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Progress Update

Posted on May 5, 2026 by hastypixels

Chapter 1: Awaken is written, drawn and scheduled for posting. I completed it a few weeks ago but got a little worried about talking in-depth about my process. Now I’ve gotten over that. Chapters 2, 3 and 4 are in progress. Once I know what I’m doing it doesn’t take long to outline the scripts. As of this posting I am scripting the aforementioned chapters, and at some point soon I’ll get to the drawing part.

It feels good, even though it’s a real struggle. I learned recently that I’m on the bottom edge of a chronic illness, and I have some ways of dealing with the effects of the medication and their side effects. As any of who you know chronic illness understand, there’s no one-pill-answer for all of this. It’s day by day. Quite a lesson for yours truly. I do what I can and try not to bottom out before I get what needs to be done each day.

The power of positivity is real, so we’ll keep at it.

In the mean time, I will continue to keep you all updated on comic progress. New character designs are in the wings (pun intended), and the once-a-week schedule is working quite well for me, so I’ll not be changing it, even though I was tempted to. Maybe I’ll post more on Side 7? Eventually, though I haven’t decided what yet. I have loads of concept sketches I’ve been using to develop designs for the comic, but how interesting is that?

Anyway, signing off for now. More scripting to do!

Goodness it’s been a long haul.

Posted on April 17, 2026 by hastypixels

The one who most asked for this series was me. It’s that thing, you know – “No one: … / Me: All my comics and a new series tying them all together!” Suffice to say I didn’t know what I was doing during the run of On The Rock, and when I started Press ESC I had the barest glimmer of an idea but no idea where it ended. This time is different.

I’ve completed all three steps. Yeah, big deal, right? A webcomic doesn’t always conform to the constraints of a traditional 24 page print comic or daily newspaper comic. The beauty of the medium is that it doesn’t have to. I can do experimental things like having in-universe commentary from outside forces affecting the story, and are affected by the story.

Buddy is one of those characters who deserves a semblance of life, but this mess narratively works. I know, it’s crazy, but in this case the worldbuilding was already done. I just had to put it all together. Admittedly it is a work in progress, but I can see how all of the pieces of his past will fit, and it’s going to be fascintating to see how it all plays out.

I never imagined writing a story like this, but one of the saving graces of creativity is its responsiveness as a communicative medium. Daily newspaper strips reflect the world we live in, but this tale will do so in its own way. I think it’s relatable, feeling like you’re yanked around from one objective to the next, unsure about the who, what and why.

I can’t promise Buddy a happy ending, but I can promise him an ending that makes sense. My readership is a quiet lot, and I’m okay with that, being an introvert. There’s something to be said for the ability to just work things out and get things done. I don’t plan on being chatty, but I’ll probably speak up every once and a while when it feels necessary.

Whatever you’re struggling through out there, just know you’re not alone, even if you feel that way. Don’t believe the lies telling you we are alone. I know from experience that family is around us, particularly when we seek them out. Whatever you believe, know the value of good work cannot be underestimated.

We stand on each other’s shoulders, so let us be mindful of that.

Thank you for who you are. Do good. Stand tall. Cry if you need to. Take care of yourself so you can be there for those who need you. Surround yourself with good people, and good companions.

Let’s work together for the betterment of everyone.

While there is life, there is hope.