# Matthew Bogart
> The cartoonist behind "Incredible Doom", about teens who's lives are turned upside down by the early internet, and "The Chairs' Hiatus" friendship and rock.
Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. This file includes a bounded export of public pages first, then recent public posts.
Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`).
## Pages
### Who are you?
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/signin/
Last updated: 2026-02-22T17:48:59.000Z
**Who are you?**
Sign in to read subscriber posts and stay connected with new work.
[Sign In](https://www.matthewbogart.net/signin/#/portal/signin)
### Sign Up
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/signup/
Last updated: 2026-02-22T17:46:55.000Z
## Things worth finding.
A monthly letter with good recommendations on comics, creative process, and things worth your time - from Matthew Bogart, comic artist at Helioscope Studio in Portland.
Sign me up
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### Account
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/account/
Last updated: 2021-11-24T01:38:27.000Z
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### Subscribe
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/subscribe/
Last updated: 2021-11-24T01:40:59.000Z
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Last updated: 2021-11-24T04:49:28.000Z
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### Incredible Doom Backup Stories
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/incredible-doom-backup-stories/
Last updated: 2021-12-02T00:30:05.000Z
We made these 54 pages of Incredible Doom comics exclusively for members. Being able to pull out these little moments that didn't fit into the regular series has been a joy.
_This page is for paying subscribers only._
### About
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/about/
Last updated: 2026-04-12T19:09:43.000Z
Matthew Bogart is the slice of life cartoonist behind the graphic novel [The Chairs' Hiatus](http://matthewbogart.net/the-chairs-hiatus?ref=matthewbogart.net) and the [Incredible Doom](http://incredibledoom.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) series from Harper Alley. He's a member of [Helioscope Studio](https://helioscopepdx.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), a collective of comic artists and writers based in Portland, Oregon.
#
### The Chairs' Hiatus
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/the-chairs-hiatus/
Last updated: 2026-02-25T16:51:22.000Z
Mary and Nel were known for being close. Throughout the year that the two of them zig-zagged the country as the rock duo "The Chairs," they never spent more than a day or two apart.
That is until Mary mysteriously appears in a new city, having given up her music, fame, and friends. She wants nothing more than to work her lousy job and be left alone, but the two people who just showed up on her doorstep are determined to make sure that won't happen.
You can read the original web comic for free online:
[Read for Free](https://www.matthewbogart.net/the-chairs-hiatus-part1/)
Or get the enhanced edition with multiple backup stories for $3 on Patreon.
[Show me the enhanced edition.](https://www.patreon.com/posts/chairs-hiatus-142769425?ref=matthewbogart.net)
---
## Praise
*“I love this book. No other comic I’ve read has captured the feelings and challenges of creativity and collaboration quite like it.”*
\- **RStevens**
[Diesel Sweeties](http://dieselsweeties.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
*"Matthew Bogart's* The Chairs' Hiatus *is uncluttered in its story, quiet in its telling, and lovely in the time it spends with you. It illustrates its human moments by enveloping us in the larger spaces we are surrounded by. I felt like I was using a telescope to read a comic taking gentle steps forward into something big and small at the same time."*
\-[**Anis Mojgani**](http://thepianofarm.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
2-time National Poetry Slam champion and author of *The Feather Room*
*"*The Chairs' Hiatus *is a kind of comic I'd like to see more often - a small, human story about how people hurt each other without meaning to. Matthew Bogart's intelligent, graceful cartooning is a pleasure to read."*
\- **Barry Deutsch**
author of [*Hereville*](http://www.hereville.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
*"*The Chairs' Hiatus *is an intimate portrait of a musician who's lost both her music and herself, and the quiet journey back to understanding. Highly recommended."*
\- [**Maggie Stiefvater**](http://maggiestiefvater.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) #1 New York Times Bestselling author of The Shiver Trilogy and the Raven Cycle
##
---
##
### Signed Bookplate
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/signed-bookplate/
Last updated: 2022-01-07T21:37:24.000Z
To get a signed *Incredible Doom* Vol. 1\. bookplate simply fill out the form below before *May 11th*.
If you’re an independent retailer who’s preordered copies for your store [get in touch](mailto:bogart@hey.com). I’m happy to send you some too.
With just a few hours left to go, we’ve been having trouble with the form that was embedded in this page. If you preordered and want a bookplate, and can’t see the form below, just [send me](mailto:matt@matthewbogart.net) a picture of your receipt and the address you’d like the bookplate sent to.
### Incredible Doom Vol. 1
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/incredible-doom-vol-1/
Last updated: 2023-04-29T00:35:34.000Z
Harper Alley has created a beautiful collection of all six issues of the original **Incredible Doom** comics about teens in the 90s getting their lives turned upside down by the early internet. It’s available in paperback and hardback, with a secret alternate cover under the slipcase!)
***“Incredibly strong and not a little disturbing.”*** —***Cory Doctorow, author of* In Real Life**
**Welcome to a new age…the age of the internet.**
Allison is drowning under the weight of her manipulative stage magician father. When he brings home the family’s first computer, she escapes into a thrilling new world where she meetings Samir, a like-minded new online friend who has just agreed to run away from home with her.
After moving to a new town and leaving all of his friends behind, Richard receives a mysterious note in his locker with instructions on how to connect to “Evol BBS,” a dial-in bulletin board system, and meets a fierce punk named Tina who comes into his life and shakes his entire worldview loose.
Unlikely alliances, first love, and minor crime sprees abound in this teen graphic novel debut about making connections while your world is falling apart.
### My favorite places to Preorder from:
- **bookshop.org** – and support *your* local bookshop ([hardcover](https://bookshop.org/a/22427/9780063064942?ref=matthewbogart.net) – [softcover](https://bookshop.org/a/22427/9780063064935?ref=matthewbogart.net))
- **Powells** – and support *my* favorite local bookshop ([hardcover](https://www.powells.com/book/incredible-doom-9780063064942?ref=matthewbogart.net) – [softcover](https://www.powells.com/book/incredible-doom-9780063064935?ref=matthewbogart.net))
- Books With Pictures – Support my local comic shop ([hardcover & softcover](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNW-Ym7N7CfFNlRFQwOsO2N0YnUIk%5FxON7wSrR642CTtP5EA/viewform?ref=matthewbogart.net))
- Lot’s of [other independent bookstores](https://www.bookstorelink.com/9780063064942?ref=matthewbogart.net).
- or our publisher links to virtually [*anywhere else*](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/incredible-doom-matthew-bogartjesse-holden?variant=33007287926818&ref=matthewbogart.net) books are sold!
### Praise for Incredible Doom
> Perfectly captures the mystery and wonder of the early days of the internet.
ANDY BAIO, author of [Waxy.org](http://waxy.org/?ref=matthewbogart.net) and co-founder of [XOXO](http://xoxofest.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
> One of the finest ongoing comics series from anyone anywhere.
WILL NEVIN - The Oregonian
> A Rush of love for the brave beginnings of both the early internet and the teens who used it to find themselves and each other.
[ELENOR DAVIS](http://doing-fine.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), author of [*The Hard Tomorrow*](https://drawnandquarterly.com/hard-tomorrow?ref=matthewbogart.net) and *[How to Be Happy](https://www.fantagraphics.com/products/how-to-be-happy?ref=matthewbogart.net)*
> A compelling story complemented by pleasingly minimal art that skillfully evokes a sense of loneliness and isolation
[SAVANNAH GANUCHEAU](https://srganuch.carbonmade.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), co-creator of [Bloom](https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781626726413?ref=matthewbogart.net)
> A sharp and authentic wild ride that bought me back to my teenage years as a punk with a dial up connection.
[KEVIN PANETTA](http://kevinpanetta.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), co-creator of [Bloom](https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781626726413?ref=matthewbogart.net)
> A poignant and often hilarious reminder that technology is at its best when it’s easing the ache of loneliness and bringing people together.
[JEFF ZENTNER](https://www.jeffzentnerbooks.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), Morris Award-winning author of [The Serpent King](https://www.jeffzentnerbooks.com/?page%5Fid=460&ref=matthewbogart.net)
> INCREDIBLE DOOM is a gripping story with real consequences and the lucid immediacy of a dream, all wound around the things we’re willing to risk to satisfy our need for connection.
[LUCY BELLWOOD](https://lucybellwood.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) author of [Baggywrinkles](https://lucybellwood.com/baggywrinkles/?ref=matthewbogart.net) and [100 Demon Dialogues](https://lucybellwood.com/100-demon-dialogues/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
> Emotional and unexpected, beautifully simple and yet wonderfully complex. This is what great indie comics look and feel like.
[KELLY THOMPSON](https://www.1979semifinalist.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) author of Uncanny X-Men, West Coast Avengers, Rogue & Gambit, Hawkeye, Captain Phasma, Heart In A Box
### Incredible Doom Story Meeting
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/incredible-doom-story-meeting/
Last updated: 2021-12-01T22:59:04.000Z
_This page is for paying subscribers only._
### Incredible Doom Backup Stories
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/incredible-doom-backup-stories-2/
Last updated: 2020-02-14T18:04:49.000Z
To view this content, you must be a member of **[Matthew's Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart?utm%5Fsource=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.matthewbogart.net%2Fincredible-doom-backup-stories%2F&utm%5Fmedium=patreon%5Fwordpress%5Fplugin&utm%5Fcampaign=75995&utm%5Fterm=&utm%5Fcontent=creator%5Fprofile%5Flink%5Fin%5Ftext%5Fover%5Finterface) at $10** or more
Unlock with PatreonAlready a qualifying Patreon member? [Refresh](https://www.matthewbogart.net/patreon-flow/?patreon-login=yes&patreon-final-redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.matthewbogart.net%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fpages) to access this content.
### Member Only Store
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/member-only-store/
Last updated: 2020-10-12T18:04:13.000Z
To view this content, you must be a member of **[Matthew's Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart?utm%5Fsource=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.matthewbogart.net%2Fmember-only-store%2F&utm%5Fmedium=patreon%5Fwordpress%5Fplugin&utm%5Fcampaign=75995&utm%5Fterm=&utm%5Fcontent=creator%5Fprofile%5Flink%5Fin%5Ftext%5Fover%5Finterface) at $1** or more
Unlock with PatreonAlready a qualifying Patreon member? [Refresh](https://www.matthewbogart.net/patreon-flow/?patreon-login=yes&patreon-final-redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.matthewbogart.net%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fpages) to access this content.
### My account
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/my-account/
Last updated: 2020-02-01T20:00:50.000Z
_No content available._
### Checkout
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/checkout/
Last updated: 2020-02-01T20:00:50.000Z
_No content available._
### Matthew Bogarts Comic Shop
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/shop/
Last updated: 2025-12-01T01:16:34.000Z
My shop is currently located at [buyolympia.com](https://buyolympia.com/Artist/Matthew+Bogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### hosting images
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/hosting-images/
Last updated: 2024-02-09T22:46:32.000Z
[The Chairs' Hiatus - Revised Edition - by Matthew BogartThe Chairs' Hiatus - Revised Edition - by Matthew Bogart.pdf37 MBdownload-circle](https://www.matthewbogart.net/content/files/2024/02/The-Chairs--Hiatus---Revised-Edition---by-Matthew-Bogart.pdf "Download")
### Paul
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/paul/
Last updated: 2022-03-04T17:38:07.000Z
This comic was written drawn in 21 hours. 18 hours on October 1st and 3 hours on October 2nd, 2016.
It was drawn using prompts from [my Patreon ](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)backers. I’ve done this with backers [once before](http://matthewbogart.net/yeswaffle?ref=matthewbogart.net).
Here are the suggestions they sent and the ones I tried to use.
- **invisible phone that won’t stop ringing**
- **faxes from grandma**
- the sun stopped sunning
- suntan potion
---
- **Bag of nickles and grapes** (seen in the first panel)
- False teeth
- only left sock(s)
- Goat picture
---
- **A Gentleman Ghost**
- **math** (there is a math book on the table in the first panel)
- **exploding soda**
---
- elderly rhino
- Mexican wrestling
- **a cactus that only blooms one day a year**
- the sitcom, The Golden Girls
---
- **Paul the Platypus**
- **A gargoyle named Luther**
---
- Emu WInehouse, a flightless bird with a crush on Rob Thomas (of Matchbox Twenty).
- **Check your wallet, nothing but horse money.**
- Doppelganger who works at a Blimpie in St. Louis.
- Butter on a Pop-Tart.
# Thank You
Thanks to everyone for helping make this bizarre comic. These are the backers that submitted suggestions. Their suggestions are listed below the comic.
- Chris Higgins
- Jamie Yakeleya
- Dave Jordan
- Erik Missio
- Neil
- Bryan
## Thank you also to:
- smattathias
- Jesse
### Patreon hosted images
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/patreon-hosted-images/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T04:51:34.000Z
### New Gallery
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/new-gallery/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T04:51:34.000Z
_No content available._
## Posts
### Searching for SmarterChild
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2026/07/09/smarterchild-documentary-kickstarter/
Last updated: 2026-07-09T01:13:29.000Z
In the early 2000s, there was a chatbot on AIM called SmarterChild. Thirty million people talked to it. That's a genuine cultural moment I apparently missed entirely.
Now two filmmakers, Lindsey Sitz and Zan Gillies, are making a documentary about it, and from the footage on their Kickstarter page, it looks like they've already got some pretty fantastic footage. It's a dig into what SmarterChild meant to the people who grew up talking to it, and what happened to the humans who built it.
They have just a few days left on their campaign and are THIS close to their goal. If you're the kind of person who thinks about early internet culture the way I do, it's worth a look.
[Visit the Kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/smarterchild/searching-for-smarterchild-a-feature-documentary?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### Side-stepping my imposter syndrome into a fantasy city
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2026/06/23/running-ttrpgs-online-now/
Last updated: 2026-06-23T14:00:29.000Z
If you've ever thought "I wonder what playing a fantasy TTRPG with the guy known for making graphic novels about 90s internet teens would be like," well, now you can find out!
I'm running a tabletop RPG campaign on [StartPlaying.games](https://startplaying.games/adventure/cmqe4ghe90095jr04ylwrogle?ref=clnwiy7ys0003mr08gxwhtduk), and [this link gets you $10 credit](https://startplaying.games/adventure/cmqe4ghe90095jr04ylwrogle?ref=clnwiy7ys0003mr08gxwhtduk).
StartPlaying is a service where you can find professional GMs and play TTRPGs online. I've used it as a player and love it. After several years of friends telling me "you could totally do this professionally," I decided to sidestep my imposter syndrome and actually do it.
### About the adventure
You can hear Meridia before you see it. Beggars recite poetry on the canal bridges. Boat rowers bellow epic ballads. Even the City Guard hums on patrol. It's the most beautiful city in the Western Reaches, and someone is quietly killing it.
The setting is from Cursed Scroll 6, an as-yet unreleased supplement by Kelsey Dionne, the creator of Shadowdark. City of Masks is the game's first official urban setting. Think *The Princess Bride's* swashbuckling, *A Crown of Candy's* fun characters, and *Andor's* against-all-odds hope. You'll chase rumors through smoky taverns, face horrific creatures in murky sewers, duel corrupt officials on canal bridges at midnight, infiltrate masked factions from street level to the top, and unravel a city-wide mystery that changes with every thread you pull.
### Why [Shadowdark](https://www.shadowdarkrpg.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)?
It's fast, fun, and built for real tension. If you've played any version of D&D, you already know 90% of the rules. If not, this is the easiest, most fun way to learn D&D.
[Come Play](https://startplaying.games/adventure/cmqe4ghe90095jr04ylwrogle?ref=clnwiy7ys0003mr08gxwhtduk)
[](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart/posts/161620584/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Check out the behind the scenes of creation the art for this campaign in this free [Patreon post](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart/posts/161620584/?ref=matthewbogart.net).
[Visit my patreon ](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart/posts/161620584/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
The covers for the standard and deluxe versions Cursed Scroll #6 containing the amazing "City of Masks" setting from The Archane Library
### Blogroll - A new Incredible Doom comic is out
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2026/06/18/blogroll-a-new-incredible-doom-comic-is-out/
Last updated: 2026-06-18T23:09:44.000Z
Hi, everyone. Welcome to Blogroll. Matthew Bogarts newsletter of new comics and interesting links. That's me. I'm Matthew Bogart.
## The Last Days of Evol House
I just published a new comic.
*The Last Days of Evol House* is a 32-page story set in the world of *Incredible Doom*, same small midwestern town, same era, a few familiar faces in the corners. But it's its own thing. You don't need to have read anything to follow it.
The main character is Ethan, the younger brother of one of the old Evol House crew. Ethan's the easy kid. The one nobody worries about. He comes back to Edgefield and finds out the bank has decided to tear the house down.
Evol House was where the scene lived. The place where people found their people and a reason to get out of bed. It's been a while since that was true. But it's still standing. For now.
What unfolds is a story about what we owe to places that shaped us. Whether a building can carry the weight of what happened inside it, and what you do when someone decides it can't. It's about brotherhood and found family and just a touch of the early internet.
I'm glad this comic exists. It had been a while, and it was good to go back.
[Read it on Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart/posts/last-days-of-160061302?ref=matthewbogart.net)
## Adding to my Blogroll
A blogroll is an old web tradition, a public list of the sites you read and love, there for anyone curious where you spend your time online. I'm adding one entry here each newsletter. You can see the full blogroll [here](https://www.matthewbogart.net/sidebar-content/). This month's link is [Standard Ebooks](https://standardebooks.org/?ref=matthewbogart.net).
### Standard Ebooks
[Standard Ebooks](https://standardebooks.org/?ref=matthewbogart.net) is a volunteer-run project with an incredibly cool mission: take public domain e-books from sources like Project Gutenberg and make them really, fantastically good. Good typography, proper formatting, careful proofreading, real covers. Everything's released to the public domain, and completely free of charge. The people running it are meticulous in a way that would make most publishers blush. They're organized as a "low-profit LLC" funded entirely by donations, which is a legal structure I'd never heard of before and kind of love.
It feels weird to call it "punk" because it's clean and serious and the people running it are so interested in getting the kerning right on a Dickens novel. But there's something in the structure of it, volunteers building something beautiful, for free, for anyone, because they decided it should exist, that feels so counter culture.
If you want a place to start I'd recommend [Winnie-the-Pooh](https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/a-a-milne/winnie-the-pooh?ref=matthewbogart.net) and [David Copperfield](https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/charles-dickens/david-copperfield?ref=matthewbogart.net). Which are both *so* cool.
## Other Links Worth Your Time
- [XOXO is now a permanent archive](https://xoxofest.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net). Andy Baio and Andy McMillan ran, and brought to a close, XOXO, a Portland indie conference, for eight years. Last month they launched a permanent archive of the whole run. [Andy's post about building it](https://waxy.org/2026/04/launching-a-permanent-archive-for-xoxo/?ref=matthewbogart.net) is worth reading. Making a good long term home for important things on the web is important, and this is both an amazing archive of some of the best talks you'll ever see, and resources for folks who want to do this themselves.
- [The Last Quiet Thing](https://www.terrygodier.com/the-last-quiet-thing?ref=matthewbogart.net), by Terry Godier. A piece about a twelve-dollar Casio watch versus an Apple Watch, and what makes something feel like a product versus a *relationship you have to manage*. I've been thinking about it for months.
- [Sofa](https://www.sofahq.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net). An app for tracking what you're watching, reading, or playing, and what's next. My habit is opening it before anything else to remind myself what it is I'm digging into now, instead of just getting pulled into the dopamine stream.
- [Why Can't Writers Seem to Quit Substack?](https://www.talkscratch.com/why-cant-writers-seem-to-quit-substack/?ref=matthewbogart.net) The lock-in is real, and so is the case for leaving.
- [Helioscope Studio on Surf](https://helioscope.surf.social/?ref=matthewbogart.net). Surf is a new social reading app from Flipboard. It's great. I use it as my Bluesky and Mastodon client, and to keep up with several blogs. I made a [Helioscope page](https://helioscope.surf.social/?ref=matthewbogart.net) that pulls together posts from all the studio's cartoonists in one place regardless of if they're on YouTube, Bluesky, Threads, or just a personal blog. Good way to follow a lot of the coolest people at once.
- [Why Is the Alphabet in That Order?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBk8akk-wVI&ref=matthewbogart.net) Demi Adejuyigbe asks Hank Green lots of good questions.
## From the Blog
- [Small E-Ink Reader That Changed My Reading Habit](https://www.matthewbogart.net/2026/06/18/pocket-ereader-reading-habit/). On the $69 Xteink X4, Standard Ebooks, and building a reading library outside the Amazon ecosystem.
- [How to track your comics progress with one line of code](https://www.matthewbogart.net/2026/04/07/how-to-track-your-comics-progress-with-one-line-of-code/). People keep asking what app I use for my website progress bars. It's pretty simple and I think every cartoonist might benefit from having them.
## From the Patreon
The full comic, of course, [The Last Days of Evol House](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart/posts/last-days-of-160061302?ref=matthewbogart.net) — is up now for all paid members. Also there's [a behind the scenes video on putting Evol House together.](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart/posts/making-mini-old-159227521?ref=matthewbogart.net)
If you've been on the fence about joining, this is a good time.
---
[](https://startplaying.games/adventure/cmqe4ghe90095jr04ylwrogle?ref=clnwiy7ys0003mr08gxwhtduk)
One last thing: I've started running games on [StartPlaying](https://startplaying.games/adventure/cmqe4ghe90095jr04ylwrogle?ref=clnwiy7ys0003mr08gxwhtduk), a service where you can find and book professional game masters for tabletop role-playing games online. After a couple of years of my players telling me "you could do this professionally," I'm deciding to try to sidestep my impostor syndrome and run some games. I'm running it using the multiple ENNIE Award-winning [Shadowdark](https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/pages/shadowdark?ref=matthewbogart.net) game which is easy to learn and a great place to start if you've never played a role-playing game before.
So if you've ever wondered what playing a fantasy game with the guy who made graphic novels about 90s internet teens would be like, [this link](https://startplaying.games/adventure/cmqe4ghe90095jr04ylwrogle?ref=clnwiy7ys0003mr08gxwhtduk) gets you $10 credit.
---
As always, spreading the word about any of these things to folks who you think might get something out of it is very appreciated.
See you next time!
\- Matt
## Sign up for Blogroll
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### Incredible Doom: The Last Days of Evol House is on Patreon
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2026/06/18/last-days-of-evol-house-patreon/
Last updated: 2026-06-19T15:35:41.000Z
I just published a [new comic](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart/posts/last-days-of-160061302?ref=matthewbogart.net).
*The Last Days of Evol House* is a 32-page comic set in the world of [Jesse Holden](https://scumbly.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) and my graphic novel series [*Incredible Doom*](http://incredibledoom.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net). It focuses on Ethan, the younger brother of one of the denizens of the small midwestern punk house known as "Evol House", where our heroes from *Incredible Doom* spent most of their story.
Evol House was a scene people cared about, a place where folks found themselves, and a purpose in life. But that was a while ago.
This new story focuses on Ethan, an easy kid, the one nobody worries about. He comes back to Edgefield to find the bank is moving to demolish the famed punk house his brother, Gerbil, and Gerbil's friends built their legend around.
What unfolds is a story about honoring things past and getting to choose where you place value. It's about brotherhood, and friendship, found family, and just a *touch* of the early internet.
While it's set in the same small fictional place as the *Incredible Doom* books, it's not a continuation of that story. You don't need to have read anything else. A couple of minor characters from the graphic novels appear but the story is completely self-contained.
I think you'll like it.
The full finished comic is [on Patreon now](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart/posts/last-days-of-160061302?ref=matthewbogart.net). Members can read it today. Joining gets you access to the full comic plus lots of other *Incredible Doom* stories.
I'm glad this one exists. It had been a while, and it was good to go back.
[READ THE COMIC](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart/posts/last-days-of-160061302?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### Small E-Ink Reader That Changed My Reading Habit
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2026/06/18/pocket-ereader-reading-habit/
Last updated: 2026-06-18T18:30:34.000Z
A while back I read [The Last Quiet Thing](https://www.terrygodier.com/the-last-quiet-thing?ref=matthewbogart.net), a fantastic piece by Terry Godier, a piece about a twelve-dollar Casio watch compared to an Apple Watch, and why one of them is a product and the other is a *relationship*. I've been thinking about it ever since, keeping my eye out for single-use devices that just get out of the way.
That's how I ended up with an [Xteink X4](https://www.xteink.com/products/xteink-x4?ref=matthewbogart.net) in my pocket.
It's a tiny pocketable e-reader, smaller than a cell phone, with an E-Ink screen and no agenda beyond displaying books. No notifications, app store, or social feed. Hell, no internet access. It reads DRM-free EPUB files, the open ebook format for books that aren't locked inside places like Amazon's shitty ecosystem. It's $69, there's a 20% off code running right now (xteink20%).
I already had a small collection of EPUBs kicking around. Cory Doctorow sells all his books as DRM-free files at [craphound.com](https://craphound.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), and I'd grabbed a Humble Bundle of his work years ago. There's also [Standard Ebooks](https://standardebooks.org/?ref=matthewbogart.net), a volunteer-run project that takes public domain books and produces beautifully formatted editions. Their [Winnie the Pooh](https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/a-a-milne/winnie-the-pooh?ref=matthewbogart.net) and [David Copperfield](https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/charles-dickens/david-copperfield?ref=matthewbogart.net) are genuinely lovely objects. You can just drag files to it like a usb drive, but I've loved using a free app called [Calibre](https://calibre-ebook.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) which not only can transfer files wirelessly but kind of makes it fun to work with my ebook collection in the same way that iTunes made it fun to play with my music files back in the day.
But here's what I actually want to tell you about.
I keep this reader in my pocket on top of my phone. So when I reach in, the habitual, almost involuntary reach that happens while waiting for the bus, or on the toilet, or while waiting on someone for a moment, my hand lands on the Xteink first. I pull it out. I read four screens of a book instead of four little screens of social media.
I've read more in the last month than I have in the last year. Now, that's not an impressive amount. My girlfriend is a librarian and she reads constantly, and I am nowhere near her pace. But that's not really the point. The point is that something that used to feel like effort now just... happens. The device gets out of the way, and it's so nice to have something in my life that helps me enjoy wonderful things, instead of just trying to be the middle man between me and them.
It seems just like what [Godier was writing about](https://www.terrygodier.com/the-last-quiet-thing?ref=matthewbogart.net).
### A new Incredible Doom Story
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2026/06/16/a-new-incredible-doom-story/
Last updated: 2026-06-16T14:01:51.000Z
In the past many months since Jesse and I stopped production on the webcomic that was going to become Incredible Doom Volume 3, it's been developing into something I'm not allowed to talk about yet, publishing reasons that aren't in our hands. While I was waiting on that to move forward, I started itching.
I love self-publishing. It's my favorite way to make things. It's also usually the least cost-effective, but that doesn't change how much I love it. So I thought I'd squeeze in a new project.
I originally thought it would be a 15-page short story. It quickly sprawled into something double that length.
*The Last Days of Evol House* is a 32-page comic set in the world of [Incredible Doom](http://incredibledoom.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net). It jumps several years into the future of those events, to the night the bulldozers come to tear down the punk house on the edge of town, the place where so much of volumes one and two took place. Some of the characters you haven't met before, but you'll recognize where you are.
Parts of this story are things Jesse and I had figured out across the years of making those comics. Some of that goes back more than ten years. I'm really happy we finally have somewhere to put it.
In about a week, I'm dropping the full comic on Patreon. Any paid member gets access the day it goes live. If you haven't joined yet, now's a good week to do it.
If you know somebody who's been waiting for another Incredible Doom story, please pass this along. And honestly, I couldn't put this in the world without it.
[Join the Patreon](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### How to track your comics progress with one line of code.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2026/04/07/how-to-track-your-comics-progress-with-one-line-of-code/
Last updated: 2026-04-07T22:05:14.000Z
#
When I posted the above tracker to social media a bit ago people kept asking what app I was using. When I'd tell them it's just code, I could feel their interest drain away. *Oh. Code. Never mind.*
I get it. But since people asked, and it's *SO* simple, I want to show you how you can do the same if you want. Here's everything you need for a progress tracking bar on your own site:
```html
```
That's it. And here's all you need to *know* about that line:
- **value** is how many pages you've done.
- **max** is the total number of pages in the project.
That's it! You copy and paste that code into any website that takes HTML, edit the numbers and it will render like this:
## Why bother?
Comics take anywhere from weeks to years to make. Readers often have no idea whether you're actively working on something or whether the project quietly died. A progress bar says: *yes, this is real, this is happening.* That might be just enough to tip someone toward signing up for your newsletter or following your social media, because they know there really is something coming.
Also, it genuinely feels good. Every day when I finish a page, what I *want* to do is show everyone like a little kid who's proud of the drawing he just made. But I know that's not the best way for folks to read my comics. So what I *get* to do is log into my site and bump that number up, even just slightly, and it feels *great.*
During the pandemic I got into the habit of screenshotting the progress bars once a week and replying to the same thread on twitter, so anyone who found my most recent update could scroll back and watch the months of steady progress.
## The catch.
The trick, for me, is when do you mark something done? My process involves constant revision. Even "finished" pages sometimes get cut, two get condensed into one, or have their dialogue changed months after the art is drawn. So when exactly do I get to increment the bar?
📐
****My rule:** if it could go to print right now and I would not be embarrassed, it's "done."
That means when I hit 100%, the book is full of pages that *could* be seen by readers and I'd be roughly okay with that. Has the pre-press process been done? No. Might the dialogue change? Sure? Are all the edits complete? Nope! But if I had to print it as is right now I could do that. That means all the work that gets done after that is icing. It also lessens the demoralizing situation of having to go back and *lower the progress bar*, which is a terrible feeling.
Come up with whatever metric makes sense for your process. Just make sure you have one beforehand and stick to it.
## Sharing it on social media
My favorite tool for turning my progress bar into a social media post is [CleanShot X](https://cleanshot.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), a Mac screenshot app that lets you, in just a couple clicks, drop your image into a nice frame and export in whatever dimensions you need. It makes the whole thing look intentional instead of like a raw browser window.
0:00
/1:59
1×
How I share my progress bars on social media.
## You don't have to do it in HTML
As easy as it is to write that line of code above, you can also build a spreadsheet with built-in progress tracking and screenshot that. You could find a plugin for your CMS. You could design something in Figma and upload a static image. There are a million ways to do this.
But if you want the absolute minimum viable version: one line of HTML, pasted wherever your site accepts it, is enough.
However you do it, I recommend it. It gives people a little window into your work, especially when you can't show them the pages yet and every update feels like it's just "*yep, drew another one, same as yesterday"*. It makes the long quiet stretch of making a book feel a little less invisible.
Besides, having a little patch of interent that's just yours is nice, and having a progress bar you can increment on it feels like doing a little tending.
It's nice.
---
## Sign up for Blogroll
If you want to follow along as my progress bar fills up, the newsletter is the best place for that, as well as more tips, comics, and interesting finds from around the internet.
Subscribe
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### Blogroll - What happened to Incredible Doom Vol. 3?
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2026/03/09/blogroll-what-happened-to-incredible-doom-vol-3/
Last updated: 2026-03-09T14:00:55.000Z
✉️
read [past newsletters](https://www.matthewbogart.net/tag/newsletter/)
Hi, everyone.
Welcome to my newsletter where I share news about my comics and links that I hope you'll like. I think I’m going to start calling this thing “Blogroll”, because newsletters need a name right? Lot's to share, so let's get into it.
I've been re-listening to [Stephen King's *On Writing*](https://bookshop.org/a/22427/9781982159375?ref=matthewbogart.net), devising [ways to push my drawing past the “good enough” phase](https://www.patreon.com/posts/151559722?ref=matthewbogart.net). Exploring the *fantastic* special features on the Apple version of [Alien](https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/alien/umc.cmc.419tta0vmcu3xnec7v6u44rzs?ref=matthewbogart.net). [Quins Qwest](https://youtu.be/WbH83E83ZTU?ref=matthewbogart.net) is getting me genuinely excited about [Mothership](https://www.tuesdayknightgames.com/pages/mothership-rpg?ref=matthewbogart.net), the horror sci-fi roleplaying game. Going back to read [*Stray Bullets*](https://imagecomics.com/press-releases/contemporary-classic-noir-series-stray-bullets-celebrates-30-year-anniversary-this-year?ref=matthewbogart.net) by David and Maria Lapham. And dipping into [Lucy Bellwood's Patreon](http://patreon.com/lucybellwood?ref=matthewbogart.net). If you want to feel less alone in the fog of making things, she's a good place to go.
---
# Finding Context
When I was younger I'd flip through longboxes at the two comic shop in my home town, memorizing titles, creators, absorbing what the industry looked like. Flaming Carrot. Elf Quest. Love and Rockets. Zap. Raw. I'd pull them out, flip through, think "oh, that's neat," and put them back.
They all seemed cool, but I never bought them. In 1995 they weren't for the teenage me. Give me Spider-Man. X-Men. THB. Bone. Sin City.
Until... I was talking with studio mate Colleen Coover the other day, I don't remember what she said exactly. I think it might have been something about Elf Quest, and it was the first time in 30 years I’d thought about that book. Something weird clicked.
In the last year I've been reading a lot about Dungeons & Dragons and Tolkien and all kinds of fantasy stuff I just wasn't exposed to when I was younger. And suddenly Elf Quest made a weird kind of sense that it ever had when I was flipping through longboxes in the 90s.
Back then I could easily see the roots of Jim Lee's X-Men #1, since things like the John Byrne 80s X-Men reprints were right there in the same longbox. But the lineage behind Elf Quest was more burried in my particular small town in central Ohio.
The thing is, I've done this before. When Jesse and I started Incredible Doom, I had to research BBSs in depth. I'd known about them when I was younger and they were in vogue, had this vague impression of them as something kinda cool, but things that *other people* were into. Not me.
Getting there took years. An iPod that got me into the Mac. Reading [*Reinventing Comics*](https://bookshop.org/a/22427/9780060953508?ref=matthewbogart.net) and it getting me excited about the early web, then the iPhone, leading to years of listening to [tech podcasts](https://www.relay.fm/?ref=matthewbogart.net). By the time I was actually researching BBSs for the comic, I got to look at them through new eyes and discovered they were absolutely magical.
I don't know why it took me so long to realize I could do this with comics too and movies and music and everything else.
You probably have your own stack of things like this. Books or music or art that seemed adjacent to what you loved but never quite clicked, that you’d absolutely love now that time has passed and you didn’t even realize you’ve learned everything you need to fall in love with it.
I'm going to start with Love and Rockets. How about you?
---
# Adding to my Blogroll
This is a new section I hope to do more often. A blogroll is an old web tradition, it’s a public list of the sites you read and love, there for anyone curious where you spend your time online. Every month I'm going to pick a link I like so much that it's getting added to the blogroll on my site. You can [see the full blogroll here](https://www.matthewbogart.net/#/portal/recommendations). This month’s link is [Retro Strange](https://retrostrange.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net).
[](https://retrostrange.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
## RetroStrange: A hidden treasure that feels like the early web
There's a video store in Portland called [Movie Madness](https://www.moviemadness.org/?ref=matthewbogart.net). It's got authentic props from films, a knife from Psycho, a xenomorph head from Alien, but what I really love is the collection of rare, out-of-print movies you can rent. Stuff that's not on any streaming service, forgotten by most except the people who work there.
That's what the early internet felt like.
Every website was someone's passion project. You'd stumble onto a page about Victorian funeral photography, or Soviet space propaganda posters, and lose an afternoon. The early web was nothing but nooks like that.
I almost never get that feeling anymore. For all of its supposedly expertly crafted algorithms, the modern web is terrible at surprising me with stuff I'll become fascinated by.
Except when I tune into RetroStrange.
[RetroStrange](https://retrostrange.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) is a 24/7 streaming channel of public domain films and oddities, curated by [Phil Nelson](https://extrafuture.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) and Noah Maher. No ads, no algorithm, no corporate platform. It’s two people who love weird vintage media and have access to a truly inexhaustible amount of it thanks to [archive.org.](https://archive.org/)
I'll sometimes have it on in the background while I'm drawing. Every so often I glance up and think: Wait, what the *hell* is *this?* A bizarre 1950s educational film about posture. A psychedelic fever dream of an animation. A public domain horror movie I've never heard of that somehow has *Jack Nicholson* in it.
A selection of gifs from their amazing [gif archive](https://retrostrange.com/gifs/?ref=matthewbogart.net).
It feels like a small act of resistance against the [enshittification](https://bookshop.org/a/22427/9780374619329?ref=matthewbogart.net) of everything, and I need so many more things that feel like that.
Go to [retrostrange.com](https://retrostrange.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) and see what's on. And if you find yourself fascinated, come back, follow them, [throw them a dollar a month](https://www.patreon.com/philnelson?ref=matthewbogart.net) on Patreon.
---
# Other Links Worth Your Time
- [**How to Use the Internet, 1995**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0EXga2hEIs&ref=matthewbogart.net)**.** A 1995 CBC clip of a young [Cory Doctorow](https://craphound.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) showing a reporter around the early internet. He predicts video on demand while a primitive webpage loads. Deeply charming and a little eerie.
- **The vlogbrothers.** Hank Green published [a new song](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t%5FgCvlQDO1E&ref=matthewbogart.net). John and Hank [sold their production company](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eziN5NJBI5U&ref=matthewbogart.net) to a nonprofit for nothing. And John made [a short video about how risk requires a safety net](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9O4eVrj5Sw&ref=matthewbogart.net) that I've thought about a lot since watching it. "I've worked exactly as hard on the novels that sit in metaphorical drawers, unread, as the ones that have sold millions of copies." Good month for the Green brothers.
- [**How To Print Your Own Zines From Home**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHucIjaRZZ0&ref=matthewbogart.net)**.** JP Coovert is one of my favorite people on the internet. This walks you through the whole zine-printing process start to finish, and if you've had the itch, this is the place to start.
- [**Mel Brooks: The 99-Year-Old Man**](https://www.hbomax.com/shows/mel-brooks-the-99-year-old-man/c967b1a4-d0e2-491e-967e-ae09f88fef62?ref=matthewbogart.net)**.** A Judd Apatow documentary. It's fun, and funny of course, but I agree with the folks on the [Comic Lab podcast](https://www.patreon.com/cw/comiclab?ref=matthewbogart.net) that the best part is how honestly it covers Mel Brooks's worst years, when people said he was washed up and there was little evidence that they were wrong. . Good reminder that the road is longer than it looks from any point on it
- [**Disneyland Handcrafted**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtrVcOxVDls&ref=matthewbogart.net) A full documentary of Disneyland being built. I had never seen so much this amazing footage. It's free on YouTube.
- [**The Artwork That Imagined Middle Earth**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjYtOCKIbp4&ref=matthewbogart.net). A nice look at a few of the illustrators that spent decades visualizing Tolkien before Peter Jackson.
---
# From the Blog
- [**An Honest Update on Incredible Doom Vol. 3**](https://www.matthewbogart.net/2026/02/25/an-honest-update-on-incredible-doom-vol-3/)**.** I posted the full story of what happened to Incredible Doom Volume 3, how it stalled, and what’s up with it now. This was, I think, the first time I've told this all publicly.
- [**The last attempt looks like the others.**](https://www.matthewbogart.net/2026/02/02/the-last-attempt-looks-like-the-others/) On the particular frustration of a draft and the creative moment that made me cry.
- [**What I Found in My High School Art Room**](https://www.matthewbogart.net/2026/01/26/student-work/)**.** I found a weird connection to a famous Marvel artist to my high school art room in the mid 90s, I write about that and my fascination with the way influence travels.
- [**ComiXology Submit: Final Sales Numbers (2013-2021)**](https://www.matthewbogart.net/2026/01/19/comixology-submit-final-sales-numbers-2013-2021/)**.** Eight years of self-publishing sales data, finally published. Only years late!
---
A panel from an upcoming project.
# From the Patreon
This month's highlight: [**Breaking Down My Process: Building a Page Layer by Layer**](https://www.patreon.com/posts/150694215?ref=matthewbogart.net) — a complete walkthrough of how I build a comic page, with screenshots at every step from script to final inks. It's from a page of an upcoming project. Free to read.
As well as:
- [I Built a Robot to Fix My Comic Lettering](https://www.patreon.com/posts/150360358?ref=matthewbogart.net). Lettering automation from scratch.
- [A Publishing Update (for members only)](https://www.patreon.com/posts/publishing-151045608?ref=matthewbogart.net). Where my projects stand.
- [A Trick I Use to Push Past Good Enough on Comic Pages](https://www.patreon.com/posts/151559722?ref=matthewbogart.net). Getting past good enough.
- [Monthly Review: February 2026](https://www.patreon.com/posts/monthly-review-151924808?ref=matthewbogart.net). How the month went.
February was a good month. Lots of drawing. March is going to have even more.
---
See you next month,
Matt
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# Random Panel of the Month
### An Honest Update on Incredible Doom Vol. 3
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2026/02/25/an-honest-update-on-incredible-doom-vol-3/
Last updated: 2026-02-25T22:14:24.000Z
🔗
Cross-posted from [incredibledoom.com](https://www.incredibledoom.com/an-honest-update-on-incredible-doom-vol-3/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
A while back, Jesse Holden and I launched what we were calling *Incredible Doom Vol. 3*, a new web and printed mini-comic series continuing our focus on the generation of kids who came of age alongside the early web. We designed a new website, made promotional videos, and drew over 150 pages of comics. We were off to the races, promising regular updates.
Then, several months ago, we stopped posting. Here's why.
**What Happened**
I've always loved independent publishing—owning all aspects of the work, hosting it myself, building an audience directly. After finishing Incredible Doom Vol. 1 & 2 for Harper Alley, I wanted to see if the old webcomic model I fell in love with in the early 2000s could still work in today's internet. The plan was to serialize these stories online and in self published mini comics first, then—if we were lucky—collect them into books with a publisher. That's how we did the original Incredible Doom run, and it worked beautifully. Best of both worlds: the intimate, one-on-one connection of self-publishing paired with the reach of traditional publishing.
My first self published comics from the early 90s.
I expected it to be hard. I expected it might fail because of algorithms, or the [enshittification](https://pluralistic.net/2024/04/04/teach-me-how-to-shruggie/?ref=incredibledoom.com) of platforms creative folk like me used to rely on. There were lots of external forces that might make it fall appart. What I didn't expect was hitting a wall within myself. After launching the series, I ran into a writing problem that took us a year to solve.
Like *Incredible Doom* Vol. 1, the plot for Vol. 3 consisted of two seemingly unrelated stories with two sets of protagonists who we planed to slowly interweave over several chapters, eventually merging both stories in a thrilling climax. The problem: the more we worked on these stories, the further apart they grew.
**The Reality**
We tried everything to bring them together. Every time we thought we'd found a solution, after a few weeks of trying to implement it we discovered a new problem. This cycle went on for months. I stopped drawing new pages until we solved it, but the problems only mounted. Trying to interweave the two stories was making both of them worse.
Matt and Jesse in an office struggling to tie both stories together.
We finally came to the conclusion that these two sets of charecters simply weren't meant to be part of the same story. They were two independent stories that should each exist completely on their own.
It was heartbreaking. The months we'd spent felt wasted—until we started working on them separately.
**The Good News**
We loved all the characters we'd created. We thought their arcs were *exciting*. It was only getting those arcs to *interrelate* that sucked.
Once we split them apart, things clicked. Within months, we had conclusions to *both* stories worked out that that I fucking love. We went from tearing our hair out over one never-ending puzzle box to having two complete scripts that are really damn cool.
Let me show you:
**Hello Robo**
A temporary cover for "Hello Robo"
It's the summer of 1999, and Anna has two goals: avoid talking to boys, and avoid puking in front of them. She plans to ride out the season at her aunt's house without another humiliating meltdown. But when she discovers a computer in the guest room—one connected to the internet—she logs into the forum of her favorite webcomic and unexpectedly connects with someone who lives across town.
What starts as an online friendship becomes something more complicated when the internet spills into real life. Anna gets pulled into other people's messy, painful lives—and begins to understand how people carry pain and connection side by side, and how love, even if fleeting, can still be true.
**Eternal September**
A temporary cover for "Eternal September"
Eternal September follows two outsiders bound by shame, curiosity, and the strange promise of the early internet. Thia, a small-town overachiever whose carefully built life collapses after a public scandal, returns home to find her family in ruins. Doug, an awkward classmate turned early internet pioneer, has found a strange new kind of fame through something called a "blog."
When their paths cross, Doug's kindness draws Thia into a world so new that even the most far-fetched ideas about what it might become feel possible—a world that, despite Doug's insistence otherwise, carries far too real consequences beyond the glow of a computer screen.
**Where Things Stand**
Writing the intertwined version of these stories had been so difficult that I'd started to doubt my ability to ever finish another graphic novel script. Now we've completed two. That alone feels like a victory.
I still love independent publishing—that part hasn't changed. But the months we spent solving this problem meant not building that webcomic audience week by week, getting to talk directly with readers as the story unfolded. But we're hopefully ending up in the same place: books you can hold, stories you can read. Just getting there a different way than I expected.
If you signed up for Incredible Doom Vol. 3 updates, you were here for the messiest part of this process. If you've been backing [my Patreon](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=incredibledoom.com), you saw even more of it.
But you're also the first people to know these stories exist. These are still stories about teenagers finding each other through screens. Still about the early internet as a place of hope and weirdness and real consequence. Still about what it means to be seen by someone who has no reason to care about you.
I want you to be able to read these stories. I'm working on making that happen, but I can't promise when.
When there's news—a deal, a date, a book you can hold—I'll post it here and in my newsletter. I hope that's soon.
Thank you for sticking around. I know you didn't have to.
### I built a robot to fix my comic lettering.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2026/02/09/automate-comic-lettering-workflow/
Last updated: 2026-02-09T23:04:29.000Z
For years I've had an extremely niche problem. A problem that, if you're a cartoonist, you might have had too. I've just recently solved it and I thought I'd share the solve. Even if this isn't of use to you, I'd love it if cartoonists thought and talked more about how we might automate little annoying parts of our process.
I write all of my comic scripts in plain text. Not in Word. Not in Scrivener. Just plain text files using a format called Fountain—basically markdown for screenplays. Asterisks around words make them italic, double asterisks make them bold. It's simple and I love it.
Hey comic script I'm working on written in Highland. You can see the bold and italicized text.
I do most of my writing in [Highland](https://highland2.app/?ref=matthewbogart.net), but, because it just uses plain text, I'm not locked in. I can open the same file anywhere. [Obsidian](https://obsidian.md/?ref=matthewbogart.net). TextEdit. Literally *any* text editor. My scripts are just text files, which means I can open them twenty years from now and they'll still work.
This matters to me. Programs change over time, programs stop being developed. I'm literally keeping a more than a decade old MacBook Air in a closet because it's the only machine I have that runs an outdated version of Clip Studio that I drew an old graphic novel in once and I want to still have access to those original files. Writing in plain text means I always will have access to at least my scripts. I've lost work to dead file formats before.
But there's a problem when I'm lettering.
I copy dialogue from my Fountain scripts and paste it into Clip Studio Paint, and all the formatting marks come with it. If I write this in my screenplay:
It renders as this when I preview it in my screenwriting app, which is perfect.
But if I copy and paste that into Clip Studio, the program I draw and letter my comics in, I get this.
So I have to manually delete all the markup, every single time.
For years it's been a constant little needle in my side.
So I automated it with [Keyboard Maestro](https://www.keyboardmaestro.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)—a very nerdy but absolutely wonderful Mac automation app that lets you create custom workflows to do all kinds of things. I made a macro that triggers when I use the keyboard shortcut for "Paste" (⌘V) but only when I'm in Clip Studio and strips out all the Fountain formatting before it hits the page.
`*italic*` becomes italic. `**bold**` becomes bold. But only in Clip Studio, so everywhere else my formatting stays intact.
---
I added one more thing.
Comic lettering has this convention about the letter I. People consider it more correct to only use serifs on a letter "I" when it's used in pronouns like "I'm", "I've", Or "I think" and never, for example, at the start of sentences. So this would be correct:
Whereas this is not correct:
The first time I heard about this guideline, I thought to myself, "Oh, that's stupid. Who cares?" And then every other time I've looked at a book in which I've made this choice, I've thought to myself, "Oh, damn it. I wish I knew about this earlier."
Many comic fonts, including the one I use, add serifs to the uppercase "I" but not lowercase "i".
I've been manually fixing this for years. Scanning every paste for "It" and "In" and changing them to "it" and "in."
The macro handles it now. It converts all I's to lowercase except pronouns. "I'm" stays "I'm." "I think" stays "I think." But "It was cold" becomes "it was cold."
Kind of miraculous.
---
[Auto-format Text for Comic Lettering in Clip StudioAuto-format Text for Comic Lettering in Clip Studio.kmmacros16 KBdownload-circle](https://www.matthewbogart.net/content/files/2026/02/Auto-format-Text-for-Comic-Lettering-in-Clip-Studio.kmmacros "Download")
If you want this magic too I'm sharing the macro above.
To install: Download the file, Open [Keyboard Maestro](https://www.keyboardmaestro.com/main/?ref=matthewbogart.net) → File → Import Macros → select the downloaded file. It'll be disabled by default—click the checkmark to enable it.
That's it. One less thing to think about while lettering.
If this macro saves you even five minutes a week, that's hours over the course of a project. Are you a cartoonist who's automated repetitive tasks in your workflow? I would love to know about it—I love hearing about other creators' processes. Comment here, or on [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/matthewbogart.bsky.social?ref=matthewbogart.net) or [Mastodon](https://matthewbogart.com/@matt?ref=matthewbogart.net).
🚧
Fair warning—this is provided as-is without support. I'm just a cartoonist sharing something that works for me, not a programmer who can troubleshoot different setups. If it doesn't work for you, I won't be of much help. But hopefully it does.
If you need help with Keyboard Maestro or want to modify the regular expressions, these resources are great:
- [Keyboard Maestro Wiki](https://wiki.keyboardmaestro.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
- [Keyboard Maestro Forum](https://forum.keyboardmaestro.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
- [Official Documentation](https://www.keyboardmaestro.com/documentation/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
- [Regex Tutorial](https://regexone.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### The last attempt looks like the others.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2026/02/02/the-last-attempt-looks-like-the-others/
Last updated: 2026-02-02T22:53:32.000Z
A programmer friend of mine once described his job as like banging your head against the wall all day, every day, with brief interruptions of euphoria. That most days consist of staring at your work frustrated and saying to yourself "Why the hell isn't this working?" Why is it crashing? Why is it giving that error? Why is it behaving like that?
Searching and searching and searching through the code, making tweaks and trying them out, making more tweaks and trying them out. Getting frustrated and giving up and coming back. Re-writing whole sections, reverting to earlier versions, on and on and on, until you hit on the one approach, that didn't feel like it was going to be any different than any other, just snaps into place and the damn thing works.
It feels deeply, almost absurdly good when it finally works.
That's how I spent the last two years finishing the first draft of [*Eternal September*](https://www.matthewbogart.net/eternal-september/).
A panel from "Eternal September"
For those just joining: [*Eternal September*](https://www.matthewbogart.net/eternal-september/) is one of two graphic novels that grew out of a bigger, messier project about early internet culture, friendship, and what we share online. That original book was too unwieldy to work, so I split it into two separate stories. This one has been in development for... longer than I planned. Much longer.
