It’s been a crazy year for everyone. With economic hardship and many without jobs, some feel they are overworked, (especially in the service industry where companies have cut jobs and the employee’s are doing several jobs). It’s hopeful that the financial outlook will see a turn around. This time of year is both a joyous and stressful time, it seems hard to give when there seems to be nothing left. I’m thankful for those who have given when they were hardly getting by themselves. With so many topsy-turvy things happening, I put in a cartoon to make me laugh (this is a comic site as you know). No it doesn’t change everything, but it does give me laughter. And laughter is important during stressful times. Find something fun to watch and forget about your problems for a little while. Invite some friends over and share some laughter. And don’t forget those less fortunate, you will feel more blessed by warming their hearts. And here’s to the cartoonist out there who make us laugh! Happy Holidays!

It’s the craziest time of the year, Christmas. It’s suppose to be a fun and joyous season, but it seems everyone is over worked, stressed out and buying gifts to let everyone know they care. Honestly I haven’t put up a tree (yet), or bought a gift. I think it might be smarter to give gifts throughout the year and keep a star on a cactus in my living room all year long. So in light of all this, I’m posting snidbits of things here instead of a “formal” blog.

With that in mind, last week I introduced Roger and Harvey. Roger has a best friend named Harvey who is invisible. And Grandma Lucy, who doesn’t believe in Harvey, is becoming a bit confused herself and beginning to believe Harvey has a crush on her. Makes you wonder who is crazier. Roger is not so much a loner with an imaginary friend, as he accepts and sees thing in a broader sense.

And with that I am leaving you with some old one panel comics I did some years ago. These are some “sketches” I did, and you see the beginning phases of Cosmo, Henry, and James. And by the way I do love Christmas, gifts, and trees hanging with ornaments! Here’s hoping you have a great holiday (whatever you do or do not celebrate) season, and here’s to no stress.

Copyright © David Hurley 2010

Christmas is almost here and if you are looking for great “comic/cartoon” books to buy, I picked 5 for you to consider. I do understand there are a TON of books to choose from and there is great and legendary cartoonist out there. Here are some of my favorites and in no specific order. 

1. The 25^th Anniversary Opus Collection by Berkeley Breathed. I’m a huge fan of Berkeley Breathed, since I was a child. He has released 3 of 5 of the complete Bloom County library. So I picked this one because it has all his Sunday best and it’s in full color.

2. Bone: The one volume edition by Jeff Smith. I have read this book over and over, one of my favorite books. You can buy the books individually from Scholastic in color, but this is the one you need. The book is an all ages read and epic! If you like adventure and humor you will love this! This is a must have book!

3. The Complete Far Side (1980-1994) by Gary Larson. I know you’re going to say this is expensive and huge! This is a wonderful two volume book of hilarity. I can never tire of his humor which seems weird but it’s really normal to me. His complete Far Side career is here!

4. The Complete Calvin and Hobbes (Vol. 1, 2 & 3 1985-1995) by Bill Watterson. This is another weighty and expensive book. With this you get the complete library of Calvin and Hobbes, plus Bill Watterson’s genius, philosophy, and personal introduction about comics. That in itself makes it worth while.

5. The Complete Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz. Okay I can only pick one, as you’d have 25 volumes and you’d have to wait as they aren’t all released yet. So I’m picking the first volume 1950-1952. This is the beginning of the Peanuts strip and you can see how Charles Schulz characters are being developed. You can’t go wrong with any of these volumes.

So here are some gift ideas on comics. I know all but one is comic strips. There are many great graphic novels out there too. Do a search on the internet for other great ideas. These are great collections of comic strips, except Bone by Jeff Smith, you have to give or get that Graphic novel. Happy Holidays!