to your stranger relatives or discerning friends! Don't delay: they are available only first come - first served basis!

(Note : Those unfamiliar with the book can obtain a copy here.)

BLOG THE EIGHTEENTH

2009-11-29T04:58:00.000-08:00

Last week, for the holiday, I visited some good friends living in a lovely farmhouse in Western Massachusetts. I may eventually relocate there.

Issue 96 of RUE MORGUE (an excellent horror magazine out of Canada) features an interview with me. It should be hitting stands in a few days. I haven't read it yet. I fear I may have revealed some embarrassing personal information amidst my stammerings. Am I an erudite craftsman or a babbling pretender? You be the judge.
In the meantime, here is a sample image from my current work-in-progress. The working title of the comic is ECTOPIARY (which I stole from Empire S.N.A.F.U.)

BLOG THE SEVENTEENTH

2009-11-15T16:29:00.001-08:00

"Youth is a blunder; Manhood a struggle; Old Age a regret. "

-Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield

(Many thanks to E. Stephen for providing me with the handy quote.)
This being my seventeenth posting, I've decided to revisit my personal history from when I was still an adorable semi-virginal seventeen-year-old Hans Rickheit. The above photo was taken in 1989. I did not develop facial hair until I was well into my twenties.
Below are samples of the sort of thing I was drawing from that time period. I have many hundreds of pictures like these. Feel free to make your own judgments and write them in the comment section.

BLOG THE SIXTEENTH

2009-11-08T17:05:00.000-08:00

Pictured above (in a snapshot taken by Chad Parenteau) is a gift from an old friend, Markus Nechay. He presented this to me personally during my book-signing at Million Year Picnic. I am appreciative of its undeniable elegance and its very palpable odor.
In further efforts to expand the multi-sensory goals of this blog, I have included a link to yet another video. (The video in question is about 16 min. Therefore it is too large for YouTube. I hope the Facebook link works for all my blog readers. If not, drop me a line. Perhaps one of my more technologically-capable comrades can help me upload it up on this blog properly.)
This short video documentary was made in the winter of 2005 by Wolf Gang Productions. The excellent music is provided by Katt Hernandez. The director of this project requested to visit my Allston Mass. apartment and film me drawing a page of comics. He wanted me to explain the creation process for the benefit of an unfamiliar audience. The results (or consequences) are a little painful for me to watch. Some embarrassing things to take note: Early on in the video I am bragging about having my comics submission accepted by Serializer.net; one week later, their website went down for an extended period of time and my submission was completely forgotten. There is a somewhat tedious interview of me discussing getting the Xeric Grant for CHLOE in my unfortunate lime-yellow kitchen. I also cringe when, near the end, my voice is heard saying "and that's a completed page", the camera pans down and the viewer can clearly see that it's only half a page. What a ripoff!
Nonetheless, it's a fine production and still reasonably entertaining for people interested in that sort of thing. More stuff next week, I hope.

BLOG THE FIFTEENTH

2009-11-02T16:39:00.000-08:00

I am taking a brief break from the drawing board to post this. Future projects still in progress.In the meantime, I command you to read this, the best dang review I ever got for The Squirrel Machine. It is written by one of the most revered cartoonists in my personal heroes list, Mahendra Singh. This individual has only a small output of comics material to be read; a four-page feature in #4 of Prime Cuts (August, 1987) and The Adventures of Mr. Pyridine. He is currently illustrating an adaptation of The Hunting Of The Snark; or in his own words, "busily fitting Lewis Carroll into a protosurrealist straitjacket with matching dada cufflinks." (Note: When linking to the review, please scroll down for the bit regarding The Squirrel Machine. However, I highly recommend the rest of The Snark Blog to all curious readers.)

Hopefully, in the next week or two, I will be able to post yet another video regarding The Squirrel Machine. In the meantime, I've posted a very early and erroneous version of Cochlea & Eustachia.

BLOG THE FOURTEENTH

2009-10-25T11:02:00.000-07:00

I think I have finally run out of backlog of outtakes and rough versions from The Squirrel Machine project. I am now busily preparing my next comic. It will be serialized online and hopefully will culminate into another graphic novel. I haven't a title for it yet, but here is a sample image from the first few pages.
I am also working on a comic strip that will be a collaboration with violinist Katt Hernandez. Conceptually, it requires accompanying music to tell the story. It will be presented via projection with live performers, and hopefully can be enjoyed at home in DVD format. This one will take time:

BLOG THE THIRTEENTH

2009-10-13T14:33:00.000-07:00

I have finally returned from traveling the East Coast to promote The Squirrel Machine! Many thanks to the many fine people who graciously hosted the signings and helped me on my journey! My hope for humanity is restored!
The above photo is of me (relatively groomed) at my appearance at SPX. I had a fantastic time there. I got to be seated next to Gahan Wilson during my book-signing at the Fantagraphics table and chatted with him for most of the day. I also had the pleasure of meeting many other cartoonists (too numerous to list here) that I hold in very high esteem.
Other highlights of the book tour: Unexpectedly joining up with Ken Applebaum and attending a Comic Jam with The House of Twelve in New York. Having an informal round-the-table discussion with a polite (perhaps confused, nonetheless very pleasant) gathering at The Rabbit Hole in Fitchburg. MA. Encountering some impossibly talented artists at Casablanca Comics in Portland, Maine; they're a formidable force up there.
Also, during this time, The Squirrel Machine has gathered up considerable amounts of attention with the press. The reviews and interviews are simply too many to list here. To read them all, just click on the links provided here.