I’ve been stuck in versions of this loop before, on other books, long before *Eternal September*. I wrote about one of those earlier struggles years ago. [You can read that here.](https://www.matthewbogart.net/URL-TO-POST-A/)
The story just wasn't coming together the way I needed it to. The climax wasn't as emotionally powerful as I knew it could be. Character motivations became convoluted. You sympathies were in confusing places. The solution to problem A created a new problem in area B, and on and on and on and on.
With my collaborator Jesse and I we tweaked, and re-wrote, and analyzed, and adjusted endlessly. For months on end. Until the moment when—and I didn't know it at the time—I tried the last set of changes. What if I take this approach to this scene? Combined with this change we made earlier...
Now I don't care about sports, but I've been to several football games with my dad when I was younger, and the only way I have to describe this is to make a sports analogy.
I made a tweak after years of making months and months of tweaks, and suddenly it was like a break opened up in the defensive line, and I could see an open space that led all the way to the other end of the field.
> I could see my way from the moment I was writing all the end of the book.
Everything that needed to be set up was set up. Everything you needed to understand in order to make the climax pay off you understood. Everything that needed to be true in the state of the world—which character knew what, what character was where—was all true, was all correct.
I ran as fast as I could.
I spent hours just *sprinting* through the script, just *bounding* towards the end. And when I wrote, for the first time, in two years, a line that *ended* the book, when I had in front of me a complete first draft, I literally cried.
The script still needs revisions, of course, and then there's the small matter of drawing the entire thing. But a little while ago, for the first time in ages, I have a complete draft that works. I know what this story is.
A panel from "Eternal September"
---
I don't know if there's a lesson here exactly. I don't know if I can tell you what the magic adjustment was, because it was so specific to this particular tangle of problems that it wouldn't mean anything to anyone else.
What I can tell you is that the breakthrough didn't announce itself. I didn't have a moment of clarity where I thought "this is it, this is the one that's going to work." It felt like every other attempt I'd made over the many months working on this —tentative, hopeful in a tired way, probably wrong.
And I can tell you that I'm grateful I didn't give up on the attempt before the one that worked.
Because that's the thing about creative work that nobody warns you about: the only vantage point where the path is clear is from the finish line, looking back.
It sucks.
---
[](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
If you want to follow along as I figure out what comes next—whether I move into revisions on this book or start drawing its sibling story first—Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to the decision-making process, plus early looks at whatever comes next.
[Visit my patreon ](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
## Join my newsletter
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### Student Work
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2026/01/26/student-work/
Last updated: 2026-03-17T19:10:38.000Z
Back when I was in high school in a small Catholic school in Ohio—I'd taken all the art classes that were offered and still wanted more. So they let me design my own independent study. I'd get shuffled off to the art annex and work, usually alone, while my teacher, Mr. Frank Daniel, would check in a couple times each period.
The room was full of art supplies and filing cabinets stuffed with old student work from years past. At one point, Mr. Daniel told me I could go through it—help him clean out. I was sorting through drawings when I found it.
A page of figure studies. Maybe two dozen people jumping and twisting through the air. Just an exercise in understanding the human form. And I knew immediately who had drawn it.
I'd seen hundreds of this artist's drawings. His style is incredibly distinctive— especially the way he draws bodies in motion, a specific energy.
I brought the drawing to Mr. Daniel.
"Who drew this?" I asked.
"Oh, *that.* That's old student work." he said.
"Was his name Mark *Bagley*?" I asked.
"Oh! How do you know Mark?" he said.
---
Famed comic artist [Mark Bagley](https://www.comicsbeat.com/bendis-avengers-800/?ref=matthewbogart.net) recently [came out of retirement](https://www.comicsbeat.com/bendis-avengers-800/?ref=matthewbogart.net) to reunite with [Brian Michael Bendis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian%5FMichael%5FBendis?ref=matthewbogart.net) for Bendis' big return to Marvel comics in Avengers #800.
The variant Cover for Avengers 800
At the time I was discovering a drawing that he had done in high school wedged in a cabinet in *my* high schools art annex, Mark was drawing one of the biggest books in the comics industry: *The Amazing Spider-Man*. He's drawn countless issues across multiple titles. If you read superhero comics in the 90s and 2000s, you *knew* his work.
And Mr. Daniel had taught him years earlier at a different high school across town. He and I, evidently, had the same high school art teacher.
I ran the drawing through a scanner—this was back when getting an image from the real world onto your computer still felt kind of like magic. I can't find the file anymore, but I remember we did a crappy printout on my home printer and brought it to show my local comic shop. They put it up on their wall with a little sign: "Rare Mark Bagley Art."
Years later I met Mark at a convention and told him this story. He got genuinely excited and asked me to thank Mr. Daniel for him and he drew me this.
I've never seen Mr. Daniel again or Mark again, but you can see some of [Frank Daniel's art here](https://www.facebook.com/mansfieldartcenter/videos/frank-daniel-beloved-art-teacher-and-fixture-in-the-mansfield-arts-community-has/2019593908076515/), [Mark Bagley's art here,](https://www.instagram.com/officialmarkbagleyart/?ref=matthewbogart.net) and mine [here](https://www.matthewbogart.net/comics/).
I think about this stuff a lot while working on [my graphic novels](https://www.matthewbogart.net/comics/)—the weird connections, the unexpected threads that weave through the creative world.
What a weirdly connected place this is.
If you want to follow along with my strange paths through making art, you can subscribe to my newsletter below, or [support me on Patreon.](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
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### ComiXology Submit: Final Sales Numbers (2013-2021)
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2026/01/19/comixology-submit-final-sales-numbers-2013-2021/
Last updated: 2026-01-29T00:50:16.000Z
A Patreon supporter recently mentioned they discovered my work through ComiXology back in the day and it led me to [an old post on my blog from 2014 ](https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/02/27/the-chairs-hiatus-and-comixology-submit/#comixology-update)where I was so excited about the platform.
My, how times have changed.
ComiXology Submit was the self-publishing platform for ComiXology, the leading digital comics storefront at the time—a way for independent creators to get their work directly to readers who were already there buying comics, and a cautionary tale about what happens when you build your audience on someone else's platform.
Ah, 2014.
Anyway, it's kinda ridiculous, but at the end of that post I mentioned that **I'd keep folks updated with how sales go**. And while I did post one update, I didn't follow up again for...well... a decade.
**So**, ComiXology Submit shut down in 2022\. Probably three people care about this ancient platform, but but apparently I can't let a decade-old promise to internet strangers go unfulfilled.
Below is the new bit I just added to [that old 2014 post](https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/02/27/the-chairs-hiatus-and-comixology-submit/#comixology-update).
## UPDATE: January 2026
I just rediscovered this post after a Patreon subscriber mentioned that ComiXology was how they found my work all those years ago. So, as promised *a decade ago*, here's how it all played out for [*The Chairs' Hiatus*](https://www.matthewbogart.net/the-chairs-hiatus/).
**Final numbers (2013-2021):**
- 5,699 copies sold
- $443 earned (50% revenue share)
Reached readers in 33 countries
I sold fewer copies after the pack, but each one was sold for more money.
The March 2014 "Submit Starter Pack bundle" accounts for that massive spike—5,448 copies at $0.09 each. After the bundle, sales dropped to near zero (just 4 copies in all of 2015), then slowly picked back up to 58 copies in 2017 before trailing off again through 2020.
I later added the six issues of *Incredible Doom* to the platform starting in 2018, which sold an additional 535 copies before ComiXology Submit shut down in 2022 when Amazon integrated everything into Kindle Direct Publishing and I removed everything from the platform.
### Would I do it today?
Nope.
My impression is that in 2013, ComiXology was still run by people who cared about comics. By the time Amazon fully absorbed it, the platform had been through what [Cory Doctorow calls "enshittification"](https://bookshop.org/a/22427/9780374619329?ref=matthewbogart.net)—that predictable cycle where platforms start by being good to users, then abuse users to court business customers, then finally abuse everyone to maximize profit extraction.
Amazon spent years degrading the ComiXology experience: killing the standalone app, removing features readers loved, worsening the reading interface, cutting creator revenue splits, and eventually shuttering Submit entirely.
And I, for one, I'm tired of building on platforms designed to squeeze both creators and readers into the worst possible position we'll tolerate.
If you want the full archaeological dive into dead digital comics platforms—complete with charts, revenue comparisons, and my rant about why I'd never do it again—[read the complete updated 2014 post here](https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/02/27/the-chairs-hiatus-and-comixology-submit/) or just [jump to the new bit](https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/02/27/the-chairs-hiatus-and-comixology-submit/#comixology-update).
---
Thanks for indulging this extremely niche bookkeeping exercise.
[](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
If you found this sales autopsy useful, you'll love what I share on Patreon: ****detailed post-mortems, publisher pitch documents, and all the unglamorous business lessons I've learned.** It's the deep-dive creator business content behind the scenes.
[Become a patron ](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
## Stay Updated
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### The Tabletop RPG Products I'm Most Excited to Use in 2026
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2026/01/12/the-tabletop-rpg-products-im-most-excited-to-use-in-2026/
Last updated: 2026-01-12T23:00:36.000Z
2025 was a year filled with role-playing games for me. I was a game master for two different campaigns with two different groups of friends, and I absolutely loved it.
I also had a lot of fun with a bunch of products—some I've gotten to use in games, some I can't wait to try. Since we're starting a new year, I wanted to sum up the stuff that has me most excited about the hobby right now.
## [Daggerheart](https://darringtonpress.com/daggerheart/?ref=matthewbogart.net) (Core Rulebook)
I haven't run Daggerheart yet. Haven't even gotten to play it. But I've been reading the book, watching actual-play sessions, keeping track of the buzz around it, and it's got me pretty thrilled.
What draws me in is the idea that players aren't just along for the ride—they're actively shaping the story. Not just their characters' choices, but the dramatic beats, the themes, the world itself. The GM and players collaborating on authorship in a way that feels built into the system rather than something you have to negotiate around the rules.
The Duality Dice, the tension between Hope and Fear, the collaborative worldbuilding at the start of a campaign—it all feels thoughtfully designed to support improvised, collaborative storytelling. It's an invitation, not just a ruleset.
I'm hopeful that this year I'll actually get it to the table with people who want to explore that kind of play with me.
## [Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set (2025): Heroes of the Borderlands](https://dnd.wizards.com/products/heroes-borderlands-starter-set?ref=matthewbogart.net)
I've run two full D&D campaigns as a dungeon master now. One was a year-and-a-half-long *Waterdeep: Dragon Heist* campaign—dozens of NPCs, multiple factions, complicated political intrigue. Before that, I ran the previous starter set, *Dragons of Stormwreck Isle*.
Even with mostly the same group across both campaigns, some players were still struggling with core D&D mechanics. What counts as an action versus a bonus action. How turns work. How the rules fit together at a basic level.
*Heroes of the Borderlands* looks like it solves this problem in a really fun way.
From everything I've read and watched, it deliberately borrows familiar conventions from board games and uses them as teaching tools. It guides players through early-level D&D in a way that feels tactile and intuitive rather than instructional. Fun rather than lecture-like.
Compared to *Stormwreck Isle*—which had a few booklets, some character sheets, dice—this new set is *packed*. Tokens, dozens of maps, multiple booklets, a DM guide, player boards, hundreds of cards.
The adventures themselves look simpler than *Dragon Heist*, but simple in a way that feels intentional and joyful.
I'm leaving it up to my players, but I'm really hoping they'll be interested in running a few sessions—not as a downgrade from where we've been, but as a way to internalize D&D fundamentals through exciting play rather than rules explanation.
## [Shadowdark](https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/pages/shadowdark?ref=matthewbogart.net) — [Cursed Scrolls Volumes 1–3](https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/cursed-scroll-zine?ref=matthewbogart.net)
We got the beginnings of a Shadowdark campaign going in 2025—a modified version of *Curse of Strahd* with a new group of players—but scheduling pulled us apart for a while. Still, the more I've read the [*Cursed Scrolls*](https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-rpg/products/cursed-scroll-zines-bundle?ref=matthewbogart.net) and the more I've watched to the [Glass Cannon podcast's Shadowdark campaign](https://glasscannonnetwork.com/podcast/the-glass-cannon-podcast/?ref=matthewbogart.net), the more something has clicked for me.
Through these supplements, I've started to really understand hex crawling, sandbox play, and a style of adventure that's even less linear than what I've been running. One that leans heavily on random encounters and emergent play.
What I love about the *Cursed Scrolls* is how little they give you—but how effective that restraint is. Each one has just enough information to spark ideas. Just enough keyed locations to make the world feel real. But not so much that it feels like homework every time you sit down to prep.
For the first time, I genuinely understand why exploration—supposedly one of the three pillars of D&D—is fun and dramatic, rather than just something to get through between combat encounters.
I backed the [*Western Reaches* Kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shadowdarkrpg/shadowdark-rpg-the-western-reaches?ref=matthewbogart.net), which collects *Cursed Scrolls* 1–3, adds volumes 4–6, and includes two massive new books. That means waiting until late spring, but I'm more than happy to wait.
## [Shadowdark — Quickstart Set](https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-rpg/products/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set?ref=matthewbogart.net)
One important thing: the Shadowdark campaign we've been running has been done entirely using the Quickstart Set, which is free to download.
The quickstart includes all the rules and spells needed for characters from levels 1–3\. We've easily run half a dozen sessions using only that material. While I'm a huge fan of the print versions—and fully intend to buy more—I genuinely love the quickstart as an onboarding tool.
I'm also going to pitch this to my D&D group, fresh off *Waterdeep: Dragon Heist*, to see if they'd like to give Shadowdark a shot.
Shadowdark books are concise. So free of cruft that they can sometimes feel dense to read. I found it tough to internalize it all at first. The Quickstart Set solves that beautifully. It's focused, readable, a pleasure to flip through.
Honestly, even if you never intend to run Shadowdark, I recommend downloading it and paging through it.
## [ Dungeons & Dragons Core Rulebooks ](https://marketplace.dndbeyond.com/LP-CRB-2024/core-rulebook-bundle?ref=matthewbogart.net)(2024–2025)
One of my favorite TTRPG experiences last year didn't happen at the table at all.
My girlfriend and I took our new electric car on a road trip around Oregon. Campgrounds, lodges, hotels, Airbnbs. We visited Crater Lake and a bunch of other incredible spots. While she went paddleboarding, I brought along the new D&D core rulebooks: the Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and Monster Manual.
I would sit by lakeshores and in forests, flipping through the books. I'd find a monster I didn't recognize in the DMG and cross-reference it in the Monster Manual. I'd discover feats in the Player's Handbook I hadn't paid attention to and play them out step by step in my head.
I've never been an active D&D player during the release of a new edition, so having these beautifully bound books—especially the game-store editions—with their artwork and history and deeply intertwined rules was a puzzle my brain could happily explore.
Even though only the Monster Manual technically released in 2025—I bought the other two at the end of 2024—I'm counting this as one of the highlights of my TTRPG year.
## [Tales of the Valiant — Game Master's Guide](https://koboldpress.com/tales-of-the-valiant-game-masters-guide/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
There's plenty of solid general GM advice in here, which is valuable even if it's stuff I've absorbed from years of videos and reading. What really stood out were the edge-case solutions.
This book has thoughtful answers to questions like:
- How do you plan a boss battle that actually feels epic?
- How do you run a siege?
- What do you do if you want a thousand low-level NPCs attacking the party in a cinematic, movie-style fight?
Again and again, when I hit a snag during game prep, I'd check to see if this guide had guidance—and it usually did.
I've only been using it for a few months, but it's already earned a permanent place on my shelf. I'm genuinely excited to keep turning to it.
---
That's what has me excited heading into 2026\. More games to run, more books to read, more time at the table—or at least, that's the hope
### Fresh eyed posts.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2025/12/29/fresh-eyed-posts/
Last updated: 2026-01-18T22:24:58.000Z
One of my favorite parts of working on a long-running project is putting it away for a while, then coming back with fresh eyes.
I think Steven King talks about writing the entire first draft of a book and then putting it in a drawer and moving onto something entirely different before going back to it. He might write an entire first draft of a different novel. He might take out a previous first draft and do the revision pass on it. The point is it's been months before he will return to the draft he just put away and look at it again.
With me, and comics, that usually means opening a PDF version of the book as it stands in Preview on macOS and reading through it, trying to experience the book like someone who’s never seen it before. I’ll spot small beats that want to be added, others that need cutting, and places that aren’t working. When I’ve had enough distance, the reasons are usually obvious. That clarity only shows up after stepping out of the weeds. While I'm writing the first draft and drawing the first pages, I still have a million thoughts in my head like "What if this were drastically different? What if this character wasn't in this scene? What if? What if? What if?"
When it's all just in my head, it can bounce around forever. But once it's down on a page, especially once it's got a version of itself that's drawn, it's not a question of what the thing should be. I'm *looking* at the thing. It's gonna be something pretty close to *this*. What's the best version of *this* look like?
Since my comics are drawn in black and blue, I'll use the tools built into Preview to annotate my thoughts onto the PDF in red. That way I can skim the pages even at thumbnail size and immediately see where I’ve left notes. Then it’s just a matter of going through, one note at a time, and dealing with them.
Here are some examples of what I'm talking about, from *Hello Robo*, my current graphic novel project. If you're curious what this book is about, I've shared [the pitch document I use when pitching to publishers](https://www.patreon.com/posts/hello-robo-pitch-144921922?ref=matthewbogart.net) with my Patreon supporters.
[](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
I share detailed breakdowns like this with my Patreon supporters each month, including full project PDFs and early looks at revisions in progress. Join my Patreon to see the unfinished work and learn from my process.
[Join ](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### December Newsletter: Signed Incredible Doom copies — only at BuyOlympia
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2025/12/02/december-newsletter/
Last updated: 2026-01-18T23:37:17.000Z
## Sign up for Matthew Bogart
This is an update to my infrequently updated newsletter featuring news about my comics and links to things I think would be interesting to fans of my comics.
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Hi everyone,
**In this edition of my randomly released every few months newsletter:**
- A mysterious upcoming graphic novel I can't talk about yet (but really want to)
- The Chairs' Hiatus Revised Edition and Companion Book finally gets a permanent home
- A deep dive into one of DC's wildest recent books
- Why everything on the internet suddenly got worse
- Portland's new cartoon museum opens its doors
- A local comics shop that needs our help
- A Portland shop with signed Incredible Doom books
Let's get started!
## BuyOlympia
First, I wanted to share something useful right away: [BuyOlympia is a great local business](https://buyolympia.com/Artist/Matthew+Bogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) here in Portland that carries my books, prints, and a few of the original mini comic slipcase sets that Jesse Holden and I made. They are the **only place to get signed sketched in copies of the Incredible Doom** series.
BuyOlympia has supported independent creators for years, and every purchase through them helps keep work like this going. They stay afloat with holiday sales so I thought now was a good time to bring them back to everyone's attention.
They've also got the super rare hand-assembled mini comic version of Incredible Doom, as well as prints to go along with the series that you can't get anywhere else.
There's *lots* of great stuff.
[Visit BuyOlympia](https://buyolympia.com/Artist/Matthew+Bogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
---
# **On Patreon**
I've been sharing a lot more behind-the-scenes moments on Patreon lately—[studio check-ins,](https://www.patreon.com/posts/creator-journal-142772818?ref=matthewbogart.net) [work-in-progress illustrations](https://www.patreon.com/posts/144398339?ref=matthewbogart.net), and [honest updates about the creative process](https://www.patreon.com/posts/studio-log-plans-142848926?ref=matthewbogart.net) without the pressure of every post needing to be monumental.
I'm also making some stuff that's normally work available to all patrons, like [the revised edition of *The Chairs' Hiatus with a special Companion Book*](https://www.patreon.com/posts/chairs-hiatus-142769425?ref=matthewbogart.net) and early materials from projects in development.
If you're interested in the messy, unpolished, day-to-day reality of making comics—the kind of stuff that doesn't fit neatly into announcements—Patreon's where that lives.
[Join my Patreon for free.](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
I have some big news about my next graphic novel coming very soon. I'm not allowed to talk about it yet, but boy is it exciting. I'll be telling Patreon about that first.
Here's a preview page because I can't help myself.
---
# **🔗 LINKS YOU MIGHT LIKE**
[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd4uonwOvhI&ref=matthewbogart.net)
[**Behind the Scenes: Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd4uonwOvhI&ref=matthewbogart.net)
I love making videos. I don't get to do it as much as I like. When I joined Helioscope Studio, I asked my studiomate Steve if there were any comics that had interesting "making of" stories that I might make a video about for the [Helioscope YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@helioscopepdx6666?ref=matthewbogart.net). He instantly recommended the book he made with famed comic writer Matt Fraction: Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen. It's one of the most inventive and experimental comics DC has published in years. So I spent a few months having a blast making an incredibly deep dive into the creation of that book, and [the video we put together is pretty great](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd4uonwOvhI&ref=matthewbogart.net). We dug through Matt's notebooks, Steve’s unused cover sketches, early versions of pages, and captured the whole creative process. [Go watch it. It's really cool. ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd4uonwOvhI&ref=matthewbogart.net)
I also made a [fun short](https://www.matthewbogart.net/2025/11/18/the-real-people-behind-jimmy-olsen/) out of a deleted scene showing how Steve used his studiomates as reference models.
The [deluxe hardcover is back in stock](https://www.etsy.com/listing/4311530238/back-in-stock-supermans-pal-jimmy-olsen?ref=matthewbogart.net) at the Helioscope shop, signed by Steve and sketched in, plus additional signatures from several artists depicted on the ornate cover of the collection—including me, since I'm on there. I could not, unfortunately, get my dog (who is also on the cover) to sign them. He's the real get.
[**"Did You Enjoy It?"**](https://www.matthewbogart.net/2025/11/12/did-you-enjoy-it/)
Jon Stewart talks about his first show and a 3 a.m. realization that changed everything. I love this.
[**The Chairs' Hiatus - Revised Edition**](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
I recently revisited my first graphic novel, *The Chairs' Hiatus* (originally completed in 2011), and created a lightly revised edition with redrawn panels, tightened layouts, a new opening page, and a few additional pages with the intention of showing it to publishers. That never happened, but I think it's a pretty cool version of the story.
For those who don't know, the story follows Mary and Nel, best friends and bandmates in the rock duo "The Chairs," until Mary mysteriously abandons music, fame, and their friendship to work a lousy job in a new city—only to have two people show up on her doorstep determined not to let her disappear.
The revised edition now includes the 28-page companion book—extra comics and illustrations of The Chairs from back in the day, created by me and several other talented artists and writers. This booklet was originally printed as a Kickstarter reward, but now it's available digitally alongside the revised story. I'm glad it has a more permanent home and I think fans of the comic will enjoy it.
It's [$3 to buy a PDF](https://www.patreon.com/posts/chairs-hiatus-142769425?ref=matthewbogart.net), or it comes with [membership](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net).
[**Northwest Museum of Cartoon Arts Opens in Portland**](https://nwmoca.org/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Portland's new Northwest Museum of Cartoon Arts had its ribbon-cutting at 322 NW 8th Ave. The space features six sections celebrating Portland's comics history, including exhibits on Helioscope Studio, queer cartoonist Rupert Kinnard, and Joe Sacco's journalism work. The museum opens to the public on December 9th—absolutely worth a visit if you're in town. I [wrote a bit about being at the ribbon-cutting](https://www.matthewbogart.net/2025/11/07/northwest-museum-of-cartoon-arts-ribbon-cutting/). Also, [here's a great article about it from OPB](https://www.opb.org/article/2025/11/07/new-portland-museum-pays-tribute-city-comics-culture/?ref=matthewbogart.net).
[**Cory Doctorow's *Enshittification*** ](https://bookshop.org/a/22427/9780374619329?ref=matthewbogart.net)
If you love *Incredible Doom*, you know I appreciate a good story about how the internet works—or, increasingly, how it *doesn't*—which is why I'm excited about the new book from *Incredible Doom* supporter, the legendary author and activist Cory Doctorow: [***Enshittification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What To Do About It***](https://bookshop.org/a/22427/9780374619329?ref=matthewbogart.net). *(bookshop.org* affiliate *link)* Cory didn't just diagnose that creeping feeling that every major platform is dying; he gave it a name that sticks, describing the inevitable decline where services prioritize users, then leverage users for business customers, and finally abuse *everyone* to maximize shareholder profits, a brutally accurate summary of why the digital world feels like it's crumbling. The book offers a concrete plan for fighting back.
In a classic move, Cory actively protested **Audible/Amazon’s monopoly** by funding an independent, [DRM-free audiobook](https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781250417602?ref=matthewbogart.net) via Kickstarter. Since Amazon demands DRM, locking your purchase to their service and holding readers **hostage**, Cory ensured listeners truly **own** their book, demonstrating the very principles he writes about in the most direct way possible.
[**Books with Pictures Needs Help**](https://www.gofundme.com/f/keep-books-with-pictures-alive-donate-now?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Portland's Books with Pictures—an Eisner Award-winning comics store that's been a vital part of the community—is facing serious financial challenges. Owner Katie Pryde has launched a GoFundMe to raise $42,500 to get current on accounts. They serve underrepresented comics audiences and focus on readers over speculators, which means they're doing this my favorite way. If you can't donate, consider buying comics from them as gifts this season.
Reuters
[**Meta's $16 Billion Scam Ad Problem**](https://www.reuters.com/investigations/meta-is-earning-fortune-deluge-fraudulent-ads-documents-show-2025-11-06/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
A disturbing Reuters investigation revealed that Meta projected 10% of its 2024 revenue—about $16 billion—would come from ads promoting scams and banned goods. Internal documents show Meta delivered an estimated 15 billion "higher risk" scam ads daily to users, and only bans advertisers when 95% certain they're fraudulent. For everyone else, they just charge higher rates and keep profiting. Did I mention I'm on [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/matthewbogart.bsky.social?ref=matthewbogart.net) and [Mastodon](https://matthewbogart.com/@matt?ref=matthewbogart.net)?
Thanks for sticking around and for supporting these weird projects.
\-Matt
### The Chairs' Hiatus Companion Book
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2025/12/01/the-chairs-hiatus-companion-book-rerelease/
Last updated: 2026-01-18T22:36:22.000Z
I’ve added ***The Chairs’ Hiatus – Companion Book*** to my recently released [revised edition](https://www.matthewbogart.net/2025/11/03/the-chairs-hiatus-3/) of my first graphic novel.
For those who haven’t read it, ***The Chairs’ Hiatus*** follows Mary and Nel, a rock duo who spent every day together on tour—until Mary mysteriously appears in a new city, having given up her music, fame, and friends. She wants nothing more than to work her lousy job and be left alone, but the two people who show up on her doorstep are determined to make sure that won’t happen.
The revised edition includes a handful of updated panels, some new pages, and small tweaks throughout — the kind of changes that come from looking at old work with a decade of hindsight.
### The Companion Book
The ***companion book*** is 28 pages of extra comics and illustrations of The Chairs from back in the day, by yours truly and several other talented artists and writers. There's stories about how the characters met, glimpses into characters lives you barely saw, and more. [Originally sent as a print edition](https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/08/09/the-chairs-hiatus-companion-book/) to Kickstarter backers it's nice for it to have a more long term home.
[](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
You can read the [original version](https://www.matthewbogart.net/the-chairs-hiatus/) of The Chairs' Hiatus for free, or the [new revised edition with the companion book](https://www.patreon.com/posts/chairs-hiatus-142769425?ref=matthewbogart.net) on Patreon for $3\. Paid members get it as part of their membership.
[Visit my patreon ](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Excerpts from the Companion Book
## Sign up for more
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### Holiday Sale on My Books and Prints
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2025/11/25/holiday-sale-on-my-books-and-prints/
Last updated: 2026-01-29T00:45:50.000Z
### Holiday Sale on My Books and Prints
BuyOlympia is running their annual **holiday free-shipping sale** — orders over $60 ship free in the U.S.
That means it’s a great time to pick up some of my work:
- **Signed copies** of *Incredible Doom* Vol. 1 and 2
- The full **mini-comic box set** — the original floppy-disk edition
- A handful of **archival prints** from the series, including *Neighborhood*, *Dialing*, and *Evol House*
You can find everything here:
👉 [https://buyolympia.com/Artist/Matthew+Bogart](https://buyolympia.com/Artist/Matthew+Bogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
If you’ve been meaning to grab a gift for a friend (or yourself), this is the best time of year to do it.
A sellection of things avlaiable by me at [BuyOlympia](https://buyolympia.com/Artist/Matthew+Bogart?ref=matthewbogart.net).
### The Real People Behind Jimmy Olsen
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2025/11/18/the-real-people-behind-jimmy-olsen/
Last updated: 2025-11-18T22:17:21.000Z
I made a fun short about how artist Steve Lieber uses his studiomates as reference in his and Matt Fractions’ series “Superman’s Pall Jimmy Olsen".
If you like this, I did a whole [half-hour-long video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd4uonwOvhI&ref=matthewbogart.net) with interviews with both Fraction and Lieber.
You can [get copies of the new hardback of this book](https://www.etsy.com/listing/4311530238/back-in-stock-supermans-pal-jimmy-olsen?ref=shop%5Fhome%5Ffeat%5F1&frs=1&sts=1&logging%5Fkey=5d463aeb118fd8a700ba0fdb0f50944f74dace6a%3A4311530238) signed by Steve and several studiomates including myself.
### "Did you enjoy it?"
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2025/11/12/did-you-enjoy-it/
Last updated: 2025-11-12T22:56:22.000Z
I've been thinking about [this interview Conan O’Brien did with Jon Stewart](https://teamcoco.com/podcasts/conan-obrien-needs-a-friend/episodes/jon-stewart?ref=matthewbogart.net). They were talking about their early TV years — those first shows where every week’s ratings felt like life or death. The pressure made the job miserable.
Stewart said that a few weeks into *The Jon Stewart Show,* he could already tell it was doomed.
"We knew this thing's going down. But I had your experience of like, this is my shot. Like, this is it. My name is on \[a show\]. This is a manifestation of who I am as an artist, as a person. If it gets rejected, *I* am rejected. I wasn't sleeping. I was really miserable. I was drinking like a motherfucker. All those different things. And one night in my insomnia, 3 o'clock in the morning, 4 o'clock in the morning, I just remember thinking, you're going to have had your own talk show with your name on it where you could do whatever you wanted \[...\]. **And people are going to say, "Did you enjoy it?"** And I would have to say, *I hated it.* And I think it nearly destroyed me. And what a dumb fucking response. And that morning I got up and was like, *I'm going to enjoy the shit out of this*. Yeah. And I don't care anymore. Yeah. And it was revelatory. And it was such a, I felt it *physically*, like that relief."
The show was canceled soon after, but it's a good reminder for anyone currently doing their dream job — how’s it going?
### Northwest Museum of Cartoon Arts ribbon cutting
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2025/11/07/northwest-museum-of-cartoon-arts-ribbon-cutting/
Last updated: 2025-11-07T21:31:18.000Z
A few days ago I got to attend the ribbon-cutting for the [Northwest Museum of Cartoon Arts](https://nwmoca.org/?ref=matthewbogart.net) (NWMOCA) at 322 NW 8th Ave in Portland. It was great. Back in the early 2000s my friends and I actually ran a small gallery in downtown Portland, so I have some small idea how hard it is to pull off something like this. The folks behind this new museum have created a massive, beautiful space with help from a really dedicated team.
One part of the opening exhibit focused on Helioscope Studio, which was so neat to see. At the ceremony they mentioned Portland might have the highest per-capita number of cartoonists in the world.
They showed beautiful work by so many talented people, and I was honored to have some of mine included. There was even a giant print of the Jimmy Olsen cover Steve Lieber drew, and all of us who appeared in the crowd on that cover got a photo in front of it.
If you’re in Portland anytime soon and love comics, go check it out. It’s absolutely worth the visit.
### New Creator Journal – Viking Funerals for Comics
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2025/11/04/new-creator-journal-viking-funerals-for-comics/
Last updated: 2025-11-11T18:41:53.000Z
I just posted a new *Creator Journal* on Patreon — a behind-the-scenes video and audio pdocast for patrons about what I’ve been working on lately.
In this one, I talk about:
- The latest on the *Hello Robo*, *Eternal September*, and *Chairs’ Hiatus* book pitches
- A look inside the “Viking funeral” boxes I keep for each of my major projects
- Visiting an elementary school to run the Quanto Comics experiment
- Applying to the Alaska Robotics Comics Camp
- Trying (again) to overcome posting guilt and share more regularly
If you like hearing about the messy, in-progress side of making comics — and seeing how I juggle new pitches, old projects, and too many boxes — this one’s for you.
You can [watch or read the whole thing here.](https://www.patreon.com/posts/creator-journal-142772818?utm%5Fmedium=clipboard%5Fcopy&utm%5Fsource=copyLink&utm%5Fcampaign=postshare%5Fcreator&utm%5Fcontent=join%5Flink)
0:00
/0:49
1×
### A New Home for The Chairs’ Hiatus (Revised Edition)
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2025/11/03/the-chairs-hiatus-3/
Last updated: 2025-11-11T18:56:14.000Z
A few years back, I put together a lightly revised edition of my first graphic novel, [*The Chairs’ Hiatus*](https://www.matthewbogart.net/the-chairs-hiatus/). It includes a handful of updated panels, some new pages, and small tweaks throughout — the kind of changes that come from looking at old work with a decade of hindsight.
Until now, I’d only shared it as a little thank-you to mailing list subscribers, but I’ve decided it deserves a more permanent home. You can now find a downloadable PDF and notes about the revisions on my Patreon for all monthly members, or for a flat $3\.
You can also read the origional version for free [here](https://www.matthewbogart.net/the-chairs-hiatus/).
[Check it out on Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/posts/chairs-hiatus-142769425?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### New Patreon Creator Journal: About New Systems, Community Building, and Comic Pitching
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2025/08/28/new-patreon-creator-journal-about-new-systems-community-building-and-comic-pitching/
Last updated: 2025-11-11T18:42:53.000Z
(EXCERPT) Creator Journal - New Systems, Community Building, and Comic Pitching
0:00
/59.47032879818594
1×
I just posted a [new edition of my Patreon Creator Journal](https://www.patreon.com/posts/creator-journal-137581723?ref=matthewbogart.net). In which I talk about the systems I designed for better podcast recording, insights from my chat with Eisner winners, and my latest comic pitching adventures. These are a fun experiment that I've been doing recently. I love the number of different ways Patreon provides to keep in touch with your patrons. If you'd like to check it out, you can join at any level.
### How an Eisner-Winning Comic Gets Made: Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2025/08/13/i-made-a-cool-video-with-matt-fraction-and-steve-lieber/
Last updated: 2026-06-17T19:10:27.000Z
A few months ago, I was talking with my [Helioscope studio](https://helioscopepdx.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) mate Steve Lieber about ideas for our YouTube channel. I’d been itching to add something to it, something with the [same in-depth, production heavy approach I’d used when making the behind the scenes videos](https://www.matthewbogart.net/tag/incredible-doom-video-series/) about my series, [*Incredible Doom*](http://incredibledoom.com/?utm%5Fsource=matthewbogart.net).
I won't lie, I love working with video editing software and wanted an excuse to do more. But also, the more we can raise the profile of the studio, the better it is for all of its members. Having more fun videos on our channel that show off the amazing work Helioscope folks do can't hurt. The rising tide lifts all boats, right?
I asked Steve if there was a book by a Helioscope member with an interesting creation story and without missing a beat, he said, Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen.
If you’re not familiar, *Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen* is a comic Steve made with writer Matt Fraction. It’s a sharp, funny, and wildly inventive series, and one of the most *experimental* comics I've ever seen from DC. It won two Eisner Awards, the comics industry’s highest honor, the year it came out and the stories behind it are just as good as what ended up on the page.
Me interviewing Matt Fraction, photo by Steve
So for the past few months, I’ve been filming interviews with Matt (who I didn't know at all) and Steve (who I did), digging up never-before-seen versions of pages, unused cover sketches, and even snapshots from Matt’s notebooks. Then I took all that material and edited it into a deep-dive video, equal parts behind-the-scenes archive and conversation between two friends.
And as of today, that [video is up on the Helioscope YouTube](https://youtu.be/Dd4uonwOvhI?ref=matthewbogart.net). Check it out, and subscribe if you enjoy it.
I’m looking forward to seeing what else we can come up with for the channel, spotlighting great books, sharing creative process stories, and capturing the day-to-day of working comics professionals.
Also, just yesterday, *Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen* just got a [*gorgeous* new deluxe hardcover edition](https://helioscopepdx.etsy.com/listing/4311530238/pre-order-supermans-pal-jimmy-olsen?ref=matthewbogart.net). It’s well worth checking out, and if you look closely at the back cover, you might even spot a little hidden cameo.
Signed, [sketched in editions](https://helioscopepdx.etsy.com/listing/4311530238/pre-order-supermans-pal-jimmy-olsen?ref=matthewbogart.net) of the book are available on the [studio shop](https://www.etsy.com/shop/HelioscopePdx?ref=shop-header-name&listing%5Fid=4311530238&from%5Fpage=listing).
💡
****2026-01 UPDATE:** I also made a fun [YouTube short showing the real life folks that posed as reference for the Jimmy Olsen book](https://www.matthewbogart.net/2025/11/18/the-real-people-behind-jimmy-olsen/). It's my favorite scene that didn't make it in the longer video.
## Want more behind-the-scenes content like this delivered to your inbox?
Subscribe to my newsletter for weekly updates on projects, creative process insights, and new videos
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Me, on the back cover of a DC comic. I had to sign a release and everything.
The cover of the new Deluxe Edition of "Supermans Pal Jimmy Olsen"
### New Creator Journal podcast eppisode - robots, notebooks, and Kairos
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2025/07/10/creator-journal-podcast-eppisode-robots-notebooks-and-kairos/
Last updated: 2025-08-28T22:02:26.000Z
This week in my patron exclusive [Creator Journal](https://www.patreon.com/posts/creator-journal-133855172?ref=matthewbogart.net) podcast: How drawing robots rekindled my artistic spirit, the unexpected benefits of bullet journaling, and a fresh take on time management. Become a member to join me on the journey of trying to create meaningful comics.
[](https://www.patreon.com/posts/creator-journal-133855172?utm%5Fmedium=clipboard%5Fcopy&utm%5Fsource=copyLink&utm%5Fcampaign=postshare%5Fcreator&utm%5Fcontent=join%5Flink)
### Two-Week Open-Studio Livestream (No Algorithms Attached)
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2025/04/25/two-week-open-studio-livestream-no-algorithms-attached/
Last updated: 2025-04-25T21:52:02.000Z
One of the things I love about livestreaming is that it feels a bit like a secret. You’re invited into my space just to hang out for a while. It reminds me of when I was younger, stopping by a friend’s house, sitting around until we got bored, and then heading out—no pressure, no expectation that anyone had to “host” in the formal sense. Just being around each other.
The setup I use isn’t tied to some social media company trying to build an ad network or overthrow society. It’s just software made by a person who built a game, running on my own server. No data harvesting. No terms of service quietly granting permission for my work to be sold off to AI companies. If the AI companies are getting it, they’re scraping it without my consent, which—honestly—I prefer over being “asked” to hand it over.
It feels like the early web. Personal, low-key, human. Built the way I want it to be, without hidden motives from third parties I don’t trust.
Recently, I watched [a video series by game designer Kelsey Dionne](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQKa9pUu6dg&list=PLsIJw22Nm-ctYiy8qK6TtrTgjnYbHsxiC&ref=matthewbogart.net), where she shared her process for creating adventure modules. She wasn’t teaching a class, declaring rules, or offering step-by-step formulas. She was simply working—thinking out loud, responding to questions, and making decisions in real-time. Watching her approach taught me more about adventure design than months of exploration on my own. Understanding how she *thought* through these problems, seeing *how long it actually took*, and noticing that the process could be genuinely *fun*, made me feel—for the first time—like I might someday be able to try my hand at creating an adventure myself.
I’ve been making comics for a long time. *Odds are*, I know some things that are worth passing along.
So, I’m going to try a little experiment.
For the next two weeks—from **Monday April 28th** through **Saturday May 10th**—I’ll be livestreaming from Helioscope Studio every day *but* Sundays and Wednesdays. I’ll start around 9 AM pacific. There’s no fixed stopping time. When the studio starts getting busy, I’ll wrap up.
I’ll be streaming at [matthewbogart.live](https://matthewbogart.live/?ref=matthewbogart.net), running on my own personal Owncast server. No algorithms. No ads. Just me, hanging out, doing work.
If you’d like to know when I go live, you can:
- Follow me on [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/matthewbogart.bsky.social?ref=matthewbogart.net)
- Follow me on [Mastodon](https://matthewbogart.com/@matt?ref=matthewbogart.net)
- Or visit [matthewbogart.live](https://matthewbogart.live/?ref=matthewbogart.net) and enable browser notifications
I’d love for you to drop by, even if just for a few minutes.
It’ll be low-key. I’m just going to be drawing, thinking out loud, kind of like stopping by a friend’s house for a bit.
[Visit matthewbogart.live, my cozy little livestream site.](https://matthewbogart.live/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### I can't stop thinking about the Severance timeline.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2025/01/24/help-me-figure-out-this-severance-timeline-2/
Last updated: 2025-01-24T07:44:59.000Z
⚠️
Spoilers for the TV show Severance.
Let's engage in some old fashioned mystery tv show nit picking to help me soothe my brain.
I just watched tonight's episode of the excellent Apple TV show *Severance*, which if you haven't seen it you should. The first season is fantastic, and I'm so hoping they can keep up that quality.
But I ran into something that, as far as I can work my head around it, seems to be a weird incongruity, for a show that seems to pride itself on sweating the details. Perhaps you can help me work it out.
This has to do with the timeline in the show, and I warn you, it's pretty nerdy, and you may very well end this post thinking "*That's* what's bothering you? Who the hell *cares?*"
Regardless, it *is* bothering me.
I have a blog. What else is blogging for?
---
So, at the end of season one the three "innies" use the Override Contingency to wake themselves up on the outside of Lumon. As far as I can tell this happens on a Friday.
In season 2, we see Mr. Milchick then visits the innies that night, fires two of them, and tells Mark Scout "In the meantime, I hope to see you on Monday."
Mark appears to then think things over, with some prodding from his sister and Milchick, and decides to work on ***Monday***. At which time he's confronted with three new co-workers which Milchick refers to in S2E2 as "a floater from Overseas, and a pair who were laid off from 5x", explaining that he "only had 48 hours to pull this together." Which makes sense, if it's only been two days since the innies triggered the Override Contingency.
In tonights episode, we see **Monday** where outie Mark *W* goes down the elevator at 8:06 and outie Mark *S* goes down at 9:04\.
We see his innie work a full day his first day back, meeting his new team, being told by Milchick that he's been gone for five months, and that they are the "face of Severance reform". Which I think, based on what we can see from episode 2, is a lie, including the bit about five moths. But we'll get to that. Then we see outie Mark leave for the day at 5:12 in outie Marks episode.
We don't see mark go down the elevator again in S2E2, but we see him exit the elevator again at 5:20\. Presumably after we saw innie Mark work a full day that day, ending it by slipping a note into the jacket of Mark W. So that's ***Tuesday.***
The next day, ***Wednesday***, we see outie Mark go into the elevator at 9:03\. Then innie Mark is confronted by Milchick who discovered the note that was trying to frame Mark W. Innie Mark runs to Milchicks office and talks to the speaker trying to reach the board. Milchick then kicks him out of work early. Which lines up with outie Marks episode where we see him leaving the elevator at only 9:15, just a few minutes after he went in, but he doesn't notice.
In outie Marks episode we see Lumon folks listening to innie Marks call to the baord. They decide to try and get all the fired severed workers *back* to appease Marks innie so that he can finish his project. We don't know when for sure this is, but I think we learn that it's likely that same day in the next scene.
Next we see outie Mark returning to work. I think it's safe to assume this is ***Thursday***, because we see Mark W on the steps yelling about how he was let go after only 3 days, which makes sense if since he was only brought in on ***Monday***, after Milchick only had 48 hours to get him after Fridays Override Contingency was triggered.
We then watch all of our favorite outies go down the elevator one at a time, Mark, Dylan, Irving and Helena. A procession that lines up *perfectly* with the timing of all of them appearing downstairs as their innies from S2E1\. Seriously, [watch this video showing the two scenes side by side.](https://www.reddit.com/r/SeveranceAppleTVPlus/comments/1i8lrvb/mdr%5Freturning%5Fto%5Fthe%5Fsevered%5Ffloor%5Fepisode%5F1%5Fand/?ref=matthewbogart.net) The filmmakers sure *seem* to be trying to tell folks who dig into the details of this show that, yes, we are seeing both sides of these elevator trips, and nothing weird is happening in between. (aside from, you know, the severing.)
All the innies regroup, get led into the newly remodeled "break room", watch a movie featuring animated versions of themselves, and decide to keep coming back to work.
It seems like the creators of the show have gone to great lengths to establish this timeline, specifically mentioning things like "I hope to see you back to work on Monday." "I only had 48 hours to put this together." "Three days of work!" and the multiple shots of clocks highlighted.
***So!***
The thing that I can't stop thinking about is this...
Did Lumon really create the stop motion animated short film about the "Macro Dat Uprising" in between midday Wednesday and Thursday morning?
### Sharing the love of a thing
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2024/12/29/sharing-the-love-of-a-thing/
Last updated: 2024-12-29T23:37:37.000Z
Just a little ways away from our house sits a tiny movie theater, a cozy spot with just three screens showing both modern releases and beloved classics. Recently, I've seen "Stand By Me", "Being John Malkovich", and "Halloween" there. Last night the line for "Nosferatu" stretched nearly out the door, the busiest I've ever seen the place.
The theater's history stretches back to 1948, its bright neon marquee still illuminating the neighborhood. Inside, the concession stand offers hot dogs, candy, popcorn, beer, soda - and even pizza from the neighboring restaurant that's been there since the mid 80s.
During a packed showing of the original "Halloween," on Halloween night, one of the staff members stepped up to share some behind-the-scenes tidbits about the movie before it started. At first I was skeptical whenever someone unexpected gets up to address a croud that didn't gather to see them - who was this guy? But his brief speich was genuinely sweet: just an enthusiastic sharing of love for a thing.
That kind of enthusiasm for film, and for watching it together, for spending time together in real life, is so much easier to sympathize with at a little three-theater movie house than most anywhere else.
I love it.
Lets go see a movie.
### Next Stop - by Debbie Fong
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2024/12/13/next-stop-by-debbie-fong/
Last updated: 2024-12-13T00:35:58.000Z
Kirkus Reviews describes Next Stop as “a poignant story that delicately balances youthful delight and naïveté with profound mourning.”
I'd describe it as my favorite book I’ve read this year.
*Next Stop* follows Pia, a reserved middle schooler who embarks on a transformative desert bus tour to a mystical lake, uncovering the beauty of connection and healing along the way. I don't want to tell you any more of the plot, as it, like so many of my favorite books, is so much about the *way* it's told, and going in blind makes it so much better.
So here's what I'll tell you...
This book is so damn sweet, sad, heartbreaking, and funny in ways that feel effortless. It's stuck with me so much so that I reached out to Debbie (who I got to meet at a comics event this year) and asked for a hardback copy, because I want to pickup this thing again and again over the years.
It’s also just perfectly made. The size feels right in your hands, the cover is beautiful, (especially the cover under the hard cover dust jacket!) and inside, it’s packed with the most lovely, quiet moments.
I love how the cast of characters unfolds. You meet them gradually, one by one, over the course of the journey. And then, on a second read, you realize they were there all along—just like the protagonist, you weren’t paying attention at first.
Then the color does everything beautifully, from subtle indications of flashbacks, to gorgeous shifts from bright, hot, exciting day, to cool lonely, beautiful night and day is all handled with such care.
They’re fun, but there’s also this slightly otherworldly quality to them, like you’ve stepped into a dream.
And at its heart, this book is so *wonderfully* human. The weight of the past and the beauty of the present unfold along a surreal and slightly unsettling bus trip through various roadside attractions.
If you haven't read *Next Stop*, go buy it right now. Give it to someone.
This book is just fucking fantastic.
[Learn more about Debbie Fong and her work on her website.](https://www.debbiefong.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
[Buy *Next Stop*.](https://www.debbiefong.com/nextstop?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### New Release: 'Incredible Doom: Eternal September' Issue 2 Free for All
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2024/05/20/new-release-eternal-september-issue-2-free-for-all/
Last updated: 2025-11-26T21:27:49.000Z
Great news. Issue number two of "Incredible Doom - Eternal September" is now fully available online for **free**. Here's how you can enjoy it:
- **Patrons:** Grab your free e-book now as a token of our appreciation.
- **Everyone else:** [read the whole story on the archive page](https://www.incredibledoom.com/eternal-september-02/?ref=matthewbogart.net) here, [get the e-book](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart/shop/incredible-doom-eternal-september-2-197938?source=storefront) for just $3, or, if you love flipping through physical pages, snag a [beautiful 53-page print version](https://buyolympia.com/Item/matthew-bogart-jesse-holden-incredible-doom-eternal-september-no2?ref=matthewbogart.net) for $9\. Tip: Buying both issues together saves on shipping.
In this issue, Doug's approach to his radically transparent blog collides with his mysterious new friendship with Thea. A relationship filled with exploration, trepidation, and wonder, sets root in against a backdrop of retro-web nostalgia.
And there's more on the horizon: **Issue #3** is gearing up for serialization soon, with [early access to the full issue](https://www.patreon.com/posts/incredible-doom-87948645?ref=matthewbogart.net) already available for our patrons. Plus, we're putting together some exciting bonus content for issue two, including an interactive creator's commentary page. It's packed with clickable icons throughout the comic revealing time-lapse videos, behind-the-scenes trivia, and insights into our creative process.
Stay tuned here, check our [RSS feed](http://matthewbogart.net/rss?ref=matthewbogart.net), or follow me on [Mastodon](https://matthewbogart.com/@matt?ref=matthewbogart.net), [Blue Sky](https://bsky.app/profile/matthewbogart.bsky.social?ref=matthewbogart.net), and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/matthewbogart/?ref=matthewbogart.net) to not miss out.
Returning to self-publish "Incredible Doom" has been thrilling yet challenging, especially as we uphold open web principles in an algorithm-driven world. If you enjoy these stories and support independent web creators, please consider [backing us on Patreon](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) or sharing our story with a friend. Let's keep making fun stuff for the internet together.
[READ THE NEW ISSUE ONLINE](https://www.incredibledoom.com/eternal-september-02/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
[BUY THE EBOOK](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart/shop/incredible-doom-eternal-september-2-197938??ref=matthewbogart.net)
[BUY THE PRINT BOOK](https://buyolympia.com/Item/matthew-bogart-jesse-holden-incredible-doom-eternal-september-no2?ref=matthewbogart.net)
[](https://rajsolankiart.substack.com/)
By the way, my friend Raj and I are helping support each other's work. You should [check out his comic](https://rajsolankiart.substack.com/).
