Ol’ George #100 / Fine Art Funnies #5
Notes on #100:
1. Ol’ George #1 was begun in the first week of October 2024. The next two were dashed off rather hastily and those first three were released online (this blog, Facebook, instagram) one month later, and I embarked on a weekly schedule. A goal was set of 100 weekly strips by the 2-year anniversary. That was accomplished six days ago when I finished this one in ink. Now that it’s finished in watercolor, time to move on to #101. Or not. I’m releasing myself from the weekly schedule. One every two weeks…or more…Maybe I’ll end up doing four a month anyway. We’ll see. I’ve still got plenty of ideas.
2. George is Adam,and I his creator, play the role of God. In the original painting,God is surrounded by various angels and cherubs. I am in the company of characters who represent my inspirations.
Cupid Lenny and Carl and Hans Moleman represent The Simpsons, and are the first characters from that show to appear here, although I have swiped some signs from Moe’s Tavern for the walls at Kelly’s.
Opus D. Penguin shows the importance of Berley Breathed’s Bloom County on my young mind. Go to #15 and Bill the Cat’s appearance to read more.
Michigan J. Frog (from Chuck Jones’ One Froggy Evening), Daffy Duck, and the Dodo (from Bob Clampett’s Porky in Wackyland) show my love for Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies. Previously, only Sylvester, Tweety, and one of Marvin’s Instant Martians have been in the strip.
Mahna Mahna represents the importance of Jim Henson and the Muppets have had on me. Kermit appeared in #68.
The Lorax stands in for the inspiration that Dr. Seuss had on me. The Cat in the Hat made a cameo in #37.
Linus represents the impact of Charles M. Schulz. We saw Snoopy in #4, Charlie Brown in #16, and Lucy in #53.
Porkypine and Miss Mam’zelle Hepzibah are there for my love of Walt Kelly and Pogo. Pogo had a cameo in #63, Churchy and Albert were in #72. Why do I have my arm around the French female skunk? Look at the original, I’m just imitating God here.
The Mad Hatter speaks to my love of Lewis Carroll, which has not been made explicit, but flows through whatever I do.
3. Now that I’ve “recreated “ George, are there going to be any changes to the strip? Probably not. Don’t worry about it.
And here’s to the next 100! Cheers!