BLOG THE TWELFTH

2009-09-20T18:55:00.001-07:00

I will be on the road for the next few weeks for the Squirrel Machine Book Tour (details here). I'm hoping to meet you, dear reader.
Whether or not you will be able attend any of the scheduled book-signings, please succor yourself with the following scans. These pages are from the earliest known version of The Squirrel Machine, drawn in 1999. It only lasted eleven pages before I gave up. Also, note the primitive and clumsy artwork. It is somewhat reassuring that I've demonstrated some modest improvement since that time. Oh, what the future holds!

BLOG THE ELEVENTH

2009-09-13T16:12:00.000-07:00

I just left the Philly Alternative Comics Con. I had a surprisingly good time. I was seated next to Charles Burns, (famous for The Black Hole, Big Baby and Dog Boy) a very gracious and talented individual. I sold every copy of The Squirrel Machine I brought with me. I have now graduated from being someone who draws comics that no-one reads to a person that draws comics that no-one comprehends!
To supplement this supposition, I have links to two kind reviews from The Comics Reporter and Wednesday's Child. Also, here is Part 2 of my interview with The Daily Crosshatch. Unfortunately, in this section of the interview I occasionally lapse into incoherent babbling; please accept my apologies.

NYOG ZEB TEMPHf

2009-09-06T18:09:00.000-07:00

Please forgive the brevity of this week's post. I am a tired man.
I had a fine chat with the good folks at The Daily Crosshatch. The first part of my interview can be read here : http://thedailycrosshatch.com/2009/09/01/interview-hans-rickheit-pt-1/
Also, The Squirrel Machine got a very generous review written by Rachel M Rollson at Panel to Panel : http://paneltopanel.net/shop/article_info.php?tPath=2&articles_id=39
In the meantime, here are some doodles and an old flier for a currently-defunct arts & performance space.

ROG ye NIYMF

2009-08-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

As promised, I have posted (seen below the picture) my itinerary for THE SQUIRREL MACHINE BOOK TOUR 2009. If you can, I highly recommend you visit these fine establishments at the posted dates. I will be present to sign books, make drawings and answer questions to the best of my abilities.
In the meantime, here is a sample from an ancient, uncompleted project. It may have been another early version of The Squirrel Machine. I don't really recall. It is possibly the only time I ever attempted drawing a comic strip with a brush.

THE SQUIRREL MACHINE BOOK TOUR 2009

September 26th & 27th

SPX
The North Bethesda Marriott Convention Center
5701 Marinelli Road
Bethesda, MD‎
(301) 822-9200‎

September 29th (6-7pm)

Brickbat Books
709 S 4th Street
Philadelphia PA
(215) 592 1207

October 1st (6-7pm)

Forbidden Planet
840 Broadway
NY, NY
(212) 473 1576

October 3rd (2-4pm)

Million Year Picnic
99 Mount Auburn
Cambridge MA
(617) 492 6763

October 5th (4-6pm)

That's Entertainment
244 Park Ave
Worcester, MA
(508) 755 4207

October 6th (7-8pm)

Rabbit Hole
805 Main Street
Fitchburg MA
(978) 345 0040

October 7th (4-7pm)

Casablanca Comics
151 Middle Street #2
Portland ME
(207) 780 1676

October 10th (7pm)

Quimby's
1854 W North Ave
Chicago, IL
(773) 342-0910‎

October 11th (2pm)

Vault of Midnight
219 S Main St
Ann Arbor, MI‎
(734) 998-1413‎

FOB DE APE

2009-08-23T21:30:00.000-07:00

Not too much to write this week. I am in the midst of planning & scheduling a book-signing tour along the northeast coast. Next week, I'll post the (tentative) dates & locations. In the meantime, here is the advertisement I drew for the Comics Journal. It is running on the inside back cover of the current issue!

SQIG ME SEBENT

2009-08-16T18:43:00.000-07:00

The video received a lot of attention. Thanks to those who e-mailed me with many kind comments. I hope you won't retract them when you've read the book.
Searching through my many piles of papers, I've unearthed a real oddity. Here, for the patient reader, is the first chapter of a primordial version of THE SQUIRREL MACHINE. It is fourteen pages long. My artistic limitations from that time period are fairly evident. It is a strange thing that bears only a superficial resemblance to its superior successor. In this premature version, I clearly shot my wad too soon. Sorry about the mess:

SKOG RE SIXT

2009-08-09T15:06:00.000-07:00

Here's a virtual visit with me at my home in Philadelphia. Listen to me ramble on about my hometown, homeless art, Mahendra Singh, christian comics and George The Housewife.

Clearly, after seeing this video, I will never expect to be a major television personality. I've also been inspired to groom myself more thoroughly. Also, I may need some instruction in elocution.
This video is by Chad Parenteau, writer, poet, haiku-master and my unofficial biographer. I highly recommend you visit his own blog here.