## LINKS
[Can The Lord of the Rings Ever be Remastered?After several home releases, The Lord of the Rings doesn’t look as good as I remember, but my memory isn’t the problem.My recommendations:-The Fellowship of…YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkNFZkUHeKQ&ref=matthewbogart.net)
Jesse Tribble delves into how technological advancements have both [improved and compromised “The Lord of the Rings” films](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkNFZkUHeKQ&ref=matthewbogart.net) over the years.
[1995 Flashback: First-time PC user can’t work computerIn this “CBS Evening News” report from May 22, 1995, a first-time personal computer user was featured to underscore the challenges in adopting the new techno…YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KDdU0DCbJA&t=6s&ref=matthewbogart.net)
God, I love this stuff. NBC Evening News from 1995 covering the challenges of first-time PC users.
[Ian McKellen finds another actor in the family... | Full Episode | #WDYTYAAs the ‘last of the McKellens’, Sir Ian admits to a degree of melancholy as he delves into his family history. But the results pay off richly for one of Brit…YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=%5FzFNKS9A434&ref=matthewbogart.net)
I've found these extremely well-produced deep dives into various folks' family histories relaxing. They are part history lessons, part detective shows, chasing clues hidden in archives over hundreds of years. Contrast this episode with the difficult [one about Jason Sudeikis discovering his family's abandonment history. ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysUW0MwFj%5F0&ref=matthewbogart.net)
[17 Minutes of Charles Schulz Drawing Peanuts (Charlie Brown)Here is everything I could find of Charles Schulz drawing Peanuts. Should you find any additional clips, link them in the comments.2:52 Drawing Illustrations…YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEGHQQeNeS4&embeds%5Freferring%5Feuri=https%3A%2F%2Fomnivore.app%2F&source%5Fve%5Fpath=MjM4NTE&feature=emb%5Ftitle&ref=matthewbogart.net)
Just beautiful to see these lines be made. Many folks don't know that Schultz's trademark shakey line later in his career wasn't a stylistic choice or lack of expertise, it was due to a neurological disorder called an "[essential tremor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essential%5Ftremor?ref=matthewbogart.net)"
[Dan Schkade on Instagram: ”“What killed the dinosaurs?” #arnoldschwarzenegger #dannydevito #misterfreeze #thepenguin #batman #batmanandrobin #batmanreturns #joelschumacher #timburton #theiceage”2,611 likes, 34 comments - danschkade on March 13, 2024: ”“What killed the dinosaurs?” #arnoldschwarzenegger #dannydevito #misterfreeze #thepenguin #batman #batmanandrobin #batmanreturns #joelsc...”.Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/C4dWyTeMuY6/?igsh=MWJ2ZWZpNHhnbjdmYQ%3D%3D&img%5Findex=1&ref=matthewbogart.net)
This comic version of a conversation between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito on life and Death from Interview Magazine hit me just right. I wrote [Dan Schkade](https://danschkade.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) to tell him it's my favorite comic on Instagram.
### What it's like to not win an Oregon Book Award
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2024/05/07/what-its-like-to-not-win-an-oregon-book-award/
Last updated: 2025-08-21T19:47:03.000Z
📼 🤝 I made a [video for patrons](https://www.patreon.com/posts/what-its-like-to-102542768?ref=matthewbogart.net) about what it's like to not win the Oregon Book Award.
Short answer: Weirder than I thought?
Here's a preview.
0:00
/1:01
1×
Here's the [full video](https://www.patreon.com/posts/what-its-like-to-102542768?ref=matthewbogart.net).
---
Musical Typing by Matthew Bogart
0:00
/63.89233560090703
1×
By the way, if you have a use for the quick little tune I made to go under this video, here's the file. I'm releasing it under Creative Commons.
Musical Typing by [Matthew Bogart](https://www.matthewbogart.net/) is licensed under [CC BY-NC-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/?ref=chooser-v1)
### My thoughts on how Ghost might join Fediverse
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2024/04/17/ghost-asks-for-input-about-how-to-join-the-fediverse/
Last updated: 2024-04-22T19:17:17.000Z
The folks who make [Ghost](https://ghost.org/?ref=matthewbogart.net), the wonderful open-source publishing software that runs this site, and my comic site [incredibledoom.com](http://incredibledoom.com/?utm%5Fsource=my%5Fblog) recently [put up a form](https://tally.so/r/m67X4P?ref=matthewbogart.net) asking how folks would like them to implement one of their most requested features: [ActivityPub](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ActivityPub?ref=matthewbogart.net) support/integration with [the fediverse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fediverse?ref=matthewbogart.net).
It turns out I had a lot of ideas. This is a lot more complex than I first thought, but still full of very exciting possibilities.
It's complicated, nerdy stuff. So if you're not into Ghost, or [the fediverse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fediverse?ref=matthewbogart.net), it might not be for you. But I make a complicated nerdy comic for a living, son some of you might be interested anyway.
💡
****NOTE**: I wrote this just focusing on my own needs. I'm sure other folks would want different things. I wonder if Ghost will summarize the results of the form.
# HIGH-LEVEL OVERVIEW
I would love it if each author on a ghost site would have their own Fediverse account, and each new post of theirs would have the option of federating in two different ways: as a configurable synopsis or in full. (With practical exceptions listed below)
Most importantly to me as a long-form cartoonist, I hope a federated post would have the ability to contain an unlimited number of images in its body so comics longer than a handful of pages could at last federate.
This account should be followable, with any responses to these fediverse posts federating back to the original web article as comments, providing the settings in your Ghost settings allow for that.
You would also have several per-post federation options. (described below)
## DEFAULT FEDERATION SETTINGS
Ideally, there would be a setting under *settings>fediverse card* where you could set the default way a post federates, choosing between two federation format options:
- **ENTIRE POST:** Including as many elements of the full body of the post as possible or…
- **SYNOPSIS:** Federating a simplified version that contains a few user-configurable options.
Selecting the “synopsis” option would give you an editable field to customize what parts of a post were included in the federated post, and what order they would appear in. For example, giving you an editable text field letting you rearrange handlebars such as ‘{{title}} {{synopsis}} {{url}}’. So someone could, for example, leave out the title or synopsis or include some additional text like “NEW BLOG POST”.
Here you could also set standard Mastodon visibility settings, like the following.
- Public (Visible for all)
- Unlisted (Visible for all, but opted-out of discovery features)
- Followers-only (Visible for followers only)
If a post is set to federate with a SYNOPSIS, the featured image of that post could be included as an ActivityPub "attachment". If a post is set to federate as the ENTIRE POST the featured image would be included in the body of the post at the top.
## PER POST-PUBLISHING OPTIONS
In addition, “new post>post settings> fediverse card” would show you a preview of how your post might look on Mastodon and Threads with an option to switch the current post from your default federation format to the other.
So if, for example, your site default settings were set to federate the entire body of every post, but you had written a post that included a lot of content that didn’t render well on the Fediverse, you could switch just this post to render as a synopsis instead. Or vice versa, if you normally publish synopsis posts but want the full body of this post to federate, you could toggle that on in the post settings.
## EDITABLE, PER POST SUMMARIES
Similarly to how Facebook cards work in Ghost now, if you have a post set to federate as a summary, and you go to *post>post settings> fediverse card* you would see a preview of how the post might look on the Fediverse, as well as an editable text field, pre-populated with the summary for that post as configured in *settings>fediverse card*.
Here you could also add a content warning, and change just this post's visibility from your blog's default settings.
Similarly to how Ghost currently has a “public preview / only visible to members” card that can be added to a post, there would be a new card that allowed you to indicate how much of a post should federate followed by a link back to the original article.
## FALLBACK OPTIONS
I imagine several cards that can be added to a post in Ghost couldn’t render the same way in a federated post. I don't know how the Activity Pub spec works, but I would guess some cards couldn't even render as well as they do in an RSS feed or email.
For example, this mailing list sign-up card for example with a form for the user to put in an email address likely wouldn’t work.
## Sign up for Matthew Bogarts mailing list
slice-of-life comics you'll like
Subscribe
Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
I assume many of these cards would be omitted in the federated version of a post, but there are a few things I would like to still render, even if they need to be formatted differently on the Fediverse.
Buttons and bookmarks would ideally just become links.
[Read my comic. ](http://incredibledoom.com/?utm%5Fsource=matthewbogart%5Fnet)
would become
[Read my comic.](http://incredibledoom.com/?utm%5Fsource=matthewbogart%5Fnet)
and
[Incredible DoomThe series Vanity Fair called “one of the best of the year” returns with Volume 3, introducing new characters and stories about finding connections in the wilds of the early web.Incredible DoomBLOG](http://incredibledoom.com/?utm%5Fsource=matthewbogart%5Fnet)
Would become:
[Incredible Doom](http://incredibledoom.com/?utm%5Fsource=matthewbogart%5Fnet)
Galleries would become a vertical scroll of images stacked one on top of the other. Embed audio and video would either turn into text links (ideally) or just be omitted entirely if they can’t be reliably displayed on other platforms.
## MEMBERS ONLY POSTS
Members-only posts would have their public preview section federated in full with a link back to the original article.
## COMMENTS AND REPLIES
Ghost's settings under *access>commenting* currently include options for who can display comments:
- Members
- Paid members only
- Nobody
I suggest adding a checkbox next to this dropdown to incorporate Fediverse comments. This would allow any reply to a federated post to appear as a comment on the blog. Ideally, these would be kept separate from member comments to clarify whether someone needs to become a member of your site to respond to a specific comment or log on to their fediverse account.
## MODERATION
The existing Ghost comment system sends an email to the site admin when a comment is made, which isn't ideal for moderating fediverse responses. A dedicated page in Ghost for all comments would allow for better moderation. This should include options to block specific Fediverse accounts or domains from commenting. If a Fediverse comment is removed, there should be an indicator in the comment thread, while other comments remain visible. (I think, I'm just guessing on this.)
## SIMPLIFIED VERSION
Here are my suggestions for a streamlined version 1 of Ghost's Fediverse integration. Again, this isn't trying to predict what everyone would or should want. I'm just thinking for myself here.
### Essential features (for me)
- Federation of entire posts with images, enabling full articles to be accessible directly on the Fediverse.
- The capability to share numerous images within a single post.
- A manageable way to be notified of replies without overwhelming your email inbox.
### Features you might delay
- Federation of replies as comments on Ghost posts, eliminating the need for extensive moderation tools.
- Varied visibility settings for federated posts; default to all posts being public.
- The ability to add content warnings to posts.
---
Thank you for considering these ideas. I'm excited about the potential integration of Ghost with the Fediverse, which I've been hoping for for years.
By far, the hardest challenge for a long-form cartoonist like me making a living online is the ability to get my work directly in front of folks in the places where they regularly go. Comic strips have always fit into social media posts. 20 pages of comics have not. Ghost integrating with the fediverse could provide a way to make this possible which would be a lifesaver for me.
Want to chat about this stuff? I'm on [Mastodon](https://matthewbogart.com/@matt?ref=matthewbogart.net) and [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/matthewbogart.bsky.social?ref=matthewbogart.net).
### Falling through tough months
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2024/04/12/falling-through-tough-months/
Last updated: 2024-04-12T18:50:26.000Z
##
🚧
[Jump to trigger warning](https://www.matthewbogart.net/2024/04/12/falling-through-tough-months/#trigger)
I always knew April and May of this year were going to be rough. I'm a socially anxious person, and this spring was going to be *packed* with seeing people.
It was to kick off with the *Oregon Book Awards* where [*Incredible Doom Vol. 2*](https://www.matthewbogart.net/incredible-doom-vol-2/) was nominated. Jesse’s dad and stepmom were coming to town for the awards ceremony which happened to coincide with his dad’s 80th birthday.
***Nine days later,*** I would be traveling to the coast to spend several days with my friends on our annual trip that we've been doing for over fifteen years.
***Three days after that***, I was scheduled to head to Alaska for the Alaska Robotics Comics Camp and Convention. During that trip, I'd be doing my first-ever presentation in front of a school classroom.
Then, ***three days after*** I home I was set to hold a table at the Beaverton Library Free Comic Book Day, followed by two friends set to fly into town to stay with us, ***during which time*** I'd leave to head to the Vancouver Comics Art Festival.
---
A couple of weeks ago I was looking over my calendar, psycing myself up for this gauntlet of fun, but very *stressful* things, making plans for how to get a running start on all this, when we noticed our cat Grandpa was eating less than normal.
A few days and several vet visits later, he was gone, and the four of us in our house were three.
It's heartbreaking. Devastating.
The crying leaves my whole body sore.
"Fuck cancer" is right.
---
The Oregon Book Awards just happened. We didn’t win, but it was nice to see all those who came to support us.
Now I’m scrambling to do taxes, ship books, make Patreon rewards, and write comics; preparing for this tidal wave of events as it begins to hit.
I feel like I tripped at the top of a steep hill. That I'm tumbling down and whatever comes next gravity.
It’s good though; I remind myself of that. I get to see friends and loved ones.
But I wish I didn't have to do it while feeling like I'm falling. Triggered by random memories that choke me up. And knew what to do with the litter box.
RIP buddy.
##
---
🚧
****Trigger Warning:** Pet death.
🔝 [back to top ](https://www.matthewbogart.net/2024/04/12/falling-through-tough-months/#top)
### Dungen Crawl Classics - Humble Bundle
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2024/03/18/dungen-cra/
Last updated: 2024-03-18T18:31:15.000Z
Over the past few months, my fascination with tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) has gone a bit wild. Though I've been a fan of shows like "[The Adventure Zone](https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/adventure-zone/?ref=matthewbogart.net)" and "[Dimension 20](https://www.dropout.tv/dimension-20?ref=matthewbogart.net)" for years, it wasn't until January that I committed to playing these games myself—and it's been so much fun. So far I've been playing Dungeons and Dragons, the most well-known TTRPG. But I'm intrigued by other systems too. What makes them different? Why would someone prefer one over another?
["Dungeon Crawl Classics"](https://goodman-games.com/dungeon-crawl-classics-rpg/?ref=matthewbogart.net) (DCC) is a system that's popped up consistently in various YouTube videos and podcasts. The praise for DCC in certain circles is pretty outstanding. Here's an example:
> It is, in my opinion, a RPG masterpiece! Based on Goodman’s decades of experience in game design and drawing inspiration from the best of fantasy literature, Goodman has crafted what could be considered the definitive culmination of OSR.
> Goodman has taken the essence of old school RPGs and blended them with the flavor of seminal works of fiction from authors such as HP Lovecraft, Edward Rice Burroughs and Jack Vance and distilled these into a potent and heady draft fit for even the hardiest of Dwarven brewers! Dungeon Crawl Classics is simple in all the right places and complex where it needs to be. It is low-fantasy at its best and most brutal!
from [boardgamesbren.com](https://boardgamesbren.com/dungeon-crawl-classics-review-a-modern-old-school-rpg/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Now I'm not traditionally a big fantasy guy, but anytime I see folks who really *love* a field say something like *this glowing* about a work in it, I'm intrigued.
All this is to say that, today I discovered ***Dungen Crawl Classics*** is up [on Humble Bundle](https://www.humblebundle.com/books/dungeon-crawl-classics-mutant-crawl-classics-megabundle-2-books?ref=matthewbogart.net) where you can get the rule book and several adventures for **only *one* dollar.** If you want to pay more you can get MUCH more (up to **80 PDFs* and a physical book)*, but I just grabbed the dollar version and there's a *ton* to dig into here.
For example, even if I never run the game, the book is just *filled* with art that evokes a very charming 1970s fantasy vibe. It makes the whole project feel like a time machine in the coolest way.
Look at this stuff! I feel like I'm rummaging through the back room of a used bookstore and found the most incredible treasure of a book buried under a stack of old newspapers, except this is folks making this weird amazing game *today*.
Seriously, there must be 500 of these in the core book alone.
So if you want a copy of a cool-looking passion project, a couple of adventures, and a 20% off coupon to buy anything else from their shop, [go spend a dollar](https://goodman-games.com/dungeon-crawl-classics-rpg/?ref=matthewbogart.net).
[Humble RPG Bundle: Dungeon Crawl Classics & Mutant Crawl Classics Megabundle 2Experience the wonders of old school gaming with this jam-packed Dungeon Crawl Classics & Mutant Crawl Classics bundle! Your purchase helps No Kid Hungry.Humble Bundle](https://www.humblebundle.com/books/dungeon-crawl-classics-mutant-crawl-classics-megabundle-2-books?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### 🪑The Chairs' Hiatus - Revised Edition
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2024/03/04/untitled-3/
Last updated: 2024-03-04T15:41:12.000Z
#
# 🪑The Chairs' Hiatus - Revised Edition
*(oops! Sent this "February" newsletter out a couple days late!)*
Back in 2011, I finished my first graphic novel called "[The Chairs' Hiatus](https://www.matthewbogart.net/the-chairs-hiatus/)." Here's how I've described the plot:
> Mary and Nel were known for being close. Throughout the year that the two of them zig-zagged the country as the rock duo "The Chairs," they never spent more than a day or two apart.
>
> That is until Mary mysteriously appears in a new city, having given up her music, fame, and friends. She wants nothing more than to work her lousy job and be left alone, but the two people who just showed up on her doorstep are determined to make sure that won't happen.
It's a project that, despite its rough edges, holds a special place in my heart. It seemed to strike a chord with a lot of folks. Over the years, it's lived various lives—from webcomic to paperback to hardback, and even a stint on Google Plus of all places. I had figured I'd put it to bed.
However a conversation with my literary agent in 2022 led to me looking into what it would take to release a revised edition. I spent a little time figuring out what that might look like, revisiting Mary and Nel and their weird band. A new edition didn't materialize, but doing some test revisions kind of made me fall in love with it again.
So, to say thanks for keeping up with my work I'm sharing the beginnings of the revised edition that never was. It's five pages longer than the original, with several bits of revised art and some brand-new work. I wrote up notes about the changes [here](https://www.matthewbogart.net/2024/02/09/the-chairs-hiatus-revised-edition-2/).
I hope you like it, flip phones, cassette tapes and all.
[The Chairs' Hiatus - Revised Edition - by Matthew BogartDownload the PDF.The Chairs' Hiatus - Revised Edition - by Matthew Bogart.pdf37 MBdownload-circle](https://www.matthewbogart.net/content/files/2024/02/The-Chairs--Hiatus---Revised-Edition---by-Matthew-Bogart-1.pdf "Download")
## The Oregon Book Awards
Jesse and I at the Oregon Book Awards reception
We recently discovered that our book [Incredible Doom Vol. 2](https://buyolympia.com/Item/matthew-bogart-jesse-holden-incredible-doom-vol-2-hardcover?ref=matthewbogart.net) os a [finalist for the Oregon Book Award](https://literary-arts.org/2024/01/announcing-the-2024-oregon-book-awards-finalists/?ref=matthewbogart.net)! Jesse and I got to go to a fancy reception and meet some great folks. We're quite honored. We find out the winners at the award ceremony on April 8th.
Wild.
### 💬 New Comics
A panel from Incredible Doom - Eternal September #2
Oh! And updates on [incredibledoom.com](https://incredibledoom.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) are going weekly for a while. There have been lots of new pages up since the last newsletter. Meanwhile I'm still occasionally live-streaming my drawing process at [matthewbogart.live](https://matthewbogart.live/?ref=matthewbogart.net) !
### 🤝 For Patrons
There are over a hundred pages of Incredible Doom comics exclusively available to patrons right now, including two 24-hour comics, the entire third issue of Eternal September, and the complete "Lost Issue" that was never released, as well as short stories like our [first for Eternal September featuring Thia](https://www.patreon.com/posts/thia-in-school-94200619?ref=matthewbogart.net), and several older shorts featuring the gag at evol house.
I [shared a video](https://www.patreon.com/posts/video-update-2-96613937?ref=matthewbogart.net) about the completion and refinement process of "Incredible Doom" issue two, (which by the way, Patrons will be able to read in its entirety starting on March 6th!) In the video, I discussed script adjustments and incorporating valuable feedback.
[](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart/collections?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Lastly, I gave a little love to my [Patreons "collections"](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart/collections?ref=matthewbogart.net). Making it easier for patrons to find some of my favorite supporter exclusive stuff from over the years. Putting it together I discovered that some of you have been backing for almost a decade now!
### 🔗 LINKS
[The Quiet Death of Ello’s Big Dreams - Waxy.orgEllo launched in 2014 with big dreams, but the artsy social network suddenly shut down last year, deleting nine years of posts without warning. What happened?Waxy.orgAndy Baio](https://waxy.org/2024/01/the-quiet-death-of-ellos-big-dreams/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Years ago, I used to sit next to Andy Baio, and I remember him multiple times getting worried because some cool new thing on the web had taken venture capital money. Turns out his concerns were pretty spot on for Ello the hip new social network of 2014\.
[Josh Renaud (@kirkman@digipres.club)Attached: 4 images I give you ... “Photos of dudes (and one lady) posing with computers, for newspaper profiles of their bulletin board systems.” #bbsing #bbses #bbs #retrocomputing #vintagecomputing #history #newspapers #localnewsdigipres.club](https://digipres.club/@kirkman/111927665023313906?ref=matthewbogart.net)
It's pretty dude heavy, but this thread of scans of folks posing with computers for newspapers by [Josh Renaud](https://breakintochat.com/blog/?ref=matthewbogart.net) would likely be right up the alley of some fans of Incredible Doom.
[DONOTREPLY.CARDS->ENDo use cards for better replies.](https://donotreply.cards/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Signs against unwanted replies. Images and descriptions by [****DAN**](https://danhon.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)****/**[****VLG**](https://verylittlegravitas.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) **\+** [****FLO**](http://flohrian.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)****/**[****FANGOHR**](http://fangohr.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
[The internet used to be funPersonal website manifestosLaurel Schwulst](https://projects.kwon.nyc/internet-is-fun/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
From [Rachel J. Kwon](https://kwon.nyc/?ref=matthewbogart.net): **"A collection of articles that to some degree answer the question “Why have a personal website?” with 'Because it’s fun, and the #internet used to be #fun.'"*
[Sly Flourish: Helping game masters run great roleplaying games.Weekly articles with tips, tricks, tools, and advice for game masters written by the author of Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master.](https://slyflourish.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
I've fallen down a D&D rabbit hole over the last few months. I've taken on the daunting role of being a Dungeon Master for some of my friends. Nothing helped me feel more confidant than the work of "Sly Flourish". Through their old school website, and kind of amazing stream of constant output through [live-streaming](https://m.twitch.tv/sly%5Fflourish?ref=matthewbogart.net), [youtube](https://www.youtube.com/slyflourish?ref=matthewbogart.net), [mastodon](https://chirp.enworld.org/@slyflourish?ref=matthewbogart.net) and [podcasts](https://slyflourish.podbean.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) and his great book "[Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master](https://shop.slyflourish.com/products/return-of-the-lazy-dungeon-master?ref=matthewbogart.net)"
[Why Does D&D Use a D20? (and which game used it first?)Oh, you’re a “dice goblin”? Then how did the first polyhedral dice make their way into RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons?? ▶️ More below! ⏬💥 Legend In The Mist:…YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flHeZoiQGpk&ref=matthewbogart.net)
By far my favorite discovery of this DnD hobby I've picked up is how nerdy and highscool-ish the creation of the game is. This story about how it came to use "those weird dice" exemplifies that.
### "The Chairs Hiatus" - Revised Edition
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2024/02/09/the-chairs-hiatus-revised-edition-2/
Last updated: 2025-11-03T23:40:34.000Z
Here's something fun.
If you sign up for my free [mailing list](https://www.matthewbogart.net/signup/), not only will you get updates when I post new comics (Issue #2 of [*Incredible Doom - Eternal September* ](http://incredibledoom.com/?utm%5Fsource=matthewbogart.net)is about to drop!) but I'll send you a copy of a strange experiment I did a while back and didn't show anyone: A revised edition of my first graphic novel [*The Charis' Hiatus*](https://www.matthewbogart.net/the-chairs-hiatus/)*.*
This new edition, although mostly the same as the original, contains multiple bits of revised artwork, and even a few completely new pages and panels.
Why make a revised edition? I'll let the new introduction explain.
---
*"The Chairs' Hiatus" was my first graphic novel. I'm proud of it. With a few hundred more comic pages under my belt, more than a few panels look rough to my eyes, but I've got a soft spot for this book.*
*Since I completed it in 2011 it's had a good life. It had a webcomic version, a paperback black and white version, a two-color hardback version, and even a Google Plus version. I sold it at comic conventions, web stores, and ebook stores. People still tell me it's a favorite of theirs.*
*But after ten years I had moved on.*
*Then, in 2022, I mentioned "The Chairs' Hiatus" to my literary agent while trying to figure out my next project. I said I was fine with letting it be but if he thought any publishers might want to take a stab at bringing it to a wider audience I'd be happy to try.*
*He read the book and thought it was worth a shot. He said it was just slightly under the common length for a graphic novel and asked if there was anything I wanted to do to revise and expand it.*
*There were a few scenes that I thought could use more breathing room and he suggested I do some samples of what I had in mind to show publishers. This is what I put together for that pitch. It's not the completely revised edition I would have done if we'd done another print run. That didn't turn out to be in the cards. We never even took it out to pitch. But there's lots of fun stuff in here. There are revised panels, new panels, and even a new page or two. It ended up about five pages longer.*
*I found it weird and wonderful to spend more time with Mary and Nell after all these years, with their flip phones and audio cassettes, their story has become a period piece. Going back there felt cozy and good, like visiting old friends.*
*I liked it. I hope you do too.*
*Matthew Bogart*
*February, 2024*
---
For those interested, here are a couple of examples of changes I made.
The first thing I did was add a new first page to open the book. I like starting stories on either a splash page or a double-page spread these days, so I drew this new shot of Mary in the hardware store to open the story.
A lot of the other revisions might go unnoticed if you haven't read the story in a while. For example, I replaced the font of my handwriting with a [professionally designed font](https://www.comicbookfonts.com/Marian-Churchland-font-p/bl042i.htm?ref=matthewbogart.net) that I use on [Incredible Doom](http://incredibledoom.com/?utm%5Fsource=matthewbogart.net). Then I tightened up several panels and added a gray dot pattern to match pages that came later in the book.
I focused my attention on the first chapter to give an idea of what I might do to the whole book if it came to it, revising my least favorite drawings of Mary and making the whole book line up **slightly* closer with how I make comics now. For example, I switched this pseudo flashback to a boardless blue treatment similar to the technique I used in Incredible Doom.
I remember when I asked my friend [Barry Deutsch](https://amptoons.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) for notes on the original version of the story years ago he pointed to this panel. "It looks like you don't know how to draw her laughing in this panel," he said. "That's because I honestly don't," I said. So this was fun to revisit.
After tweaking artwork in Chapter 1 I mostly focused on tweaking **page layouts* in Chapters 2 and three except for a handful of drawings I couldn't help myself from revising.
A few of the changes were made to give certain beats a **bit* more breathing room, like this final moment in chapter 2\. It's the end of a chapter. It's a funny beat, I wanted to land on a page turn and feel a bit more like the end of a chapter. So I expanded the first panel into half a page and gave the last panel a whole page all it's own.
Other times I'd rearrange things so that panels I always wanted to be **next to each* other could finally get there. For example, I remembered the last three panels of this page on the left having been intended to sit on the same page with the three panels that came after it, but, after I drew them, I decided I needed to add a small beat to an earlier page, which shifted everything around, splitting this slow push in on Nel onto two pages. Having a second crack at it allowed me to shift things around again and get these panels to line up how I always envisioned them.
In the end, is this edition a drasticly differnt book? Nope. But it was a fun experiment that I thought folks might like to see.
The [origional webcomic version](https://www.matthewbogart.net/the-chairs-hiatus-part1/) of the story and the [hardback edition](https://buyolympia.com/Item/matthew-bogart-the-chairs-hiatus?ref=matthewbogart.net) will remain un-revised. I'm not trying to *replace* anything. Also, I don't want anyone to who buys the hardback edition (which I still love) to be confused about which they are getting. Hopefully making this an ebook with a built in introduction, instead of a web page will help avoide confusion.
But if you wanted an excuse to revisit this story, or even a reason to read it for the first time, consider this a nudge.
Sign up below and I'll see you in your inbox.
## Sign up
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### December Newsletter - Last Call for Incredible Doom Shipping!
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2023/12/07/december-2023-newsletter/
Last updated: 2025-11-26T21:27:33.000Z
Hey everybody! This is a quick newsletter update this month because the shipping deadline for getting any cool *Incredible Doom* stuff for your friends or family is just a few days away.
Along with prints and floppy disks, we've recently restocked copies of the first two Incredible Doom volumes, each signed with original sketches by yours truly.
0:00
/0:33
1×
[CHECK OUT THE SHOP](http://incredibledoom.com/shop?ref=matthewbogart.net)
We also have just a handful of the original mini-comic versions of volume one. This special edition has a handcrafted slipcase and unique "Feelies" - special objects from the story's world included in each issue. Jesse and I hand-assembled every part of this set, and it's one of my favorite things we've ever done. For the die-hard Incredible Doom fan, remember, once these are gone, they're gone for good.
[CHECK OUT THE SET](https://buyolympia.com/Item/matthew-bogart-incredible-doom-mini-comic-set?ref=matthewbogart.net)
**Holiday Order Deadlines**
For December 25th, 2023 Delivery
US-bound Orders:
Standard Mail: December 11th
Priority Mail: December 15th
Express Mail: December 19th
**International Orders:**
~~Untracked Mail: November 24th~~
~~Tracked Mail: December 1st~~
A selection of stuff from [the shop](http://incredibledoom.com/shop?ref=matthewbogart.net).
### 💬 New Comics
I'm having a blast with this new Incredible Doom series!
I love these new characters so much, and I hope you'll grow to love them, too. There are now 41 pages of the new series available to read for free. If you still need to check it out, you're missing out! I'm posting more scenes regularly as I work on them.
Images from [Incredible Doom: Eternal September #2](https://www.incredibledoom.com/eternal-september-02/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### 🤝 For Patrons
[Patrons](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) have had the privilege of reading 13 pages ahead of what's online for everyone. Here's a sneak peek at what they've been seeing.
The 1st "Feely bundle" *just* went out to patrons, but more on that in the following newsletter. I want to make sure everyone gets theirs before I spoil the surprise.
I've also launched a new creator chat on Patreon for the Incredible Doom community. Expect behind-the-scenes stuff, links, and a place to chat about the early web.
[CHECK OUT THE PATREON](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Speaking of links...
### 🔗 LINKS
[Lighting the Beacons, and Other Perfect Movie MetaphorsGet Nebula for a year, or for the rest of your life (this month only!): https://go.nebula.tv/lsooWatch this video as it was meant to be: https://nebula.tv/vi…YouTube](https://youtube.com/watch?v=KUuf%5FZzZGVM&ref=matthewbogart.net)
I've been devouring [this book about the making of the LOTR trilogy](https://bookshop.org/a/22427/9780008369842?ref=matthewbogart.net), which my girlfriend brought back from a trip to New Zealand. So I was primed to love this dive into the profound themes of hope in Middle-earth. It's the kind of video that reminds one to push on, which I sometimes very much need.
[“Bob and Don: A Love Story” a short documentary by Judd Apatow | The New YorkerOpposites make for great comedy in the life-long friendship of comedy legends Bob Newhart and Don Rickles by Judd Apatow.The story behind the film: https://w…YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3cs7PyXPsU&ref=matthewbogart.net)
It turns out I'm a sucker for stories of old comedians who've been friends for decades. The Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee episode with Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner, the HBO Max doc about Rob Reiner and Albert Brooks, and this video. of Bob Newhart and Don Rickles in this short documentary by Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio. It captures the joy of lifelong friendship and a profound sadness now that Rickles is gone.
[Thoughts on “Now and Then” | Andrew HickeyPatreon is empowering a new generation of creators. Support and engage with artists and creators as they live out their passions!Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/posts/92258652?ref=matthewbogart.net)
I want to try to write a graphic novel about a musician who passes away and leaves their unfinished album to their friend to complete. So when the surviving Beatles did this (the third time) this year, I was intrigued. This post by music writer and podcast Andrew Hickey not only dives into the song itself, but a very personal and touching theory about, even if it's not for you, why it probably **should* exist.
[radio free fedi - sounds from the fediverse to the universesounds from the fediverse to the universe](https://radiofreefedi.net/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
A streaming radio with music from Fediverse musicians. I've been listening to the "****comfy**" channel while drawing. It already led to a purchase: ["Weather" by Single Bass](https://single-bass.bandcamp.com/track/weather?ref=matthewbogart.net)
[Micro.blogPost short thoughts or long essays, share photos, all on your own blog. Micro.blog makes it easy, and provides a friendly community where you can share and engage with others.Micro.blog](https://micro.blog/about/indieweb?ref=matthewbogart.net)
In the last newsletter, I mentioned the [post on The Verge about a possible future of sharing things online](https://www.theverge.com/2023/10/23/23928550/posse-posting-activitypub-standard-twitter-tumblr-mastodon?ref=matthewbogart.net). For those of y'all interested in an easy way to jump into publishing on the more interoperable web. I love Micro.blog- a platform that champions the indie web. It's a community where creators and thinkers can share unique web spaces and ideas.
That's it for me this month! Have a great holiday season, and I'll see you next year.
### October Newsletter - New Comics, Signed Copies, and web finds.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2023/11/01/october-newsletter-2023/
Last updated: 2025-11-26T21:27:18.000Z
Halloween, everyone! What a great month it's been. We launched our new comic series, [Incredible Doom: Eternal September](http://incredibledoom.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) at the end of September, and the reaction has been fantastic. Thank you so much to everyone who backed on Patreon or spread the word. I'm thrilled for everyone to see what happens in this series.
## Sign up to get notified of new comics and other cool stuff
Slice-of-life comics you'll like
Subscribe
Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
## NEW STUFF
[](https://www.incredibledoom.com/eternal-september-02/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### 💬 Comics
There are ten pages of our new comic series [*Eternal September #2*](https://www.incredibledoom.com/eternal-september-02/?ref=matthewbogart.net) up on incredibledoom.com,
In them, we start to get to know Doug, Garrett, and Thia as well as "Laird Electronics," which *miiiiight* sound familiar to eagle-eyed readers of the first book.
This issue includes some fantastic work by Jesse recreating the Netscape Navigator window that scales with your browser.
I love getting to show an early blog like this. I love the wild formatting folks used to do with text when you had to type the HTML by hand.
### 📚Signed Books
[](https://buyolympia.com/Artist/Matthew+Bogart+%26+Jesse+Holden?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Did you know you can get autographed copies of Incredible Doom Vol.1 and 2, that include a unique hand-drawn sketch in each? They're available exclusively at [BuyOlympia.](https://buyolympia.com/Artist/Matthew+Bogart+%26+Jesse+Holden?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### 🤝 For Patrons
[](https://www.incredibledoom.com/eternal-september-01-commentary/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Making stuff on the open web is so fun.
I built a fun little [interactive "creator commentary" page for Eternal September #1 ](https://www.incredibledoom.com/eternal-september-01-commentary/?ref=matthewbogart.net)to share with patrons. Discover the stories behind various scenes, watch time-lapse videos of pages coming to life, and uncover behind-the-scenes trivia by clicking on fun little buttons throughout the comic.
*(Oh no, I've created "Pop-up Video" for comics.)*
If you want to support the comic and get access to cool stuff like this, you can do so over on [Patreon](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net).
---
## 🔗 LINKS
### Ze Frank- **"Thoughts On A Creative Career"**
Stumbled upon this Thoughts old Ze Frank video, "[Thoughts on a creative career](https://youtube.com/watch?v=G9RN-Uf1rBY&feature=shared&ref=matthewbogart.net)".
> *"Struggle to figure out when you do work, what part of the work satisfies you directly internally and what part of the work gives you satisfaction because other people praise it."*
### ***The poster’s guide to the Internet***recommend ***of the future***
[The poster’s guide to the internet of the futureThe best of blogging meets the best of social media.The Verge/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24596746/236620_Activitypub_New_Social_Protocol_HHerrera.jpeg)](https://www.theverge.com/2023/10/23/23928550/posse-posting-activitypub-standard-twitter-tumblr-mastodon?ref=matthewbogart.net)
"POSSE" (Publish on your Own Site, Syndicate Everywhere) is an old idea that I love regarding a more thoughtful way to share things online, so I was thrilled to see [The Verge ](https://www.theverge.com/2023/10/23/23928550/posse-posting-activitypub-standard-twitter-tumblr-mastodon?ref=matthewbogart.net)exploring it for their *slightly* more mainstream audience. If you're unfamiliar with it, I highly recommend checking out the article or listening to the podcast they did on the topic.
### *Internet Artifacts - Neil.fun*
[Internet ArtifactsBrowse through the old internet](https://neal.fun/internet-artifacts/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
It is an amazing piece of really fun work showcasing the web and technology history.
### The Mystery of the Bloomfield Bridge[ ](https://neal.fun/internet-artifacts/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
[The Mystery of the Bloomfield Bridge](https://tylervigen.com/the-mystery-of-the-bloomfield-bridge?ref=matthewbogart.net)
A both mundane and absolutely thrilling mystery unraveled through incredible amounts of research: Tyler Vigen tries to figure out why a [particular pedestrian bridge exists](https://tylervigen.com/the-mystery-of-the-bloomfield-bridge?ref=matthewbogart.net). It's one of my favorite things I've read online in a while. [ ](https://neal.fun/internet-artifacts/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Speaking of Tyler Vigen, he also created [some pretty amazing](https://tylervigen.com/spurious-correlations?ref=matthewbogart.net) graphs to remind folks that things that seem related are not necessarily so.
### Bobby Fingers
[The Unhinged Miniature World of Bobby Fingers - Waxy.orgI’ve never seen anything quite like Bobby Fingers and his unhinged celebrity diorama videos on YouTube. So I tracked down the pseudonymous creator to learn more.Waxy.orgAndy Baio](https://waxy.org/2023/05/the-unhinged-miniature-world-of-bobby-fingers/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Bobby Fingers crafts meticulous 1:9 scale dioramas in his videos, notable men in jeopardy. His videos and sculptures are meticulously made and hilarious.
### Dropout[](https://tylervigen.com/spurious-correlations?ref=matthewbogart.net)[ ](https://tylervigen.com/spurious-correlations?ref=matthewbogart.net)
[Dropout SubscriptionIndependent. Funny. Ad Free.Dropout](https://www.dropout.tv/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Finally, I fell into a rabbit hole of watching [Dropout](https://www.dropout.tv/?ref=matthewbogart.net), the comedy streaming service that was formerly College Humor. I've binged all of the game shows "[Game Changer](https://www.dropout.tv/game-changer?ref=matthewbogart.net)", and "[Make Some Noise](https://www.dropout.tv/make-some-noise?ref=matthewbogart.net)", as well as several seasons of [Dimension 20](https://www.dimension20show.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), their role-playing game actual play show. It's wonderful to see folks succeeding at making great stuff for the web in a way that seems inclusive and caring.
---
Thanks, everybody! See you in November!
### 🛒 A neat thing from [the shop](uurlb)
#### Allisons’ Personal Floppy Disk
****Disk and Flyer**
Inspired by PC games of the 80s and 90s that included objects from the world of the game, often called “feelies”, this floppy and accompanying torn flyer were part of the original pre-order bundle for Incredible Doom Vol. 2\. There were a handful of extras made and those are now available. This includes:
\-A working recreation of Allisons’ personal floppy disk. It’s filled with personal files, unseen emails with Samir, diary entries, ASCII art, and more.
\-A torn flyer for ”ZephyrTech, “ Allison and Samir’s internet provider. The brochure includes clues for accessing Allison’s private online storage, which contains the same files as the floppy disk.
****Size**: 3.5"
[Buy from BuyOlympia](https://buyolympia.com/Item/matthew-bogart-jesse-holden-incredible-doom-floppy?ref=matthewbogart.net)
**Follow Along**
- [RSS](https://www.incredibledoom.com/rss?ref=matthewbogart.net)
- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/matthewbogart/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
- [Mastodon](https://matthewbogart.com/@matt?ref=matthewbogart.net)
- [Patreon](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
- [Threads](https://www.threads.net/@matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
- [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### 💾 Eternal September #1: Interactive Behind the Scenes
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2023/10/31/eternal-september-1-interactive-behind-the-scenes/
Last updated: 2023-10-31T00:01:37.000Z
🔗
Cross posted from [incredibledoom.com](http://incredibledoom.com/eternal-september-1-behind-the-scenes?ref=matthewbogart.net)
All right, I get to reveal something really cool today.
I built an [interactive “creator commentary” page](https://www.incredibledoom.com/eternal-september-01-commentary/?ref=matthewbogart.net) for the first issue of Eternal September. On it you can read a special version of Issue #1 which includes little buttons like this: 🔵 that you can click that pop-up boxes cool stuff relevant to that part of the comic. There are stories that inspired various scenes, time-lapse videos of the drawing of various pages, behind-the-scenes trivia, and more.
Making this kind of stuff is why it’s so exciting to host our work on our website. I love posting stuff to Patreon and social media, but getting to hack away at the code to build something really unique is so much fun.
It’s one of my favorite perks of the SysOp level. I can’t wait to do issue 2 once we’re done with it.
[Become a Patron](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
[Explore the Commentary](https://www.incredibledoom.com/eternal-september-01-commentary/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
I love making stuff for the open web!
### Announcing "Incredible Doom Vol. 3 - Eternal September"
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2023/09/26/announcing-incredible-doom-vol-3-eternal-september/
Last updated: 2023-09-26T17:40:20.000Z
🔗
crossposted from [incredibledoom.com](http://incredibledoom.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Let's do this inverted pyramid/newspaper style: the ***big news*** right up front.
Today, I'm thrilled to launch ***Incredible Doom - Eternal September***, the third volume in the series Vanity Fair called one of the best of the year. It's an intimate, harrowing comic series about the first generation of teenagers to pour their lives onto the internet, this time in the world of blogs. Featuring a new cast of characters and to be serialized for free online, it's the perfect place to jump on board. The [first issue](https://incredible-doom.ghost.io/eternal-september-01/?ref=matthewbogart.net) is now up at incredibledoom.com, with new scenes posted every Monday.
[Read Issue 1](https://incredibledoom.com/eternal-september-01/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Here is a little background about how we got here:
For months and months, I was *haunted* by one question:
## What - comes - next?
The success of the series "Incredible Doom" exceeded my expectations. It garnered praise from notable press and personal heroes, leading to a publishing deal with Harper Collins. I had stumbled backward into having a literary agent, editors, a lawyer, and a Hollywood agent. All of whom I loved working with. All of which meant my next step *had* to be pitching a new book to publishers. Right?
Even though I love working with all of those folks and would do it again, after a couple of years away, I missed self-publishing even more each time I ventured even slightly down the big publisher path.
Things like writing HTML, budgeting, sharing with patrons, and grappling with printers had become as much a part of creating comics to me as writing and drawing. I *missed* doing things myself.
So I proposed a bold idea to my collaborator Jesse: a return to our roots with a revival of "Incredible Doom," exploring the untold stories from our initial run. Available for *free* online - where our story unfolds - and published as mini-comics, like the ones I've been obsessed with making since I was a kid. Something funded by our readers if they'd have us. A direct connection with our audience would enable us to create more of the beloved extras and feelies that were so exciting about our initial run.
Jesse was on board, and we started work, writing and drawing over 90 pages of the new series, the first chapter of which is up at incredibledoom.com right now.
Like the previous two volumes, "Eternal September" explores the lives of a few of the first wave of teenagers who find connection, love, heartbreak, and danger in the untamed wilderness of the early internet.
Although it's the third volume in the series, it's also the perfect place for new readers to jump on board. It introduces a new cast and a new part of the internet to explore: the early days of blogging.
We plan to post new scenes every Monday, and for those who cherish the tactile joy of print, we've made some beautiful mini-comic editions.
You can also follow on [social media.](http://incredibledoom.com/follow/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
And if all of this seems as thrilling to you as it does to us, if you like seeing weird, wild independent art on the internet, [consider becoming a member on Patreon](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) and get access to all kinds of cool stuff, including over 100 pages of exclusive Incredible Doom comics and the ability to read ahead in the "Eternal September" saga.
We're thrilled to be telling stories in this world again, and doing it on the web is where a story like this belongs. Visit incredibledoom.com to be part of this adventure. This is going to be great.
### Incredible Doom Vol. 1 Commentary - Part 3
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2023/09/16/incredible-doom-vol-1-commentary-part-3/
Last updated: 2025-08-21T19:47:56.000Z
In the [latest YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xxznQjXzBc&ref=matthewbogart.net) video, we pull back the curtain on the tumultuous journey of creating what became "Incredible Doom Vol. 1." Ever wondered what happens when a project you've poured your soul into teeters on the brink of collapse? We've been there. Join Matthew Bogart and Jesse Holden as they recount the last chapter of the book and how the entire project nearly imploded. From printer woes to creative epiphanies, this is a raw look at the highs and lows of indie comic creation.
### Eighty pages of comics.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2023/07/06/80-pages-of-secret-comics/
Last updated: 2023-07-06T20:06:11.000Z
For the past several months, I've been sharing pages of a giant secret upcoming comic with my patrons. Today we had a big round number, and I wanted to celebrate.
I've posted ***80 pages*** of comics.
Eventually, these pages will start trickling out to the public, but for now, if you want to jump in and read a ***huge*** chunk of my next big project, this is a great time.
[JOIN IN](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### A Tale of Embarrassment and Failure
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2023/05/11/a-tale-of-embarrassment-and-failure/
Last updated: 2026-01-19T00:43:26.000Z
[](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
This post was originally written for my Patreon supporters, who get behind-the-scenes updates like this every week. If you'd like to support my work and get access to process posts, works-in-progress, and more vulnerable reflections like this one.
[Visit my patreon ](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
So, I missed a flight for the first time in my life.
I'm at home right now when I should be on an airplane because I missed a flight. I'm sure I've missed some connecting flights due to delays and whatnot, but this is the first time I got to the airport too late. I am not traveling to Alaska right now. I can't believe it. I'm so embarrassed.
After shame eating a Burger King breakfast and taking a nap, perhaps to combat my shame, I decided to take the day to make a Patreon post.
So here it is, my "don't feel too bad, at least you are working" Patreon update.
For the last week, there hasn't been much drawing. I've got three pages done that I haven't shown you yet, but they are pages of the climax of the story, and I want to reserve showing them to you until I have more so you can let the scene play the way it's intended to be read.
Preparing for three different comics events that are all happening this month has been taking up most of my time. So I thought I'd share what that preparation and these events are like.
First, about the preparation. The three events are the Beaverton Library Free Comic Book Day, the [Alaska Robotics Mini-Con and Comics Camp](https://minicon.alaskarobotics.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), and the [Vancouver Comics Art Festival](https://www.vancaf.org/?ref=matthewbogart.net). I love all of these events. I go every chance I get. They're the only events I regularly attend, and they all happen in the same month. Therefore, my convention stuff had been packed away for almost a year. And on top of that, this is the first time I'll be taking [Incredible Doom Volume 2](https://www.matthewbogart.net/tag/incredible-doom-vol-2/) to comic cons. It's been quite the shift in logistics, traveling with 280-page graphic novels as opposed to the 30-page minicomics I'm used to. Keeping stock on hand and transporting it from the place, even when I'm going to a convention on the other side of town, let alone when traveling to Vancouver or Alaska.
[](https://bookshop.org/a/22427/9780063064935?ref=matthewbogart.net)
If you haven't picked up **Incredible Doom* it's now in bookstores and comic shops everywhere.
[Buy on Bookshop.org ](https://bookshop.org/a/22427/9780063064935?ref=matthewbogart.net)
The first thing I had to do was figure out if I had enough of everything. Luckily, since reading Kell McDonald's [fantastic post about their method of preparing for comic conventions](https://kelmcdonald.com/news/conventions-prep-and-set-up/?ref=matthewbogart.net), I've kept spreadsheets of the sales I make at each convention for the last few years. This gives me a guess as to how many books and minicomics I might need to bring.
Unfortunately, I *didn't* have numbers for the Alaska Robotics Mini-con or free comic book day. I don't know why not.
So I made an educated guess based on the published attendance figures for cons I do have records for, compared to the expected attendance for Beaverton and Alaska. For safety, I multiplied those expected sales numbers by two, just in case. You hate to run out, and then I'll keep better records this year.
I have a fair amount of Incredible Doom books in my closet that I purchased from Harper Collins to take to future comic conventions. But now that I have spent a few days trying to figure out the best way to transport them, I think I would be better off in the future ordering books from Harper Collins to be delivered directly to the convention when possible, then shipping the ones that don't sell back home.
Next was figuring out my table setup. This also took longer than I thought. My design from previous cons wouldn't work because, unlike previous years, I have a 6-foot table to fill for the first time. So I spent a little while trying to mock everything up on my drawing desk, balancing making things look nice while trying to keep packing reasonable. The more stuff on the table that isn't books, the more I have to lug around, ship, or pay to have stowed on a plane. Here are a couple of photos of mockups I did.
The three-foot version for Alaska:
The six-foot versions for FCBD and VanCAF:
We will be selling two new things this time: the floppy disks that were part of a promotion for Incredible Doom Volume 2 and the "It is" minicomic. I even made a little video to loop under the floppy disk to catch folks' eye with some changing colors.
I also made a [new video](https://www.matthewbogart.net/2023/05/01/a-fun-con-promo-video-for-incredible-doom/) from some reused promotional images I put together for Vol. 2, and some quotes folks were kind enough to give us. I put it on an iPad and set it to loop forever using an old app I purchased and [guided access](https://www.howtogeek.com/252670/how-to-put-an-ipad-into-kiosk-mode-restricting-it-to-a-single-app/?ref=matthewbogart.net) to reject touch input in case any kids come up and play with it. This kind of thing has been pretty successful at drawing people in. I included a copy of the new video at the top of this post. Of course, the video plays silently when it plays on my table because you don't want to be that guy.
The Beaverton Library Free Comic Book Day Con happened last weekend and went well. My girlfriend started this event at the library years ago, but now it's been taken over by a different librarian. It usually consists of five to ten cartoonists who get free tables to show their wares at the library for a couple of hours. A booth also gives away copies of the official Free Comic Book Day comic books. Lots of kids come, and lots of folks that usually wouldn't stumble into a comic convention happen to walk in because there's a farmer's market across the street at the same time.
Jesse got to come this year for the first time, and I saw several old friends. In addition, a few people came specifically hoping that Incredible Doom would be there, which is very flattering. Amazingly, even though the con only lasted for a couple of hours, I was exhausted at the end.
The Alaska Robotics Show is next. It's an incredible event that I've been to twice. I love it so much, even though it's costly.
The show consists of three parts. A bunch of cartoonists fly into Juneau, which can only be accessed by plane or boat. They then first do school visits to show kids in Juneau (who I'm told are exposed to only a few potential careers living in Juneau) what it's like to be a professional cartoonist. Then we do a mini-con where the Juneau residents and people visiting on cruise ships can come by and check out our comics and listen to panels. And then, after the mini-con, all of the cartoonists hop on a big bus and travel out into the wilderness, where we camp together at a Christian camp for several nights.
We goof off, play games, and talk to each other about what it's like to work in this medium. Comics can be a pretty solitary job for many people, including me. And it is incredibly cathartic to get together with like-minded folks without a cell signal and hang out.
I remember a year when several of us were having a roundtable about the things weighing on us. One cartoonist, who had been having success with shorter posts online, was particularly worried about taking what they saw as the next step in their career and trying to make a graphic novel. But making a book like that can bring so much time, money, and energy, and they had never done anything like it before. What if they spent all that time and money, and then the book wasn't good? Or it was good but just wasn't what their audience wanted and didn't sell? Making something that could potentially flop and be a costly failure was terrifying. They thought it was something that could tank their career just as it was getting going.
I had a story. Several years ago, I wrote, penciled, inked, and colored over 200 pages of a graphic novel series that I eventually had to abandon unfinished because it just wasn't working.
In my memory, someone in the room gasped at hearing this. Another person let out an involuntary "aw." It was like I'd stabbed each one of them a little bit.
I said that it stunk that I had to abandon that project, but in the end, everybody who loved me before I started it still loved me after I gave it up. All my friends who supported me before that project were still friends afterward. And I was okay.
I couldn't speak to how it would impact someone's career because I didn't have much of a career myself at that time then. But as far as how happy I was or how ashamed it made me feel, I came out the other end feeling good.
I can't say for sure, but it seemed like it might have helped the other person. And honestly, the gasps other people made when I told them how much work I had put into a project I had to abandon helped me. Everyone knows what it's like to spend a long time invested in something that doesn't work out, but only other cartoonists understand that specific manner of failure.
I don't know anywhere else in the comics community where that kind of stuff, those kinds of conversations can happen, supportive friends away from the internet who can talk about doing this work.
I will fly to Alaska to get it. Except, evidently, I won't fly there today. I will fly there tomorrow.
Not ready for Patreon? Subscribe to my free newsletter to get my public posts delivered to your inbox, including convention updates, new comic announcements, and occasional essays like this.
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### A fun convention promo video for Incredible Doom.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2023/05/01/a-fun-con-promo-video-for-incredible-doom/
Last updated: 2023-05-01T17:04:58.000Z
[Jesse](https://matthewbogart.com/@churl@xoxo.zone?ref=matthewbogart.net) and I are getting ready for several upcoming comic events right now and made this video to loop silently on an iPad on our table. But it turned out kinda fun, so I threw some music on it and thought I'd share it here!
Thanks to everyone who gave us permission to use their kind quotes to promote the book. Go check out their work.
Andy Baio: [https://waxy.org](https://waxy.org/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
The School Library Journal: [https://www.slj.com](https://www.slj.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Sara Alfagee: [https://www.sara-alfa.com](https://www.sara-alfa.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Kelly Thompson: [https://www.1979semifinalist.com](https://www.1979semifinalist.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Cory Doctorow: [https://craphound.com](https://craphound.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Vanity Fair: [https://www.vanityfair.com](https://www.vanityfair.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Eleanor Davis: [https://doing-fine.com](https://doing-fine.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Will Nevin: [https://twitter.com/willnevin](https://twitter.com/willnevin?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Kevin Panetta: [http://kevinpanetta.com/](http://kevinpanetta.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Jeff Zentner: [https://www.jeffzentnerbooks.com/](https://www.jeffzentnerbooks.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Booklist: [https://www.booklistonline.com/](https://www.booklistonline.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### The Power of a First Impression: Why We're Starting with a New Chapter 1
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2023/04/29/the-power-of-a-first-impression-why-were-starting-with-a-new-chapter-1/
Last updated: 2023-04-29T17:58:47.000Z
💾
I'm sharing the creation of my next big comic project with patrons. [Join us](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) to see it take shape from the very start!
Hey there, everybody!
We’ve decided to make some significant changes to the next phase of this project. And we wanted to let you in on them.
Jesse and I meet weekly to discuss the story, but we haven’t made the progress we wanted for the last several weeks. Some problems had simple solutions. For example, we realized some storylines wouldn’t fit in this volume, so we shuffled them into a hypothetical future one. But other issues have been thornier. Like discovering things we'd written in chapters 1 and 2 didn't build to the climax we had planned for the book quite how we'd hoped.
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Incredible Doom 2023 Convention Schedule
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2023/04/25/2023-upcoming-events/
Last updated: 2023-04-25T23:12:37.000Z
[Jesse Holden](http://jesseholden.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) and I will be at several comic events in the northwest over the next month, and they are three of my favorites. If you're planning to be in Beaverton, OR, Vancouver, BC, or Juneau, AK, in the next several weeks, read on.
### Beaverton Library Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con
First up, on Saturday, May 6th, head to the [Beaverton City Library](https://duckduckgo.com/?va=i&t=hs&q=Beaverton+City+Library&ia=places&iai=1123779386351278498&iaxm=places&ref=matthewbogart.net) for their **Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con**. This free event is open to all ages from 11 AM to 1 PM. You'll have a chance to claim a free comic book, chat with local comic and graphic novel artists, and buy books and swag.
### Alaska Robotics Mini-Con
Next, on **May 13th,** make your way to the [Andrew P. Kashevaroff (APK) Building](https://goo.gl/maps/JuvhtE9Ae4DfGgJFA?ref=matthewbogart.net) in Juneau, Alaska, for the Alaska Robotics Mini-Con. This tiny convention features comics, games, workshops, and presentations throughout the day. The main event runs from **10 AM to 5 PM**, followed by a comics camp retreat for visiting artists. (Matt only)
### The Vancouver Comic Arts Festival
Finally, on **May 20th and 21st**, we will be at **The Vancouver Comic Arts Festival** (VanCAF) at the [Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre](https://goo.gl/maps/Neb3vAJYomUSsDND7?ref=matthewbogart.net) in Vancouver, British Columbia. This two-day celebration of comics and graphic novels features an exhibition and vendor fair with hundreds of creators from around the world well as readings, panels, and workshops. Admission is free, so don't miss out.
Mark the dates on your calendar, come meet some cool folks and get some great comics.
### The Twilight Zone opening titles recreated in iMessage
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2023/04/07/twilight-zone-imessage/
Last updated: 2026-01-18T21:27:05.000Z
While making my [version of the ](https://www.matthewbogart.net/2023/04/07/the-legacy-of-the-game-in-successions-iconic-opening-sequence/)[*Succession*](https://www.matthewbogart.net/2023/04/07/the-legacy-of-the-game-in-successions-iconic-opening-sequence/)[ opening credits](https://www.matthewbogart.net/2023/04/07/the-legacy-of-the-game-in-successions-iconic-opening-sequence/) using footage from David Finchers [*The Game*](https://letterboxd.com/film/the-game/?ref=matthewbogart.net)*,* I kept thinking that the project reminded me of something I'd done before but couldn't put my finger on.
It was this.
Shortly after the iPhone gained the ability to send messages with effects, I made a version of the opening of *The Twilight Zone* with it. Previously this lived on Twitter. But I've left that place for [Mastodon](https://matthewbogart.com/@matt?ref=matthewbogart.net) and removed most of my tweets. So I figured it should live on my blog now.
0:00
/0:12
1×
Here's the original.
[Check out more of my creative projects](https://www.matthewbogart.net/tag/creative-projects/).
## Sign up for more
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### The Legacy of The Game in Succession's Iconic Opening Sequence
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2023/04/07/the-legacy-of-the-game-in-successions-iconic-opening-sequence/
Last updated: 2026-01-18T20:45:26.000Z
There are so many things that fascinate me about the opening credits to HBOs *Succession*. The fact that it changes from season to season, slowly ditching home footage that looks 70s-esque in favor of more VHS-style treatments. That incredible shot of children being thrown about on the back of an elephant that's *such* a good visual metaphor for the series. But most interesting to me is how it seemingly wears its influence on its sleeve. It's a *lot* like the opening credits to the 1997 David Fincher movie [*The Game*](https://letterboxd.com/film/the-game/?ref=matthewbogart.net)*.*
Let's compare!
There's the opening shot, which is virtually identical for both the show and the movie. (although *Succession* changed this shot in later seasons to one that shows all four of Logan's kids.)
The Game
Succession
There's mom watching her distant husband wander off from the family.
The Game
Succession
There are the servants bringing trays of food out to tents in the lawn.
The Game
Succession
There's dads silhouette peering through the curtains of a brightly lit window.
The Game
Succession
There are the kids playing in the grass, all wearing white, and Dad walking through the large green yard surrounded by tall trees.
The Game
Succession
Succession
There are siblings in their Sunday best posing for the camera in the garden.
The Game
Succession
And then, *both* sequences end by returning to the opening shot and having dad walk off, leaving the son alone in the frame.
Succession
Considering all of that, I thought I'd see if I could re-create the opening titles of *Succession* using *nothing but* footage from *The Game.*
The *Succession* credits change slightly from season to season, mostly *adding* footage. So I went with Season 4s credits as it seemed like a more fun challenge. For footage that I couldn't match, I tried to find something with a similar feel. Failing that, I went with whatever I could find in The Game that wouldn't feel too out of place in the HBO show. Luckily, there's plenty of rich stuff in both.
This was a fantastically fun way to spend the afternoon.
# My Recreation
0:00
/1:29
1×
## Side-by-Side Comparison
0:00
/1:29
1×
Side By Side
You know what? I still love the elephant, but four clowns falling all over each other isn't a bad visual metaphor for Sucesssion either.
---
💾
Matthew Bogart is a cartoonist known for his comic series "[Incredible Doom](http://incredibledoom.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)" about kids getting into trouble over the early internet, which Vanity Fair called one of the best of the year.
### The Financial Perils of Cliffhangers - Why My Open-Ended Comic Needs a Conclusion
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2023/03/29/the-financial-perils-of-cliffhangers-why-an-open-ended-comic-needs-a-conclusion/
Last updated: 2026-01-19T18:40:22.000Z
📝
**Note (January 2025):** This post was written in March 2023 when I was optimistic about finding the comics ending quickly. The reality turned out quite different—it took a full year of writing struggle before we found the right approach. I'm keeping this post up because it honestly documents my process, including the moments where my predictions were wrong.
Let's talk about the most exciting topic in comics! Business models!
I've tried a lot of different business models to make comics over the last several years. The original run of *Incredible Doom* was kind of like a magazine subscription. I produced the second volume of *Incredible Doom* as work for hire for Harper Alley. But with this new story, I wanted to try making the "traditional." way. (I put traditional in quotes because it still boggles my mind that this is possible. But I'm old.)
The traditional way includes serializing comics on the web that are free to read, supported by monthly Patreon backers, and then eventually collecting a large portion of those comics into a book. That book could be funded by Kickstarter and self-published. That book could be put out through a publisher that will help handle the logistics. There are several options.
But the gist of it remains the same. Regular, ongoing, public comics, supported through Patreon, culminating in the release of a book. Some cartoonists make most of their money through Patreon, and the book is just a fun thing to do on the side. Others make very little on Patreon and make all their money from books for the year. So what will the new Incredible Doom project model be? It's tough to say. We're going to find out. But either way, the book is a big part of the plan.
So why am I telling you all this?
Well, thinking about this book led to some changes in the project over the last week.
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### A big secret.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2023/03/23/a-big-secret/
Last updated: 2026-01-18T21:05:20.000Z
*Psst!* Guess what? I've been working on a project, a big new comic project that is going to be so darn good. For weeks now, I've been teasing my Mastodon followers with hints about it, but I've been keeping the details under lock and key.
The only lucky devils who know what's up are the select few on my Patreon. They've been in on it for a couple of months now, and they've read new pages as I draw them. (35 pages so far!)
I have to tell you I am incredibly excited. Sometimes out of my skin, can't-sit-still excited. And in just a couple of months, I'm going to unleash this darn thing.
But here's the thing: if you, like me, are excited to see this new project take shape, you don't have to wait till then. You can join the cool kids on my Patreon and get in on the ground floor of this journey. We're having a blast, and we're creating something truly special.
So if you've been itching to support some independent comics and get some behind-the-scenes insight into how they're made, come [join us](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)!
*(And come hang out [on Mastodon](matthewbogart.com/@matt) I love it over there.)*
Some preliminary sketches I've shared on Mastodon for the new project.
### PATREON VIDEO: The almost plot of Incredible Doom Issue # 1
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2023/01/23/the-almost-plot-of-incredible-doom-issue-1/
Last updated: 2023-01-23T13:00:46.000Z
💡
I'm sharing the creation of my next big comic project with patrons. [Join us](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) if you want to see it take shape from the very start!
As Jesse and I start work on our next comic, I can't help but remember the wild plot that we had initially planned for issue 1 of the original run. It involved all things that never appeared in the final book, including murder, mayhem, and *General Zod* from Superman II.
We created a special segment in our ["behind-the-scenes" video series](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9wjTH6kQR8Zy3tyru6pvQt7HRAjDpBfW&ref=matthewbogart.net) that described this plot but, ultimately, decided to edit it out for pacing. Here's that plot explained in that deleted sequence.
But now, as we're starting the process again, we thought this would be the perfect time to share this with our Patreon supporters; some of you were even here when we were writing this version!
### We did our first Interviews for the new series.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2023/01/20/we-did-our-first-interviews-for-the-new-series/
Last updated: 2023-01-20T14:00:53.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### PATRON POST: "It Is" - Process Deep Dive
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2023/01/19/it-is-process-deep-dive/
Last updated: 2023-01-19T23:30:30.000Z
💡
I'm sharing the creation of my next big comic project with patrons. [Join us](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) if you want to see it take shape from the very start!
Hey patrons!
A few weeks ago, I shared a comic exclusive to newsletter subscribers and Patrons called "It Is." You can [sign up for the free newsletter](https://www.matthewbogart.net/signup/) or [become a patron](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) to read it [here.](https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/12/19/it-is-a-new-exclusive-comic/)
I thought it would be fun to use this comic as a jumping-off point to discuss how I approach drawing comics. So I made a video with a time-lapse of the creation of every page and added commentary about what I'm doing as I draw them.
👉
[Patrons](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) can see the full post by entering their Patreon email.
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### What you missed: Planning the Incredible Doom relaunch (2023)
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2023/01/12/what-you-missed/
Last updated: 2026-01-19T00:56:34.000Z
[](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
This post was originally Patreon-exclusive. Want early access to behind-the-scenes content like this as new projects develop? Join my Patreon to see works-in-progress before anyone else.
[Visit my patreon ](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
📝
****NOTE:** This post was originally written in January 2023 about relaunching Incredible Doom. As we developed the story, it split into two separate projects: [****Eternal September**](https://www.matthewbogart.net/tag/eternal-september/) and [****Hello Robo**](https://www.matthewbogart.net/tag/hello-robo/). Sometimes you start making one thing and discover you're actually making two.
The plan with this Patreon is both to give you extremely early access to the new comic as we make it and to provide you with real-time views into how we're putting the thing together—showing all of our thoughts, hopes, triumphs, and setbacks.
If this is going to be a complete record, I should let you in on the few weeks you missed because we didn't share them and why we didn't.
Dec 2nd was the first day I met with Jesse to discuss re-launching the series. After we finished Vol. 2 for Harper Alley, we'd covered all the stories we had hoped to get to with those charecters. But, for reasons I got into [in the last post](https://www.patreon.com/posts/our-next-project-77062537?ref=matthewbogart.net), I was excited to dive back in. But I was also frightened of what would happen if Jesse wasn't into the idea. He reacted with cautious optimism but said he had to think about it to make sure he balanced his work life, this project, and his mental health.
[](https://bookshop.org/a/22427/9780063064935?ref=matthewbogart.net)
If you haven't picked up **Incredible Doom* it's now in bookstores and comic shops everywhere.
[Buy on Bookshop.org ](https://bookshop.org/a/22427/9780063064935?ref=matthewbogart.net)
While I gave Jesse time to consider what he could and couldn't offer, I wrote our literary agent and editors. Although I technically don't need to notify them if we're doing something like this, they've been an exceptional part of the team for two books, and I didn't want them to feel blindsided. So while waiting for a reply, I continued to work.
On the 19th and 20th, I attempted to design an auto-posting system for social media posts to help make it easier for me to notify folks about future new comics. This system would allow folks to easily follow the comic from various platforms with posts formatted correctly for each destination, with less ongoing maintenance for me. The plan outlined in the flowchart above, unfortunately, failed for boring technical reasons. However, I may come back to try it a different way.
From Dec 21st to Dec 23rd, I dug into finances. To make anything close to a living from this, I'd need to be conservative with my spending. Using the book [Profit First](https://www.powells.com/book/profit-first-transform-any-business-from-a-cash-eating-monster-to-a-money-making-machine-9780735214149?ref=matthewbogart.net) as a guide, I created several checking accounts, one for taxes, another for business expenses, and so on. Then, I made a personal and professional budget and cut out several costs.
Between Dec 27th and Dec 30th, I worked on a new site for the project. I've grown to love the blogging software [Ghost](https://ghost.org/?ref=matthewbogart.net) and wanted to transfer *Incredible Doom* from its current [Squarespace](https://www.squarespace.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) base to this new platform. At first, I explored [Webflow](https://webflow.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) and [Udesly](https://www.udesly.com/webflow-to-ghost/?ref=matthewbogart.net) in an attempt to design my Ghost theme, but then abandoned this plan and chose to modify a pre-made theme from [fueko.net](https://fueko.net/themes/?ref=matthewbogart.net).
Dec 31st, Jesse and I had our **first story meeting!** To get the ball rolling, I shared several clips from movies, and TV shows I thought had aspects we could bring to the new series, such as *Portrait of A Lady On Fire*, *The Shawshank Redemption*, *Little Miss Sunshine*, *Bottle Rocket*, and *Freaks and Geeks*. We also discussed excerpts from a few articles, including "[Stop talking to each other and start buying things](https://catvalente.substack.com/p/stop-talking-to-each-other-and-start)" by [Catherynne M. Valente](https://www.catherynnemvalente.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) and "[My secret life as a 12-year-old sysop](https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2022/12/my-secret-life-as-an-11-year-old-bbs-sysop/?ref=matthewbogart.net)" by [Benj Edwards](https://www.benjedwards.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net). Finally, we left the meeting with a possible idea for where the story might head and a potential plot for our inaugural issue.
We agreed we couldn't spend a [year of prep](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWf8veO-E68&ref=matthewbogart.net) on this new series and wanted to get it out the door as fast as possible. Would two months be enough time for the first issue? We weren't sure.
On Jan 3rd, we met and discussed the project's finances, including who should be paid what if the project makes a profit.
Then, on Jan 8th, we met about the story again. We threw out our brief idea for a first issue but continued concentrating on the characters and themes I'd brought to our previous story meeting. We ended excited, with a possible structure for the series, and I went away with a problem to solve for how the first issue might unfold.
On Jan 9th, I drove from Portland to Eugene, partially to drop something off with a friend and partly to have some time alone to think about the story. Driving can give me the right amount of focus to make real progress. I can't stop every 10 min and do something else, and staying on the road occupies just enough of my brain that I don't get into my own head too much.
I stumbled across an approach for the first issue that I dictated into my phone in Wendy's parking lot in Albany, Oregon, and I developed it into most of the first draft of a script for issue 1 on the 10th.
### NEXT
Here are some things on my mind to work on next:
\- Finish the 1st draft of the script for the first issue.
\- Meet about the script.
\- Re-figure the Patreon for this in-between phase where the new series isn't out yet, but we still plan to post a lot here.
Want to follow this project's development? Subscribe to my newsletter to get updates when new posts go live
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### Our next project starts on Patreon TODAY.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2023/01/10/our-next-project-starts-on-patreon-today/
Last updated: 2023-01-10T21:39:06.000Z
‼️
Starting today, I'm sharing the creation of my next big comic project on Patreon. [Join us](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) if you want to see it take shape from the very start!
Hello Patrons!
I've been alluding to some big news recently. Are you all ready? Let's get into it.
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### A comic to give up comics with.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/12/19/designing-incredible-doom-to-be-my-last-comic/
Last updated: 2022-12-19T22:18:32.000Z
I am excited to share a new video documenting the presentation Jesse and I did on our book tour for [*Incredible Doom*](http://incredibledoom.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net).
It tells the story of how *[Incredible Doom](http://incredibledoom.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)* was designed to be my *last comic ever* and also includes a reading from *Incredible Doom Vol. 2*.
I hope you enjoy this new video and its insight into the *Incredible Doom* world.
### "It Is" - a new comic just for subscribers
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/12/19/it-is-a-new-exclusive-comic/
Last updated: 2023-09-16T19:19:56.000Z
Recently I've been so grateful for the ability to chat online without needing to include big tech companies or rich jerks. Big social media can be fun, but I'm so thankful to everyone who signed up for my [newsletter](https://www.matthewbogart.net/signup/) and joined the [Patreon](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net). We can talk free from fees, algorithms, ads, or the whims of billionaires all over good old *email.*
To celebrate, I thought I'd do something fun just for mailing list subscribers and Patrons. I made a new 12-page comic exclusively for you all called *"It Is".* I won't be posting this publicly. It's included below.
Thank you for hanging out with me here over the last year. It means a lot.
I've got big news *right around the corner* that I can't wait to tell you about, but until then, I hope you enjoy the comic. Here's *"It Is."*
_This post is for subscribers only._
### Vanity Fair - "Incredible Doom Vol. 2: One of the Best of 2022"
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/12/16/vanity-fair/
Last updated: 2022-12-16T19:24:10.000Z
*Soooooo...*
Vanity Fair just put up a list titled *["39 Best Books of 2022: Here are the can’t-miss books to buy, gift, and read before the year is out."](https://www.vanityfair.com/style/photos/2022/12/best-books-of-2022?ref=matthewbogart.net)* and our book, [*Incredible Doom Vol. 2*](https://www.matthewbogart.net/incredible-doom-vol-2/)*,* is *on it.*
Please allow me to share my reaction from [Mastodon](https://matthewbog.art/?ref=matthewbogart.net):
> Woah.
> We got a VERY KIND mention on vanityfair.com
> ([link](https://www.vanityfair.com/style/photos/2022/12/best-books-of-2022?ref=matthewbogart.net))
> ([Dec 15, 2022 at 18:10](https://matthewbog.art/@matthewbogart/109520921747081199?ref=matthewbogart.net))
> Well, THAT'S certainly never happened to me before.
> ([Dec 15, 2022 at 18:12](https://matthewbog.art/@matthewbogart/109520928541467282?ref=matthewbogart.net))
> Actually, let me rephrase that.
> ...
> What the \*FUCK?\*
> ([Dec 15, 2022 at 18:13](https://matthewbog.art/@matthewbogart/109520931991574558?ref=matthewbogart.net))
> Wait. This article is titled "39 Best Books of 2022".
>
> Does that mean we can say, "Vanity Fair called it one of the best books of 2022"?
>
> Because it seems like we can say that. Because it seems like that's what they are saying.
>
> Which is blowing my mind.
>
> That CAN'T be something I'm allowed to say.
>
> Surely there are RULES.
> ([Dec 15, 2022 at 18:20](https://matthewbog.art/@matthewbogart/109520961757922384?ref=matthewbogart.net))
I stand by all of this.
### Recent drawings.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/11/14/recent-drawings-for-fun/
Last updated: 2022-12-19T17:17:51.000Z
### Thoughts on AI-generated images.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/11/04/thoughts-on-ai-generated-images/
Last updated: 2026-02-25T01:51:58.000Z
There are a couple of quotes that I've been thinking about recently. Especially after reading Andy Baio's [post](https://waxy.org/2022/11/invasive-diffusion-how-one-unwilling-illustrator-found-herself-turned-into-an-ai-model/?ref=matthewbogart.net) about artist [Hollie Mengert](https://holliemengert.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) who discovered she'd had her work analyzed and turned into an AI model. A model that took its creator less than 2.5 hours to create and cost less than $2\. This model, which is now publicly available for free, can generate convincing-looking illustrations in Hollies style simply by the user writing out a text prompt describing the image.
Artwork by Hollie Mengert (left) vs. images generated with Stable Diffusion DreamBooth in her style (right) (via [Waxy.org](https://waxy.org/2022/11/invasive-diffusion-how-one-unwilling-illustrator-found-herself-turned-into-an-ai-model/?ref=matthewbogart.net))
The first quote is from [an episode](https://comiclab.simplecast.com/episodes/have-we-become-the-people-we-fought?ref=matthewbogart.net) of the podcast [Comic Lab](https://comiclab.simplecast.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), from co-host [Brad Guigar](https://www.evil-inc.com/brad-guigar/?ref=matthewbogart.net). *(*[*link to timestamp*](https://pca.st/x0fst8y8?ref=matthewbogart.net#t=1005.0)*)*
***"In the same way that Taco Bell is not real food, but it gets you past the afternoon and hunger pains for two bucks, AI art is not true art, but there will be a lot of situations where a local company just needs advertising or, you know, a car dealership just needs a little bit of pop to put on their poster or whatever.***
***And they're going to use AI art because it's cheaper than hiring a human, even at a fiverr.com rate. So I think much like automation in factories where a robot can't build the whole car, but a robot could build 40% to 60% of the car, you're going to have a lot of uses for AI art."***
The second quote is from a video by CGP Grey, entitled [Humans Need Not ](https://youtu.be/7Pq-S557XQU?ref=matthewbogart.net)[*Apply*](https://youtu.be/7Pq-S557XQU?ref=matthewbogart.net) *(*[*link to timestamp*](https://youtu.be/7Pq-S557XQU?t=211&ref=matthewbogart.net)*)*
***"Imagine a pair of horses in the early 1900s talking about technology. One worries all these new mechanical muscles will make horses unnecessary. The other reminds him that everything so far has made their lives easier -- remember all that farm work? Remember running from coast-to-coast delivering mail? Remember riding into battle? All terrible. These city jobs are pretty cushy, and with so many humans in the cities, there will be more jobs for horses than ever.***
***Even if this car thingy takes off - he might say - there will be new jobs for horses we can't imagine.***
***But you, dear viewer, from beyond 2000 know what happened - there are still working horses, but nothing like before. The horse population peaked in 1915 - from that point on it was nothing but down.***
***There isn’t a rule of economics that says better technology makes more better jobs for horses. It sounds shockingly dumb to even say that out loud, but swap horses for humans, and suddenly people think it sounds about right."***
Complicated things to think about considering I’ve spent 30+ years learning to draw.
### Incredible Doom Vol. 1 Commentary Part 2
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/11/03/incredible-doom-vol-1-commentary-part-2/
Last updated: 2022-11-03T01:19:41.000Z
Continuing our series of videos [sharing all the stories](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9wjTH6kQR8Zy3tyru6pvQt7HRAjDpBfW&ref=matthewbogart.net) behind [Incredible Doom](http://incredibledoom.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), we put together the second video that acts as a director's commentary of sorts for Incredible Doom Vol. 1\.
This video covers the NASA connection, 90s graffiti, and the embarrassing stories that inspired things like Samir's flow chart and Richards's plan to get Tina out of jail.
## Other videos on the creation of Incredible Doom
- [How we got going on our graphic novel series.](https://youtu.be/jXZhEJb0Few?ref=matthewbogart.net)
- [How we've co-written comics together for 6+ years.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-kHu%5FN2Kco&list=PL9wjTH6kQR8Zy3tyru6pvQt7HRAjDpBfW&index=3&ref=matthewbogart.net)
- [Year of Prep](https://youtu.be/LWf8veO-E68?ref=matthewbogart.net)
- [Incredible Doom Vol. 1 Commentary Part 1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQVp3-oQN9w&feature=emb%5Ftitle&ref=matthewbogart.net)
As always, [patrons](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) get these videos in advance of everyone else.
### Under the same management.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/11/01/get-blogging/
Last updated: 2022-11-09T03:51:26.000Z
Many people in my circle have been rethinking their approach to sharing things online with the recent news of Elon Musk buying Twitter.
[Facebook is hurting](https://www.theverge.com/23277797/mark-zuckerberg-meta-facebook-employees-pressure?ref=matthewbogart.net), and [Twitter is losing its most profitable posters](https://www.reuters.com/technology/exclusive-where-did-tweeters-go-twitter-is-losing-its-most-active-users-internal-2022-10-25/?ref=matthewbogart.net). Kevin Rouse [wonders](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/28/podcasts/emergency-pod-elon-musk-owns-twitter.html?action=click&module=audio-series-bar®ion=header&pgtype=Article&ref=matthewbogart.net) if peak social media might be behind us.
And perhaps it's because I'm just coming out of hard-core promotion mode, having just released [a book](https://www.matthewbogart.net/incredible-doom-vol-2/), but I'm *exhausted* with these platforms.
**But** I still love having a blog.
Nothing's changed on my blog this week. No one over here is in danger of being fired. There are no trolls. No drama. Free from jerk posters or insidious tech dudes trying to bend it to their will. Just a fun place with some posts and a few comics. A little sandbox on the Internet.
If that sounds like something you'd like to have for yourself, [Ben Werdmuller](https://werd.io/?ref=matthewbogart.net) wrote a simple little [primer on getting started](https://getblogging.org/?ref=matthewbogart.net) with blogging on the open web.
### September Newsletter - Vol. 2 is out!
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/10/03/september-newsletter/
Last updated: 2023-10-31T19:17:35.000Z
Holy cow, what a September it was! So busy that I couldn't send the September email until *October!*
The big news from September, of course, was that Incredible Doom Vol. 2 hit store shelves and mailboxes. It concludes all the threads we'd planted when we first launched the series. How strange it is to see those stories out in the world.
People seem to love it! Thank you to everyone who's been saying nice things about it online. Sharing it really helps folks know it's out there.
Speaking of which, we spent the month working like mad to spread the word about the book. I've been posting lots of drawing time-lapse videos [to YouTube](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9wjTH6kQR8bjBNnWwU1IN0todwdKKYmW&ref=matthewbogart.net) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/matthewbogart/?ref=matthewbogart.net), as well as a pretty polished, in-depth video series [about the creation of the comic](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9wjTH6kQR8Zy3tyru6pvQt7HRAjDpBfW&ref=matthewbogart.net).
So if you wanted to know what it's like to make a project like this, the stories that inspired it, and what went into creating it, I think you'll like these:
1. [How we got started](https://youtu.be/jXZhEJb0Few?ref=matthewbogart.net).
2. [How we've co-written comics together for 6+ years.](https://youtu.be/k-kHu%5FN2Kco?ref=matthewbogart.net)
3. [The year it took us to prepare to launch the series.](https://youtu.be/LWf8veO-E68?ref=matthewbogart.net)
4. [The first part of a creator's commentary for Vol. 1](https://youtu.be/fQVp3-oQN9w?ref=matthewbogart.net).
Also, I kind of fell in love with Final Cut Pro and made a book trailer:
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Matt and Jesse do a reading from Incredible Doom Vol. 2\. Photo by Mike Rosenstein [@mikejrosenstein](https://twitter.com/mikejrosenstein/status/1569107571105230848?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Then we took things on the road and did a *book tour down the west coast.* We started at [Books With Pictures](https://bookswithpictures.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) in Portland, reached the tours nadir at [Mendocino Book Company](https://www.mendocinobookcompany.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) in Jesse's hometown of Ukiah, California, and ended at [Books With Pictures](https://bookswithpictureseug.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) in Eugene. I wrote a bit about the tour on my blog. We had such a great time.
This book is the culmination of many people doing a lot of hard work. This time, we added [Hanna Schroy](https://hannaschroy.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), [Joe Besch](http://joebesch.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), and [Caitlin Scannell](https://www.crscannell.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) to the creative team, who helped do background drawing. I'm so proud of the work they did. They are incredible artists, and everyone should go check out their work.
I'm putting the finishing touches on a few more videos for October, so make sure to [subscribe on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaGI6avkm5982wSfEQ25ZnA?sub%5Fconfirmation=1&ref=matthewbogart.net) or [follow me on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/matthewbogart/?ref=matthewbogart.net) if you want to see them.
Finally, just a fun illustration. I spent a day trying to ape some old 70s and 80s-style Marvel Comics illustrations. I haven't tried anything like this in years. It was so much fun I couldn't tear myself away.
On to what's next.
\- Matt
# LINKS
- On a whim, I watched Brian De Palmas [Blow Out](https://letterboxd.com/film/blow-out/?ref=matthewbogart.net) the other day. It's hardly perfect, but there are some sequences and camera moves in it that have haunted me ever since. I wish I could do camera movies like this in comics. I followed up the film by reading [Pauline Kale's excellent review](https://www.criterion.com/current/posts/1830-blow-out-portrait-of-the-artist-as-a-young-gadgeteer?ref=matthewbogart.net) and then digging into a cornucopia of links about the movie collected by [Cinephilia & Beyond](https://cinephiliabeyond.org/brian-de-palmas-blow-out/?ref=matthewbogart.net).
- Just like the [Ignatz voters](https://www.comicsbeat.com/here-are-the-winners-from-the-2022-ignatz-awards/?ref=matthewbogart.net), I thought ***[No One Else](https://www.fantagraphics.com/products/no-one-else?ref=matthewbogart.net)* by R. Kikuo Johnson** was *fantastic*.
- If you'll allow me a couple of local suggestions, I was shocked to discover that one of my closest friends, a huge movie buff living in Portland for years, had *never been* to [Movie Madness](https://moviemadness.org/?ref=matthewbogart.net). More than just a video store full of hard-to-find films, Movie Madness is a *[museum](https://moviemadness.org/museum/film-museum/?ref=matthewbogart.net)* of authentic movie props and costumes featuring actual screen-used items from *Citizen Kane, The Godfather, E.T., Blade Runner, Modern Times,* and the list goes on and on. So if you're ever in Portland and are *vaguely* interested in movie history, *see it*. It's one of my favorite spots on earth.
- One of the best comic shops in town, [Floating World Comics](https://floatingworldcomics.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), recently [moved into the Lloyd Center Mall](https://www.opb.org/article/2022/08/10/why-one-downtown-portland-business-is-moving-to-the-lloyd-center/?ref=matthewbogart.net), a giant shopping center that had been dying for years, but now it seems like it might be starting to have a new life as a place for hip record and comic shops. [This interview with the shop owner on OPB](https://www.opb.org/article/2022/08/10/why-one-downtown-portland-business-is-moving-to-the-lloyd-center/?ref=matthewbogart.net) got me pretty excited about the idea. Perhaps you also have a dying mall in your area that might *come back from the dead.*
- Finally, I'd missed this during the pandemic, but I'm happy to learn that [Beaverton, Oregon made it official](https://twitter.com/MatthewBogart/status/1567978776512073728?ref=matthewbogart.net).
### Book tour
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/10/03/book-tour/
Last updated: 2022-10-03T08:00:21.000Z
Jesse and I were on a book tour for almost half of September. An honest to god, we make books, and bookstores will have us as guests *book tour*.
It was driving down the Oregon and California coasts in an electric car, weaving in and out of hills and little towns. It was beautiful.
I wanted to move to every town we stopped in. We always seemed to arrive on a perfect day, being told by everyone it had been way too hot just the day before and would be rainy tomorrow.
Staying in little AirB&Bs, friends' houses, and a historic landmark of a hotel. Spending the days either driving or tweaking and rehearsing our presentation.
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1×
Some events were packed, and some were empty. People seemed to love the books and our presentation. They came with great questions and beautiful stories. The bookstores sold more than a few books. I did lots of drawings on title pages. Even if we'd gotten that money, we would have lost our shirt, but we knew that going in.
We just drove and listened to music, podcasts, and audiobooks. We told stories to each other—dumb jokes. Jesse showed me his mom's bookstore, the places he grew up, and where all the stories he said to me while writing the books took place.
It turns out the best Dennys to get chicken strips, and fries at is the one where your friend used to go at 2 AM in high school.
We talked about how lucky we were that we got to do this.
After a week and a half of driving, I was ready to go out again when I got home.
I wish we could have driven everywhere.
Thank you to everyone.
### VIDEO: The stores that inspired Incredible Doom Vol. 1.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/09/30/video-vol-1-commentary-part-1/
Last updated: 2022-11-02T23:43:02.000Z
LET'S GET INTO THE NITTY-GRITTY!
We've been [sharing all the stories](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9wjTH6kQR8Zy3tyru6pvQt7HRAjDpBfW&ref=matthewbogart.net) related to the launch of our comic series [Incredible Doom](http://incredibledoom.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) but what about the stories *in* the book? What inspired them?
How did we come up with a stage magician father? How did you arrive at those Kurt Vaughnagut quotes? What inspired Allison and Samir's story? How about Richards and Tina? What easter eggs might folks have missed?
Well, we cover all that stuff in more in the new video.
## Other videos on the creation of Incredible Doom
- [How we got going on our graphic novel series.](https://youtu.be/jXZhEJb0Few?ref=matthewbogart.net)
- [How we've co-written comics together for 6+ years.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-kHu%5FN2Kco&list=PL9wjTH6kQR8Zy3tyru6pvQt7HRAjDpBfW&index=3&ref=matthewbogart.net)
- [Year of Prep](https://youtu.be/LWf8veO-E68?ref=matthewbogart.net)
As always, [patrons](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) get these videos in advance of everyone else.
### Incredible Doom Vol. 2 released
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/09/06/incredible-doom-vol-2-released/
Last updated: 2022-09-06T19:53:34.000Z
Our graphic novel [*Incredible Doom Vol. 2*](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/incredible-doom-volume-2-matthew-bogartjesse-holden?variant=39913392996386&ref=matthewbogart.net)hits bookstores today. It's funny, sad, thrilling, and heartbreaking.
We hope you like it.
> “A thrilling tale of found family discovered between lines of code.”—[Sara Alfageeh](https://www.sara-alfa.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), co-creator of [Squire](https://www.sara-alfa.com/squire?ref=matthewbogart.net)
## 🏚WELCOME TO EVOL HOUSE
It may look to the unwitting outsider like a broken-down ranch house in the Ohio suburbs—but to those in the know, Evol House is the unexpected sanctuary of truant teens, punk rockers, nerds, and outcasts. At least, that’s what it’s supposed to be. Lately, it feels like everything’s falling apart.
In this thrilling sequel to the graphic novel Incredible Doom: Volume 1, Samir finds that life as a teenage runaway isn’t all he thought it would be; Allison spirals trying to impress her new “friends”, Tina considers leaving town to follow a passionate new connection; and Richard faces down a volatile classmate with a score to settle.
Can these friendships, forged on the internet—the most controversial tool of the modern era—survive the “real world”… or will they drop like a bad connection?
### Patron Update: Incredible Doom - Vol 2 Art in Progress #19
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/08/29/vol-2-art-in-progress-11-2/
Last updated: 2022-08-29T15:22:06.000Z
It's the final patron-only preview of [*Incredible Doom* Vol. 2](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/incredible-doom-volume-2-matthew-bogartjesse-holden?variant=39913393061922&ref=matthewbogart.net) before release day! So I get to share some of my favorite, spoiler-free panels in the whole book.
The whole thing will be available to everyone in a few days. So you got your preorder, right? But if you can't wait that long, jump in here and get an idea of what you're in for.
👉
[Patrons](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) can see the full post by entering their Patreon email.
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### August Newsletter - Tour, Book Release, New Print
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/08/29/august-newsletter-tour-book-release-new-print/
Last updated: 2022-08-29T13:00:22.000Z
Hey everybody!
This... is a big month. A lot of things that I've been working on for a *long* time, some of the longest-running projects of my life come to a head over the next month. Let's go.
---
# short version
🚙 We're going [on tour](https://www.matthewbogart.net/events/)
🖼 There's a fantastic new *Incredible Doom* [print](https://buyolympia.com/Item/mattmathew-incredible-doom-ansi-print?ref=matthewbogart.net) by ANSI artist Mattmatthew.
📼 We dropped a [new behind-the-scenes video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWf8veO-E68&ref=matthewbogart.net).
📗 Incredible Doom Vol. 2 comes out in **8 days**! So act fast if you want any of the fantastic bonus stuff.
---
# less short version
### 📗 book release
After years of anticipation, the conclusion to the story ark we started with the first mini-comic in 2015 hits stores on September 6th. Find out what happens to Allison, Samir, Richard, Tina, and the rest of the Evol house gang in a monster of a book longer than anything we've ever done.
That means time is running out to get all the extras we've made to celebrate the book's release. You may not be able to get some or *any of these* after the 6th.
**pre-order options**
1. *NEW!* Powells Books, the enormous independent bookstore, is offering a version of [the paperback signed by Jesse and me](https://www.powells.com/book/incredible-doom-volume-2-1110000364822?ref=matthewbogart.net).
2. You can pre-order from any bookstore, and I'll send you a [free signed bookplate](https://www.matthewbogart.net/incredible-doom-vol-2/#bookplate). (details here)
3. You can order from BuyOlympia.com and add on the ["Feelie Bundle](https://www.matthewbogart.net/incredible-doom-vol-2/#feelies)," a package of extras that *I love*. It includes an actual floppy disk, flyer, signed bookplate, and access to tons of Allison's secret personal files. This one is my favorite. I love the secrets we've hidden on this disk and the private website that the bundle gives you access to so much. SO much.
## 🚙 we're going on tour
Photo by [GeoJango Maps](https://unsplash.com/@geojango%5Fmaps?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit)
For the launch of *Incredible Doom Vol. 2* we are doing **seven** events in September throughout **Oregon** and **California**. Jesse and I will be doing readings from the new book, sketching in and signing, discussing the project, and hanging out with folks. I haven't done events in stores like this since I was sixteen. I am so excited. [The complete list of dates](https://www.matthewbogart.net/events/) is below and [here](https://www.matthewbogart.net/incredible-doom-vol-2-events/https://www.matthewbogart.net/events/).
Come by, hear stories, and talk comics.
## 🖼 new print
by Mattmatthew
If you were logging into BBSes in the early days of connected computers, like the characters in [Incredible Doom](http://incredibledoom.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), you probably knew about ANSI art.
Internet speeds at the time were usually too slow to download even a *tiny* image file quickly. So artists would create different shapes using *text characters* like the ones below.
Sort of like ASCII art, but constructed from a larger set of 256 letters, numbers, and symbols, "ANSI art" became *huge* in the early days of the net, [with different crews of artists even battling each other](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQrBbm5ZMlo&ref=matthewbogart.net) for bragging rights.
Amazingly, it's still a vibrant scene today, practiced by some *fantastic* artists like [Mattmatthew](http://blocktronics.org/tag/mattmatthew/?ref=matthewbogart.net), who did this gorgeous *Incredible Doom* [print we released this week](https://buyolympia.com/Item/mattmathew-incredible-doom-ansi-print?ref=matthewbogart.net).
I can't believe how stunning it is.
Printed by the fantastic [BuyOlympia](https://buyolympia.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) here in Portland, Oregon, the print uses an 11-color high-definition ink process on an enhanced matte paper. It's full bleed, with no border, and looks stunning
## 📼 video series
There's a [new installment](https://youtu.be/LWf8veO-E68?ref=matthewbogart.net) in our [video series about the creation of ](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9wjTH6kQR8Zy3tyru6pvQt7HRAjDpBfW&ref=matthewbogart.net)*[Incredible Doom](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9wjTH6kQR8Zy3tyru6pvQt7HRAjDpBfW&ref=matthewbogart.net)*. This one is about why the *year* that it took to plan the publication of a 30-page mini-comic was necessary.
I've been having a blast making these videos, and there's more to come. So make sure to subscribe to the [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) or [follow me on Instagram](http://instagram.com/matthewbogart/?ref=matthewbogart.net) if you don't want to miss them.
---
Between now and next month's newsletter, we'll have finished what we set out to do six years ago with the launch of *Incredible Doom*. But that doesn't spell the end of me making comics for you. Not by a long shot.
It might not even be the end of *Incredible Doom.*
See you here next month ... or at one of the places below before then.
\- Matt
---
# OREGON
## Beaverton
**[Young Willamette Writers ](https://willamettewriters.org/event/matthew-bogart-incredible-doom-2-beaverton-library/?ref=matthewbogart.net)**
**September 3rd - 11-12 PM**
[**Beaverton City Library**](https://www.beavertonlibrary.org/?ref=matthewbogart.net) **& Zoom**
[12375 SW 5th St, Beaverton, OR 97005](https://duckduckgo.com/?q=12375+SW+5th+St%2C+Beaverton%2C+OR+97005&t=h%5F&ia=web&iaxm=maps&ref=matthewbogart.net)
*(Matt only)*
## Portland
**[Books With Pictures](https://bookswithpictures.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)**[ ](https://bookswithpictures.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)**Block Party**
**September 10th - 6-10 PM**
(they're shutting down a city block and have all kinds of cool stuff planned.)
[1401 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202](https://duckduckgo.com/?q=1401+SE+Division+St%2C+Portland%2C+OR+97202&t=h%5F&ia=web&iaxm=maps&ref=matthewbogart.net)
*(Matt & Jesse)*
## Barnes and Noble - Medford
[**Barnes and Noble**](https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2771?ref=matthewbogart.net)
**September 13th** \- **3 PM**
1400 Biddle Road, Medford, OR 97501
*(Matt & Jesse)*
## Books With Pictures - Eugene
**[Books With Pictures Eugene](https://bookswithpictureseug.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)**
**September 20th - 5:30 PM**
99 W Broadway C, Eugene, OR 97401
# CALIFORNIA
## Lakeport
**[Watershed Books](http://www.watershedbookco.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)**
**September 15th - 3:30 PM**
305 N Main St, Lakeport, CA 95453
## Ukiah
[**Mendocino Book Company**](https://www.mendocinobookcompany.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
**September 16th - 6 PM**
102 S School St, Ukiah, CA 95482
## Arcata
[**Northtown Books**](https://www.northtownbooks.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
**September 17th - 5 PM**
957 H St, Arcata, CA 95521
### PATRON ONLY VIDEO: Vol. 2 cover design process
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/08/26/patron-only-video-vol-2-cover-design-process/
Last updated: 2022-12-16T20:14:36.000Z
Hey everybody, I thought I'd do a one-off video just for patrons about the cover creation process for Incredible Doom. I think folks would be surprised by the twists and turns something like this takes.
👉
[Patrons](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) can see the full post by entering their Patreon email.
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Stunning Incredible Doom ANSI art by mattmatthew
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/08/25/amazing-ansi-art-incredible-doom-print-by-mattmatthew/
Last updated: 2022-08-25T16:35:54.000Z
If you were logging into BBSes in the early days of connected computers, like the characters in [Incredible Doom](http://incredibledoom.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), you probably knew about ANSI art.
Internet speeds at the time were usually too slow to download even a tiny image file quickly. So artists would create different shapes using *text characters* like the ones below.
Sort of like ASCII art, but constructed from a larger set of 256 letters, numbers, and symbols, "ANSI art" became *huge* in the early days of the net, [with different crews of artists even battling each other](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQrBbm5ZMlo&ref=matthewbogart.net) for bragging rights.
Amazingly, it's still a vibrant scene today, practiced by some *fantastic* artists like [Mattmatthew](http://blocktronics.org/tag/mattmatthew/?ref=matthewbogart.net), who did this gorgeous *Incredible Doom* [print releasing today](https://buyolympia.com/Item/mattmathew-incredible-doom-ansi-print?ref=matthewbogart.net).
I can't believe how stunning it is.
Printed by the fantastic [BuyOlympia](https://buyolympia.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) here in Portland, Oregon, the print uses an 11-color high-definition ink process on an enhanced matte paper. It's full bleed, with no border, and looks stunning
[Get one for yourself](https://buyolympia.com/Item/mattmathew-incredible-doom-pixel-print?ref=matthewbogart.net)
I know I'll be getting several.
### Patron Update: Incredible Doom - Vol 2 Art in Progress #18
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/08/15/vol-2-art-in-progress-18/
Last updated: 2022-08-15T14:00:00.000Z
This [patron-only](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) preview of [Incredible Doom Vol. 2](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/incredible-doom-volume-2-matthew-bogartjesse-holden?variant=39913393061922&ref=matthewbogart.net) has two more references to my dad's magic act.
👉
[Patrons](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) can see the full post by entering their Patreon email.
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### VIDEO: Year of Prep
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/08/12/video-year-of-prep/
Last updated: 2022-09-30T18:12:52.000Z
Jesse and I are back with another video from [our series about the creation of Incredible Doom.](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9wjTH6kQR8Zy3tyru6pvQt7HRAjDpBfW&ref=matthewbogart.net)
This one is about the year it took to prepare the project before launch. I was amazed to realize it took that long, but I think it was worth it. The launch went so much better than if I'd posted the comic pages one at a time as I was drawing them and then tried to drum up excitement as I went.
My hope with these is for folks to see how a complicated project like this takes shape so that doing it themselves might feel possible.
As usual, this video went live for [my patrons](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) first.
### Signed copies of Incredible Doom Vol. 2 from Powell's Books
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/08/10/signed-copies-of-incredible-doom-vol-2-from-powells-books/
Last updated: 2022-08-10T21:52:05.000Z
In a turn of event's that's still tough for me to believe, my publisher arranged with Powell's Books, the famed Portland institution of a bookstore, to do a special *signed edition* of my upcoming book [*Incredible Doom Vol. 2*](https://www.matthewbogart.net/incredible-doom-vol-2/)*.*
If you [order the book through Powell's](https://www.powells.com/book/incredible-doom-volume-2-1110000364822?ref=matthewbogart.net) they'll send you a version signed by myself and my collaborator Jesse Holden. I can't believe this is a real thing.
When I first moved to Portland in 2001, I was amazed that I got to live in the *same city* as such a huge book store. Now the *publisher* of *our book* is working with them to offer a cool *signed edition of something we made*. Wild.
So there are now **three** ways to get fancy versions of Vol. 2
1. Preorder the "Feelie Bundle", with a ****floppy disk**, ****signed bookplate**, and ****flyer with clues to a secret webpage** from [buyolympia.com](https://buyolympia.com/Artist/Matthew+Bogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
2. Preorder ***anywhere** and [upload your receipt](https://www.matthewbogart.net/incredible-doom-vol-2/#bookplate) to get a free ****signed bookplate.**
3. [Preorder through Powell's](https://www.powells.com/book/-1110000364822?ref=matthewbogart.net) to get a ****signed book**.
I'm told that my publisher plans to send Powell's copies of the book in advance so there should hopefully be enough time for Jesse and me to sign them and you still get them on launch day.
### Patron Update: Incredible Doom - Vol 2 Art in Progress #17
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/08/01/vol-2-art-in-progress-17/
Last updated: 2022-08-01T14:00:00.000Z
This [patron-only](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) preview of [Incredible Doom Vol. 2](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/incredible-doom-volume-2-matthew-bogartjesse-holden?variant=39913393061922&ref=matthewbogart.net) shows one of only two pieces of stage magic equipment that I kept when my dad passed.
👉
[Patrons](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) can see the full post by entering their Patreon email.
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### July Newsletter - Preorder perks & behind the scenes.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/07/26/july-newsletter/
Last updated: 2022-07-26T15:00:50.000Z
#
Happy July Newsletter I can't believe there are only a few weeks till *Incredible Doom Vol. 2* comes out! In preparation for that, we've got even more cool stuff to announce!
# NEW STUFF:
## 1\. Feelie Bundle
This may be my favorite bonus we've ever made.
Inspired by PC games of the 80s and 90s that included objects from the world of the game, often called “[feelies](https://gallery.guetech.org/greybox.html?ref=matthewbogart.net)” in their box, if you preorder my upcoming book *Incredible Doom Vol. 2* through BuyOlympia, you can get *three* special bonuses.
1. A working recreation of **Allisons’ personal floppy disk**. It’s filled with her files, unseen emails with Samir, diary entries, ASCII art, and more.
2. **An original bookplate**, designed by me and signed by Jesse and me.
3. **A torn flyer for "ZephyrTech,"** Allison and Samir’s internet provider. The brochure includes clues for accessing Allison’s private online storage, which contains the same files as the floppy disk.
I love this bundle so much! The secret site we built that the flyer gets you access to is SO fun. I can't believe we found a place that would manufacture floppy disks for us.
Combing through this stuff makes you feel like you're snooping around the character's hard drives, stumbling upon both actual files from 90s BBSes and ones created by the characters.
I think you're going to love them.
[Pre-order the softcover "feelie" bundle](https://buyolympia.com/Item/matthew-bogart-jesse-holden-incredible-doom-vol-2-softcover?ref=matthewbogart.net)
[Pre-order the hardcover "feelie" bundle](https://buyolympia.com/Item/matthew-bogart-jesse-holden-incredible-doom-vol-2-hardcover?ref=matthewbogart.net)
## 2\. Signed Bookplates
Are you preordering Vol. 2 somewhere else?
We still want to say thanks. So if you upload your receipt [here](https://www.matthewbogart.net/incredible-doom-vol-2/#bookplate), we'll send you a *free* bookplate signed by myself and Jesse Holden.
First, preorder at [Bookshop.org](https://bookshop.org/a/22427/9780063064973?ref=matthewbogart.net), [Powells](https://www.powells.com/book/incredible-doom-9780063064973?ref=matthewbogart.net), [Barnes and Noble](https://www.powells.com/book/incredible-doom-9780063064973?ref=matthewbogart.net), [Books A Million](https://www.booksamillion.com/p/9780063064966?AID=10747236&PID=7310909&cjevent=8dffc198f41d11ec825701580a1c0e10&cjdata=MXxOfDB8WXww&ref=matthewbogart.net), [IndieBound](https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780063064966?ref=matthewbogart.net), [Target](https://www.target.com/p/incredible-doom-volume-2-by-matthew-bogart-jesse-holden/-/A-85916353?preselect=85688042&ref=matthewbogart.net#lnk=sametab), [Walmart](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Incredible-Doom-Incredible-Doom-Volume-2-Series-2-Hardcover-9780063064973/396297315?ref=matthewbogart.net), or best of all: find your [local store](https://bookshop.org/pages/store%5Flocator?ref=matthewbogart.net). Then fill out [this form](https://www.matthewbogart.net/incredible-doom-vol-2/#bookplate).
## 3\. Evol House Print
I released a [new Incredible Doom print](https://buyolympia.com/Item/matthew-bogart-evol-house-print?ref=matthewbogart.net)! It's the artwork used under the dust-jacket for Incredible Doom Vol. 2, and it goes wonderfully with [the print from the Vol. 1 case.](https://buyolympia.com/Item/matthew-bogart-neighborhood-print?ref=matthewbogart.net)
# Behind the Scenes
I've been releasing a TON of fun behind-the-scenes stuff recently.
## 1\. Video Series
I started a new video series on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/matthewbogart/channel/?ref=matthewbogart.net) about the stories behind *Incredible Doom.* The things that inspired it and how we went from printing mini-comics at home to a book deal with one of the biggest publishers. It's lots of fun!
## 2\. Secrets of the cover
Like[ with Vol. 1](https://www.incredibledoom.com/news/2021/2/22/incredible-doom-collection-cover-reveal-amp-pre-orders?ref=matthewbogart.net), I wrote about [all the easter eggs hidden in the new Incredible Doom Vol. 2 cover](https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/07/21/lets-talk-aobut-the-cover-of-vol-2/). I also made an in-depth video for patrons about how the publisher and I reached that design.
## 3\. Vol. 2 Art Previews
And, as usual, I've been sharing [spoiler-free previews of the art for the new book](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart?filters%5Btag%5D=behind%20the%20scenes&ref=matthewbogart.net) with patrons.
There's only *one more* newsletter till Harper Alley drops the first new *Incredible Doom*. I'm *SO* excited for you all to get to read it. Everyone on the team did such a fantastic job.
Until then, come say hi, and I'll see you around the internet!
# LINKS
Here are some interesting things I've found around the web.
- I loved [this investigation](https://defector.com/the-secret-history-of-the-internets-funniest-buzzer-beater/?ref=matthewbogart.net) into the origin of one of the web's rare pre-YouTube viral videos.
- Did you know there's a [2nd excellent-looking graphic novel coming out in September with "doom" in the title](https://twitter.com/Balakin01/status/1550571015947837444?ref=matthewbogart.net)?
- [A great breakdown of how the YouTuber economy works](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoWcQUjNM8o&ref=matthewbogart.net). Anyone trying to make money from their art would find it interesting. YouTuber or not.
- [A Twitter thread](https://twitter.com/hankgreen/status/1546951287006105600?ref=matthewbogart.net) about how we've been miss-attributing "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known." to Carl Sagan when a pretty badass-sounding woman wrote it.
### Collaborating on comics for 6+ Years
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/07/22/collaborating-on-comics-for-6-years/
Last updated: 2022-07-22T21:00:43.000Z
Navigating a creative partnership can be one of the trickiest parts of a project. I'm happy to say that Jesse and my six-year collaboration has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my comics career.
So, as part of our [series about the creation of Incredible Doom,](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9wjTH6kQR8Zy3tyru6pvQt7HRAjDpBfW&ref=matthewbogart.net) we made a video about how we work together. It covers everything from how we structured our legal relationship to the writing techniques we use.
---
Back in 2016, I was spending time, after my day job, at a co-working space called [XOXO Outpost](https://outpostpdx.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net). Listening to all the creative professionals there talking about their day, I realized that, although the work they were doing daily sounded *tough,* none of it was work I was *incapable* of.
That realization is one of the big inspirations for trying something as ambitious as *Incredible Doom*.
It's also why I'm making these videos. Just in case someone might feel the same after watching them. So if you think you might know anyone who might enjoy this series, please consider sharing.
Also, these videos go up a week early [for Patrons. ](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### Let's talk about the covers of Incredible Doom Vol. 2
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/07/21/lets-talk-aobut-the-cover-of-vol-2/
Last updated: 2022-07-25T19:48:41.000Z
I'm thrilled with how the cover to Incredible Doom Vol. 2 came out. I can't wait for it to hit the shelves on September 6th. (don't forget to [pre-order](https://www.matthewbogart.net/incredible-doom-vol-2/) ) Like with the cover to Vol. 1, there are lots of little touches that aren't obvious. So I thought, [just like last time](https://www.incredibledoom.com/news/2021/2/22/incredible-doom-collection-cover-reveal-amp-pre-orders?ref=matthewbogart.net), I'd write a post about it.
First thing, look at that great quote from [SARA ALFAGEEH](https://www.sara-alfa.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net).
That's so good! Sarah has an excellent book called "[Squire](https://bookshop.org/a/22427/9780062945846?ref=matthewbogart.net)" that's breathtakingly beautiful. I'm incredibly honored to have her words and name on the front of our book.
Just like Vol. 1, there's a *hidden cover* under the dust jacket of the hardback edition. The two covers mirror each other and make a pretty cool matched set.
The hidden case artwork under the dust jacket for Vol. 1 and Vol. 2
I had this set in mind from the moment I finished the design for the first book. I'm so pleased with how they look together that I'm releasing a new [*print* of the Vol. 2 case artwork](https://buyolympia.com/Item/matthew-bogart-evol-house-print?ref=matthewbogart.net) for folks that want to hang it next to [the Vol. 1 case](https://buyolympia.com/Item/matthew-bogart-neighborhood-print?ref=matthewbogart.net) print.
Hidden in the hardback edition's dust flaps are two illustrations you don't get if you buy the paperback: a shattered television (which makes sense once you've read the book) and Allisons' family rabbit "Hoppy."
I've always been a fan of design elements that repeat throughout every series entry. I can remember having conversations with friends when I was in college about how glad we were that Weezer kept their logo the same on both their first and second albums.
So there are a lot of repeated elements from Vol. 1 to Vol. 2\. This includes the idea for the back cover. I repeated the concept but changed the objects to represent objects from this new story. We also got to use some quotes that we didn't have when we printed Vol. 1.
In the bottom right, there's a printout of the "[Principia Discordia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principia%5FDiscordia?ref=matthewbogart.net)," which plays an integral part in the book. And a Super Nintendo cartridge for a fictional game called *"Alley Cat Adventures."*
This is a reference to the Harper Alley mascot "[Alley Cat](https://www.harperalley.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)."
It's my second stab at the character. The first was something I drew for [the Harper Alley Instagram account](https://www.instagram.com/p/CO3VYgqsEwF/?hl=en&ref=matthewbogart.net) when Vol. 1 came out.
[](https://www.instagram.com/p/CO3VYgqsEwF/?hl=en&ref=matthewbogart.net)
In the upper right of the back cover is a zine called "Collect Ions" written by "Shy Violent," who is one of the characters in Vol. 2.
I pulled the name of the zine and the cover design from real life. In middle and high school, my friend [Joe Besch](http://joebesch.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) and I used to publish comics together using our parents' office copiers. One of my favorites of his was a series called "Collect Ions."
With his permission, I stole the name and combined these two issues' covers to make what you see on the back of Vol. 2.
When volume two was hurtling towards its deadline, and I was scrambling to get all the art done on time, Joe was one of the people that I hired to help draw backgrounds.
Nothing like drawing a comic about 90s kids with a guy I drew comics with when we *were* 90s kids.
📼
If you'd like more, I made a [12 min. video for my patrons](https://www.patreon.com/posts/secrets-of-doom-69185435?ref=matthewbogart.net) about what the design process was like for this cover, including a dozen or so rejected designs.
💾
**Incredible Doom Vol. 2** comes out **September 6th**. Make sure to [pre-order.](https://www.matthewbogart.net/incredible-doom-vol-2/)
### Patron Update: Incredible Doom - Vol 2 Art in Progress #16
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/07/18/vol-2-art-in-progress-16/
Last updated: 2022-07-18T14:00:03.000Z
This [patron-only](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) preview of [Incredible Doom Vol. 2](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/incredible-doom-volume-2-matthew-bogartjesse-holden?variant=39913393061922&ref=matthewbogart.net) may have my favorite drawing of Tina in it that I've done. I'm so excited for folks to get to read this thing and know what all of these panels mean in context.
👉
[Patrons](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) can see the full post by entering their Patreon email.
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### VIDEO - How Incredible Doom got started
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/07/15/video-how-incredible-doom-got-started/
Last updated: 2022-07-15T15:27:52.000Z
Over the years of making *Incredible Doom*, we've accumulated many stories, lessons, and tips—everything from logistic stuff like how we tried to make mini-comics for a living to the real stories that inspired the comic. From how we work together to how we ended up at one of the biggest publishers in the world.
So, to celebrate the upcoming release of [Incredible Doom Vol. 2](https://www.matthewbogart.net/incredible-doom-vol-2/) I've been putting together some videostrying to tell those stores.
We hope it's interesting to fans of the series and perhaps even helps a few folks decide they can try and tackle their big projects.
This is [the first video](https://youtu.be/Vm%5FT3UDItCk?ref=matthewbogart.net) about how things started, but there are several more in the hopper. So, subscribe[ to my YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/matthewbogart/?sub%5Fconfirmation=1&ref=matthewbogart.net) or follow me [on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tv/CgCZDozFpC1/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY%3D&ref=matthewbogart.net) if you want to see more.
### Announcing the Incredible Doom Vol. 2 "Feelie" Pre-order Bundle
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/07/06/announcing-the-incredible-doom-vol-2-feelie-bundle/
Last updated: 2022-07-06T12:00:08.000Z
Throughout the history of *Incredible Doom* we've loved making little objects to include with the comic to surprise and delight folks, like the ones you can get as part of [the slipcase mini-comic set](https://buyolympia.com/Item/matthew-bogart-incredible-doom-mini-comic-set?ref=matthewbogart.net). But there's one object we've wanted to do for years but could never figure out how to make work. Until now.
Inspired by "feelies," a term coined by PC game maker Infocom to describe the extra objects they'd put in their software boxes, we've created our own Vol. 2 "Feelie". It's one of my *favorite* things we've ever made.
If you pre-order Incredible Doom Vol. 2 through BuyOlympia, and for an extra $6, you get not only a bookplate signed by Jesse and me but *two* feelies.
1. A working recreation of **Allisons' personal floppy disk**. It's filled with her files, emails with Samir not seen in the comic, diary entries, ASCII art, and more. But, of course, if you don't have a way to read files on a floppy disk (because who does?), you also get...
2. **A torn flyer for" ZephyrTech, "**Allison and Samir's internet provider. The brochure includes clues for accessing Allison's private online storage, which contains the same files as on the floppy disk.
The floppy disk has a custom-designed label to look like it's been in a box for 30 years. The label has "magic inventory" written on it in a blue ballpoint pen by Allison's dad, which Allison crossed out in red marker when she claimed it. The torn Zephyr Tech flyer includes period-accurate design and copy.
But it's all of that, *combined* with the **website** and **files** you get access to, that makes it so cool.
It feels like you're snooping around the character's hard drives, stumbling upon both real files from 90s BBSes and ones created by the characters.
I'm thrilled with how these have turned out. I think you're going to love them.
[Pre-order the softcover "feelie" bundle](https://buyolympia.com/Item/matthew-bogart-jesse-holden-incredible-doom-vol-2-softcover?ref=matthewbogart.net)
[Pre-order the hardcover "feelie" bundle](https://buyolympia.com/Item/matthew-bogart-jesse-holden-incredible-doom-vol-2-hardcover?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### Patron Update: Incredible Doom - Vol 2 Art in Progress #15
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/07/04/vol-2-art-in-progress-15/
Last updated: 2022-07-16T16:15:27.000Z
In this [patron-only](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) preview of [Incredible Doom Vol. 2](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/incredible-doom-volume-2-matthew-bogartjesse-holden?variant=39913393061922&ref=matthewbogart.net) we get to see Tina's bedroom again. Well, we've *kind of* seen it before. It was shown briefly in [the lost chapter](www.matthewbogart.net/incredible-doom-eternal-september-1/) of *Incredible Doom.*
👉
[Patrons](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) can see the full post by entering their Patreon email.
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Incredible Doom Vol. 2 - Teaser Video
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/07/04/incredible-doom-vol-2-teaser/
Last updated: 2022-07-04T14:00:03.000Z
Holy crap it's happening. **Incredible Doom Vol. 2** is now [available for preorder.](https://buyolympia.com/Item/matthew-bogart-jesse-holden-incredible-doom-vol-2-hardcover?ref=matthewbogart.net) It's a funny, thrilling, and heartbreaking story we've been building since 2016! At 306 pages, it's even longer than vol. 1.
The publisher's description:
### WELCOME TO EVOL HOUSE…
It may look to the unwitting outsider like a broken-down ranch house in the Ohio suburbs—but to those in the know, Evol House is the unexpected sanctuary of truant teens, punk rockers, nerds, and outcasts. At least, that's what it's supposed to be. Lately, it feels like everything's falling apart.
In this thrilling sequel to Incredible Doom: Volume 1, Samir finds that life as a teenage runaway isn't all he thought it would be; Allison spirals trying to impress her new "friends", Tina considers leaving town to follow a passionate new connection; and Richard faces down a volatile classmate with a score to settle.
> A thrilling tale of found family discovered between lines of code.
—**Sara Alfageeh**, co-creator of **Squire**
### June Newsletter - Incredible Doom mini-comic sets are back.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/06/22/june-newsletter/
Last updated: 2022-06-22T21:12:00.000Z
Happy June! This infrequent newsletter is back with *lots* of great **Incredible Doom** news!
# Incredible Doom Mini Comic Sets
### They're back!
The last remaining *Incredible Doom* Mini Comic sets are [back for sale](https://buyolympia.com/Artist/Matthew+Bogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) for the final time.
I *love* carefully handcrafted mini-comics. They may be my **favorite** thing. I've held on to some for *decades* because they're just so damn *cool.* Usually put together by the artist, they feel like buying a piece of *original art*. Because that's kind of what it is.
This is why, from the very start, when conceiving *Incredible Doom*, I planned it as a series of the coolest mini-comics I could muster. A meticulously produced set, all intended to fit a fantastic little slipcase. Handmade objects that folks would want to hold on to for years.
In 2019, after years of work, we'd done it.
We'd finished six issues, each handmade by myself and Jesse Holden. Each included a corresponding "Feelie" *(which is what we called a paper recreation of an item from the story's world)* on the inside back cover.
And we designed and produced a special *slipcase* to put them all in.
After *years* of work, we'd shipped the first batch of them off to patrons and got another batch ready...then a pandemic hit, we got a book deal, and these sets went in the closet for a while.
Until now.
They're finally back up for sale, and **once they're gone, they're gone forever.** We're not allowed to print more. So if you'd like a set of your own, now's your **last chance.**
Thank you to *everyone* who made this set possible. Making something like this was a lifelong dream. I'm so excited to get these last sets to good homes.
[BUY THE SET](https://buyolympia.com/Item/matthew-bogart-incredible-doom-mini-comic-set?ref=matthewbogart.net)
# Prints
Speaking of **Incredible Doom**, I just released *[*five*](https://buyolympia.com/Artist/Matthew+Bogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)*[ new Incredible Doom prints](https://buyolympia.com/Artist/Matthew+Bogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)! They're beautiful 13" x 19" archival prints using an 11-color high-definition ink process on an enhanced matte paper, printed in my hometown of Portland, Oregon. So now you can hang **Incredible Dooms** young love, angst, and retro-computer goodness on your wall.
[BUY PRINTS](https://buyolympia.com/Artist/Matthew+Bogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
# Signed Books
I've been traveling to meet folks recently. I've been to **VanCAF** in Vancouver, BC, **FCBD Mini-Con** in Beaverton, OR, and [**TCAF**](https://www.torontocomics.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) in Toronto, ONT. It's been unbelievable to meet everyone. I've made incredible new friends and met folks I'd only known online. Thank you to everyone who's come out. I'll be traveling more soon; stay subscribed!
As I travel, I've been signing copies of Vol. 1 and leaving them in bookstores, including in [Vancouver, BC](https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/home/storelocator/storeDetails/789/?ref=matthewbogart.net), [Olympia, WA](https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2653?cat=KAT&subtype=detailList&ref=matthewbogart.net), [Toronto, ONT](http://www.beguilingbooksandart.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) and [Portland](https://bookswithpictures.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), [OR](https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2262?ref=matthewbogart.net). But you don't have to miss out if you're not near those towns. I signed and sketched every copy of [Incredible Doom](https://buyolympia.com/Item/matthew-bogart-jesse-holden-incredible-doom-vol-1-hardcover?ref=matthewbogart.net) and my previous book, [The Chairs' Hiatus](https://buyolympia.com/Item/matthew-bogart-the-chairs-hiatus?ref=matthewbogart.net), at [BuyOlympa](https://buyolympia.com/Artist/Matthew+Bogart?ref=matthewbogart.net). So head over there if you'd like one shipped to you.
[](https://anchor.fm/uncannycreatives/episodes/Episode-27-Matthew-Bogart-and-Jesse-Holden-create-INCREDIBLE-DOOM--a-graphic-novel-about-the-simpler-early-days-of-the-internet-e1fp62s?ref=matthewbogart.net)
# Podcast Interview
Jesse and I had fun on the [Uncanny Creatives Podcast](https://anchor.fm/uncannycreatives/episodes/Episode-27-Matthew-Bogart-and-Jesse-Holden-create-INCREDIBLE-DOOM--a-graphic-novel-about-the-simpler-early-days-of-the-internet-e1fp62s?ref=matthewbogart.net). We talked about quitting my retail job and going from mini-comic makers to having a book deal with Harper Collins. Want to have us on your podcast? Reply to this email to get in touch!
# Patreon Updates
Finally, if you can't wait till September for the release of **Incredible Doom** **Vol. 2**, you can [join us on Patreon](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net). I've done over a dozen posts *full* of spoiler-free artwork, videos about the upcoming book, and sneak peeks of some upcoming projects. So sign up to get a [sneak peek](https://www.patreon.com/posts/may-video-update-67144150?utm%5Fmedium=clipboard%5Fcopy&utm%5Fsource=copy%5Fto%5Fclipboard&utm%5Fcampaign=postshare).
Thanks so much for being here! I'll be back in a few weeks with some exciting information about **Incredible Doom Vol. 2**!
\-Matt
# LINKS
*Other exciting stuff around the web.*
- Are you interested in the past & present of [Bulletin Board Systems](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulletin%5Fboard%5Fsystem?ref=matthewbogart.net) (BBS) like those in *Incredible Doom*? Then, check out *[Back to the BBS](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLop3s1hMlSJKXqmuFjK7gbJh2WAyllTTY&ref=matthewbogart.net)*, a YouTube series by [Al's Geek Lab](https://alsgeeklab.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net). It goes *in-depth*, including ways people are starting BBSes today.
- Are you an aspiring cartoonist in Portland? Excellent comics pro [Steve Lieber](https://www.stevelieber.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) hosts *free* [office hours](https://twitter.com/steve%5Flieber/status/1531763688671092736?ref=matthewbogart.net) to help you improve your craft.
- Did you know that A24 makes [*zines*](https://shop.a24films.com/collections/zines?ref=matthewbogart.net)? Everyone should. They look amazing.
- [Tony Cliff](https://www.tonycliff.ca/?ref=matthewbogart.net) is doing fantastic work on the next book in his [Delilah Dirk series](https://www.tonycliff.ca/delilahdirk?ref=matthewbogart.net), which he describes this way:
*"Follow the adventures of 19th-century Europe's premier brash lady adventurer from Istanbul to Ibiza, from the miserable grey skies of England to the searing Sahara desert, from the misery of deception to the elation of discovery, ever-accompanied by her Turkish traveling companion, Erdemoglu Selim. These books are perfect for the Boat Dad in your life or any children of Boat Dads you might know."*
Start reading the book right now, either on [DelilahDirk.com](https://www.delilahdirk.com/dd4/?ref=matthewbogart.net), on [Webtoon](https://www.webtoons.com/en/challenge/practical-defence-against-piracy/list?page=1&title%5Fno=688003&ref=matthewbogart.net), [Tapas](https://tapas.io/series/PDAP/info?ref=matthewbogart.net), or [Tumblr](https://tonycliff.tumblr.com/tagged/dd4?ref=matthewbogart.net). His [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/tonycliff?ref=matthewbogart.net) is also great.
### Patron Update: Incredible Doom - Vol 2 Art in Progress #14
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/06/20/vol-2-art-in-progress-14/
Last updated: 2022-06-20T13:59:59.000Z
In this week's patron-only preview of [*Incredible Doom* Vol. 2](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/incredible-doom-volume-2-matthew-bogartjesse-holden?variant=39913393061922&ref=matthewbogart.net) (out Sept. 9th), we get multiple new locations not seen in the series before.
👉
[Patrons](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) can see the full post by entering their Patreon email.
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### I'll be at the TORONTO COMICS ART FESTIVAL this weekend.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/06/15/ill-be-at-the-toronto-comics-art-festival-this-weekend/
Last updated: 2022-06-15T23:42:23.000Z
I'm thrilled I get to the [Toronto Comics Art Festival](https://www.torontocomics.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) this weekend! From everything I've heard, it's an *unbelievable* show, and looking at [the roster of comics creators](https://www.instagram.com/torontocomics/?ref=matthewbogart.net) they have this year, I'm *very* excited. I've been trying to attend for almost a decade, and this is finally the year.
So if you can make it, bring a mask, come by my booth, and meet some cool comics folk!
### Patreon Sticker Club
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/06/14/patreon-sticker-club/
Last updated: 2022-06-14T16:37:03.000Z
STICKERS!
I've wanted to do this forever. Look! We've got *Incredible Doom s*tickers now!
Now, you can decorate your computer with a new *Incredible Doom* sticker pack every three months for a year. Every pack features three stickers depicting a different illustration of an important object from *Incredible Doom.*
You may recognize them as colorized versions of the covers of the original *Incredible Doom* mini-comics, which later became the half-title page for the collection. Each one represents a different chapter of Incredible Doom.
The first two packs feature objects from Vol. 1 and the second two packs from Vol. 2\.
- *3 Stickers per pack*
- *2x2 inches*
- *International shipping included*
Join the sticker club by becoming a supporter of these comics at $10 a month.
[Become a member](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### Patron Update: Incredible Doom - Vol 2 Art in Progress #13
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/06/06/vol-2-art-in-progress-13/
Last updated: 2022-06-06T14:00:00.000Z
In this patron only preview of [*Incredible Doom* Vol. 2](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/incredible-doom-volume-2-matthew-bogartjesse-holden?variant=39913393061922&ref=matthewbogart.net) (out Sep 9th) we get a reference to a beat from Vol. 1 that I think only I got.
👉
Patrons can see the whole post by putting in their Patreon email.
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### May Patreon Video Update
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/05/31/may-patreon-video-update/
Last updated: 2022-05-31T18:28:51.000Z
An update for patrons about several projects I've been working on that aren't ready to talk about publicly yet.
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### New Incredible Doom prints!
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/05/23/new-incredible-doom-prints/
Last updated: 2022-05-26T21:16:27.000Z
Gearing up to the release of *[Incredible Doom Vol. 2](https://bookshop.org/a/22427/9780063064973?ref=matthewbogart.net)* in September, I'm thrilled to announce five new beautiful prints! So now you can hang all the young love, angst, and retro-computer goodness of *Incredible Doom* on your wall!
Printed in Portland, Oregon by the amazing [Buyolympia](https://buyolympia.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), using an 11-color high definition ink process on an enhanced matte paper, these 13" x 19" posters are full bleed, with no white margins, and ship flat in a protective sleeve.
I’m amazed at how well they came out.
Get ready for the new book by surrounding yourself with *Incredible Doom.*
### Patron Update: Incredible Doom - Vol 2 Art in Progress #12
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/05/23/vol-2-art-in-progress-12/
Last updated: 2022-05-23T07:00:04.000Z
In this patron-only preview of the upcoming [*Incredible Doom* Vol. 2](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/incredible-doom-volume-2-matthew-bogartjesse-holden?variant=39913393061922&ref=matthewbogart.net), we get a shot of computer use in the classroom, which I love.
I remember taking a typing class in high school where the classroom was divided in half. The back half of the room was filled with computers on desks for the students to use. The front half was filled with *electric typewriters*.
We spent the first few weeks learning to type on the typewriters before advancing to the computers with all their "bells and whistles."
👉
[Patrons](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) can put in their Patreon email to view seven illustrations from the upcoming book.
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### We'll be at VanCAF 2022 this weekend.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/05/17/ill-be-at-vancaf-2022-this-weekend/
Last updated: 2022-05-17T00:37:39.000Z
If you're in Vancouver this weekend, grab a mask and say hi at the [Vancouver Comics Art Festival.](vancaf.org)
We'll be signing and sketching in books and have a few comics that you can't get anywhere else!
### Patron Update: Incredible Doom - Vol 2 Art in Progress #11
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/05/09/vol-2-art-in-progress-11/
Last updated: 2022-05-09T07:00:00.000Z
In this, what is becoming a *bi-weekly* [patron-only](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) spoiler-free preview of *[Incredible Doom](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/incredible-doom-volume-2-matthew-bogartjesse-holden?variant=39913393061922&ref=matthewbogart.net)*[ Vol. 2](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/incredible-doom-volume-2-matthew-bogartjesse-holden?variant=39913393061922&ref=matthewbogart.net) we get two big establishing shots of the living room of Evol house.
I have a complicated relationship with this room.
👉
Patrons can enter their Patreon email to see the whole post.
_This post is for subscribers only._
### Patron Update: Incredible Doom - Vol 2 Art in Progress #10
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/04/25/vol2-art-preview10/
Last updated: 2022-04-25T15:59:37.000Z
In this week's spoiler-free, patron-only preview of *Incredible Doom* Vol. 2, we get an establishing shot that I love. *Incredible Doom* isn't set in any specific place but grew up in a central Ohio town called Mansfield. And that first panel is how it looks.
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Oregon Live interview from 2018
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/04/13/the-excitement-and-danger-of-living-life-on-a-digital-frontier/
Last updated: 2022-04-28T19:44:46.000Z
It seems as though I *never posted* about being interviewed by [Will Nevin](https://twitter.com/willnevin?ref=matthewbogart.net) for Oregon Live / The Oregonian back in 2018\. I have no idea why not.
This was a massive deal for us as *Incredible Doom* was getting started. I'm glad to have a record of it on my site finally.
🔗
[WW #101: The excitement -- and danger -- of living life on a digital frontier](https://www.oregonlive.com/books/2018/08/ww%5F101%5Fthe%5Fexcitement%5Fand%5Fdang.html?ref=matthewbogart.net) \- Oregon Live / The Oregonian
### Patron Update: Incredible Doom - Vol 2 Art in Progress #9
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/04/11/patron-update-incredible-doom-vol-2-art-in-progress-9/
Last updated: 2022-04-11T07:00:01.000Z
I like this batch of [patron-only ](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)spoiler-free *Incredible Doom* Vol. 2 images for a few reasons. (patrons, enter your Patreon email to view).
The first is we get another shot of Allisons' dad on stage. It reminds me of the days in my life when I used to do that. The theater he's in is much more like the ones I performed in doing college theater than any magic shows I did with dad, but still, it takes me back.
Also, the third image, where Richard is standing in a parking lot, has its background inked by none other than Jesse Holden himself! As we got closer to the deadline for turning in Vol. 2, Jesse was kind enough to lend his drawing talents to a few pages.
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### You can order Incredible Doom Vol. 1 signed with a sketch in it at BuyOlympia.com
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/04/05/incredible-doom-vol-1-signed-with-a-sketch/
Last updated: 2022-04-05T22:14:23.000Z
Until they sell out, every copy of *Incredible Doom Vol. 1* at [BuyOlypmia.com](https://buyolympia.com/Item/matthew-bogart-jesse-holden-incredible-doom-vol-1-hardcover?ref=matthewbogart.net) is signed by me and features a sketch of Allison like the one here. On top of that, they are on sale!
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I don't make any money on these. I love [BuyOlympia](buyolympia.com). While you're there, check out some of the fantastic artists. For example, I've sent some of [these postcards](https://buyolympia.com/Artist/Lucy+Bellwood?ref=matthewbogart.net) by [Lucy Bellwood](https://lucybellwood.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net).
### Back to the BBS - Video Series by Al's Geek Lab
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/04/04/back-to-the-bbs/
Last updated: 2022-04-27T01:10:45.000Z
Interested in the past & present of [Bulletin Board Systems](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulletin%5Fboard%5Fsystem?ref=matthewbogart.net) (BBS) like those in my graphic novel series *Incredible Doom*? Check out *[Back to the BBS](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLop3s1hMlSJKXqmuFjK7gbJh2WAyllTTY&ref=matthewbogart.net)*, a YouTube series by [Al's Geek Lab](https://alsgeeklab.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net). It' goes in depth, including on ways people start their own BBSes today.
Another long time favorite of mine, which I've mentioned a few times before is Jason Scotts [*BBS - The Documentary*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dddbe9OuJLU&list=PL7nj3G6Jpv2G6Gp6NvN1kUtQuW8QshBWE&ref=matthewbogart.net)*.*
### Early access to new Incredible Doom merch
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/04/04/early-access-to-new-incredible-doom-merch/
Last updated: 2022-04-04T05:41:59.000Z
*(also posted on [Patreon](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net))*
While getting ready for Incredible Doom Vol. 2 in September, Jesse and I have been making so much Incredible Doom-related stuff! Patrons get first access to five of those things today!
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Uncanny Creatives Podcast
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/03/29/uncanny-creatives-podcast/
Last updated: 2022-04-27T01:12:23.000Z
Jesse Holden and I were on the [Uncanny Creatives ](https://anchor.fm/uncannycreatives/episodes/Episode-27-Matthew-Bogart-and-Jesse-Holden-create-INCREDIBLE-DOOM--a-graphic-novel-about-the-simpler-early-days-of-the-internet-e1fp62s?ref=matthewbogart.net)podcast recently. We got to talk a bit about my journey from quitting my retail job to putting out our graphic novel series [*Incredible Doom*](http://incredibledoom.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) with Harper Alley.
It was fun! Thanks to [Powerhowz Distributing](https://powerhowzproductio.wixsite.com/website?ref=matthewbogart.net) for having us on!
### Patron Update: Incredible Doom - Vol 2 Art in Progress #8
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/03/28/patron-update-incredible-doom-vol-2-art-in-progress-8/
Last updated: 2022-03-28T08:59:59.000Z
Here are a few more preview images [for patrons](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) from the upcoming *Incredible Doom* Vol. 2\.
(enter your patron email to view)
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### The IPRC
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/03/28/the-iprc/
Last updated: 2022-03-28T06:00:00.000Z
This nondescript warehouse building houses one of my favorite places—the [Independent Publishing Resource Center](https://href.li/?http://iprc.org&ref=matthewbogart.net) in Portland, Oregon.
It’s home to a myriad of fantastic printing equipment available for folks to make cool zines, comics, posters, or whatever else you can dream up. Photocopiers, laser printers, risograph machines, screen printing, letterpress, stack cutters, binding machines, they have it all.
The IPRC is a little bit of heaven for someone who’s been joyfully self-publishing mini-comics for their whole life.
Here’s a video we shot in there a few years ago making an [Incredible Doom](https://href.li/?http://incredibledoom.com&ref=matthewbogart.net) mini-comic.
### Patron Update: Incredible Doom - Vol 2 Art in Progress #7
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/03/14/vol-2-art-in-progress-7/
Last updated: 2022-03-14T11:00:11.000Z
Hey everybody, Here's another spoiler-free glimpse of the upcoming Incredible Doom - Vol. 2\. I've removed the dialogue and randomized the order. Enter your patron email to view.
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Out a window.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/03/12/out-a-window/
Last updated: 2022-03-12T20:32:45.000Z
Went to go see that jerk [Anis Mojgani](https://www.thepianofarm.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) last night do a poetry show out a window at sunset last night. Standing next to me was my oldest friend [Joe](http://joebesch.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), his wife [Sara](https://www.instagram.com/lofty%5Fpoppy/?hl=en&ref=matthewbogart.net), and their daughter. I remember thinking "This is what I used to love about this town."
Good to know it's not gone. Thanks, buddy.
### VIDEO UPDATE: Out the other side.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/03/10/out-the-other-side/
Last updated: 2026-01-19T00:44:22.000Z
I made a slightly rambly video about the progress on *Incredible Doom* Vol. 2 and what's next. Enter your Patreon email to read. Also posted on Patreon.
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Incredible Doom on the YALSA "2022 Great Graphic Novels for Teens" list.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/02/09/incredible-doom-on-the-yalsa-2022-great-graphic-novels-for-teens-list/
Last updated: 2022-02-09T02:34:00.000Z
I'm honored to learn that the [Young Adult Library Services Association's](https://www.ala.org/yalsa/?ref=matthewbogart.net) list [of great graphic novels for teens](https://www.ala.org/yalsa/2022-great-graphic-novels-teens?ref=matthewbogart.net) includes *[Incredible Doom](http://incredibledoom.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)* this year!
It's always so flattering to know that folks out there are not only getting something out of the series but recommending it to others. There are some *fantastic* books on this list.
### There's a copy of Incredible Doom Vol. 1 with a sketch in it at Powell's Books on Hawthorne.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/02/07/theres-a-copy-of-incredible-doom-vol-1-with-a-sketch-in-it-at-powells-books-on-hawthorne/
Last updated: 2022-03-05T19:12:15.000Z
I stopped by my local [Powell's Books branch](https://www.powells.com/locations/powells-books-on-hawthorne?ref=matthewbogart.net) a bit ago and drew this sketch in a copy of Incredible Doom. It might still be there if you want it.
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### An Incredible Doom timelapse just for fun
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/02/07/an-incredible-doom-timelapse-just-for-fun/
Last updated: 2022-03-05T19:13:32.000Z
I'd been working on this for fun while live streaming on [my twitch channel](http://twitch.tv/matthewbogart/?ref=matthewbogart.net). I love to share things sped up like this.
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This week, I've been working on doing the final changes to *Incredible Doom* Vol. 2's interior art. The book now has a (barebones) [page on the Harper Collins website](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/incredible-doom-volume-2-matthew-bogartjesse-holden?variant=39913392996386&ref=matthewbogart.net), so you know it's real! I've also been working with our editors to develop a cover design. It's going pretty well!
There's nothing I'm allowed to share yet. We're building suspense! But I'll keep folks posted.
### You should make a comic tonight.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2022/01/12/make-a-comic-tonight/
Last updated: 2022-01-13T15:47:21.000Z
They're cheap.
They're fun.
It can take only minutes to make a good one. Yet you can get lost in them for a lifetime.
You should make a comic tonight.
### PATRON POST: How's Incredible Doom Vol. 2 going?
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2021/12/13/how/
Last updated: 2022-03-05T20:29:47.000Z
An update only about how Incredible Doom Vol. 2 is progressing. What it's like to work with an editor and excitement about sensitivity readers. Enter your Patreon email to read.
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Ed Wood on Deadlines
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2021/11/16/ed-wood-on-deadlines/
Last updated: 2021-11-26T01:54:35.000Z
> "You’ll just have to do better next time.’ Yeah, you’re just gonna have to do better next time, so learn from this." - Ed Wood
Healthy attitude. Give it your best shot, ship, move on. The work gets better by doing it. [Share what you’ve got.](http://rickandmortyadventures100years.com/img/showMeWhatYouGot.gif?ref=matthewbogart.net). ([Via](https://www.fastcompany.com/3028474/a-comic-book-writer-on-how-to-power-up-your-creative-business?ref=matthewbogart.net))
### Evol House BBS alternate menu design.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2021/07/30/unused-bbs-design/
Last updated: 2021-11-26T16:16:21.000Z
A BBS screen that [Jesse](https://www.instagram.com/churl/?ref=matthewbogart.net) made for *Incredible Doom*. I’ve developed such an appreciation for both the text work that was done back in the day and Jesses work to re-create it.
### Live Incredible Doom Q&A w/ Anis Mojgani at University Bookstore, Tues. July 20th
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2021/07/19/live-incredible-doom-qa-at-university-bookstore-jul-20/
Last updated: 2022-03-09T21:22:02.000Z
Hey! My collaborator Jesse Holden and I are going to be doing a live conversation with Anis Mojgani and Q&A, the current poet laureate of Oregon In conjunction with **University Bookstore** on **Jul 20, 2021** 02:00 PM Pacific.
We’ll be talking about making comics, the early internet, and answering viewer questions. I’m really looking forward to it. It should be a lot of fun! You can register for this free event [here](https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN%5F7F0HZWPjS-ij8M3%5FH6yKqQ?ref=matthewbogart.net).
### A drawing of Dad in Illustrator Draw
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2021/07/10/4887/
Last updated: 2021-11-26T16:14:18.000Z
Sad to hear [Adobe Illustrator Draw is being retired](https://www.macrumors.com/2021/06/26/adobe-removing-photoshop-sketch-illustrator-draw/?ref=matthewbogart.net). I’ve really enjoyed drawing in it over the years. I did this drawing of my dad as a teenager in it ages ago.
### Panels from Incredible Doom: Eternal September
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2021/07/07/4880/
Last updated: 2022-01-06T02:07:47.000Z
We drew a whole issue of **Incredible Doom** that takes place after *Vol. 1* titled ***[Incredible Doom: Eternal September](https://www.matthewbogart.net/incredible-doom-eternal-september-1)***[ #1](https://www.matthewbogart.net/incredible-doom-eternal-september-1) that we ended up throwing out. We went a different direction with the story when a publisher picked it up, but you can read the start of this alternate timeline by [becoming a Patron](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net).
### “Commonplace”
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2021/07/05/commonplace/
Last updated: 2022-03-09T21:22:15.000Z
> “It seems silly to say, but I wasn’t prepared for just how often I’d come face to face with the things that made me now that I’m living at home.”
([link](https://lucybellwood.com/commonplace/?ref=matthewbogart.net))
### Ideal
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2021/07/04/ideal/
Last updated: 2022-03-05T20:31:17.000Z
Years ago I sat down and tried to picture what my ideal life would look like. What would I be doing? Where would I be doing it? I pictured a big long table in front of bright windows where I would be drawing comics for a living.
I took this picture the other week.
### Arrives for Vacation, Goes to Hospital
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2021/06/29/arrives-for-vacation-goes-to-hospital/
Last updated: 2021-11-26T16:53:47.000Z
### TIP: Get around objects in street view.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2021/06/24/tip-get-around-objects-in-street-view/
Last updated: 2021-11-26T16:43:52.000Z
Hey artists, ever use street view for reference but there’s a tree or a truck blocking the angle that you need? Click this icon to travel back in time and see images from that same spot over the years.
### Well, that’s something I’ve never done before.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2021/06/07/well-thats-something-ive-never-done-before/
Last updated: 2021-11-26T16:51:24.000Z
I was killing time at the [Bridgeport Village Barnes and Noble in Tigard](https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2371?ref=matthewbogart.net) and thought I’d go looking for my book. This has become an unexpected tradition whenever I go into a bookstore.
I found three copies on the shelf and then did something I’ve never done. I gathered my courage, and told an employee that I’d drawn this book and asked if it would be helpful for me to sign them.
They said they’d love that. I signed them, they put a sticker on them saying they’d been autographed, and then I ran away.
It wasn’t till I got to the escalator to leave that I remembered I’d told my girlfriend that I’d be meeting her there, and couldn’t leave.
I went and grabbed one of the signed copies off the shelf and spent a few minutes drawing in it.
This was so much fun that I may never finish Vol. 2\. I’ll be spending all my time snatching copies of Vol. 1 off store shelves to doodle in.
### My Space Action Novel
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2021/05/28/my-space-action-novel/
Last updated: 2022-03-05T20:32:30.000Z
An icon I drew years ago for a brief project Kirby Ferguson tried to do together.
### 99% of the time when I look up from my new standing desk, this is what I see.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2021/05/26/99-of-the-time-when-i-look-up-from-my-new-standing-desk-this-is-what-i-see/
Last updated: 2021-11-26T17:00:50.000Z
_No content available._
### Harper Alley AlleyCat
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2021/05/24/harper-alley-alleycat/
Last updated: 2021-11-26T17:07:08.000Z
[](https://www.harperalley.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Harper Alley, the new YA graphic novel imprint of HarperCollins, has a mascot called AlleyCat. You can read a cute short comic about them on [the Harper Alley site](https://www.harperalley.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net).
To celebrate the release of *[Incredible Doom](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/incredible-doom-matthew-bogartjesse-holden?variant=33007287894050&ref=matthewbogart.net)* I got to do a version of the furball.
### Alright. I’ve been playing with Obsidian.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2021/05/23/alright-ive-been-playing-with-obsidian/
Last updated: 2022-03-05T20:48:12.000Z
For someone who loves to noodle with systems, it sure is a fun way to spend a few evenings. It a way of writing linking local markdown files. Some call it “Personal Knowledge Management”. Others call it a “second brain”.
I think it’s [wild nerdy fun.](http://obsidian.md/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### Incredible Doom Vol. 1 Time Lapse
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2021/05/22/incredible-doom-vol-1-time-lapse/
Last updated: 2022-03-05T20:46:08.000Z
A time-lapse of drawing part of [INCREDIBLE DOOM Vol. 1](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/incredible-doom-matthew-bogartjesse-holden?variant=33007287894050&ref=matthewbogart.net), out this week from HarperAlley.
When I was a teenager I’m not sure much would have intimidated me more than being in the company of strangers who wanted to wrestle. So Richard's new friends get physical a few times.
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### Incredible Doom Vol. 1 is out TODAY! So let’s do an event.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2021/05/11/incredible-doom-vol-1-is-out-today/
Last updated: 2026-01-18T23:22:37.000Z
I can’t believe it. **Incredible Doom Vol. 1** is in stores as of *today!*
It collects the first six issues of *Incredible Doom*, into beautiful hardback *and* paperback editions. Just about *every page* has been re-drawn or refined. We even added a few *new* pages unique to the collection.
It turned out beautifully.
If you didn’t get the chance to pre-order the book your local bookstore may now have it. Or you can order it online. I like [bookshop.org](https://bookshop.org/a/22427/9780063064942?ref=matthewbogart.net).
[Order on Bookshop.org](If you didn’t get the chance to pre-order the book your local bookstore may now have it. Or you can order it online. I like [bookshop.org]%28https://bookshop.org/a/22427/9780063064942%29. )
To celebrate the launch of the book Jesse and I are doing a reading and Q&A, hosted by historian, archivist, and filmmaker [Jason Scott](https://twitter.com/textfiles?ref=matthewbogart.net) of the [Internet Archive](https://www.archive.org/?ref=matthewbogart.net) and [textfiles.com](http://textfiles.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net). It [will be live-streamed](http://twitch.tv/textfiles?ref=matthewbogart.net) on **Wednesday, May 12th at 6:30PM PST** (9:30PM ET) Stop by and say hi if you’ve got the chance. It should be fun!
We’re so lucky to have worked with such fantastic people at Harper Alley, including our editorial director Andrew Arnold, associate editor Rose Pleuler, creative director Barb Fitzsimmons, design assistant Martha Maynard, and publishing director Rich Thomas.
But the folks I’m most grateful for are those of you who’ve read and supported the series over the years. The people who stop to talk to us at conventions, send us messages, support us on Patreon, and share links to the story to help spread the word. Thank you so much. You make all of this possible.
We’re going to revel in the excitement of this volume coming out for a couple days, then let’s go make another one.
### Incredible Doom Vol. 1 Pre-order Bookplates
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2021/04/14/incredible-doom-vol-1-pre-order-bookplates/
Last updated: 2021-11-26T17:29:13.000Z
With the **May 11th** release date for ***Incredible Doom*** Vol. 1, fast approaching we thought we’d do something extraordinary for all the folks preordering.
Anyone in the US who orders a copy before *May 11th* can get a *free* bookplate, signed by myself and my collaborator Jesse!
All you have to do is fill out this form:
[Get your bookplate](https://www.matthewbogart.net/bookplate)
---
This project has been full of fun tiny [paper objects](https://www.incredibledoom.com/news/2018/1/12/announcing-feelies?ref=matthewbogart.net) from the start, and these bookplates keep up the tradition. I don’t want to spoil it, but they provide a little clue for decoding things printed in the book itself!
Preorder anywhere books are sold. Your local independent shop is a great choice, or here are three of my favorites.
If you’re a retailer who’s preordered copies for your store, [get in touch](mailto:bogart@hey.com). I’m happy to send you some too!
### Richard at a bus stop
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2021/03/06/richard-at-a-bus-stop/
Last updated: 2022-03-09T21:23:08.000Z
I drew Richard from [INCREDIBLE DOOM](http://incredibledoom.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) just for fun. I did this one in bed, with the sun coming up, girlfriend snoring beside me. It was nice.
Just a reminder, you can [preorder the Harper Alley collection of Vol 1 now.](https://www.matthewbogart.net/idvol1/)
### INCREDIBLE DOOM Vol. 1 – Cover Reveal
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2021/02/23/incredible-doom-collection-cover-reveal-pre-orders/
Last updated: 2021-11-26T17:32:23.000Z
Now that it’s up for preorder about everywhere, I so excited to share the packaging and pre-order links for the upcoming collection of ***Incredible Doom***!
There are all kinds of cool things hidden in these images, so let’s get into it!
First, the **front cover of the paperback!**
It’s got a very nice quote, lifted from a piece Cory Doctorow wrote about us in Boing Boing a while back. (That he kindly gave us permission to use here.)
We tried to show a neighborhood transforming into ANSI art. A tip of the hat to the amazing [ANSI art scene](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQrBbm5ZMlo&list=PL7nj3G6Jpv2G6Gp6NvN1kUtQuW8QshBWE&index=5&ref=matthewbogart.net) that continues to this day! I learned to use the ANSI art editor [Moebius](https://blocktronics.github.io/moebius/?ref=matthewbogart.net) for this piece and it was so much fun. I’ll share some process posts later.
Next: The paperback back cover:
The back cover of the slipcase for the hardback edition.
That mouse with a book as a mousepad sure takes me back. Also, the word “Force” on the cassette tape is a reference to the comic book “company” me and my friends started as middle schoolers in 90s. We’ve had a great experience being published by Harper Alley but [I’ll always consider *Incredible Doom* a Force comic.](https://www.incredibledoom.com/force-comics?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### **THE MANY SECRETS OF THE HARDCOVER**
As excited as we are for the paperback, I am absolutely ***in love*** with the design of the hardback. Not only is it sturdier, and should look even better on your shelf, but **there are *secrets* exclusive to *it*.**
There is **an alternate cover** hidden under the dust jacket!
And it wraps around to the back cover!
The hidden alternate cover under the slipcase of the hardback.
I love this illustration *so much*. Not only is it eery and *strange*, but it evokes what a bombshell these connected computers were to these kids. Also, seeing only a *few* computers in the neighborhood reminds me of when connecting to a network usually meant something *local.* When it required using the phone line, and long distance calls were so *expensive*. You were often communicating with folks who were *just* over the horizon, if not at the end of the block.
The dust jacket for the hardback has some secrets too. First, the back cover pulls forward these amazing quotes. (which are on the *inside front cover* of the paperback)
The jacket has an extended version front cover illustration on the inside front flap, our author portraits made in ASCII on the inside back flap, *and* a secret, tiny bit of **cannon altering art hidden away under our portraits.**
On the back flap you’ll see the Dissapointments’ cassette that Tina gives Richard the first day he comes to Evol House.
Some of you might recognize the text on the tape:
> *“HOME TAPING IS KILLING RECORD INDUSTRY PROFITS. WE LEFT THIS SIDE BLANK SO YOU CAN HELP.”*
I love this line. It encapsulates the spirit of Evol House so well. A few bands have put this on cassettes over the years, but it was originated by *Dead Kennedys.* Although *The Disappointments* wouldn’t have any qualms about using it, *we* felt weird about it without permission.
SO! In a bizarre turn of events, with the help of Jesses brother, we found ourselves *corresponding with Jello Biafra*, the original frontman of *Dead Kennedys!*
Not only did he give us permission to use the line, but he suggested that *The Dissapointments* should be on his record label*.* So now there’s a little tiny *Alternative Tentacles* logo on the cassette. And it’s *cannon* that both *Dead Kennedys* and *The Disappointments* share a label.
We’re *so excited* for folks to get these books in their hands.
It’s coming out on ***May 11th.*** Tell your local bookstore to order you a copy and / or pre-order one for yourself. It makes a great gift! 😉
And please, if anyone you know might like it, spreading the word about the collection helps us out a lot. This is my first book through a major publisher and I would very much like them to be happy that they took the chance on us.
Thank you everybody! You all are the best!
### PREORDER:
- **bookshop.org** – and support *your* local bookshop ([hardcover](https://bookshop.org/a/22427/9780063064942?ref=matthewbogart.net) – [softcover](https://bookshop.org/a/22427/9780063064935?ref=matthewbogart.net))
- **Powells** – and support *my* favorite local bookshop ([hardcover](https://www.powells.com/book/incredible-doom-9780063064942?ref=matthewbogart.net) – [softcover](https://www.powells.com/book/incredible-doom-9780063064935?ref=matthewbogart.net))
- Lot’s of [other independent bookstores](https://www.bookstorelink.com/9780063064942?ref=matthewbogart.net).
- or virtually [*anywhere else*](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/incredible-doom-matthew-bogartjesse-holden?variant=33007287926818&ref=matthewbogart.net) books are sold!
### Patreon Podcast #2- A Year of Preparing
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2021/01/28/patreon-podcast-2-a-year-of-preparing/
Last updated: 2021-01-28T23:57:30.000Z
I just posted [our 3rd patron exclusive podcast](https://www.patreon.com/posts/46799970?ref=matthewbogart.net) about the creation of [Incredible Doom](http://incredibledoom.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net).
In this episode, Jesse and I discuss the year in-between starting work on the comic and the posting of issue #1.
We cover coming up with our business model, working with our printers, and some of the things we did to prepare for launch day.
Members can either listen on the web, in the Patreon app, or [using the podcast player of your choice](https://support.patreon.com/hc/en-us/articles/212055866-Subscribe-to-your-Audio-RSS-link-on-the-Patreon-app?ref=matthewbogart.net).
### So nice to see these two again.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2021/01/19/so-nice-to-see-these-two-again-2/
Last updated: 2022-04-27T00:08:18.000Z
### Patreon Podcast #2- Jesse and Matthew
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/12/30/patreon-podcast-2-jesse-and-matthew/
Last updated: 2021-11-25T12:43:40.000Z
I just published a new [episode](https://www.patreon.com/posts/45606432?ref=matthewbogart.net) of the Patreon only *Incredible Doom* behind the scenes podcast, where in Jesse and I talk about our partnership. We cover both the creative and legal relationship we’ve developed as well as the importance of talking things through before a project gets under way.
You can either listen to the episode [on the web](https://www.patreon.com/posts/45606432?ref=matthewbogart.net), in the Patreon app, or [using the podcast player of your choice.](https://support.patreon.com/hc/en-us/articles/212055866-Subscribe-to-your-Audio-RSS-link-on-the-Patreon-app?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### Early story meeting
As mentioned in the episode here’s [a link to the un-edited audio of a story meeting from before we settled on the plot for Issue #1](https://www.matthewbogart.net/incredible-doom-story-meeting). The violent act we keep searching for in this issue ended up being a combination of Allisons dad locking her in a trunk, and later, throwing their pet rabbit across the room.
### Patreon Podcast #1 – The Story of Incredible Doom
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/12/01/patreon-podcast-1-the-story-of-incredible-doom/
Last updated: 2020-12-01T19:07:55.000Z
With the *Incredible Doom* Vol 1 collection nearing pre-orders, I thought it would be fun for Jesse and I to record a Patreon exclusive podcast about how the comic got started. What were it’s inspirations? How did Jesse and I start working together? How has the story changed?
Jesse and I plan on doing more, so leave a comment if there’s anything you’d like to hear us talk about.
If you’re a member of the Patreon you can either listen on the web, in the Patreon app, or [using the podcast player of your choice.](https://support.patreon.com/hc/en-us/articles/212055866-Subscribe-to-your-Audio-RSS-link-on-the-Patreon-app?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### Ted Lasso
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/10/20/ted-lasso/
Last updated: 2020-12-01T18:58:29.000Z
I’ve been thinking about [this twitter thread](https://mobile.twitter.com/%5Fdanilo/status/1304811249499283456?ref=matthewbogart.net) by Frisco Uplink about the Apple TV+ show Ted Lasso for more than a month now.
> Ted Lasso, from the outside, looks like a mundane story. It’s a show about sports, about a dysfunctional team.
>
> But Ted Lasso is actually speculative fiction. No spaceships or zombies, though. The premise is far more subtle:
>
> — Frisco Uplink (@\_danilo) [September 12, 2020](https://twitter.com/%5Fdanilo/status/1304812114473889795?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=matthewbogart.net)
Go read the whole thing. The show is wonderful. I love it. But this thread made me realize a few things I felt about the show but couldn’t put into words.
1. Ted Lasso actually makes me feel hopeful. Which I’ve been short on.
2. Over the last several years I’d lost something that I hadn’t realized was gone. Something about the way I want to interact with people, with a certain kindness. Seeing it again in this show is like running into an old friend who I haven’t seen in years and discovering you get on as though no time has past.
### Austin Kleon: on 15 years of blogging
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/10/15/austin-kleon-on-15-years-of-blogging/
Last updated: 2020-10-13T00:23:03.000Z
I love it when Austin Kleon [writes about blogging](https://austinkleon.com/2020/09/09/15-years-of-blogging-and-3-reasons-to-keep-going/?ref=matthewbogart.net).
> Every time I start a new post, I never know for sure where it’s going to go. This is what writing and making art is all about: not having something to say, but finding out what you have to say.Austin Kleon
Three reasons he keeps blogging:
> 1\. To leave a trace
>
> 2\. To figure out what I have to say.
>
> 3\. Because I like it.
It’s a [good post](https://austinkleon.com/2020/09/09/15-years-of-blogging-and-3-reasons-to-keep-going/?ref=matthewbogart.net).
### “Incredible Doom” is being published by Harper Collins
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/10/12/incredible-doom-is-being-published-by-harper-collins/
Last updated: 2020-10-12T18:45:30.000Z
I haven’t talked much about my comics for the past few months, because I’ve been harboring a secret that I can *finally* tell everyone.
The first six-issues of [**Incredible Doom**](http://incredibledoom.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), Jesse Holden and my comic about ’90s teens making terrible decisions over the early internet, are being collected into a *giant* 288 page paperback **and** **hardback** published by Harper Collins, to help launch their new imprint *Harper Alley*. It’s coming out on May 11th.
Over the last several months, the editors at Harper Alley and I have been getting the book ready. We’ve enlarged the pages to full graphic novel size, tightened drawings, added a ton of detail and tones, and even a few new scenes, all to make things look as good as possible.
THERE’S MORE!
Harper is so enthusiastic about where the story is going, they signed us for a **second volume** as well, which Jesse and I are already hard at work on. We expect to have *another* 288 page book completed in just 13 months. By comparison, the first book took *three times* that! We can do this thanks to *your* support here on Patreon, which has allowed me to hire an art assistant to help speed up the production time.
I can’t tell you how excited we are about this. Like so many things, this was *not* the plan at the start of 2020\. But unlike most news this year, this is *great*.
There’s so much more to tell you about—like how this came together, and what it’s been like working for a major publisher. I’m going to be posting about that both here and on Patreon. So make sure to subscribe to those.
Until then, thank you *so much* for sticking with us while we had to keep this a secret. *(It killed me, but they insisted.)*
### (Untitled)
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/10/10/3977/
Last updated: 2020-10-10T16:36:52.000Z
What cartoonist hasn’t had to dig up an old Mac mini, to run even older software, to accurately re-create late 90s ANSI art?
### Being grateful. I love this dog.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/09/14/being-grateful-i-love-this-dog/
Last updated: 2020-09-14T19:26:34.000Z
He can’t go outside because of the smoke from the wildfires but he’s taking it like a champ. Playing lots of indoor fetch, and giving lots of cuddle time.
### Daring Fireball: Online Privacy Should Be Modeled on Real-World Privacy
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/09/14/daring-fireball-online-privacy-should-be-modeled-on-real-world-privacy/
Last updated: 2020-09-14T18:54:59.000Z
John Gruber of [Daring Fireball](https://daringfireball.net/2020/09/online%5Fprivacy%5Freal%5Fworld%5Fprivacy?ref=matthewbogart.net), regarding Facebook complaining about the new privacy features Apple has built into iOS:
> Just because there is now a multi-billion-dollar industry based on the abject betrayal of our privacy doesn’t mean the sociopaths who built it have any right whatsoever to continue getting away with it. They talk in circles but their argument boils down to entitlement: they think our privacy is theirs for the taking because they’ve been getting away with taking it without our knowledge, and it is valuable. No action Apple can take against the tracking industry is too strong.
I’ve tried to be mindful of my privacy choices, but one of the things on my to do list for this fall is to revisit this topic and make even more conscious decisions about what I allow these companies to know about me.
I’m not sure about the choice of the word “sociopaths”, I’m sure there are good people that work at Facebook, and in advertising. And, in general, I’m pretty open online. But, I’d like a say in what strangers do and don’t know about me, and I get the sense the strangers at Facebook would rather not respect my wishes about that.
### Watching the wildfires.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/09/09/watching-the-wildfires/
Last updated: 2020-09-09T22:05:17.000Z
A handful of stops on the light-rail away from where I’m writing this is a county that’s preparing to evacuate due to Oregon wildfires.
Clackamas county, in green, a couple miles south of me in Portland, is prepairing to evacuate.
I’m tired of new reasons to be terrified.
Covid-19, police brutality, climate change. I want proof that the needle can be moved.
So, I donated money to Biden / Harris, and I’ll be voting for Sarah Innarone for Portland mayor.
### A thought about getting to know each-other on BBS vs twitter.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/07/25/3864/
Last updated: 2020-07-25T18:00:22.000Z
I’ve been reading and loving [*Cyberville: Clicks, Culture and the Creation of an Online Town*](https://www.worldcat.org/search?qt=worldcat%5Forg%5Fall&q=Cyberville%3A+Clicks%2C+Culture+and+the+Creation+of+an+Online+Town+&ref=matthewbogart.net) by [Stacy Horn](https://stacyhorn.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), a 1998 book about her BBS “East Coast Hang Out” or “ECHO”. A BBS that is [*still running today*](https://www.echonyc.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net).
> “It’s the access to them, the line I have straight into the hearts and minds that keeps me calling back. But the key is repeated access. To really know a person you have to talk to them again and again. Like when we were kids.”
I love that idea. That even if people are trying to be private on the BBS, it’s inevitable that folks get to know them. Like many of us were stuck with the same group of kids day in / day out in school. Love them or hate them, you were for the most part stuck with these people. So, more often than not, you didn’t have a choice but grow to love some of them.
By contrast, in a community like twitter, where I interact with more than a thousand people, I get a sense of what my existing friends are up to, but I don’t think I get to know them any better.
---
By the way, I found out about Stacy Horn from an[ excellent talk by Claire L. Evans at XOXO in 2018](https://xoxofest.com/2018/videos/claire-l-evans?ref=matthewbogart.net). Claires book [*Broad Band: The Untold Story of the Women Who Made the Internet*](https://www.worldcat.org/search?qt=worldcat%5Forg%5Fall&q=Broad+Band%3A+The+Untold+Story+of+the+Women+Who+Made+the+Internet&ref=matthewbogart.net), it is next on my list.
### 28 Years
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/07/01/28-years/
Last updated: 2021-11-26T17:35:51.000Z
Out of curiosity, I figured out when I decided *cartoonist* was the job for me. It was shortly after reading [Spider-Man #18](https://www.marvel.com/comics/issue/10776/spider-man%5F1990%5F18?ref=matthewbogart.net), which Marvel published in January of 1992.
Time from then till now: 28 years.
### (Untitled)
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/07/01/3848/
Last updated: 2020-07-01T17:51:23.000Z
Last December I left the job I’d been at for a decade, to give one final go at my lifelong dream of being a full time cartoonist.
I set a date to review my progress, to decide if I should keep going or retreat: July 1st.
Low and behold, I’m *not* looking for a job.
Wow.
### 2020 – by Ben Folds
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/06/27/2020-by-ben-folds/
Last updated: 2020-06-27T20:59:10.000Z
_No content available._
### Putting tones on “Spider-Man Blue”
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/05/24/putting-tones-on-spider-man-blue/
Last updated: 2020-05-24T18:34:18.000Z
Last night I took a page from [Spider-Man Blue](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spider-Man:%5FBlue?ref=matthewbogart.net) by Tim Sale and stripped the color out of it. This, by itself, is a [fun hobby](https://twitter.com/MatthewBogart/status/1262820475404783623/photo/1?ref=matthewbogart.net).
Inspired by how beautifully Sale lights his scene I spent a couple hours applying the two tones I use in my own comics to it.
Fun way to spend an evening.
### The fluctuating plan for “Incredible Doom” during unpredictable times.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/04/15/the-fluctuating-plan-for-incredible-doom-during-unpredictable-times/
Last updated: 2020-04-15T23:17:11.000Z
I just wrote a post on my Patreon about the logistics of printing [Incredible Doom](http://incredibledoom.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) season 1, how we planed to improve our process with Season 2, and how things have changed for us in recent weeks.
If you’re interested in the behind the scenes nitty gritty of publishing print comics through Patreon [take a look](https://www.patreon.com/posts/fluctuating-plan-36042494?ref=matthewbogart.net).
### Get a Free Incredible Doom Post Card by Supporting Your Local Comic Shop
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/04/14/get-a-free-incredible-doom-post-card-by-supporting-your-local-comic-shop/
Last updated: 2020-04-14T20:49:14.000Z
I just received these [Incredible Doom](http://incredibledoom.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) postcards I’d had printed to thank my wonderful [patrons](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) for their support. Thing is, I’ve got about 100 extra, so I thought we could try something fun.
Starting today, the first 100 people who send me their address, and a proof of purchase from a local comic shop, will get one of these postcards in their mailbox, along with a note from me.
There are few things more magical than local comic shops and the post office, and both are having a hard time right now. Which makes today a great time to go order yourself or your friends some comics, let me know about it, and get fun things in your mailbox.
1. EMAIL: [matthewbogartcomics@gmail.com](mailto:matthewbogartcomics@gmail.com)
2. With your mailing address.
3. And a proof of purchase from your local comic shop, preferably dated after Monday, April 13, 2020
4. and the subject line: **POST CARD**
### I drew characters from Bloom, The Tick, Valiant, Beverly Cleary, and Stray Bullets
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/04/14/i-drew-characters-from-bloom-the-tick-valiant-beverly-cleary-and-stray-bullets/
Last updated: 2020-06-27T21:02:26.000Z
I did some fan art from readers suggestions. There’s Hector and Ari from [Bloom](https://www.powells.com/book/bloom-9781250196910?partnerid=33241&ref=matthewbogart.net), [The Tick](http://www.necpress.com/Tick.aspx?ref=matthewbogart.net), Ralph from [The Mouse and the Motorcycle](https://www.harpercollins.com/9780380709243/the-mouse-and-the-motorcycle/?ref=matthewbogart.net), Amy Racecar from [Stray Bullets](https://imagecomics.com/comics/series/stray-bullets-2?ref=matthewbogart.net), Matt Feazells [Cynicalman](http://www.mattfeazell.net/CYNICALMAN/index.htm?ref=matthewbogart.net), and [Magnus Robot Fighter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnus,%5FRobot%5FFighter?ref=matthewbogart.net) (featuring Tara Bot).
This was lots of fun. I’ve been in a rut artistically the last few weeks. This was the opposite of that. Thanks everybody!
### A unique experience.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/04/09/a-unique-experience/
Last updated: 2022-03-09T21:22:39.000Z
> It would be easy to just make this blog about \[Trumps reaction to Covid-19\] but this feels to me like a good time to be an alternative. If you want what’s on the news channels, it’s there on the news channels. Here, I’m more inclined to write about cats in my yard, comic book history and, of course, the unique experience we’re all having.[Mark Evanier](https://www.newsfromme.com/2020/03/30/dispatches-from-the-fortress-day-19/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
I sure am always glad when I dip into “[News From ME, Mark Evanier’s Blog About TV, Movies, Theater, Comics, News Politics and Other Forms of Fantasy](https://www.newsfromme.com/2020/03/30/dispatches-from-the-fortress-day-19/?ref=matthewbogart.net).”
I first learned about Mark from his work on the long running comic “[Groo: the Wanderer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groo%5Fthe%5FWanderer?ref=matthewbogart.net)” as a kid, but I think I like his blog even better.
It’s my favorite kind of site, one that makes things I normally would have little interest in, like the late night show landscape or little known 60s era television performers, fascinating.
### Masks and Glasses
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/04/09/masks-and-glasses/
Last updated: 2020-04-09T17:12:45.000Z
I’ve been using the same profile picture everywhere online since 2008\. But I broke my glasses a couple months ago and wear a mask when I’m outside now, so …
### Pretty darn calming.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/04/08/pretty-darn-calming/
Last updated: 2020-06-27T21:04:37.000Z
Six year old Miumiu sings “I Wish You Love”
Her cover of “Fly Me to the Moon” is beautiful as well.
### The Internet Archives 90s VHS Vault
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/04/07/the-internet-archives-90s-vhs-vault/
Last updated: 2020-04-03T16:45:07.000Z
Have some time to go down a weird internet habit hole? [The Internet Archive](https://archive.org/), has for years been archiving VHS tapes and putting [online](https://archive.org/details/vhsvault).
On one end of the spectrum there’s this collection of [Nickelodeon Commercial Breaks from April 1998](https://archive.org/details/youtube-8rQYE-JXmss) and the other, this [Law Enforcement Guide To Satanic Cults](https://archive.org/details/LawEnforcementGuideToSatanicCults1994VHSOccultHilarity).
And literally over 20,000 more.
### A Murder Most Foul
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/04/03/a-murder-most-foul/
Last updated: 2020-06-27T21:27:12.000Z
I found this, long, unreleased Bob Dylan song that came out the other day surprisingly affecting.
### Incredible Doom #3 - Behind the Scenes
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/03/28/incredible-doom-3-behind-the-scenes/
Last updated: 2022-03-04T22:36:16.000Z
A mammoth collection of every bit of trivia that went into creating Incredible Doom part 3, including a timelapse of the drawing of almost the entire book.
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Links for quarantined kids from a children’s librarian.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/03/23/links-for-quarantined-kids-from-a-childrens-librarian/
Last updated: 2021-11-25T12:49:21.000Z
My girlfriend, a children’s librarian, is working from home as many are. With so many folks at home with their kids, I asked her to share her expertise and curate some particularly good links for kids stuck at home.
Here’s her list, pulled from a treasure trove of links that folks in her profession have been passing around.
### [DPL Children’s Authors](https://dpl.bibliocommons.com/list/share/350640561%5Fdplpaigeone/1603278909%5Fdpl%5Fchildrens%5Fauthors%5F-%5Fread%5Falouds%5Fand%5Fother%5Ffacetime%5Flive%5Fevents?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Many children’s authors and illustrators are offering read-alouds and drawing lessons online. Deschutes Public Library put together[ this great list](https://dpl.bibliocommons.com/list/share/350640561%5Fdplpaigeone/1603278909%5Fdpl%5Fchildrens%5Fauthors%5F-%5Fread%5Falouds%5Fand%5Fother%5Ffacetime%5Flive%5Fevents?ref=matthewbogart.net).
### [Tumble Book Library](https://www.tumblebooklibrary.com/home.aspx?ref=matthewbogart.net)
[Tumble Book Library](https://www.tumblebooklibrary.com/home.aspx?ref=matthewbogart.net) is a collection of animated talking picture books, read-alongs, ebooks, quizzes, lesson plans, and educational games. This one needs a library card. Don’t have a library card? You can often get one online. Portlanders can even [get a Washington County card](https://www.wccls.org/online-card?ref=matthewbogart.net) and have twice the options.
### ****[Khan Academy](https://khanacademy.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360040167432-How-can-Khan-Academy-be-used-for-remote-learning-during-school-closures-?ref=matthewbogart.net)**
Free [lessons and homeschooling support](https://khanacademy.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360040167432-How-can-Khan-Academy-be-used-for-remote-learning-during-school-closures-?ref=matthewbogart.net) online for kids ages 4-8.
### ****[The Green Giraffe Eats](https://www.facebook.com/events/554850422056332/)**
Fun,[ live cooking classes](https://www.facebook.com/events/554850422056332/) for kids
## **[Family Yoga with Kylie](https://www.facebook.com/events/208447717173185/)**
Michigan State University puts on [family yoga](https://www.facebook.com/events/208447717173185/), all ages and abilities welcome. No yoga experience or reservation required.
If people like these links she’s happy to share more. Just leave a comment.
### Wuthering
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/03/21/wuthering/
Last updated: 2020-03-21T18:28:38.000Z
Hank Green, talking about his illness on Vlogbrothers for the first time, instilled the first feelings of understanding and stability I’ve had recently.
### NEW COMIC: “Incredible Doom – Eternal September” #1 available to patrons months early.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/03/18/incredible-doom-eternal-september-1-the-first-issue-in-season-2-is-up-for-all-patrons-today-months-before-its-public-release-to-those-of-you-who-are-able-thank-you-so-much-for-supporting-inde/
Last updated: 2020-03-18T01:12:08.000Z
*Incredible Doom: Eternal September* #1, the first issue in Season 2, is up for all patrons today, months before its public release. To those of you who are able, thank you so much for supporting independent art. Together we’ll get through this worrying time.
In the meantime, have a [new comic to read](https://www.patreon.com/posts/new-issue-doom-1-34886748?ref=matthewbogart.net).
### Note Pad – Enjoying Simple Apps
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/03/07/note-pad/
Last updated: 2020-03-07T02:28:34.000Z
Thinking about early 90s computing over the last couple years my comic drawing [Incredible Doom](http://incredibledoom.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) has given me a fondness for software that seems restricting, yet is oddly focusing. Software like that these days seems like plain vanilla ice cream. Simple and really good.
Which is why **Note Pad** on the original Mac OS sounds so nice. It was about as simple as can be.
You launch it. It gave you a blank window to type on. You could store up to 8 notes, which you would flip through one at a time by clicking the dog-eared corner on the lower right.
Note Pad
There was no search. No folders. No settings. No formatting, spell check, or grammar judgements. Just eight screens of plain text.
These days I’ve got notes in so many places. Hundreds of them. Over 600 in Apple Notes alone, never mind [Notion](https://www.notion.so/?ref=matthewbogart.net), [Byword](https://bywordapp.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), [Drafts](https://getdrafts.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), [Slugline](https://slugline.co/?ref=matthewbogart.net), [Day One](https://dayoneapp.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), etc. I love these apps. But it’s all too common that, once I type a note, in one of those there’s a 80% chance I’ll never see it again.
It falls into a void, and I forget it’s there.
It sounds absurd, but I swear there’s something nice about an app that fills up. One that asks you to consider notes one through eight before adding another. Delete them, act on them, but at least consider them. An app that can’t balloon into a mess that you then have to manage.
That sounds lovely to me.
---
If you’d like to play with [Note Pad, it’s emulated in a web browser](https://jamesfriend.com.au/pce-js/?ref=matthewbogart.net) by Jason Friend. Click on the Apple menu and drag down to Note Pad.
### Fascination Station – Designing a bookstore
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/02/17/fascination-station-designing-a-bookstore/
Last updated: 2024-12-19T19:26:45.000Z
Several months ago, novelist, comedian, poet, storyteller, and president of [Write Bloody Publishing](https://writebloody.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), [Derrick Brown](http://www.brownpoetry.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) wrote me with a plan. A friend of his was redesigning a huge building in a small town and wanted to turn it into a collection of shops designed by different creators. He wanted Derrick to dream big and design a bookstore.
Derrick told me his plan for **Fascination Station**. It was to be a train station, with a checkout counter modeled after Grand Central stations [information kiosk](https://duckduckgo.com/?q=Grand+Central+stations+information&t=osx&ia=images&iax=images&ref=matthewbogart.net). It would have cubby holes for reading, set into in the back wall designed like bunks on a train car. Large displays would be inset in arches showing landscapes rolling by. Travel posters advertising departure times for famous fictional destinations would hang on one wall, and shelves would roll away, so folding chairs could pull out from a secret compartment and an audience could watch authors read from the back of a full size caboose, as if they were on a whistle-stop tour.
It sounded wonderful, and Derrick wanted me to draw it.
While I make detailed 3D models for my comics, I’d never designed something like this. Something that was to become an actual physical *place*. Something that needed to fit in exact dimensions and be usable by flesh and blood *people*. It was a heck of a lot of fun, and the illustration came together in no time.
An overhead view of Fascination Station – a Write Bloody Bookstore
Sadly, things fell through. The Fascination Station only exists in these drawings.
But gosh does it make me want to go to a bookstore. So I think I will.
### Backup Stories Collection
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/02/15/backup-stories-collection/
Last updated: 2020-02-14T18:18:55.000Z
A panel from “Girls”, a patron exclusive comic.
If a you’re a Patreon member at $10 or more you can now read all 70+ pages of members only *Incredible Doom* comics [on one page](https://www.matthewbogart.net/incredible-doom-backup-stories/). Being able to explore these stories that didn’t fit into the regular series has been a joy. Thank you for making them possible.
### Jesse & I were on “Talking To Ghosts”
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/02/14/jesse-i-were-on-talking-to-ghosts/
Last updated: 2022-03-29T19:11:05.000Z
As I’ve been spending the last couple weeks re-invigorating this blog with a new host, CMS, and other fun features, I’ve come across things that should have been posted here that never were.
For example, last October my *Incredible Doom* collaborator Jesse Holden and I were guests on the “[Talking to Ghosts](https://www.talkingtoghosts.com/home/2019/10/7/144-incredible-doom?ref=matthewbogart.net)” podcast and I never linked it. We talked with hosts Michael Kurt and Wesley Mueller about how we work together to break these stories, the logistics of making print issues, and, of course, the early internet.
Doing podcasts is fun. I hope to do more.
### How to Make Custom Comic Slipcases: Cost Breakdown (And What Went Wrong)
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/02/05/about-incredible-doom-slipcase/
Last updated: 2026-01-19T00:30:22.000Z
After my last comic ended, I made a list of everything I’d always wanted to do in comics but hadn’t. Inspired by [*Oregon History Comics*](https://www.mirkwork.com/oregon-history-comics?ref=matthewbogart.net) by [Sarah Mirk](https://www.mirkwork.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) and *Monster Box* by Tien Pham & Lark Pien, making a series of pocket-sized books in a cardboard slipcase was at the top of the list.
Oregon History Comics / Monster Box
Now, years later, it’s done. [*Incredible Doom*](http://incredibledoom.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), my and [Jesse Holdens](http://scumbly.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) comic about teens in the 90s making bad decisions over the early internet, was designed from the start with a slipcase in mind. It’s finally here, and it’s a beauty.
The case holds Season 1 (issues 1-6), each [feelie](https://www.incredibledoom.com/news/2018/1/12/announcing-feelies?ref=matthewbogart.net), and the rarities issue, *Incredible Doom* #0.
It also has several hidden features. The hole in the front frames the cover illustrations for each issue perfectly, so you can choose what cover you like best, but we’ve also included an insert with six *new* illustrations to choose from. Jesse designed a special wedge shape inside the case that keeps whichever image you choose pressed against the window.
Like each of the comics that inspired it, you can tell this is hand assembled, not by someone in a factory, but someone who cares about the project. That’s part of the reason these slipcases ship flat, to be folded at home.
It’s fun. This video shows how it’s done.
I think these boxes are amazing, the completion of a decade long dream. I hope it helps *Incredible Doom* find a place on your shelf for years to come.
[](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
This level of transparency is only possible because of Patreon support. Every pledge helps fund experiments like this and keeps me sharing what I learn. Join here to support more indie publishing experiments.
[Visit my patreon ](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
---
Now for the nitty-gritty details…
# BEHIND THE SCENES
It’s not hyperbole to say this wouldn’t exist without our patrons. To explain why, and help others who want to try something like this, I broke down how we made it, what it cost, and what when wrong. (There was a lot.)
### HOW IT’S MADE
#### Cutting
We hired the fantastically patient Kristin Walker at [Twin Ravens Press](https://twinravenspress.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), recommended by [Lucy Bellwood](https://lucybellwood.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), to laser cut the slipcase and fold lines. They did a wonderful job.
COST:
- $25 shipping
- $98 for 100 sheets of 23×35 Chipboard Sheets – 80#
- $400 for 200 Laser Cutting and Scoring
**TOTAL COST PER SLIPCASE: $3.11**
### THE INSERT
I bought the card-stock for the inserts at Kelly Paper and biked it over to Portlands [Independent Publishing Resource Center](http://iprc.org/?ref=matthewbogart.net). I printed them on their color laser printer, cut them 15 at a time on their stack cutter, and scored each by hand using their scoring machine, so they would fold with a nice crease.
COST:
- $30 for a 250 sheets of 11×17 card-stock
- $208 for 100 11×17 double sided color laser prints (2 inserts per page)
**TOTAL COST PER INSERT: *$2.23***
### SHIPPING
I ordered 200 photo mailers to ship things in, and a DYMO Label Writer 4XL printer to print the postage. On our friend [Andys](http://waxy.org/?ref=matthewbogart.net) recommendation, I subscribed to [Endicia](https://www.endicia.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) to generate the postage. I used the least expensive shipping option.
COST:
- **$152** for 200 9×11.5″ photo mailers ($0.76 each)
- **$386** for postage on 110 shipments to US patrons. USPS first class postage. (Averages to $3.51 per)
- **$15** Endicia subscription fee.
**TOTAL COST PER SHIPMENT: *$4.40***
#### GRAND TOTAL PER SHIPMENT: *$9.74*
---
# THINGS THAT WENT WRONG
I love where this ended up, but it’s been a bumpy ride getting here. To show both that none of this is easy, and no step is so hard that you couldn’t do it, here’s everything that went wrong. Buckle up.
#### The Case
We thought we were *so* prepared. Before we even launched the website, let alone wrote and drew the six comics that would go inside it, I made a mockup of the case out of paper.
Considering I’d done nothing like it before, it worked wonderfully.
Meanwhile, our friend [Josh Millard](http://www.joshmillard.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) was making very creative use of his Cricut machine, a device normally used by crafters and scrap bookers to cut shapes out of paper. So we asked Josh to see if he could cut our mockup into our chosen stock. I was giddy at the results.
We thought we’d found an inexpensive way to manufacture any number of slipcases. Which was important, as we didn’t know if we’d need 10 or 1,000 once it came time.
We put the design away and started drawing the series, never mentioning our plans for a slipcase online. Although we teased our plans with a photoshopped image made from pictures of our Cricut mockup.
A Photoshopped mockup we snuck onto our site without a word.
A quick few years later, we announced our plans to the public. We’d finished writing and drawing all six issues that were to go into the case and had tested production. It should be fine.
We urged folks to subscribe to the Patreon, and in a matter of weeks, they’d *receive a slipcase in the mail.*
I bought a stack of chipboard and lugged it over it to Jesse’s house, who had purchased his own Cricut. We tweaked the design from years back, and he started cutting.
It went horribly. The failure rate was so high on the thick board that Jesse would work for *hours* and not get a single usable slipcase. It turns out the tests that made us so confident years ago were *luck*.
We were stumped. We thought we had been so prepared. We asked for a quote from Twin Ravens Press, but it was five times what we’d planned.
I’d now promised these to patrons. Folks had signed up with the expectation of getting these. We had to deliver something. So Jesse went back to the Cricut machine.
He diligently fed in sheet after sheet, eking out occasional moderate successes between failure after failure. The machine would jam on irregularities in the stock, the board would tear when you pulled it off the adhesive sled. Even those that were counted as successes required a good deal of cleanup by hand with an X-Acto knife.
The Cricut machine runs into a thick particle of the board and snags.
A message from Jesse during production.
We were falling so far behind. It felt horrible. I ***hate*** breaking promises to patrons. But, in the end, it was actually the delays that saved us.
After months of failed attempts, the accumulated monthly income from patrons built up. I had enough in the bank that I could tell Twin Ravens Press to manufacture them for us.
The problem was finally out of our hands. The professionals were taking care of it. What a relief.
Then I got the proof in the mail and it fell apart in my hands.
Seems intended as fold lines became cuts.
This was an easy, yet time consuming fix. A few weeks waiting for a new proof, quickly approved, another few weeks, and I had a stack of *beautifully* cut slipcases on my kitchen counter.
Brings a tear to my eye.
### THE INSERT
A few insert misprints.
Printing the insert presented its own challenges.
I struck out at two different copy shops. The first because they thought I was printing copyrighted images. The second took two weeks to tell me that a quote couldn’t be done for another week because they were too busy.
Independent Publishing Resource Center
So I took the file to the [IPRC](http://iprc.org/?ref=matthewbogart.net) to print myself. I had to do a few tweaks to the design because of limitations of laser printers. Namely, they can’t guarantee exactly where a print will land on a page. It shifts by a fraction of an inch with every print, making folding on the line on both sides impossible.
So biked the stock I’d bought home and redesigned the file, making drift less noticeable.
Original design
Updated design
### SHIPPING
Finally, the issues with the shipping.
Shipping previous rewards had become a huge time sink, and I was determined to simplify the process for the slipcase.
The first failed solution was trying to pay others to do it for me. I reached out to folks who do fulfillment for Kickstarter projects. They charged more than made sense for the way I price my Patreon.
I noticed [BackerKit](https://www.backerkit.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) was trying to help Patreon creators fulfill their rewards, so I sent them an email. Both Kayla and Maxwell at BackerKit were *extremely* helpful, even trying to set things up *for me* on their end. But we were so far behind schedule, and the BackerKit process would tack on weeks more.
So I searched for ways to print postage at home and landed on [Endicia](https://www.endicia.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net). Although it took three trips to the post office, two to ask if I’d generated the labels correctly (I hadn’t), and one to send everything out, it seems the shipping worked. (as of this writing at least) The slipcases … are finally … in backers hands.
## I’M TEMPTED TO SAY THAT EVERYTHING WENT WRONG
But it didn’t. We’ve made an awesome slipcase that holds years worth of comics to be enjoyed over and over.
It’s *great*. We all made it together.
Wow.
This went so right.
[](https://buyolympia.com/Item/matthew-bogart-incredible-doom-mini-comic-set?ref=matthewbogart.net)
****2026 UPDATE:** Until they are sold out forever, you can still get a set of the mini comic edition of Incredible Doom Vol.1 with Felees in a Slipcase at BuyOlympia.
[Visit Shop ](https://buyolympia.com/Item/matthew-bogart-incredible-doom-mini-comic-set?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### Re-invigorating my blog.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/01/31/re-invigorating-my-blog/
Last updated: 2020-02-22T22:44:20.000Z
I’m not much of a blogger but I’ve always wanted to be.
The value of keeping a blog for reasons beyond just sharing links to my work has been obvious to me for a while now. Watching folks like [Austin Kleon](https://austinkleon.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), [Andy Baio](waxy.org), [John Gruber](https://daringfireball.net/?ref=matthewbogart.net), [Mark Evanier](https://www.newsfromme.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) and others post week in and week out, I’ve yearned to organize my thoughts online, create an archive of interesting things, and to figure out ways to be of use to others.
Andy Baio wrote about his experience with blogging years ago:
> It’s given me exposure, a place to share my projects and crazy experimentation with technology. It’s created new opportunities for me, directly or indirectly responsible for every major project I’ve gotten involved in. It’s a place to play and experiment with ideas, some of which led to big breakthroughs and passions. And it connected me to people who cared about the things I did, many of whom became lifelong friends.
via [Waxy turns 10](https://waxy.org/2012/04/happy%5F10th%5Fbirthday%5Fwaxy/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Besides the fun of getting to build my corner of the Internet, stone by stone, the world that lives outside the big social networks is *an exciting* place to be right now.
Like the web comics boom of the early 2000s, the current independent internet is a vast beautiful mess. Things like [Mastodon](https://mastodon.social/?ref=matthewbogart.net), [tilde.club](http://www.tilde.club/?ref=matthewbogart.net), [Micro.blog](http://micro.blog/?ref=matthewbogart.net), [runyourown.social](https://runyourown.social/?ref=matthewbogart.net) and [the Indie Web](https://indieweb.org/?ref=matthewbogart.net) make me want to be online to see how all this shakes out. The big social giants make me want to curl up and hide.
So, I moved this site from Squarespace to WordPress, [filled in](https://twitter.com/MatthewBogart/status/1221992696702619653?ref=matthewbogart.net) the archives a bit, and I plan to post more.
All to clear up my meager plot of land, so I can better watch the fireworks.
This should be fun.
### Patrons: update your address
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/01/30/patrons-update-your-address-youre-about-to-get-something-in-the-mail/
Last updated: 2020-02-01T18:12:58.000Z
If you are a [Patreon](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart/?ref=matthewbogart.net) supporter of my comic series *[Incredible Doom](http://incredibledoom.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)* update your address, because the slipcase for season one and the patron exclusive Issue # 0, featuring 70 pages of exclusive *Incredible Doom* comics, are about to go in the mail.
Both Patreon exclusive items have been in the works for years, and I’m proud of how they turned out.
If you’re not a baker and you’d like them, [sign up quickly](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)!
### How to turn your books into time capsules – Austin Kleon
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/01/29/how-to-turn-your-books-into-time-capsules-austin-kleon/
Last updated: 2020-01-29T18:43:50.000Z
> Years ago I borrowed this copy of Italo Calvino’s If On A Winter’s Night A Traveler from my father-in-law, and when I opened it up I found Calvino’s 1985 NYTimes obit and stories from a 1983 Harper’s.I was so surprised and delighted by these unexpected artifacts that I decided to start saving clippings in my own books.
via [How to turn your books into time capsules – Austin Kleon](https://austinkleon.com/2020/01/29/how-to-turn-your-books-into-time-capsules/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
I love this idea. Even better is that issues of *Incredible Doom* come with artifacts of their own right [from the start.](https://www.incredibledoom.com/news/2018/1/12/announcing-feelies?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### (Untitled)
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2020/01/28/2982/
Last updated: 2020-01-29T00:36:43.000Z
Good reminder. Having a quick, easy way to say kind things to others is one of the best features of Twitter. SMS too.
> If you're a fan of a comics creator, remember Tom's advice, maybe let them know how you feel about them/their work before the moment's gone. A note, an e-mail, a purchase, a plug. Life's short, no one's getting younger. You may not receive a reply. That's ok.[#comicsreporter](https://twitter.com/hashtag/comicsreporter?src=hash&ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=matthewbogart.net) (2)
>
> — Evan Dorkin (@evandorkin) [January 28, 2020](https://twitter.com/evandorkin/status/1221972284648366080?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=matthewbogart.net)
### I’m not sure I should have quit my day job.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2019/12/07/im-not-sure-i-should-have-quit-my-day-jobnbsp/
Last updated: 2020-01-27T23:46:26.000Z
Two weeks ago, I returned home from visiting family in Canada. They’d given me a check for inheritance my aunt had left me.
On the ferry ride back to the states I talked with my girlfriend, and we both decided I should put in my two weeks at my day job, the store I’d been at for the last nine years, take a portion of the money and try to draw comics full time. Take six months to dedicate to comics. See what happens.
I’d been thinking of leaving that job for years, but I‘d been dreaming of doing comics full time all my life.
When I left for Canada three weeks ago, I had no concrete plans to quit, yet yesterday was my last day at that job.
I’m thrilled, overwhelmed, and frightened about what I’ve done.
Guess I better go make comics.
### Backup Story – The First Time Samir Ran off
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2019/11/20/backup-story-the-first-time-samir-ran-off/
Last updated: 2021-11-25T12:32:34.000Z
[](https://www.patreon.com/posts/backup-story-ran-31676143?ref=matthewbogart.net)
I just posted a new [16 page backup story](https://www.patreon.com/posts/backup-story-ran-31676143?ref=matthewbogart.net) exclusively for Patreon backers. It was a experiment to try and write and draw 10 pages in 10 hours but ended up being 16 over 4 different days. Still fun though!
At the same time I’m hard at work on Season 2, Issue #0, and the slipcase to hold Season 1\. Lots of fun stuff going on!
### Incredible Doom – Season Finale
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2019/09/16/incredible-doom-season-finale/
Last updated: 2021-11-25T12:45:54.000Z
[](http://incredibledoom.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
THE END OF SEASON 1
Season 1 of [*Incredible Doom*](http://incredibledoom.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) is now *complete* and the whole thing is *online for free*.
Featuring unlikely friendships, daring escapes, love, crime, and magic, all squeezed over 2400 baud modems. All six issues are available on this site, as well as meticulously produced print versions at [buyolympia.com](https://buyolympia.com/Artist/Matthew+Bogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) (All back issues are 1/2 off for [Patreon](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) backers.)
We are so excited we made a video to celebrate, featuring some very nice things people said:
While we’re getting ready for Season 2 we’ve got some other cool things planed for our [Patreon](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) supporters. First, we’re making an exclusive slipcase for Season 1, with an interchangeable cover design.
Second, we’re creating a special printed bonus issue, called Issue #0, that’s filled with short *Incredible Doom* stories exclusive to [Patreon](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net).
After that, in a few months, we’ll be back with the continued story of Allison, Samir, Richard, and Tina. So make sure get notified via RSS, [email](https://tinyletter.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net), [twitter](https://twitter.com/IncredibleDoom?ref=matthewbogart.net), or [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/matthewbogart/?ref=matthewbogart.net).
In order to spend more time working on the project I’m going down to part time at my day job, so if you enjoy the series please consider telling anyone you can, any way you can. This is a great point in the story for folks to catch up, and it would really help me a lot.
I’m so glad you’re here. I love making these comics and I couldn’t be doing it without your support.
Thank you.
\-Matt
### XOXO
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2019/09/16/f5ot9rzs2ddddi7a7s727l1gv6w482/
Last updated: 2021-11-25T12:18:28.000Z
This year, at the [XOXO Festival](https://xoxofest.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) closing remarks, Andy Baio asked the attendees to write about their experience when they got home. If we didn’t have a blog he encouraged us to start one, to become active members of the indie web.
I have a blog. I’ve had it for years. I love the indie web. I love owning my own domain(s), and having a place online that is mine. It’s not Twitters, or Instagram’s, or Patreons, it’s mine.
But I rarely blog.
When post here it’s usually to promote something I’m working on.
So…
# Random thoughts on the XOXO Festival:
I’d forgotten about how much XOXO means to me. I’d gotten wrapped up in worry about the state of my projects/my job/the world, and XOXO crept up on me. When the day came I didn’t think I was ready.
When I got off the bus at the opening party and saw the festival grounds…
…I was overwhelmed with the following thought:
## “I’m SO ready for this.”
At the opening party I met up with friends I hadn’t seen in months. We commiserated over hard times and got excited about each others projects. I was so happy to see everyone.
All weekend long friends and strangers agreed that making the things we make is crushingly hard. Physically and emotionally we’d been pushing ourselves to our limits, all while trying to make it look easy online.
God, that just makes me feel so much lighter. People you respect saying that what they make look easy is actually *right on the edge* of being too much to handle. May even *be* too much to handle.
I feel that way all the time. Turns out we all do, I guess. XOXO is where I come to talk about these things and it’s felt like a home.
---
- I got to play with a Playdate.
- I saw animatics for a movie I’m thrilled about.
- For the first year ever, went to the tabletop section of the festival, and got to play test The Adventure Zone tabletop game.
- I got the opportunity to make a comic unlike I’ve ever made before, and met folks who are readers of my current one.
Most importantly, I went to the festival feeling like I didn’t know how I was going to go on, and came home dying to make things.
Thank you.
### What I did on my “Incredible Doom Logistics Vacation”
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2019/08/14/qrbq721hqgtulgtdu2d7qfgm9fis9u/
Last updated: 2020-01-27T23:50:03.000Z
About two weeks ago I took a week off my day job to do what I called the “Incredible Doom Logistics Vacation Week”.
The logistical tasks, unrelated to writing or drawing the comic, had been piling up for months and I was starting to feel overwhelmed. So I took some time, made lots of lists, and plowed through them as best I could. Here are some things that I accomplished.
## Season 1
- Slipcase
- Researched packaging / postage for the upcoming slip case to hold all of season 1.
- Picked up “chip board” to be cut into the final slipcase.
- Designed the interior of the slipcase, including a thank you page for all previous Patreon backers.
- Shot and edited a video explaining how to assemble the slipcase once it arrives.
- Issue 6
- Printed / assembled the remaining copies of Issue #6
- Shipped all remaining copies of Issue #6
- Created and submitted a version of Issue 6 for ComiXology.
- Got issue 6 to [buyolympia.com for individual orders](https://buyolympia.com/Item/matthew-bogart-incredible-doom-issue6?ref=matthewbogart.net)
- Planed a big celebration / promotion for the public end of season 1\.
- Wrote promotional material for the public conclusion of Season 1
# Season 2
- Got quotes from five different printers for printing Season 2
- Got quotes from a fulfillment company to possibly ship Season 2
- Created dozens of pages of spreadsheets trying to figure out how to make Season 2 make sense financially now that the printer for Season 1 isn’t available any longer.
*Phew!*
While I didn’t get everything done that was left to do (the business plan for season 2 isn’t nailed down yet) but it feels SO much better to have all the above off my shoulders.
We did run into a snag however.
# The Slipcase
Before we launched *Incredible Doom* I knew I wanted it to fit into a slipcase that you could put on your shelf. So, to make sure that was possible, we figured out how we were going to do it in advance.
We reached out to a press that had done something similar for a friend, and also tried something we thought was a bit clever. We bought a [Cricut machine](https://cricut.com/en%5Fus/machines.html?ref=matthewbogart.net).
The Cricut machine is mostly used by crafters to take digital shapes and patters and cut them out of paper for use in scrap books and such things. We wondered if we could use it for something else.
We’ve already used the Cricut to do things like cut out the holes in the feelies for issue 1, making it look like a miniature piece of paper used in a dot matrix printer. We also used it to cut the three ring binder holes in the feelies for issue 3.
Secretly, we’d also done tests for using it to cut much thicker material in order to create the slipcase.
We did tests back before the series launched, and did tests again shortly before announcing the slipcase.
Then, during the “Logistics Vacation Week” we finalized the slipcase design, and Jesse started producing the slipcases on mass.
Or that was the plan.
The Cricut machines failure rate was incredibly high. So high in fact that Jesse would work for hours and not get a single usable slipcase. That’s no good.
So, after two years of the Cricut machine waiting patiently for this day, I’m in contact with the same printer we spoke to before we launched issue 1, to get a quote for them to create the slipcases for us instead.
Although we’ve loved putting together all the little handcrafted issues, items, and slipcases from season 1, we’re ready to hand some of those duties off to someone else and get back to the writing and the drawing.
We’re getting it all worked out. Because of your support it’s not a huge setback. I’m confident we will be able to find a solution to the problem since we’ve got a budget to work with. That’s all thanks to the kind folks \[backing on Patreon\](patreon.com/matthewbogart. So thank you.
# End
So that was the “Incredible Doom Logistics Vacation”.
In a few weeks I’ve got some more time off from day job planed. I’m thinking of calling it the “Incredible Doom Season 2 Write-a-thon”.
Stick around!
### Incredible Doom #5 & 6 ebooks
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2019/05/25/incredible-doom-5-6-ebooks/
Last updated: 2020-01-27T23:50:42.000Z
If you, like me, enjoy having downloadable copies of your comics, to archive or read on tablets with page turns and all, I just uploaded copies of *Incredible Doom* #5 and 6 for Patreon members [here](https://www.patreon.com/posts/26868456?ref=matthewbogart.net).
You can also get copies of all of my other comics, including *The Chairs’ Hiatus*, *New Haven Lodge*, and others at [this link.](https://www.patreon.com/posts/14413605?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### I’m going to be at VanCAF
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2019/05/14/im-going-to-be-at-vancaf/
Last updated: 2020-01-27T23:56:17.000Z
Jesse and I are going to be debuting the series finale of *Incredible Doom – s*eason 1 at the [*Vancouver Comics Art Festival*](http://vancaf.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) this weekend. (Apparently in exactly the same table as last year!)
This is my favorite convention. So if you are in the area stop by and check it out!
### Three Huge bits of news.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2019/05/12/three-bits-of-news/
Last updated: 2020-01-27T23:56:52.000Z
I posted this to the patreon a bit ago, but today I finally get to tell you three big bits of news Jesse and I have been working on for years. We didn’t want to talk about them till they were close to happening, but it’s finally time to show our hand.
## Season 1 Finale
I’m thrilled to announce that season 1 of *Incredible Doom* is going to reach its climax and conclusion with Issue 6, the issue currently in production! We’re building to a moment we’ve been wanting to draw since 2017! I can’t tell you how excited I am about this.
To fit it all in, Issue 6 is going to be more than double the size of some previous issues. So it has taken a bit more time to complete, but I’m going to start posting new pages again next week, and I think it will have been worth the wait.
There’s several reasons we want to release the stories in season format. Many are creative, such as the opportunity to change narrative devices. Similarly to how we can change the point of view character between issues, multiple seasons open up new creative options. The switch also lets us make some logistical changes, like printing techniques, release schedule, and such.
Finally, the switch also lets us do two huge things I’ve dreamt of doing from the start:
## Slipcase
When planing Incredible Doom I listed everything I’d ever wanted to do in comics that I hadn’t done. “Make a prestige mini comic series that fits into a slipcase” was at the top of that list. So after Issue 6 is in the mail, we plan to ship backers a custom slipcase you can slide all of season 1 into.
This was so much a part of the original plan for the series that, even before the project launched, we investigated how we could manufacture these boxes at home. We used the same machine that created the miniature dot matrix printer sheets for issue one to design and cut this proof of concept:
The finished design will be much better — but it will, just like the issues themselves, be meticulously handcrafted to be something you’d want to put on your shelf.
## Issue #0
After the slipcase goes out, we’ll collect all the short Patreon bonus stories into their own, member exclusive, Issue #0\. In the spirit of B-side collections, or ’90s era issue #0s, it will include ALL the backup stories created for the season—like *Allison and Sam Meet, My Two Dads, Tina*, and the various *Evol House Activity Pages*, as well as some completed pages that never made it into the finished issues. It’s a cool behind-the-scenes collection that will fit into the same slipcase as the rest of the issues.
## Thank you
I want to acknowledge how your support has made all this possible. I recently cut our printer a check for $250 for reprinting Issue #2 covers. Another $200 bought the project access to a risograph machine, which should enable all kinds of cool new print material. I just bought $100 worth of cover stock and will be spending another couple hundred at the [IPRC](https://iprc.org/?ref=matthewbogart.net) today. Not to mention that you literally bought the Subway sandwich I just ate while I was working on this blog post.
Thank you all so much. You are amazing. I think we’re doing something really special here and I’m honored to be a part of it with you as we wrap up the first big story line.
### Incredible Doom #6 – Parts 6 & 7
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2019/01/21/incredible-doom-6-parts-6-amp-7/
Last updated: 2021-11-25T12:36:21.000Z
[](http://incredibledoom.com/issue06?ref=matthewbogart.net)
There are LOTS of new pages of Incredible Doom #6 up on the [main site](http://incredibledoom.com/issue06?ref=matthewbogart.net) . I’d accidently neglected posting about it here. [Go check it out.](http://incredibledoom.com/issue06?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Also, in addition to those, Patreon members just got to see *several more* a few weeks early. There are lots of benifits to becoming a member if you’re enjoying the series. If you’re interested you can see more [here](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net).
### How I use 3D models as sets
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2019/01/04/working-with-3d-models-in-incredible-doom/
Last updated: 2022-03-04T22:47:12.000Z
A members-only video that shows how I use SketchUp to create 3D models as backgrounds for my comics.
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Incredible Doom – BACKUP STORY – The Return of Evol House Activity Page
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2018/12/13/incredible-doom-backup-story-the-return-of-evol-house-activity-page/
Last updated: 2021-11-25T12:39:40.000Z
[](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart/posts?tag=backup%20stories&ref=matthewbogart.net)
I just posted a [new *Incredible Doom* backup story](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart/posts?tag=backup%20stories&ref=matthewbogart.net) for $10 members. “The Return of Evol House Activity Page” a glimpse into the everyday runnings of everyones favorite punk house.
### BACKUP STORY – My Two Dads
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2018/11/08/backup-story-my-two-dads/
Last updated: 2021-11-25T12:38:54.000Z
[](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart/posts?tag=backup%20stories&ref=matthewbogart.net)
NEW BACKUP STORY: What happened to Allison and Samirs parents after the two of them drove away? I posted a short comic for $10+ backers that shows us.
### Incredible Doom #6 – Part 1
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2018/10/30/incredible-doom-6-part-1/
Last updated: 2021-11-25T12:40:26.000Z
[](http://incredibledoom.com/issue06?ref=matthewbogart.net)
I just posted the [first six pages](http://incredibledoom.com/issue06?ref=matthewbogart.net) of Incredible Doom #6 to [incredibledoom.com](http://incredibledoom.com/issue06?ref=matthewbogart.net)
I’m so excited about this issue. Things are going to get crazy!
[Read the new pages](http://incredibledoom.com/issue06?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### Incredible Doom – BACKUP STORY – Tina
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2018/10/25/2018-10-25-incredible-doom-backup-story-tina/
Last updated: 2020-01-27T01:40:59.000Z
[](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart/posts?tag=backup%20stories&ref=matthewbogart.net)
There’s a new [backup story](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart/posts?tag=backup%20stories&ref=matthewbogart.net) up for $10 members of the Incredible Doom Patreon. Tina gets stopped in the hall at school.
### Incredible Doom #4 – Behind the Scenes
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2018/10/17/incredible-doom-4-behind-the-scenes/
Last updated: 2020-01-27T23:54:54.000Z
An alternate cover for issue #4
Jesse Holden and I went into detail for Patreon backers about the inspirations, callbacks, and easter eggs in [Incredible Doom issue #4.](http://incredibledoom.com/issue04?ref=matthewbogart.net) There are also alternate artwork.
[Read the post](https://www.patreon.com/posts/21120098?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### Incredible Doom #4 - Behind the Scenes
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2018/10/17/incredible-doom-4-behind-the-scenes-2/
Last updated: 2026-01-19T00:07:46.000Z
📆
This post was originally shared exclusively with my Patreon supporters back in 2018, when Incredible Doom was being serialized as minicomics. Those mini-comics later became two [Incredible Doom graphic novels from Harper Alley](https://www.matthewbogart.net/incredible-doom/), and the series spiritual successors [Eternal September](https://www.matthewbogart.net/eternal-september/) and [Hello Robo](https://www.matthewbogart.net/hello-robo/). I'm making these behind-the-scenes posts public now as an archive of how the project evolved. If you'd like to support current work and get similar behind-the-scenes content, [join my Patreon](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) or [subscribe to my newsletter](https://www.matthewbogart.net/signup/).
Just like we did with the [Issue #5 Behind the Scenes Post](https://www.patreon.com/posts/incredible-doom-19922218?ref=matthewbogart.net), here’s a peek behind the curtain of the making iss ue #4, “EVOL HOUSE”.
Aside from a few notes here and there, this post is written entirely by Jesse Holden.
Naturally, if you’ve held off on reading either of these issues, you’ll find spoilers below!.
### 1\. Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
We wrote and published Issue #4 during a pretty wild month. I was unemployed. Matt’s work situation was in flux. The public release of Issue #2 had garnered [**our first Oregonian write-up**](https://www.oregonlive.com/books/index.ssf/2018/01/ww%5F92%5Fi%5Fdont%5Fcare%5Fif%5Fyour%5Fcomi.html?ref=matthewbogart.net). We got sick. Our dogs got sick. We got into some serious conversations about (eventually) publishing the Series 1 collection. Our friend and printer of our covers looked like he was going out of business. Patreon changed their billing model and then changed it back. And we cut and assembled the Issue #4 feelies in the middle of the night in a one-bed AirBNB in Vancouver, BC, where we were debuting the printed issue at VanCAF.
Throughout all of it we have been so grateful for your continued support that made it possible to see it all through to the other side.
### “And Now, The Conclusion”
It seems like madness now, but the story of Issues #4 and #5 was originally planned as a *single issue*. But Richard’s introduction to Evol House, Tina getting upset, her arrest, Richard’s crazy plan, tagging with Billy and crew, and Richard & Tina’s reunion would have been a lot for 30 pages.
**MATT:** We thought about jumping back to Sam and Allison between the first and second half of the "Tina gets arrested" story, but, for reasons that will soon become clear in issue #6, we decided to stay with Richard and Tina for two issues in a row.
### The First Look “Inside” EVOL BBS
We already saw the splash screen and messaging interface for EVOL BBS in Issue #2, but this was the first screen I made showing what it looks like to use the board itself; specifically the main menu.
Richard’s beloved old BBS from his old hometown, “FreeBBS”, was running on an early version of [PCBoard](http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/IBM/DOS/PCBOARD/?ref=matthewbogart.net). However, Tina, being more of a rabble-rouser, runs EVOL BBS off her Amiga using PCBoard’s bastard offshoot, an (Amiga-only) BBS server software called [AmiExpress](http://www.bbsdocumentary.com/software/COMMODORE/AMIGA/AMIEXPRESS/?ref=matthewbogart.net) (a.k.a. “ /X ”), favored in the early 1990’s by the warez community and other dwellers of the online underworld. It also supported ANSI, a text encoding popularly used for proto-pixel-art, as seen on the “skull” login page for EVOL BBS. If you’re feeling courageous, you can still telnet to a working AmiExpress BBS server at [http://www.masturbationstationbbs.com](http://www.masturbationstationbbs.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Unlike “FreeBBS”, Tina’s EVOL BBS has been tinkered with and augmented by a number of add-ons and customizations, notably an early build of “ZippySearch”.
Here’s the original “Suddenly I was obsessed with the EVOL BBS” panel without voice boxes atop it — Richard is taking a walk on the wild side by searching the entire directory structure of the BBS for the term “anarchy”. Perhaps he’s heard tell of an oft-rumored little text file known as the “Anarchist’s Cookbook”…?
### Inserts and Additions
This page was inserted into the story at the end of the process. It, [ **Matt mentioned previously,**](https://www.patreon.com/posts/new-page-for-4-18809829?ref=matthewbogart.net)felt necessary to transition from Malabar to Evol House, and also gave us a chance to revive the kissing and stabbing beat that had been in *many* earlier versions of the script.
The page above was also a late insert, but similarly one of my favorites. It was included to draw a line between “Richard’s relationship with Tina” and “Richard’s relationship with Evol House generally.”
### Callbacks and Easter Eggs
Readers might recall this panel in Issue #4, and have an idea why Gerbil is picking glass out of his shoe in the beginning of Issue #5
The police officer reaching for mace here is a callback to Issue #2.
Tina’s reading The Dark Tower Book #2
**MATT:**
At the end of the issue back at the bus stop, of course you’ve got Ryan Francis here from Issue #2 along with his girlfriend on the left, but you've also got lots of follow Pattern backers! Several of which sent me photos of what they looked like in high school to fit into this crowd!
There are brands of spray paint preferred by high-falutin’ self-styled graffiti artisans, but Tina’s punk aesthetic is “whatever you can steal from the hardware store”. Hycote used to have some classic can designs.
Speaking of graffiti, here are some unused alternate designs for EVOL crew tag.
And an unused alternate design for Tina’s tag — dig those 90’s style bubble letters!
### **The Disappointments**
**MATT:** Back in the late 90s, an of mine from high school asked me to draw my first paid illustration gig. His name was Pete Kyrou and he was in a band called the GC5\. They were releasing an EP and they wanted me to draw the cover. I was flattered, and I still am. They gave the the concept and I did my best to "draw it like a dollar bill, with lots and lots of lines."
When it came time to design the cover for the cassette that Tinas friends had put out, it dawned on me that I'd already done an assignment like this before. I contacted Pete on twitter and he said it was cool to use that original artwork here. Here's the original GC5 album.
If you got a physical copy of issue 4, you'll notice that the "feelie" for that issue is the cassette tape insert for the fake album from the comic. Inside there are various song names that are references to other things.
"Lord of the Flies" by Krolikowksi was a track from my college band.
"Priest on a Motorcycle", and "PBS" are GC5 songs I still sing to this day.
"Superhorse" and Kozel are references to Keith Kozel and his band Superhorse. Keith was a big help in the creation of my comic [Satellite Beach](https://www.matthewbogart.net/satellite-beach/), about a drummer who falls in love with the bass player in a band.
"In A World They Never Made" was a terrible zine I made in the late 90s.
And "[As the World Dies the Eyes of God Grow Bigger](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X249-504uaQ&ref=matthewbogart.net)" is a crazy 7 minute song by Sebadoh that devolves into anarchy my friends and I were fans of in the 90s. I just love the idea of someone trying to cover that madness.
I picked the name of the band out of a list that Jesse gave me. Here were his other suggestions:
- “Lost cause”
- “Bottomfeeder”
- “Rotten thoughts”
- “Gutpunch”
- “Proletariat”
- “The Churn”
- “Slugfest”
- “Fracas”
- “Krill”
- “Blindlight”
- “Uninitiated”
- “Shut It Down”
- “Second in Command”
- “Deserter”
- “March to Nowhere”
- “Last Light”
- “Underdog Days”
- “Spiked Bat”
- “Witch Tits”
- “Culture Clash”
- “100 Coffins”
- “Pushback”
### Covers
**MATT:** I tried two different versions of the cover before I settled on the final design. I liked these two, but they didn't fit in with the other covers in the series. It took a bit before I realized it was because all of the items on the previous covers have very little perspective. They are all shot straight on.
### Tina
**MATT:** When I started thinking about setting a comic in the early days of the internet, I was worried that my experiences from that time would make for a trite story.
So I started interviewing folks with different backgrounds and was flooded with inspiration! Punk kids, guppy experts, trans forums, coming out, running away, just *TONS* of stories I so badly wanted to tell.
So we tried to come up with charters that would allow us to explore as many of the stories as possible, and Tina being queer was part of that.
The trouble is, when it came time for Tina to discuss her sexuality, my initial interviews proved not to be enough.
We were walking a bit of a tightrope. We knew Tina wasn't straight. We knew we wanted Richard to say something to put his foot in his mouth and endanger their friendship. But we *also* wanted both Richard and Tina to remain sympathetic.
We knew from experience what being a straight white male dope in the 90s who doesn't know how to talk about sexuality was like, but I needed folks to help me understand what would be going thru Tinas head.
So, I put out a call to anyone, asking for folks who may have had different perspectives to get in touch
Wow was it great! So many helpful people read what we had planned, and discussed what it was like for them being queer in the 90s. Coming out to your friends, d others going through the same thing through this new magical thing called the internet. My god, they Tina, and the *whole series* **so** much better.
It was ***fantastic***.
I'm extremely grateful for everyones time, and insight. Those conversations informed story beats that are *still*months away.
I don't consider the matter settled by any means. If anyone ever has any thoughts on the subject, the more I understand the better the series will be. Please [send me a message.](https://www.patreon.com/messages?ref=matthewbogart.net)
There will be more fun comics for you to read soon!
Thanks again for reading. Back to the drawing!
### Incredible Doom #5
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2018/10/16/incredible-doom-5/
Last updated: 2021-11-25T12:34:07.000Z
Hi!
Incredible Doom, my print & web comic series about ’90s kids making life-threatening decisions over the early internet, has a new issue up for everyone to read for free.
[](http://incredibledoom.com/issue05?ref=matthewbogart.net)
#### [READ THE NEW ISSUE](http://incredibledoom.com/issue05?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Issue #5, “Kaos” features jail time, Marvel cards, Nintendo Power tips, nighttime graffiti runs, and crazy law-breaking schemes. And you can read it now, totally free, [here](http://incredibledoom.com/issue05?ref=matthewbogart.net).
[](http://incredibledoom.com/issue05?ref=matthewbogart.net)
If you like it, and you want to support the project, you can [subscribe on Patreon](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net). You’ll get signed, beautifully produced print versions of the comic, along with special “[feelies](https://www.patreon.com/posts/announcing-16365018?ref=matthewbogart.net)” with each issue.
The feelie for this issue is a recreation of a scrap of newspaper that one of the characters draws on in the issue. The back side of the paper features an actual ad for a computer store from 1991!
[](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
If you join before October 19th you’ll get the new issue shortly thereafter. You can also catch up on back issues with the [back issue bundle](http://www.incredibledoom.com/shop/bundle?ref=matthewbogart.net), which is half off for members.
- You can become a member [here](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net).
- And then buy the bundle [here](http://incredibledoom.com/shop/bundle?ref=matthewbogart.net).
### Incredible Doom Backup Story Mad Dash
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2018/10/05/incredible-doom-backup-story-mad-dash-tomorrow/
Last updated: 2021-11-25T12:44:30.000Z
Tomorrow (Saturday) is [24 hour comic day](http://www.24hourcomicsday.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) where cartoonists all over the world bust their butts to try to draw 24 pages of comics in 24 hours. That’s an **incredible* effort. I’ve done it a [couple](https://www.matthewbogart.net/paul) [times](https://www.matthewbogart.net/yeswaffle) [before](https://www.matthewbogart.net/burg). It’s exhausting, but I **love* it.
I’m going to try something a little different this year. I’m going to draw **backup stories* for ****Incredible Doom**, little glimpses into the world of the comic that we didn’t get to see in the regular series.
Things like:
What did Sam’s dad and Allisons dad say to each other the moment after their kids drove away together in the station wagon?
Who was the first girl that Tina had a crush on and what was that like?
There was a hint that that there might be more to Ryan, the jerk from issue two who was torturing Richard but we different never really found out what. Is there more to be told there? I don’t know!
I’m going try to find out, by writing and drawing like crazy this weekend. These comics are going to be pretty rough, as is tradition for 24 hour comic day, but I think they should also be **pretty cool.*
So keep an eye on Patreon Lens or [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/matthewbogart/?ref=matthewbogart.net) (where I may even try live-streaming) for updates.
I’ll post at least one comic for all patrons to read, and the rest of whatever I get done will go to the patrons at the [$10 “Backup Story” level](https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?c=75995&rid=2039783&ref=matthewbogart.net).
I’m excited. This should be fun!
By the way, Issue 5 should be hitting the mail for patrons next weekend. So if you want one [become a member soon.](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### Incredible Doom #5 - Behind the Scenes.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2018/07/11/incredible-doom-5-behind-the-scenes/
Last updated: 2026-02-25T17:12:26.000Z
A mammoth collection of every bit of trivia that went into creating Incredible Doom part 5, including a timelapse of the drawing of almost the entire book.
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Lots of new comics
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2018/04/23/lots-of-new-comics/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T00:48:15.000Z
I’d been so busy cranking out new *Incredible Doom*, my comic series about 90s teens making life-threatening decisions over the early internet, that I’ve been forgetting to post about them here. So you may not know that there are FOUR whole issues that are free to read at [incredibledoom.com](http://www.incredibledoom.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), with a 5th issue half completed which [Patreon members](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) can read.
It’s been a *blast* drawing these comics. They are some of my favorite stories I’ve ever done, and the best part is you can get beautiful print editions of them sent to your house, just by becoming a member for $4 a month. *(you can also buy back issues [here](http://www.incredibledoom.com/shop?ref=matthewbogart.net) to complete your set)*
If you’d like to catch up, just click on the covers above to jump right to that issue. You can also [be notified by email](https://tinyletter.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) whenever there are new issues posted.
Here are some images from the series.
### Announcing “Incredible Doom”
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2017/10/03/announcing-incredible-doom/
Last updated: 2021-11-25T12:38:08.000Z
I am incredibly proud to announce the launch of my next major comic project.
[](http://incrediledoom.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
*Incredible Doom* is an ongoing print and web comic series about 90s teens making life threatening decisions over the early internet. It’s full of computers, dangerous stage magicians, young love, astronauts, and a desperate teenage need to connect with each other.
All of issue one is [available to read online now](https://incredibledoom.squarespace.com/issue01?ref=matthewbogart.net) on incredibledoom.com. It tells the story of Allison, her oppressive father, and the first computer she ever owned. Pages of subsequent issues featuring other characters will post every two weeks, culminating in a new issue being printed every two months.
The printed issues are something to see. With offset press covers and rounded corners, they are designed to look great lined up on your shelf to be enjoyed over and over again. You can [buy issues individually](https://incredibledoom.squarespace.com/issue01?ref=matthewbogart.net) or [get them mailed to their door automatically](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) if you are a member on Patreon. Members also get to read a full *two months* ahead of what’s posted publicly. Which means members can read all of Issue 2 right now.
I’m so excited for the future of this. My collaborator Jesse Holden and I have lots of great plans. I hope you’ll follow the stories as they progress and perhaps even [support](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) if possible.
If now isn’t the time to become a member I understand. Make sure to [subscribe to the mailing list](http://tinyletter.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) I’ll let you know the moment a new issue is available for everyone to read.
Thank you for being here.
### Behind the Scenes - Delay
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2017/06/26/delay/
Last updated: 2022-03-04T22:47:27.000Z
Several time-lapse videos that would become Incredible Doom. And a personal update.
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### On Recreating a 90s Email Client
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2017/02/20/behind-the-scenes/
Last updated: 2026-01-19T00:07:58.000Z
📆
This post was originally shared exclusively with my Patreon supporters back in 2017, when Incredible Doom was being serialized as minicomics. Those mini-comics later became two [Incredible Doom graphic novels from Harper Alley](https://www.matthewbogart.net/incredible-doom/), and the series spiritual successors [Eternal September](https://www.matthewbogart.net/eternal-september/) and [Hello Robo](https://www.matthewbogart.net/hello-robo/). I'm making these behind-the-scenes posts public now as an archive of how the project evolved. If you'd like to support current work and get similar behind-the-scenes content, [join my Patreon](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) or [subscribe to my newsletter](https://www.matthewbogart.net/signup/).
**How to make remake a 90s email client in one easy step:**
- **Step 1**: Ask your friend Jesse to do it.
It can feel so exciting when you realize the creators of a particular piece of media have taken the time to get the details right; the thing they are especially if meticulous about is a favorite subject of yours. It's like a shared secret between the two of you. So when it came time to show Sam and Allison's email exchange, we knew it was an excellent opportunity to make early web folks happy.
I asked Jesse if he wanted to take a crack at nailing down as many period accurate details as possible, and he went ***way*** above the call of duty. So much so I asked him to share his process with all of you. It's a fantastic story:
> Hey everybody, Jesse Holden here. I'm arriving a bit late, but I wanted to follow up on Matt's Jan 30 post where he introduced me as a collaborator on Incredible Doom and asked me to talk about the PINE screens a bit!
> First, though: it feels so awesome to be working on this with Matt and seeing how quickly it all comes together. We've had so many overlapping orbits -- the Portland XOXO community, working a day job together, comic conventions -- that in hindsight it seems inevitable that sooner or later we'd stumble over a perfect project to collaborate on. When Matt brought me into a room with a bunch of index cards pinned to the wall and laid out the scope and ambition for ***Incredible Doom***, I thought to myself, this is the most exciting thing I’ve ever worked on. Since then we've been meeting all the time and writing, planning, speculating, reminiscing, acting out scenes, and generally getting super into this. Story elements draw deep from both of our own lives so I feel close to this material in a way I never have before on a project.
> So, I'll spare you my life story, but PINE was the email program we used at my first (real) job, and I never forgot the look & feel of that pre-point-and-click email interface. When we were brainstorming on era-appropriate tech signifiers for ***Incredible Doom***, my mind leapt right to it. (Matt deserves credit for the others; I love the touches like Allison's monitor stand/power center and her floppy disk rolodex — \*everybody\* had these.) But if we were really going to use PINE for Sam's computer, I decided I had to get the small touches right. In other words, I had to ridiculously overthink it, which is a thing I do.
> What follows is a borderline-pathological deep dive on the process of mocking up a few computer screens for a comic, so if that's not your cup of tea then no worries! I promise I won't be leaping into your feed constantly to do this :)
> So since this segment is how Sam is introduced into the story, we decided all the screens would be from his "point of view" -- meaning that Sam's emails would be seen in *Compose Email* windows and Allison's would be received in his *Inbox*, which adds some subtle visual cues about the back-and-forth. Then at the end of the exchange, once we've already learned a little about him from the textual exchange, we could "zoom out" of the screen and see Sam himself for the first time in his bedroom.
> Sitting down to actually make these, it hit me how information-dense these screens are in 1992 -- I had to decide \*everything\*. What OS was he on? What version? We'd already figured out the exact date this exchange would happen (for reasons TBA), but what exact time of day or night is it when he logs in, and how long should elapse between each email? Heck, what're their email addresses? Some of these have story effects, and others just felt important to "get right" from a character standpoint or technical-historical reasons.
> I started with the version of PINE that he would've used in November 1992 -- the University of Washington has great records of PINE history, so it looked like if he were up to date on patches it would've been 3.06\. And Wisconsin Unix 4.3+NFS would have been out at that time and runs PINE, plus I had some reference screenshots of that particular version, so I figured that'll do fine for an OS. Handily, I had an appropriate typeface to use as well: Perfect DOS VGA 437 by Zeh Fernando.
> So that got me as far as the emails themselves. Before ubiquitous free webmail like Hotmail, Gmail, etc came along, there were a couple available options that us kids could use to get an email addresses. One was to use the free email account our dial-up ISP gave us. Among my short list of made-up ISP names, "zephyrtech” best conjured the idea of some geeks running a small town's first private ISP in 1992, so it seemed to fit as a provider for Allison. The other way would be finding a company that partnered with a local campus to give students (and others) email accounts, and so Sam's got himself on "campuslink". In either case they would have used the ".net" TLD back when such things still had some trace of semantic meaning, and in both cases your account name was much more likely to be something like "john.doe" or "j.doe" as opposed to something like "DiRtY\_AnGeL\_69@hotmail.com", the regrettable likes of which came to prominence among dumb kids like me a few years later, as heralded by disposable webmail accounts. So, s.omid@campuslink.net and allison.r@zephyrtech.net it was. They're not real addresses, by the way, so please don't email our characters!
> What would Sam's initial subject line be? As a teenager I'd always use snippets of song lyrics that seemed in the moment to be clever or profound... especially if I was trying to impress a girl. Here in these emails we had Sam talking about checking out a Daniel Johnston album on her recommendation, so a line from *"King Kong"* ("they thought he was a monster...") seemed like something he might use as a wink and a callback, and also allowed me to sneak some super obtuse foreshadowing in as well.
> We had the idea of giving one or two specific lines a big 'pop-out' effect in their own panel as they hit Sam in the moment, and I mocked up some ideas for how a very close-up CRT display showed text -- the way the shadow mask & dot pitch carved up the individual pixels, the way the glass diffused the light and gave text a soft glow, and how scanlines & flicker added animation. Limits in the Patreon CMS meant I couldn't go hog-wild within the post you saw, but we're exploring some ways future digital versions might incorporate some of these effects. You can check out an original animated panel [here.](http://www.scumbly.com/incredible-doom/8.5%20Read%201%20Part%202%20Wide%20animated.gif?ref=matthewbogart.net)
> Aside from nixing animation and flattening the colors, we made some other small concessions to the format which I think all work. One was using the block cursor for an insertion point glyph -- not necessarily OS-accurate, but more effective at clarifying where Sam is typing in each screen. I also made each email reply increment the subject line, so replying to *"Re: Topic"* makes the subject *"Re(2): Topic"* \-- a quirk of some early email clients that I can't confirm was normal in PINE but which served both to A: make me nostalgic for old email quirks and also to B: create some linearity to the conversation. And deep UNIX geeks are likely to twitch a bit over Sam typing out *"/usr/bin/pine"* to launch PINE (he could have just typed "pine"), although my thinking was that it seemed slightly clearer to the reader that he was opening a program, and also recalled my teenage days of doing things the more complicated way in order to feel more tech-savvy about myself. And due to the constraints of the page, one column of keyboard shortcuts had to be omitted from the bottom of each Inbox and Compose screen in PINE, so my heartfelt apologies to anyone who desperately needed to be reminded of PINE's Prev Page and Next Page shortcuts. :)
> Hours before those pages posted, I realized that (even though I'd double-checked that on Nov 19, 1992 it wasn't daylight savings time where Sam and Allison live) I had forgotten to change the GMT offset in the email headers, and that according to the screenshots they were actually in South African Standard Time. Since relocating them to South Africa would have required a pretty dramatic story rewrite, I snuck a last-second hotfix into the project dropbox that corrected them to EST just before the pages got posted. Realistically it's hard to imagine anybody actually noticing or getting confused by that, but these are the things that help me sleep at night.
> I'm extremely excited about where their story goes from here. Like I said, this is the most exciting project I've ever worked on. We have a lot in store and I really, really hope it connects with you.
> Thanks!
[](https://buyolympia.com/?Search=incredible+doom&ref=matthewbogart.net)
Want to see how these painstakingly recreated PINE screens look in the finished comic? Read Incredible Doom now.
[Visit Store ](https://buyolympia.com/?Search=incredible+doom&ref=matthewbogart.net)
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### This Is Not A Conspiracy Theory – Episode 4
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2016/11/25/this-is-not-a-conspiracy-theory-episode-4/
Last updated: 2021-11-26T15:43:42.000Z
[*This Is Not A Conspiracy Theory*](http://www.thisisnotaconspiracytheory.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) is my favorite video series on the internet. Each new episode, by [Kirby Ferguson](http://www.kirbyferguson.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) (of Everything Is A Remix fame) and his producing partner [Norah Ryan](http://voicewithnora.tumblr.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), is thought provoking, and *impeccably* put together, which is why I’m deeply honored to have drawn, in collaboration with Kirby, the opening to the newest installment.
The timeliness of this series is a bit staggering.
If it looks interesting to you, you can watch the full series of by subscribing [here](http://www.thisisnotaconspiracytheory.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) or becoming a [$3 patron of theirs](https://www.patreon.com/kirbyferguson?ref=matthewbogart.net). You won’t be disappointed.
You can see the opening part that I worked on in the free preview of episode four embedded in this post. It goes by amazingly fast considering how much work it was!
Actually, the release of this video is a good occasion to remind myself os something important:
I first met Kirby at [XOXO Fest 2015](https://xoxofest.com/?year=2015&ref=matthewbogart.net). I was walking the halls of the festival when I got a notification on my phone. Kirby had favorited a tweet I had written about being excited to see the upcoming [remastered version of *Everything Is A Remix*](https://vimeo.com/139094998?ref=matthewbogart.net). When I looked up from my notification, who happened to be standing there but Kirby himself.
We got to talking and I mentioned I was a cartoonist. He asked if I had any of my work and I gave him a copy of one of my books. Shortly after that he wrote me and we found ourselves collaborating on a project together.
Here’s the lesson I want to try and remember:
Sharing my work in person and talking to strangers is frightening. Whenever I’m not doing it I hope to never have to do it again. Yet, virtually all of my closest friends and favorite collaborators have come from getting over that fear and putting fourth effort. I need to do that as much as I can.
That said, if all the rest of my idols would like to magically appear and offer to work with me seconds I mention them on twitter, that would also be fine.
### Paul – A Chaos Book
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2016/10/05/2016-10-4-paul-a-chaos-book/
Last updated: 2016-10-05T12:35:00.000Z
I drew a new comic last weekend. It was written drawn in 21 hours. 18 hours on October 1st and 3 hours on October 2nd 2016\.
It was drawn using prompts from [my Patreon ](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)backers. I’ve done this with backers [once before](http://matthewbogart.net/yeswaffle?ref=matthewbogart.net) and we got a crazy fun comic out of it. Since they helped write it they got to see it a few days before everyone else, but I’m excited to share it here now.
It’s been too long since I’ve gotten to post completed comics to this site.
Thank you, so much for sticking around.
## Thank You
These are the backers that submitted suggestions. Their suggestions are listed below the comic.
Chris Higgins
Jamie Yakeleya
Dave Jordan
Erik Missio
Neil
Bryan
## Thank you also to:
smattathias
Jesse
```
```
Here are the suggestions they sent and the ones I tried to use.
- **invisible phone that won’t stop ringing**
- **faxes from grandma**
- the sun stopped sunning
- suntan potion
---
- **Bag of nickles and grapes** (seen in the first panel)
- False teeth
- only left sock(s)
- Goat picture
---
- **A Gentleman Ghost**
- **math** (thers’s a math book on the table in the first panel)
- **exploding soda**
---
- elderly rhino
- Mexican wrestling
- **a cactus that only blooms one day a year**
- the sitcom, The Golden Girls
---
- **Paul the Platypus**
- **A gargoyle named Luther**
---
- Emu WInehouse, a flightless bird with a crush on Rob Thomas (of Matchbox Twenty).
- **Check your wallet, nothing but horse money.**
- Doppelganger who works at a Blimpie in St. Louis.
- Butter on a Pop-Tart.
### Scissors, OH – Part 6
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2016/07/28/2016-7-28-scissors-oh-part-6/
Last updated: 2016-07-28T23:42:17.000Z
I just finished and shared five more pages of my next comic *Scissors, OH* with my patrons. We’re 25 pages into the story now and only one more scene until it’s complete!
If you are a backer [come check it out.](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) If not, I’ll be posting the whole story for everyone to read sometime in the fall.
```
```
### Scissors, OH – Patron Preview 5
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2016/06/12/2016-6-12-scissors-oh-patron-preview-5/
Last updated: 2016-06-12T18:57:08.000Z
There’s another five pages at my next comic [up on Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/posts/5764583?ref=matthewbogart.net) for backers to preview. These pages are different than most that I’ve done. I making some tweaks visually and I like the way it’s going.
[Become a patron](https://www.patreon.com/posts/5764583?ref=matthewbogart.net) if you’d like to read the story so far, or wait until it goes public in a couple of months.
```
```
### Milestone Goal – Original Sketches
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2016/06/01/milestone-goal-original-sketches/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T00:52:09.000Z
Hey everybody,
I haven’t talked about Patreon Milestone Goals in a while. When we reached the last one I celebrated by posting a PDF of the first comic I ever published as a teenager back in the 90s. I’ve got a new one which, I hope, is even more exciting.
### If we reach $100 per paid post, *every patron* backing over $1 gets an original sketch.
Regardless if you’re backing at a $1 or $100, if you’re over a dollar, you get a post card with an original drawing by me on it. It might be Mary or Nel from *The Chairs’ Hiatus*, or a dog I see in a coffee shop, someone riding the bus with me, or Fugitoid. Everybody backing at the end of the month in which this goal is reached gets one in the mail, just to say thank you, so much, for helping me stay afloat while I make these comics.
We’re only $13 dollars away.
If you’d like one and decide to help support me you’ll also get to read the all the pages of my next comic *Scissors, OH* that I’ve been posting over the last few months. It’s the only place those pages exist right now.
Thanks for being here everybody.
### [Head over to Patreon.](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### SCISSORS, OH – PART 5 PATRON PREVIEW
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2016/05/20/scissors-oh-part-5-patron-preview/
Last updated: 2021-11-26T15:53:13.000Z
[](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
I recently shared [three new pages](https://www.patreon.com/posts/scissors-oh-part-5474221?ref=matthewbogart.net) of *Scissors, OH* on with my patrons on Patreon. I’m pleased with how this story is going.
I’m sharing it just with backers for now, but I met with Barry, who’s working on the other half of this project, and we’ve got a tentative goal of sharing our work publicly, for free, at the end of the summer.
If you can’t wait, head on over to [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) and see what’s been going on. I’ve been sharing scripts, time laps drawing videos, original PSD files of the pages, as well as reflections on each part of the story as I post it.
Thanks for being interested in these comics. I’m so glad you’re here.
### Scissors, OH – Part 4 Patron Preview
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2016/04/18/scissors-oh-part-4-patron-preview/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T00:53:21.000Z
I posted [three new pages](https://www.patreon.com/posts/scissors-oh-part-5170060?ref=matthewbogart.net) of my upcoming comic *Scissors, OH* to Patreon if you’re a backer. We’re up to 12 pages now!
This last month was the most successful month I’ve ever had on Patreon, raising over a hundred dollars.
It’s been my lifelong goal to make comics that pay for themselves and this is the most exciting progress towards that goal I’ve had yet.
If you’re not a backer you’ll be able to read all of these pages in a few months when they go online for free. If you feel like supporting an independent comic creator, I would thank you for it, *and* you’ll be able to read the first twelve pages of this new story right now.
[Take a look at my Patreon page for more.](Patreon.com/matthewbogart)
### Free tables available at Beaverton City Library’s Free Comic Book Day and Mini-Con
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2016/04/07/2016-2-22-4qgh6jmegygxm2jnlxuyca37iqgor2/
Last updated: 2016-04-07T22:20:59.000Z
Every year the fantastic Beaverton City Library puts on a mini con in celebration of [Free Comic Book Day](http://www.freecomicbookday.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) and there are still some free tables available. If you’d like to spend a couple hours at a fun, relaxed, get together, and mabey sell a few books contact Carson at cmischel@beavertonoregon.gov or 503-350-3623
I’ve gone every year. It’s always got some friendly folks, mostly kids, teens and their parents.
- *Saturday, May 7th 10AM-12PM*
- *12375 SW 5th Street, Beaverton, OR 97005*
### Scissors, OH – Part 3 Patron Preview
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2016/04/03/2016-4-3-scissors-oh-part-3-patron-preview/
Last updated: 2016-04-03T15:00:00.000Z
An except from the most recent Patreon update.
If you’re a patron there’s a new update to my comic *Scissors, OH* up in the Patrion [news feed.](patreon.com/matthewbogart)
```
Big black tree.
```
### “Scissors, OH” – Part 2 on Patreon
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2016/03/24/2016-3-23-scissors-oh-part-2-on-patreon/
Last updated: 2016-03-24T00:46:13.000Z
```
```
The new comic I’ve been working on just had [a large update](https://www.patreon.com/posts/4870522?ref=matthewbogart.net) post to Patreon if you’re a backer.
I’m going to be serializing this story this story here a month or two, but patrons can see the pages now. There’s six pages done so far. These images are a peak at them.
I said this on Patreon, which is serving as a kind of “behind the scenes” blog, but it’s worth repeating here.
I can’t thank you all enough for having my back while we’re putting this comic together. Because of the money that’s brought in by my patrons I’m able to afford working [at this amazing workspace](http://xoxopdx.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) every day. Having a place to go right after work and get the real work done, a place that doesn’t have Netflix playing, that doesn’t need cleaning, full of inspiring creative people doing their own work, has helped me SO MUCH. It’s helped me keep my nose to the grindstone, to try and come up with better ideas, and most importantly: put out comics more frequently.
This is one of the most creatively exciting times of my life. Thank you for supporting these comics and making it possible.
More is on it’s way soon, and if you can’t or don’t want to become a patron, don’t worry! I’m greatful for everyone who reads my work, and beleave me, I know what it’s like to be broke! This stuff is all going to be free to the public, just not for a while.
### Gosh Darn Fiasco – Salem 1692
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2016/03/07/2016-3-7-gosh-darn-fiasco-salem-1692/
Last updated: 2026-01-18T22:02:41.000Z
(public post)
I put this on my blog a second ago and I thought I’d share it here too.
> Hey everybody!
> I did the artwork for an episode of a great podcast you all should listen to. It’s called [Gosh Darn Fiasco podcast](https://goshdarnfiasco.simplecast.fm/?ref=matthewbogart.net). It’s put together by Angela M. Webber of the band [The Doubleclicks](http://www.thedoubleclicks.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) and her friends.
> *(Do you know [The Doubleclicks](http://www.thedoubleclicks.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)? They are awesome.)*
Anyway, on the podcast Amanda and friends from the world of comedy and gaming play the game Fiasco and improvise a new story every episode. This eppisode is about witches, cats, Salem, and death. IT’S FUNNY!
When I listened to this episode a few weeks ago in order to draw the cover I made a note every time I laughed out loud. I HAD 36 NOTES BY THE END!
You [should listen](https://goshdarnfiasco.simplecast.fm/4?ref=matthewbogart.net), and subscribe.
I’m always surprised how much fun I have doing one off illustrations. This one was a blast and I hope to do more!
I’ll have more to share soon. Perhaps even later today!
### “Scissors, OH” Announcement
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2016/03/01/2016-2-29-scissors-oh-patron-preview/
Last updated: 2016-03-01T00:00:13.000Z
Exciting news! I’ve started a new comic series called ***Scissors, OH***. I’m doing it in collaboration with one of my favorite cartoonists, the author of the fantastic [*Hereville* series of books](http://hereville.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), Barry Deutsch.
The plan is for Barry and I to each draw our own stand alone stories that interconnect in interesting ways, both of which take place in our fictional town of *Scissors, OH*. (That title makes me laugh.)
My half is about two sisters named Erin and Megan who are adjusting to collage life together after being separated for a couple years. It’s a slice of life that’s funny in parts and sad in others and I can’t wait for you to read it.
We’re going to start posting weekly pages in a month or two, but I’ve got a head start and I’m excited to share. SO, to thank my patrons for funding this project I’ve started sharing scenes on Patreon as I finish them. The first scene went up yesterday and I’m hard at work on drawing the next diving into the next right after I post this, so if you want to read it early, or you want to support me in making these things, [join the gang on Patreon](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net). We’d love to have you!
No shame if you’re not interested in pitching in however. The comic will be free to everyone once we’ve built up a back log of pages.
Thanks you guys!
### MILESTONE GOAL REACHED – Shock Waves #1
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2016/02/01/milestone-goal-reached-shock-waves-1/
Last updated: 2020-12-30T22:33:38.000Z
Well, you’ve gone and done it now.
With your help we reached our latest milestone goal so I’ve attached a PDF and a CBZ version of the *first comic I ever published* to this post. I also made a short video for the occasion.
This is really embarrassing, but also nostalgic and fun.
In the description of the goal I called the comic:
> *“An embarrassing rip off of old Image Comics like WildC.A.T.s or Youngblood. It includes such well developed characters as Razar, the moody team leader whose was a misspelling of “razor”, Glassious whose hands were made of … glass, I guess, some kind of glass that could … change shape?”*
Along with comic publishing, I tried to make shot for shot recreation of Star Wars, was half of a 12 year old stage magic duo, and tried to orchestrate the most epic squirt gun fight, which got so out of hand I was sent to the principals office.
What childhood projects did you all get into?
Also, what milestone goal should we do next? Any ideas?
### Links from the newsletter
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2016/01/19/2016-1-14-links-from-the-newsletter/
Last updated: 2016-01-19T13:07:00.000Z
Every month or so I write my mailing list subscribers with new projects I’ve released, my thoughts on making things, and links to interesting stuff around the web.
I thought I’d share the most recent batch of links with those who visit my site as well.
[Subscribe here](https://tinyletter.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) if you’d like to get the next batch in your inbox.
If you know of good stuff that relates to any of this [please send it my way](http://twitter.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net). “[Keep circulating those tapes](http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/KeepCirculatingTheTapes?ref=matthewbogart.net)”
I’m not quite thru my first episode of [The Secret History Of Hollywood – A Modern Guide To The Golden Age Of Cinema](https://www.acast.com/secrethistoryofhollywood?ref=matthewbogart.net) podcast but I can recommend it whole heartedly. How can I say that when I’m not even one whole episode in? Because the first episode I’m listening to, titled “[The Final Adventures of Alfred Hitchcock](https://overcast.fm/+EKQjqvjkw?ref=matthewbogart.net)” is over nine hours long! The first 8 hours have been gorgeously produced, meticulously researched, and magical. I’m amazed it’s free and there are several more episodes like this.
Producer Brian Grazer sits down and talks with someone he’s fascinated by every two weeks, he explains why on this episode of [WTF with Marc Maron Podcast: 663 – Brian Grazer](https://overcast.fm/+ZFhCEU?ref=matthewbogart.net)
[25 Games of Christmas – 13 – Race the Sun](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLtUsSkxiXs&ref=matthewbogart.net) Weird and wonderful narration over video game screen recordings.
[Disney’s crazy ‘FaceDirector’ software can change actors’ emotions in a scene](http://ift.tt/1Qc3yeQ?ref=matthewbogart.net)
[BLDGBLOG: Ghost Streets of Los Angeles](http://ift.tt/1MZL1hz?ref=matthewbogart.net) This fits in perfectly with the theme of my new comic. It’s like scars on a city that haven’t healed properly.
Who doesn’t want an [Oscar Peterson Piano Lesson](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ec-FrnaU0rs&ref=matthewbogart.net)?
Writer Kieron Gillen answers the question [how do you go from story idea to finished script?](http://ift.tt/1QVFHQy?ref=matthewbogart.net)
It only took one article for me to become a fan of Nadin Hadi and her site nadinhadi.co.uk, here’s the one: [Diversity in Film Distribution – Breaking Down The Box Office](http://nadinhadi.co.uk/diversity-in-film-distribution-breaking-down-the-box-office/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
[David Bowie’s last album was a ‘parting gift’ to his fans, says producer.](http://www.theverge.com/2016/1/11/10748116/david-bowie-blackstar-parting-gift-lazarus?ref=matthewbogart.net) Mitch Benn ([@MitchBenn](https://twitter.com/mitchbenn?ref=matthewbogart.net)) [said it](%28https://twitter.com/MitchBenn/status/686662003423862784?s=17) best *“If you’re surprised that David Bowie found a way to turn his impending death into art, you haven’t been paying attention the last 47 years.”*
### New comic : New Haven Lodge
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2016/01/06/new-comic-new-haven-lodge/
Last updated: 2021-11-25T12:55:19.000Z
**[Permalink.](https://www.matthewbogart.net/newhavenlodge)*
This comic was first released to [my Patreon backers](https://medium.com/r/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fpatreon.com%2Fmatthewbogart&ref=matthewbogart.net), who are responsible for making it happen. You might also like [****The Chairs’ Hiatus***](https://medium.com/r/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fthechairshiatus.com&ref=matthewbogart.net), or my 24 hour comics [****Burg***](https://medium.com/r/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.matthewbogart.net%2Fburg&ref=matthewbogart.net) and [****Yes Waffle***](https://medium.com/comics-by-matthew-bogart/yes-waffle-ea2bd885a063?ref=matthewbogart.net#.byhpr8j6c).
Thanks to [Keith Callbeck](https://medium.com/r/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fcubreporterk&ref=matthewbogart.net) for editing this story.
****Get new comics via email** – [http://tinyletter.com/matthewbogart](https://medium.com/r/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftinyletter.com%2Fmatthewbogart&ref=matthewbogart.net)
****Twitter** – [http://twitter.com/matthewbogart](https://medium.com/r/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fmatthewbogart&ref=matthewbogart.net)
****Patrion** – [http://patreon.com/matthewbogart](https://medium.com/r/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fpatreon.com%2Fmatthewbogart&ref=matthewbogart.net)
****Medium** – [https://medium.com/@matthewbogart](https://medium.com/@matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### The hardback of “The Chairs’ Hiatus” is on sale for $10
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2015/12/01/2015-12-1-the-hardback-of-the-chairs-hiatus-is-on-sale-for-10/
Last updated: 2021-11-25T12:30:00.000Z
[](https://gumroad.com/l/chairshardback?ref=matthewbogart.net)
UPDATE: It looks like I can no longer garountee that these books will arrive by Christmas.
Know anyone who might like “The Chairs’ Hiatus” hardback for Christmas? [It’s on sale for the 1st time for only $10.](https://gumroad.com/l/chairshardback?ref=matthewbogart.net)
This book is normally $15, but I like the idea of others getting it for Christmas, also, you’ll be helping me pay for presents for my own family.
Every book is signed with an original sketch of Mary on the first page.
[Buy it here.](https://gumroad.com/l/chairshardback?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### I was a guest on the “Panel on Panels” podcast.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2015/10/21/2015-10-21-i-was-a-guest-on-the-panel-on-panels-podcast/
Last updated: 2022-03-29T19:10:10.000Z
I was the guest on the [newest eppisode](http://www.dontadjustyourninja.com/panel-on-panels/2015/10/20/episode-36-to-the-internet-wmatt-bogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) of *Panel on Pannels*. I had a lot of fun talking to these guys and I was honored to be asked on. Ammong other things, we talked about web comics, superheroes and Ninja Turtle jealousy.
I mention a comic that I’m working on in the eppisode. The first few pages have been published on [my Patreon](patreon.com/matthewbogart). I’ll be posting it here for non-backers once the whole story is finished in a month or so.
[Listen to the episode.](http://www.dontadjustyourninja.com/panel-on-panels/2015/10/20/episode-36-to-the-internet-wmatt-bogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### Why cartoonists might want to be William Castle.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2015/10/13/why-cartoonists-might-want-to-be-william-castle/
Last updated: 2020-12-30T22:33:43.000Z
Hey everybody. I’m hard at work on the next chapter of New Haven Lodge. Until that’s ready, here are two things you might be interested in.
1\. I wrote a [piece on Medium](https://medium.com/@matthewbogart/19f0214137c2?ref=matthewbogart.net) about crazy experiments in the movies to get you excited about digital comics. Are you excited? I am so excited. You can read my article [here](https://medium.com/@matthewbogart/19f0214137c2?ref=matthewbogart.net).
2\. I posted a [time lapse on Vine](https://vine.co/v/e0KdOIrOP72?ref=matthewbogart.net) of myself drawing *Yes Waffle*, which has a special bonus by my girlfriend projected in the background.
I’d love to hear what you think. I appreciate all of you so much I’ll have more things for you soon.
### YES WAFFLE – A new comic we all made together.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2015/10/05/2015-10-5-yes-waffle-a-new-comic-we-all-made-together/
Last updated: 2015-10-05T16:41:32.000Z
```
```
## This last Saturday was a heck of a day.
Once again, on [24 hour comic day](http://www.24hourcomicsday.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), I planted myself in front of my drawing tablet and didn’t quit until I had written and drawn a full length comic. I’d done this [once before](http://matthewbogart.net/burg?ref=matthewbogart.net), but this one was differet. This time the story wasn’t my own. Twenty seven different prompts had been submitted by my Patreon backers, and my job was to include as many of them as possible in a 20 page comic that I wrote in an hour and a half.
It’s a crazy project. That’s why we called it a Chaos Book.
[READ THE COMIC](http://matthewbogart.net/yeswaffle?ref=matthewbogart.net)
```
```
Thank you so much for all your support in reaching this stretch goal and for your submissions. Reading them for the first time, knowing I was going to have to come up with a story biased on them in under an hour, was exciting! I made a [video](https://youtu.be/YdZB6P6IkVQ?ref=matthewbogart.net) of it.
This has been a thrilling experience. I’m proud of the results and I’m excited you were willing to do this with me.
## *Hooray for our crazy comic! Hooray for *comics!**
```
```
### The Patreon Chaos Book is happening, and it’s not too late to take part.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2015/10/01/2015-10-1-the-patreon-chaos-book-is-happening-and-its-not-too-late-to-take-part/
Last updated: 2015-10-01T19:12:20.000Z
Well you went and did it, you crazy internet friends. You’ve pushed us past the goal, and the [Patreon Chaos Book](http://www.matthewbogart.net/blog/2015/6/3/the-patreon-chaos-book) is going to happen!
We didn’t just reach the goal, we went way over and I can’t thank you enough. You guys are fantastic for supporting art you enjoy. It means the world to me and every *dime* of this is going back into the creation of more comics, including some tools I plan on using for [the new comic](https://www.patreon.com/posts/new-comic-new-1-3350494?ref=matthewbogart.net) I launched just this week. [\[1\]](#fn-1)
# **What’s the Patreon Chaos Book?**
I’m glad you ask, because *it’s not too lage to take part.*
The *Patreon Chaos Book* is a 20 page comic that I’m going to be drawing in **under 24 hours** using **ideas given to me by you**, my Patreon backers. I won’t know the ideas you’ve submitted till the morning I start drawing the comic and I’ll be streaming the creation of the whole thing **live**. So you can stop in from time to time and watch me slowly melt into a puddle of comic drawing goo.
# **When is this happening?**
The most apprproate of all days, [24 Hour Comic Day](http://www.24hourcomicsday.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net), is coming up on **October 3rd**, (the day after \*tomrorow\* as I post this) so that’s when we’ll do it. You have till the end of the day on the October 2nd (\*tomorrow\*) to back and submit ideas. I’ll be positng instuctions for how backers can do that shortly.
If you’re backing at $3.99 or more you can get a limited edition print copy of the comic, but pledging as little as **one penny** gets you the ability to submit ideas.
This is going to be nuts. *Here we go!*
[Matthew Bogart on Patreon](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
The new comic I just launched is for backers only at the moment but it will be posted pubiclly soon. [ ↩](#fnref-1)
### A small update.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2015/09/14/and-drawing-trees/
Last updated: 2020-12-30T22:33:38.000Z
I’ve been spending the day blasting [St. Vincent’s Mix Tape Delivery Service](https://itunes.apple.com/us/curator/st.-vincents-mixtape-delivery/id1002618148?ref=matthewbogart.net) and drawing trees.
It’s been a while since I posted so I thought I’d share what I’m up to, and it’s that; listening to [St. Vincent’s Mix Tape Delivery Service](https://itunes.apple.com/us/curator/st.-vincents-mixtape-delivery/id1002618148?ref=matthewbogart.net) and drawing trees.
I’m drawing trees because the “short script” that I’d been writing as my next comic has ballooned into a 180 page graphic novel. Writing that monster has taken months and I was feeling guilty for not posting new comics. So I forced myself to write an honest-to-goodness short story and turned out a nine page script. I finished drawing the first page yesterday, and started on the second page today. (that’s what the panels above are from)
It takes place in a forest. [So trees.](https://vine.co/v/OEAAZdhugd1?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Chilly, gray, Portland arrived a week ago, which means flannel comes out and a heater and a cat show up at my feet under the drawing table.
For some reason, whenever I’m *not* drawing comics, I convince myself that I don’t enjoy drawing, but when I get to it, it feels good.
A couple weeks past the one year anniversary of the exercise in overwhelming myself that was [my Kickstarter](http://kck.st/1p24LCs?ref=matthewbogart.net) I’m finally back at the drawing board for a bit. Good stuff.
Stay tuned.
### Proposing The Patreon Chaos Book
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2015/06/11/the-patreon-chaos-book/
Last updated: 2026-01-19T23:00:40.000Z
📆
****Archive Note (2014):** This post is from my early Patreon experiments. The goal mentioned here is no longer active, but you can see [what my Patreon looks like now](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) or [support my current work here](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net).
While I plug away on my next “feature length” comic I’ve got an exciting idea to propose in the form of a new Patreon goal. I’m calling it the **Patreon Chaos Book.**
The [last time I did a 24 hour comic](https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/10/05/2014-10-5-burg-a-24-hour-comic/), although it nearly killed me, it was a crazy fun event, and made a pretty decent comic that people seemed to like. I think we could have gone further however.
I’d like to try again, but this time, I want all of you to be involved.
### The Idea
1\. You, my awesome Patreon backers, enter suggestions into a web page I’ll create. These would be short objects, actions or concepts, such as *astronaut*, *tractor*, *taxation* or *jungle jim*. Whatever you like.
2\. On an upcoming Saturday I’ll get up super early and crack open the submissions for the first time.
3\. I then have **24 hours** to write and draw a **20 page comic** using as many of those terms as I can.
What will it be about? Relationships? Aliens? Time Travel? Who knows? Not me. I won’t untill I sit down and look over your suggestions the morning of. It’s chaos!
I’ve set the goal to be very attainable, because I think this project could be really fun and want to make sure we reach it. If we reach **$55 in pledges,** that’s only **$15 more dollars**, I’ll get everything set up.
### What you get.
- **Everyone** – If you’re not a Patreon backer you can still watch the creation of the comic live as I make it. I’ll publish the details about the big day well in advance so you can follow the updates.
- **All Backers** – All Patreon backers, regardless of pledge level, will be able to submit suggestions and read the finished comic in the form of a downloadable ebook. They will also get their name listed on the “Thank You” page of the book.
- **$3.99 backers and above** – If you back at $3.99 or more I’ll mail you an exclusive print copy of the comic that we made together, with your name listed on the thank you page. (If you live outside the US please add $5 for shipping.) I’ll only be printing as many of these as folks backing at this level when I draw the comic, so this is your only chance to get a print version.
If this is something you think would be fun to do please consider backing, or sharing a link.
- Take part in the creation of a really strange comic.
- Watch me make comics live.
- See my brain melt under the pressure.
- Will it be the best comic ever made?
- Probably.
Come take part.
[](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Enjoying these posts? Support my work on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, early comic previews, and bonus tutorials.
[Visit my patreon ](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### “Oh, It’s the End of the World” – Lost Pages
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2015/06/05/oh-its-the-end-of-the-world-lost-pages/
Last updated: 2022-05-26T21:22:49.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Vancouver Comic Art Festival
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2015/05/21/2015-5-19-vancouver-comic-art-festival/
Last updated: 2015-05-21T17:40:00.000Z
I’m going to be at the [Vancouver Comic Art Festival](http://www.vancaf.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) again this year. You can get copies of the new hardback color version of “[The Chairs’ Hiatus](http://www.matthewbogart.net/the-chairs-hiatus-part1/)” as well as a new mini comic called “[Burg](http://www.matthewbogart.net/burg)” that I put together for this show!
### Giving Up – Why “Oh, It’s the End of the World” is on hiatus.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2015/04/16/giving-up/
Last updated: 2021-11-26T15:57:55.000Z
Recently, I was toying with the idea of giving up comics.
When I was making comics in middle school it was all about coming up with the most bad ass costume design (more spikes!). In high school it became about trying to write the most gritty dialogue. Later it was all about pacing or figuring out the beats of a scene.
For the last two years it’s been all about guilt and shame.
*“Oh, It’s the End of the World”* the comic I’d been working on had become a horrible chore. I could tell there was still another year of work I had to do on the book before it would be finished, but I’d lost faith in my ability to make the climax engaging. The story went off in to areas I now wish it hadn’t, and didn’t get to places it needed to in order for the planned ending to fly. I battled this with rewrites, new middle chapters, and lots and lots of guilt about missed update schedules, bloating chapters, and imagining disappointed readers.
I don’t think it’s a lost cause. With some time away and reworking I think it could be shaped into something I’m really proud of. But I spent a long time convinced that the best way to get out of the hole was to keep digging, and that’s crazy.
So about two months ago, quietly, “*Oh, It’s the End of the World”* went on hiatus, and let -me – tell – *you*, it’s **such** a good thing!
“I’d toyed with the idea of giving up comics.”
Even writing that sentence just now seems ridiculous. *Giving up comics?* ***What?*** I’ve been publishing comics since I was in elementary school! As long as I’m medically able to, chances are I’ll do another comic.
Case in point, I’m working on a new project that I plan to publish *this year.* Oh wow it feels exciting to write that. There’s a ghost in it. It’s awesome. That’s all I’ll say about it now.
I’m writing this to acknowledge that this shit can get really hard, to say that I’m still here. I’m once again excited to be here, thank you for still being here as well.
I can’t wait for you to see what I’ve got up my sleeve!
### I won’t be at BelCAF
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2015/03/14/i-wont-be-at-belcaf/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T01:03:44.000Z
Right after I got back from my trip down south I developed pneumonia. It looks like I’m staying in Portland this weekend. Sorry to disappoint anyone in Bellingham. I was looking forward to the show.
I’m told I should be healthy soon but, as of now, not well enough to travel. I hope everyone has a great convention. I’ll see all of you soon.
Writing work on my next comic had been going well before I got sick, and all of the Kickstarter materials are finally here and ready to go out. Once I’m well I’ll have my work cut out for me and I’m eager to get into it.
### The best of my Patreon so far.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2015/03/09/2015-2-21-the-best-of-patreon-so-far/
Last updated: 2026-02-25T16:32:31.000Z
Now that I’m in the final phase of my Kickstarter it’s time to start focusing on making new things for this site, as well as sprucing up [my Patreon](patreon.com/matthewbogart).
The first thing I’ve done is make it easier for new backers to get more value out of pitching in a buck or so to Patreon. I put together this list of some of the best stuff that’s been shared so far, so if you’re a backer it’s all easily explorable.
Just to be clear, I want the vast majority of everything I do to be available free of charge, for everyone, forever. But I’ve been squirreling away interesting things here and there for the folks that have been helping me keep a roof over my head and they’ve begun to accumulate. I don’t want them to be a secret, so I’m sharing some here.
Rare Comics
The two largest chunks of material that have been reserved for supporters are two new comics about Mary and Nel from [The Chairs’ Hiatus](https://www.matthewbogart.net/the-chairs-hiatus-part1).
- [How We Met](http://bit.ly/1B0Ukev?ref=matthewbogart.net) – a four page comic about how Mary and Nel from *The Chairs’ Hiatus* met.
- [Nel Calhoon](http://bit.ly/1B0Uhzk?ref=matthewbogart.net) – a short comic about the time Nel was in the tour van and some shit went down.
## eBooks
If you’re backing at $2 or above you can download any of my ebooks free of charge. [This post](http://bit.ly/1D2mX8t?ref=matthewbogart.net) explains how.
## Tips and tricks
- [How I draw crowds](http://bit.ly/1B0UhPE?ref=matthewbogart.net) – My technique for drawing crowd scenes quickly.
- [A video explaining a trick for not getting lost in drawing needless detail](http://bit.ly/1B0Umms?ref=matthewbogart.net)
- [A video I made explaining two tricks coloring comics faster that blew my mind.](http://bit.ly/1B0UpyJ?ref=matthewbogart.net)
- [How I Write](http://bit.ly/1B0UmD8?ref=matthewbogart.net) – A video about the thought process and programs I use to write my comics.
## Process posts
I love seeing work in progress versions of pages. I’ve posted tons of them here, many with explanations as to my thinking behind the choices made in them. These are a few of my favorites.
- Pages from “The Private Files of The Fowl” [1](http://bit.ly/1B0Uq5K?ref=matthewbogart.net), [2](http://bit.ly/1B0Uqmo?ref=matthewbogart.net), [3](http://bit.ly/1B0UnGZ?ref=matthewbogart.net)
- [A screencast of me drawing](http://bit.ly/1B0Ur9L?ref=matthewbogart.net) a page from “Oh, It’s the End of the World”
- Pages from “Oh, It’s the End of the World” [1](http://bit.ly/1B0UhPO?ref=matthewbogart.net), [2](http://bit.ly/1B0UkLs?ref=matthewbogart.net), [3](http://bit.ly/1B0Ul1S?ref=matthewbogart.net), [4](http://bit.ly/1B0UnXv?ref=matthewbogart.net), [5](http://bit.ly/1B0UnXD?ref=matthewbogart.net), [6](http://bit.ly/1B0UliA?ref=matthewbogart.net), [7](http://bit.ly/1B0UlyQ?ref=matthewbogart.net)
- [A page from “The Chairs’ Hiatus”](http://bit.ly/1B0Ulz0?ref=matthewbogart.net)
## Other interesting posts.
- [Writing in public.](http://bit.ly/1B0UouL?ref=matthewbogart.net) – explains how you can read the scripts of my comics as I write them. Why you would want to I’m not quite sure. Learning? I don’t know.
- [A video review of the Microsoft Surface Pro](http://bit.ly/1B0UlPw?ref=matthewbogart.net)
- [On Patreon](http://bit.ly/1B0Um5S?ref=matthewbogart.net) – a densely edited half hour audio conversation about Patreon, what it means for artists and patrons.
### I’ll be at BellCAF
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2015/03/02/im-be-at-bellcaf/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T01:01:44.000Z
[](http://bellcaf.tumblr.com/about?ref=matthewbogart.net)
I’m going to be at my first comic convention in a long while at the first ever [Bellingham Comic Art Festival](http://bellcaf.tumblr.com/about?ref=matthewbogart.net). This will be the first show where I’ll be selling copies of the hardback of *The Chairs’ Hiatus*.
The show is free and open to the public and has a great lineup of guests. I hope to see you there!
SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2015
12:00PM 7:00PM
THE MAJESTIC HALL
1027 N FOREST ST
BELLINGHAM, WA, 98225
UNITED STATES [(map)](http://maps.google.com/?q=1027%20N%20Forest%20St%20Bellingham,%20WA,%2098225%20United%20States&ref=matthewbogart.net)
Add it to your [Google Calendar](http://www.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&text=BellCAF&dates=20150314T190000Z/20150315T020000Z&location=1027+N+Forest+St%2C+Bellingham%2C+WA%2C+98225%2C+United+States&ref=matthewbogart.net) or [ICS](http://www.matthewbogart.net/events/2015/3/14/bellcaf?format=ical).
### Books have landed.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2015/02/23/2015-2-21-books-have-landed/
Last updated: 2015-02-23T16:00:00.000Z
```
```
Two days ago almost 800 copies of the hardback edition of *The Chairs’ Hiatus* that was funded by all of you on Kickstarter arrived at my door. It’s *so* nice to be able to type that!
Please excuse me. I need to tell you how great these things are.
Wonderful things about these books:
- The production turned out *great*.
- They are *hardback books*. Holly crap. *Hardback!*
- They are much more substantial than the previous paperback versions.
- They are in color at last.
- They have a real honest to goodness ISBN number.
- They smell *really* good.
- There are 36 boxes of them! Holly cow!
- They have two new endorsements on the back, one by [R. Stevens](http://www.dieselsweeties.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) and the other by [Maggie Stievater](http://maggiestiefvater.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net).
```
```
I’m so happy to finally be in the home stretch of this project that I’ve been working on steadily since last July.
I’m about to leave town for two weeks, but these start going out to Kickstarter backers and [anyone who wants to pre-order](http://www.matthewbogart.net/store/the-chairs-hiatus-hardback) as soon as I get back.
Thank you all for your support. You made this possible. Thank you.
I’ll have more things to share soon.
### “The Chairs’ Hiatus” is 1/2 off on ComiXology till the 1st of the year.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/12/27/2014-12-27-the-chairs-hiatus-is-12-off-on-comixology/
Last updated: 2021-11-25T12:28:17.000Z
[](https://www.comixology.com/The-Chairs-Hiatus/digital-comic/49399?ref=matthewbogart.net)
I’m excited to say that my graphic novel *[The Chairs’ Hiatus](https://www.comixology.com/The-Chairs-Hiatus/digital-comic/49399?ref=cGFnZS92aWV3L2Rlc2t0b3AvZ3JpZExpc3QvbGlzdDQ5NjA)* is part of the [ComiXology Submit Holliday sale](https://www.comixology.com/Submit-Holiday-Sale/page/4757?ref=matthewbogart.net) going on till the 1st of the year. There are *lots* of great comics on sale for **1/2 off** if you use the code **“INDIE”** when you checkout. This brings *The Chairs’ Hiatus* down to **$1.50 and** includes a DRM free version as well, which is really [good.](https://medium.com/@matthewbogart/comixology-isnt-going-anywhere-yet-drm-free-downloads-is-great-anyway-1fa6ed8c6fd?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Please spread the word if you know someone who might like [a copy](https://www.comixology.com/The-Chairs-Hiatus/digital-comic/49399?ref=cGFnZS92aWV3L2Rlc2t0b3AvZ3JpZExpc3QvbGlzdDQ5NjA) of it.
Also, did you know I have a [mailing list](http://matthewbogart.tumblr.com/post/106338542461/i-have-a-mailing-list-with-links-in-it?ref=matthewbogart.net)? It’s kinda neat!
### Thank you for having me.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/11/27/thank-you-for-having-me/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T01:01:41.000Z
Thank you for reading. Thank you for having me in your RSS readers, tumblr dashboards, Twitter feeds, and browser bookmarks.
Thank you for taking the time to look in on things I make and for putting up with my bumbling attempts to promote them.
Thank you for having me.
### New comic: “Burg” now online for free.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/11/04/2014-10-15-new-comic-burg-now-online-for-free/
Last updated: 2014-11-04T23:16:16.000Z
[](http://www.matthewbogart.net/burg)
I just posted [*Burg*](matthewbogart.net/burg) the comic I did in a mad scramble for [24 hour comics day](http://www.24hourcomicsday.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net). I like the way it turned out. Surprisingly, there are some drawings in there that are among my favorite that I’ve done!
You can [read it online](matthewbogart.net/burg) or [download the ebook](https://gumroad.com/l/Zadhd?ref=matthewbogart.net), both are free.
I sent the comic to folks in my bi-weekly newsletter while ago. Along with new comics, I send out a list of links that I’ve found interesting as well as a brief note as to what I’ve been up to. Here’s a typical example.\](http://eepurl.com/4IRgH) If you think you’d like that, you can sign up for it [here.](http://www.matthewbogart.net/subscribe)
You can also watch a time lapse videoof me driving the whole comic in one day.
### The best lesson I learned from 24 Hour Comics Day.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/10/14/the-best-lesson-i-learned-from-24-hour-comics-day/
Last updated: 2026-01-19T19:12:35.000Z
One thing that has stuck with me most from [24 Hour Comics Day](http://www.24hourcomicsday.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) is the reaction got from twitter while I was drawing. I was having to draw so fast that I *knew* I wasn’t drawing at my best, but every-time I’d share a new panel of the comic I’d get reactions like this:
> [@MatthewBogart](https://twitter.com/MatthewBogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) nice work! Evocative!
> — @lastpedestrian [October 5, 2014](https://twitter.com/lastpedestrian/status/518613328973688832?ref=matthewbogart.net)
> [@MatthewBogart](https://twitter.com/MatthewBogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) You’re a machine. Can’t wait to see all of this in the end
> — @CubReporterK [October 5, 2014](https://twitter.com/CubReporterK/status/518580325833015296?ref=matthewbogart.net)
> [@MatthewBogart](https://twitter.com/MatthewBogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) Getting more and more impressed. You’re sure you are not secretly working with two or three Matthew Bogarts there….?
> — @MonsieurBandit [October 4, 2014](https://twitter.com/MonsieurBandit/status/518495108485099520?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Over the last few months I’ve been thinking and reading a lot about how people have been using the Internet to do *horrible* things to each-other. At times, threats, lies, and soul crushing hate seems to be coming from every direction online. It’s shocking how much damage someone can do to another person simply by typing into a computer.
The encouraging thing is, the reverse is also true.
Something as simple as a tweet, text, or blog comment can be \_so exciting!\_Every time I got a message encouraging me not to give up I was giddy! Damn right! I’m going to *finish* this damn thing!
What a way to use the Internet!
I use a service called [Think Up](https://web.archive.org/web/20140214085323/https://www.thinkup.com/join/) which monitors my use of social networks to try and help me have a more rewarding experience online. One of my favorite stats that it surfaces shows me the number of times I thanked someone in a tweet recently.
Many of the internets problems are complex and extremely difficult to try and solve, but here’s something easy and simple you can do:
Pick someone on the web who’s responsible for something you think is good and send them a message of thanks. In fact, it’s a good thing to do right now.
[](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Want to support my work? Check out my [graphic novels](https://www.matthewbogart.net/comics/) or join my Patreon for exclusive process content and early previews.
[Visit my patreon ](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### Time Lapse – 24 Hour Comics Day
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/10/06/2014-10-6-time-lapse-24-hour-comics-day/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T01:02:46.000Z
I attempted to draw a 24 page comic in 24 hours as part of 24hr Comics Day. This is a time-lapse of that day. It was a great experience and I ended up finishing in 19 hours. You can read the finished comic by becoming a backer [here.](http://www.patreon.com/creation?hid=1052286&ref=matthewbogart.net)
[Music by Poddington Bear](http://podingtonbear.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### “Burg” – a 24 Hour comic
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/10/05/2014-10-5-burg-a-24-hour-comic/
Last updated: 2014-10-05T18:21:09.000Z
[](http://www.patreon.com/creation?alert=2&hid=1052286&ref=matthewbogart.net)
I just published a 24 page ebook of my newest comic called *Burg*. I created it as part of [24 Hour Comics Day](http://www.24hourcomicsday.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) which is a bit like the marathon of cartooning. You have to write and draw a complete 24 page comic in 24 hours.
Monday night I had no idea what this comic would be about. Writing this on Sunday morning I’ve got a new 24 page comic under my belt.
If you’d like to get a copy you can do so by [backing me on Patreon.](http://www.patreon.com/creation?alert=2&hid=1052286&ref=matthewbogart.net) backers get the ebook for *any pledge amount*. 1¢ is fine.
Thank you to everyone who was encouraging on twitter. I doubt I could have kept up the energy to do it otherwise.
### The Setup / Matthew Bogart
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/09/30/the-setup-matthew-bogart/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T01:05:33.000Z
For those of you interested in the tools people use, I was interviewed on a site that I’ve read and enjoyed for years: [The Setup.](http://matthew.bogart.usesthis.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
I talk about the technology I use to write and draw comics as well as why I work the way I do.
### Writing in public.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/09/17/writing-in-public/
Last updated: 2026-01-19T18:40:45.000Z
As I work on the comics I get to do as part of my Kickstarter rewards, I’ve been posting parts of my process to backers of my [Patreon](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net).
Last week I recorded [a short video](http://www.patreon.com/creation?hid=945026&ref=matthewbogart.net) about how I approach writing comics, and this week I just decided to do the scariest bit of creative sharing I’ve done so far: I’ve published a link to the script of my next comic that updates live *as I write it.*
It includes spelling mistakes, sentence fragments that only make sense to me, and ideas I haven’t realized are terrible yet. I have no idea if it will change a lot or a little as I start to layout the actual pages of the story, but if you’d like see a script like this evolve over time this is as good as looking over my shoulder.
## Why share this kind of thing?
I’m a big believer in demystifying the creative process. Many people have the impression that folks who make things are blessed with some sort of magic quality that others simply don’t have. Hopefully, sharing the worst, most unpolished bits of my creative process can help people realize that *everything* starts out bad. After all:
> *“On the spectrum of creative work, the difference between the mediocre and the good is vast. Mediocrity is, however still on the spectrum; you can move from mediocre to good in increments. The real It’s between doing nothing in doing something.”* from *“Cognitive Surplus”* by Clay Shirky
Of course it’s also possible that all this will serve to do is make my Patreon backers realize that I’m horrible at this and go back a cartoonist who [knows what they are doing.](patreon.com/lucybellwood)
Anyway, I’m not putting my comics online to become famous or change the world. I’m here to make friends, and by letting go of our egos and sharing our process, we allow for the possibility of more people making more cool things *and* establishing a deeper ongoing connection with us and our work.
That said:
[](http://www.theincomparable.com/theincomparable/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Spoilery says Look Out!
Of course, this comes with **the ultimate spoiler warning**. It’s possibly the *worst way on earth* to read a comic. Not only will you know what’s going to happen in the comic before it’s done, you get to have the added frustration of discovering that your least favorite bits make it through *every* script revision, and your favorite line is going to get edited out at the last second.
## Sometimes it’s best not to know how the sausage is made.
BUT, if it helps you out or you find it interesting, [here’s where you can become a backer and read it.](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) It’s pretty short right now, but I’ll be adding to it and changing it over the next little while.
I’m doing it for backers only at the moment, mostly because I’m terrified of sharing it [with the whole internet.](http://www.homeroutines.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/babysteps%5Fbook%5Fcover.jpg?ref=matthewbogart.net) But if you’re dirt poor and can’t afford the $3 [send me an email](https://www.matthewbogart.net/contact/) and I’ll send you the link.
### A drawing of Mary and Nel from “The Chairs’ Hiatus”
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/09/16/2014-9-16-a-drawing-of-mary-and-nel-from-the-chairs-hiatus/
Last updated: 2014-09-16T15:37:41.000Z
I drew this as a reward for one of my Kickstarter backers. It’s so strange to draw on paper anymore. I also recorded [a time-lapse video](http://youtu.be/ghJXGgvcRss?ref=matthewbogart.net) of me drawing it.
### A Discussion On Patreon
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/09/02/2014-8-29-a-discussion-on-patreon/
Last updated: 2014-09-02T03:10:00.000Z
# On Patreon
I’m a big fan of [Patreon](patreon.com). When I think of what the future holds for people like me who create content for the internet Patreon is my biggest source of excitement. The problem is many people know almost nothing about it. What is it? How does it work? Why become a creator? Why back one? Why is this so great? What’s the difference between it and Kickstarter? What are the drawbacks?
To answer some of these questions and help spread the word about the platform myself and two of my backers, Gilliom Werner Claessens and Michael Olliver, recorded this in-depth conversation.
It’s like a Podcast, but who knows if we’ll ever do another?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about Patreon in the comments.
## LINKS mentioned in the discussion:
[Matthew Bogarts comics](matthewbogart.net)
[Matthew Bogarts Pateron](patreon.com/matthewbogart)
[Gilliom Werner Cleassens Google Page](https://plus.google.com/+GilliomWernerClaessens?ref=matthewbogart.net)
[Michael Olliver – The Chairs’ Hiatus guest post](http://www.matthewbogart.net/blog/2014/7/7/the-chairs-hiatus-guest-post-michael-oliver)
[Clear-Minded Chronicles #039 -Should we give our creative work away for free? With special guest Gilliom Werner Claessens](http://www.patreon.com/creation?hid=620075&ref=matthewbogart.net)
[Nataly Dawn Pateron page](http://www.patreon.com/natalydawn?ref=matthewbogart.net)
[Jack Conte Patreon page](http://www.patreon.com/jackconte?ref=matthewbogart.net)
[Pomplamoose Patreon page](http://www.patreon.com/pomplamoose?ref=matthewbogart.net)
[The Patreon Blog: Patreon and Creator Owned Comics](http://www.patreon.com/blog/patreon-and-creator-owned-webcomics/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
[The Social Hour 162: Patreon Co-Founder & CEO Jack Conte](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAGYNe-1Vck&ref=matthewbogart.net)
[Dan Harmon, Community – XOXO Festival (2012)](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej%5FaFOnT04g&ref=matthewbogart.net)
[Matts comic “The Chairs’ Hiatus”](thechairshiatus.com)
[Matts comic “Oh, It’s the End of the World”](http://www.matthewbogart.net/ohits-page1)
### Oh, It’s the End of the World #5 is out now.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/08/25/2014-8-21-oh-its-the-end-of-the-world-5-is-out-now/
Last updated: 2014-08-25T14:59:00.000Z
[](https://gumroad.com/l/cnGD?ref=matthewbogart.net)
“Oh, It’s the End of the World – Part 5” is now avaliable! I swear, the best one yet! Well I think so anyway.
Howard goes away to collage, kisses someone for the first time, and messes everything up.
You get a 32 page .CBZ, .PDF, and iBooks version of the story!
Thank you all for helping make this issue possible. I look forward to making more for you!
If you backed The Chairs’ Hiatus at $10 or more or [back me on Patreon](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net) at $5 a month or higher you get this issue included.
### Thank you.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/08/22/2014-8-21-thank-you/
Last updated: 2014-08-22T02:59:03.000Z
I just posted a [Kickstarter update.](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/matthewbogart/the-chairs-hiatus-special-hardback-two-color-editi/posts/960386?ref=matthewbogart.net) Here’s the most important bit:
> When I started this Kickstarter I had serious doubts about it’s success. I kept trying to figure out ways to lower the amount of money I needed. I would sacrifice things like printed end-papers, nicer paper stock, or number of books ordered.
> In the end, not only did we raise enough to do all the things I’d hoped, we’re printing a whole second comic!
> I can’t thank you all enough. Everyone from the folks that pitched in a buck to the cartoonists who contributed new art have been so kind and supportive. Thank you all.
### The Chairs’ Hiatus – Guest Post – Aimee McFarlane
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/08/21/2014-8-19-the-chairs-hiatus-guest-post-aimee-mcfarlane/
Last updated: 2020-12-30T22:33:32.000Z
Aimee McFarlane ([http://aimeeisdrawing.com/)](http://aimeeisdrawing.com/%29?ref=matthewbogart.net) was my first friend in the online comics community. I was a big fan of her diary comic “Love, Life and Earthquakes” ([http://comic.aimeeisdrawing.com/)](http://comic.aimeeisdrawing.com/%29?ref=matthewbogart.net) and we started tweeting back and fourth while I was drawing “The Chairs’ Hiatus”. She was one of the few people I showed the final section of the story too before releasing it. The story all leads up to the last scene in the record shop and I was terrified that it was all about to fall apart. Whenever I read the ending of “The Chairs’ Hiatus” I always think about her.
It didn’t seem right to have a big party that centered around “The Chairs’ Hiatus” without her being involved in some way. She’s hasn’t been publishing comics for a while, but I had to ask her if she would be interested in doing a guest post.
I’m thrilled that she said yes and I “love” what she came up with. It’s so simple yet captures the feeling of the book so well.
Thanks Aimee. It’s totally fitting that the last post before the Kickstarter is over is by you.
### The Chairs’ Hiatus – Guest Post – Becky Hawkins
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/08/18/2014-8-18-the-chairs-hiatus-guest-post-becky-hawkins/
Last updated: 2014-08-18T17:16:15.000Z
[](http://kck.st/1p24LCs?ref=matthewbogart.net)
My friend Becky Hawkins, who I’ve written about several times as having done some of my favorite watercolor work, did this awesome post card to help support [The Chairs’ Hiatus Kickstarter](http://kck.st/1p24LCs?ref=matthewbogart.net). As of this writing there are 55 hours left till the end of the project and $220 until we reach our last stretch goal! If you wanted to get in on all these cool rewards [go pledge now!](http://kck.st/1p24LCs?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Thanks so much to Becky. You should really go check out her [comics and illustrations.](http://frenchtoastcomix.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) I’m a big fan of [shoulder angel!](http://frenchtoastcomix.com/comic/?ref=matthewbogart.net). Also, I love her [tumblr.](http://frenchtoastcomix.tumblr.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### The Chairs’ Hiatus – Guest Post – Chris A’Lurede
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/08/16/2014-8-16-the-chairs-hiatus-guest-post-chris-alurede/
Last updated: 2014-08-16T16:44:57.000Z
Chris A’lurede, one of my oldest and closest friends, did this beautiful drawing of Mary and Nel to help support [the Kickstarter to turn the story into a hardback 2 color book.](http://kck.st/1p24LCs?ref=matthewbogart.net) It’s one of several awesome illustrations and new comics that’s going to be included in [*The Chairs’ Hiatus* companion book](http://www.matthewbogart.net/blog/2014/8/9/the-chairs-hiatus-companion-book), providing we reach our last stretch goal.
This illustration is also going to be in the liner notes to The Chairs first album reward, which you get if you back at the $40 level. It’s like the band photo!
I’m absolutely amazed and humbled by this drawing can’t thank Chris enough for it.
There are only 4 days till the end of the Kickstarter and your last chance to get rewards like posters, fake albums, tickets to fictional Chairs concerts, t-shirts, original art, and, if we reach $6,600 an exclusive companion book.
Thank you to everyone who’s backed and shared links so far. You are amazing, and I’ve already started digging into this new challenge of making and shipping all this cool stuff to you!
## [Here’s a link to the Kickstarter page if you want to take a look.](http://kck.st/1p24LCs?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### The Chairs’ Hiatus Companion Book
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/08/09/the-chairs-hiatus-companion-book/
Last updated: 2026-01-18T22:35:47.000Z
The cover to “The Chairs’ Hiatus companion book” by Lucy Bellwood
We’ve reached our third streatch goal, and raised enough to make some really nice looking books! Which brings me to our 4th and *final* stretch goal…
## The Chairs’ Hiatus Companion Book
Thanks to your generosity I’m already going to be sending out PDFs of *four* additional comics that take place in the world of The Chairs. Since the goal of this Kickstarter was to make nice looking *printed* comics however it seems fitting to try and give these stories a physical home as well.
If we can reach **$6,600 before the end of the Kickstarter** I can print a 32 page companion to *The Chairs’ Hiatus* that *every backer who’s getting a copy of the book* will get!
It will include:
- This full color cover by cartoonist [Lucy Bellwood](http://nauticry.wordpress.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) of [Baggywrinkles](http://nauticry.wordpress.com/baggywrinkles/?ref=matthewbogart.net) and [Cartoza Tales](http://cartozia.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
- *five* additional comics by me
- “Joe” – abut a character crucial to *The Chairs’ Hiatus* who’s never seen in the actual book.
- A new story about Jen O’Neil, the Pete Best of The Chairs
- A new story about Nel
- A new comic about how Mary and Nel met.
- [“Quarters Just Fell Out a Hole in My Pocket”](https://matthew-bogart.squarespace.com/quarters-just-fell-out-a-hole-in-my-pocket/?ref=matthewbogart.net) which was drawn a warm up for *The Chairs’ Hiatus.*
- Multiple guest comics, sketches and illustrations of The Chairs done just for this Kickstarter by
- Chris A’Lurede
- [Tyler Crook](http://www.mrcrook.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) of *BPRD*, and *Petrograd*
- [Rick Marks](http://sketchmarcks.daportfolio.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) of [Floating Dock Comics](http://floatingdockcomics.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
- Michael Olliver
- Josh Shalek of [Falling Rock National Park](http://www.joshshalek.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
- Adrian Wallace of [Jumbo Deluxe](http://jumbodeluxe.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Since the story about Jen O’Neil is exclusive to backers, this book won’t be available anywhere else. If you don’t get it by backing this Kickstarter it will be *gone* for *good*. I won’t be selling it at conventions or on my site.
That’s *32 pages* of new material, sized to fit in well sitting next to *The Chairs’ Hiatus* on your shelf.
We’ve got 10 days to reach this goal, so if you want to try and get a copy of this you’ve got to do so quickly! Let your friends know about the Kickstarter, spread the word about this last stretch goal. We can do it!
Thank you so much to everyone for the support you all have shown me. I can’t wait to start getting some of these cool things into your hands!
## [Take a look!](http://kck.st/1p24LCs?ref=matthewbogart.net)
💡
2026 UPDATE: The companion book, along with a revised edition of **The Chairs Hiatus* are now available as a fancy ebook for my patrons! [Read about it here.](https://www.matthewbogart.net/2025/12/01/the-chairs-hiatus-companion-book-rerelease/)
### The Chairs’ Hiatus – Guest Post – Michael Oliver
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/08/07/the-chairs-hiatus-guest-post-michael-oliver/
Last updated: 2020-12-30T22:33:31.000Z
I absolutely love these pages done by guest cartoonist Michael Oliver to support The Chairs’ Hiatus Kickstarter. He makes comics that are right up my alley: quiet, subtle, and heartfelt. I love the way the character is tugging nervously on his tie in the first page.
Here’s a link to the kickstarter: [http://kck.st/1p24LCs](http://kck.st/1p24LCs?ref=matthewbogart.net)
We’re only 10 backers away from meeting our next stretch goal and me drawing a new 5 page story about how Mary and Nel of The Chairs met.
### The Chairs’ Hiatus – Guest Post – Rick Marcks
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/08/06/the-chairs-hiatus-guest-post-rick-marks/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T01:09:06.000Z
My thanks to friend [Rick Marcks](http://sketchmarcks.daportfolio.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) of *[Floating Dock Comics](http://floatingdockcomics.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net)* who made this guest about our pals Mary and Nel to support [The Chairs’ Hiatus Kickstarter](http://kck.st/1p24LCs?ref=matthewbogart.net).
I’m excited to say we’re *almost* to our next strech goal of getting five more pages of comcis, this time about how Mary and Nel met.
Also, if you’d like to hear me talk about the Kickstarter, being an indipendent cartoonist, and my attitude to Kickstarter streach goals, I had a great time on the *[“We Talk Comics”](http://www.wetalkpodcasts.com/talk-comics-episode-117-kick-start-chairs-hiatus/?ref=matthewbogart.net)* poscast doing just that.
*Thank you so much* to everyone who’s still spreading the word about the Kickstarter. We’ve got [*15 more* days](http://kck.st/1p24LCs?ref=matthewbogart.net) to go before we’re out of time to make the book better. I’m eager to see how well we can do!
### New Stretch Goal – “How we met”
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/08/03/2014-8-2-new-stretch-goal-how-we-met/
Last updated: 2014-08-03T00:24:44.000Z
We just passed our first strech goal! It looks like I’m going to be drawing a new comic about Nel! That’s great! I can’t wait to get to it. The Kickstarter is not over yet however, so…
## [I’ve just added a new goal!](http://kck.st/1p24LCs?ref=matthewbogart.net)
This one is called…
```
```
# “How we met.”
If we reach it I’ll draw a *new five page story* about when Mary and Nel met. We got a glimpse of this period in their lives in the book. If we reach this goal, I’ll *tell you all about it.* That’s *17 pages* of comics about The Chairs not available on my site!
I really hope we get to do this one. I was excited to write about this period when I was drawing the original book but it ended up being too much of a detour form the main story. Now’s our chance to make it happen!
[Take a look at the Kickstarter if you haven’t yet](http://kck.st/1p24LCs?ref=matthewbogart.net), and please consider spreading the word about it.
Thank you to everyone! We’re going to get to make something really special!
### The Chairs’ Hiatus – Guest Post – Adrian Wallace
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/08/02/the-chairs-hiatus-guest-post-adrian-wallace/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T01:09:36.000Z
This guest post to help support [The Chairs’ Hiatus Kickstarter ](http://kck.st/1p24LCs?ref=matthewbogart.net)was done by the amazing Adrian Wallace of [Jumbo Deluxe](http://jumbodeluxe.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net). I *love* his work. His beautiful color work is the reason I decided to do[ *Oh, It’s the End of the World*](http://matthewbogart.net/ohits-page1?ref=matthewbogart.net) in color. Honestly you shold [check them out](http://Jumbo Deluxe).
---
When I budgeted the [Kickstarter](http://kck.st/1p24LCs?ref=matthewbogart.net) I made sure we were raising enough to make a book that we wouldn’t be ashamed of, but we blew past that goal in just over a week, so where do we go from here?
***Let’s see how nice of a book we can make!***
There are all kinds of things we could do to make it really cool! From nice thick paper, or printed endpapers, to a fancy spot UV cover. The ways we could improve the book are virtually endless!
If you can help make that happen I’ve got a way to say thank you. If we reach $5,200, (just 11 more backers), everyone who pledged above the $5 level will get a PDF of a brand new comic! This one will be about everyone’s favorite missing friend, Nel. We spend so much of the main book following Mary around that we never get the chance to get to know Nel.
If that’s something you think you’d like to read, and you’d like to help make even more beautiful books you can back the project [here](http://kck.st/1p24LCs?ref=matthewbogart.net), you can [increase your pledge,](http://kck.st/1p24LCs?ref=matthewbogart.net) or you can post about the new goal on a social network. All three help out so much!
Thank you to everyone for spreading the word so far.
### [Let’s see how gorgeous we can make this thing!](http://kck.st/1p24LCs?ref=matthewbogart.net)
---
## UPDATE: Well, *that was fast!*
Just a few hours after posting this we reached our first stretch goal! Way to go everybody, I get to make a new comic about Nel!
We can’t let it stop there however, so stay tuned. I’ll have a new goal shortly! *(I’m pretty excited about this one.)*
### We did it!
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/07/30/we-did-it/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T01:10:09.000Z
[](http://kck.st/1p24LCs?ref=matthewbogart.net)
I’m super excited to announce that *we’ve reached our goal!* ***We’re going to make some books!*** Thank you to everyone who has backed and shared links so far. I can’t believe we did all of this in a week and a day.
So what’s going to happen over the next few weeks? Well, essentially, the more we raise the nicer the books can be. We’re talking nicer paper, better covers, endpapers, the works! To try and help us make that happen, I’m announcing a…
[](http://kck.st/1p24LCs?ref=matthewbogart.net)
All backers at $5 and above are already getting two digital backup stories set in the world of The Chairs.
1\. A rare four page story called “Jon” about an important character that’s mentioned in the story but never seen.
2\. A new, four page story that I’m drawing exclusively for backers, about Mary and Nel’s best friend Jen O’Neil.
But! If we get to $5200…
3\. I’ll draw an *additional* four page solo comic about *Nel*. This comic, like the others, won’t be posted on my site for the general public.
That’s only *$400* more and everyone gets *more comics* and *even better books*. If we keep spreading the word[ I’m sure we can do it. ](http://kck.st/1p24LCs?ref=matthewbogart.net)
# I can’t thank you all enough!
I couldn’t go without saying that yesterday, when we reached our goal, was one of the most exciting days I’ve ever had. Thank all of you so much for making that happen!
\-Matt
### The Chairs’ Hiatus – Guest Post – Josh Shalek
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/07/25/the-chairs-hiatus-guest-post-josh-shalek/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T01:10:54.000Z
My friend Josh Shalek, who does the fantastically funny comic [*Falling Rock National Park*](http://www.joshshalek.com/?ref=matthewbogart.net) was kind enough to send me this guest post to help support [*The Chairs’ Hiatus* Kickstarter](http://kck.st/1p24LCs?ref=matthewbogart.net). I love it and I can’t thank him enough!
If you haven’t taken a look at the project, we’re trying to create a beautiful, two color, hardback version of my comic *The Chairs’ Hiatus,* which you can [read online for free](http://www.matthewbogart.net/the-chairs-hiatus-part1) *.* Don’t miss your chance to get all kinds of neat rewards that will only be available to Kickstarter backers.
### THE CHAIRS’ HIATUS – GUEST POST – TYLER CROOK
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/07/23/2014-7-23-the-chairs-hiatus-guest-post-tyler-crook/
Last updated: 2020-12-30T22:33:28.000Z
(Sorry if you’ve seen this twice, I forgot to upload the image the first time!)
The amazing Tyler Crook posted this image in support of the “The Chairs’ Hiatus” Kickstarter! Tyler is one of the most incredible artists in the business. Discovering his book Petrograd took my breath away. I’m honored and flattered!
The Kickstarter has been going great! As I write this we’re at $1,968 of $4,600! That’s amazing! I can’t thank you enough for it!
Despite the great start, we’ve got a long way yet to go, and the nature of Kickstarters is going to start fighting against us now. After the first couple days everyone who knew your work has already pledged and things start to slow down to a crawl. It becomes a matter of finding new folks who’ve never seen the comic before.
That’s where I could use your help.
This is the first of several guest posts I’m going to be sharing. They will all have links back to the Kickstarter. If one of them seems cool to you please consider sharing. The more you share the more it helps, and believe me, it helps alot. Truthfully, it’s the only way the Kickstarter will get funded.
\* If you’re on tumblr you can reblog Tylers original post: [http://bit.ly/1kVVieS](http://bit.ly/1kVVieS?ref=matthewbogart.net)
\* If you’re on Facebook you can share this post : [http://bit.ly/1pdGU5U.](http://bit.ly/1pdGU5U.?ref=matthewbogart.net)
\* On Twitter you can retweet this tweet: [http://bit.ly/1pcIKko](http://bit.ly/1pcIKko?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Thank you so much to everyone helping with this! I can’t do it without your help and everyone in the community has been so kind and supportive. I love you guys! I’m sure we can do it if we keep going!
### Wow! What a day!
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/07/22/wow-what-a-day/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T01:11:55.000Z
I just posted this [update](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/matthewbogart/the-chairs-hiatus-special-hardback-two-color-editi/posts?ref=matthewbogart.net) to my [Kickstarter page](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/matthewbogart/the-chairs-hiatus-special-hardback-two-color-editi?ref=matthewbogart.net), but I thought I’d share it with all of you as well!
39 Backers, $1086 raised! *That’s 24% of the goal!* I’m incredibly flattered by all the support everyone has given, both by backing the project in and by helping spread the word. Seriously, I told my boss at work he had to start being cruel to me to balance out everyone online was being *so* kind. You are all the best and I can’t thank you enough!
Here are some of the incredibly kind things you all shared yesterday:
*I’ve never been so honored. Thank you! Thank you!*
**So, I thought I’d let you all know the plan over the next month to make these books a reality.**
Periodically I’m going to post new comics and sketches by guest artists, interesting info about the creation of “The Chairs’ Hiatus”, new drawings by me, all kinds of stuff. You’ll be able to find links to them here, in these Kickstarter updates as well as on [my site](http://matthewbogart.net/?ref=matthewbogart.net). It’s all cool stuff that you *won’t want to miss!* Please check them out and if any of it strikes your fancy or seems like something your friends might like, please pass it along.
That’s it. That’s the plan. It’s open to input. Any questions you want answered? Any rewards you want added?
A couple of awesome folks left comments about some new ideas for rewards, the logistics of which I’m going to be looking into. If you’ve got ideas or feedback [I want to hear them](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/matthewbogart/the-chairs-hiatus-special-hardback-two-color-editi/comments?ref=matthewbogart.net)!
By the way, one way to share the Kickstarter is to send a link to [the comic itself](http://www.matthewbogart.net/the-chairs-hiatus-part1) to someone who hasn’t read it. Even if they don’t feel like kicking in, people getting something out of the comic is the ultimate goal.
Thanks everyone! More to come!
### Announcing “The Chairs’ Hiatus” Kickstarter!
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/07/21/announcing-the-chairs-hiatus-kickstarter/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T01:12:35.000Z
I am so excited to announce my first ever Kickstarter! I’m trying to publish a beautiful, two color, hardback version of my graphic novel, [*The Chairs’ Hiatus*](http://www.matthewbogart.net/the-chairs-hiatus-part1) and I can’t do it without help. I’ve always dreamed of printing a version like this, something attractive enough to earn a place on your book shelf for a long time, and now, together, we get to make it happen.
With the help of many of my friends, we’ve put together a pretty impressive package of rewards and incentives to sweeten the deal. There are new comics about Mary and Nel, prints, t-shirts, even *a copy of The Chairs first album!* [Take a look](http://bit.ly/theChairsKS?ref=matthewbogart.net), there is some great stuff!
### If you haven’t read *The Chairs’ Hiatus* here’s the synopsis from the Kickstarter page:
*Mary and Nel were known for being close. Throughout the years the two of them zig-zagged the country as the rock duo “The Chairs” and they never spent more than a day or two apart.*
*That is, until Mary mysteriously appears in a new city having given up her music, fame, and friends. She wants nothing more than to work her lousy job and be left alone, but the two people who just showed up on her doorstep are determined to make sure won’t happen.*
### You can read the whole story [for free](http://www.matthewbogart.net/the-chairs-hiatus-part1) on my site.
### Oh, It’s the End of the World – The final page of part 5
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/07/11/a1qe54qs4dc3lk99107wfft1u44e42/
Last updated: 2021-11-26T15:57:44.000Z
[](http://buff.ly/1qjRFCR?ref=matthewbogart.net)
[ Even if I never end up breaking the hundred dollar mark and making any money from this experience, I'd recomended it.
Heck, it only took three and a half years.
I'll post again when I get the next sales figures.
[](https://www.patreon.com/posts/chairs-hiatus-142769425?ref=matthewbogart.net)
Get the Revised Edition of **The Chairs' Hiatus* with bonus companion book filled with extra stories by becoming a recurring patron or for $3
[Take a look ](https://www.patreon.com/posts/chairs-hiatus-142769425?ref=matthewbogart.net)
# UPDATE:
A month or so after I the quarter ended I found myself wondering if I shouldn't have gotten something from ComiXology detailing my sales, or lack thereof. After extensive searching I found something that had been buried in my spam folder announcing that, due to the sale of ComiXology to Amazon, all accounts, regardless if they had met the minimum $100 mark, would be getting paid out.
Excited, I opened up the attached spreadsheet to look over my numbers.
## Here are the details:
- In February 2014 I sold 2 copies making ComiXology $4.93\. My half of that was $2.46.
- In January 2014 I sold one copy. Amazon took in $2.84 and gave me $1.42 of it.
- In March I sold 5,448 copies. Amazon took in $464.94 and I made $232.47.
Ok, wait.
What?
It makes more sense when I explain that, shortly before my March sales landslide, ComiXology sent me an email asking for permission to discount my book from time to time in order to use it in promotions. Since you can [read the comic online for free](https://medium.com/@matthewbogart/the-chairs-hiatus-69f1ba416410?ref=matthewbogart.net) I gave them permission.
A couple of weeks later, at South by Southwest, ComiXology [announced](https://www.matthewbogart.net/blog/2014/3/8/ymuhozbxht02nj5kblgxqcxc9tr7aw) the "Submit Starter Pack", to celebrate the one year anniversary of the ComiXology Submit program. They were offering a package of 100 creator owned books for the low, low price of $10\. My book was a part of the package.
I didn't know any of this in advance, so I was curious about how it was going to work. How were the profits going to be decided up? I knew I was going to be getting a certain percentage of those bundle sales but what would it be based on? Were all 100 creators going to get one one fiftieth of the total sales? Would it be divided biased on the regular cover price of the books? For example, does a creator of a book that normally sells their graphic novel for $9.99 get the same amount as a creator who normally sells a 22 page comic for $0.99? I had no idea, and I still don't really.
## All I know are these three figures:
- 5,448 copies
- $464.94 made
- $232.47 of which is mine
I'm assuming, biased on my numbers from the previous months that there were 5,448 bundles sold, but who knows? Perhaps I sold 100 copies at full price that month and my cut of the bundle was just super low. Perhaps if other creators share their numbers we can figure it out but I'll probably never know.
## In the end...
It's frustrating having so little to go on, but at the same time, there were plenty of upsides. Money appeared like magic in my bank account, both the money from this quarter and the previous one. There are now almost 5,500 more people that own a copy of my comic which resulted in more than 55 star ratings on the ComiXology store. (I'm proud to say that number is hovering at 4 stars.) As a result of the bundle a few people wrote, and continue to write, nice things about the story.
> All in all, it's a positive experience.
I'm interested to see how it goes now that both the initial release of the book on the platform and bundle are over. I imagine the sales will go back to the February / March sales numbers but perhaps I'm wrong. Perhaps the numerous positive star ratings will help pick that number up.
We will see. I'll keep you posted.
## UPDATE: January 2026
I just rediscovered this post after a Patreon subscriber mentioned that ComiXology was how they found my work all those years ago. So, as promised *a decade ago*, here's how it all played out for [*The Chairs' Hiatus*](https://www.matthewbogart.net/the-chairs-hiatus/).
**Final numbers (2013-2021):**
- 5,699 copies sold
- $443 earned (50% revenue share)
- Reached readers in 33 countries
I sold fewer copies after the pack, but each one was sold for more money.
The March 2014 "Submit Starter Pack bundle" accounts for that massive spike—5,448 copies at $0.09 each. After the bundle, sales dropped to near zero (just 4 copies in all of 2015), then slowly picked back up to 58 copies in 2017 before trailing off again through 2020.
I later added the six issues of *Incredible Doom* to the platform starting in 2018, which sold an additional 535 copies before ComiXology Submit shut down in 2022 when Amazon integrated everything into Kindle Direct Publishing and I removed everything from the platform.
### Would I do it today?
Nope.
My impression is that in 2013, ComiXology was still run by people who cared about comics. By the time Amazon fully absorbed it, the platform had been through what [Cory Doctorow calls "enshittification"](https://bookshop.org/a/22427/9780374619329?ref=matthewbogart.net)—that predictable cycle where platforms start by being good to users, then abuse users to court business customers, then finally abuse everyone to maximize profit extraction.
Amazon spent years degrading the ComiXology experience: killing the standalone app, removing features readers loved, worsening the reading interface, cutting creator revenue splits, and eventually shuttering Submit entirely.
And I, for one, I'm tired of building on platforms designed to squeeze both creators and readers into the worst possible position we'll tolerate.
[](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
****If you found this transparent look at creator economics valuable**, consider supporting my work. Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to—real numbers, lessons learned, and honest assessments of what actually works in comics publishing.
[Visit my patreon ](http://patreon.com/matthewbogart?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### Oh, It’s the End of the World – Part 5 – Page 16
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/02/14/oh-its-the-end-of-the-world-part-5-page-16/
Last updated: 2020-12-30T22:32:18.000Z
I just did a test of Google Hangouts and it seems like I’ve gotten the hang of it. Is anyone interested in doing the Patreon hangout this weekend? Perhaps Sunday during the day? Let me know. It’s possible nobody’s that pumped about it, which is cool.
### Oh, It’s the End of the World – Part 5 – Page 15
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/02/06/oh-its-the-end-of-the-world-part-5-page-15/
Last updated: 2020-12-30T22:32:14.000Z
_No content available._
### Oh, It’s the End of the World – Part 5 – Page 14
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/02/01/2014-2-1-oh-its-the-end-of-the-world-part-5-page-14/
Last updated: 2020-12-30T22:32:08.000Z
I got an unexpected invite to table at Wizard World Portland this last weekend. I had a blast and met some great folks! It did set me back a bit on updates. I’m back on schedule now.
Hey look! It’s just about the end of the month! That means rewards will be going out soon, and a Google hangout is coming up! Man, Patreon is cool.
### Oh, It’s the End of the World – Part 5 – Page 13
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/01/22/2014-1-22-oh-its-the-end-of-the-world-part-5-page-13/
Last updated: 2020-12-30T22:32:06.000Z
Oh shit. Make outs.
### Oh, It’s the End of the World – Part 5 – Page 12
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/01/20/oh-its-the-end-of-the-world-part-5-page-12/
Last updated: 2020-12-30T22:32:04.000Z
Guess what happens next?
### Oh, It’s the End of the World – Part 5 – Page 11
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/01/16/oh-its-the-end-of-the-world-part-5-page-11/
Last updated: 2020-12-30T22:32:02.000Z
_No content available._
### Oh, It’s the End of the World – Part 5 Page 10
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/01/13/oh-its-the-end-of-the-world-part-5-page-10/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T01:40:41.000Z
### Oh, It’s the End of the World – Part 5 – Page 9
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/01/10/oh-its-the-end-of-the-world-part-5-page/
Last updated: 2020-12-30T22:32:01.000Z
Yikes! I just got this one in under the wire! I was scrambling to get this done tonight at the end of a crazy day at work. I hope you folks like it! I’ll be holding back from publishing it on my site till late tomorrow night. Behind the scenes versions of this page will be posted tomorrow, after I sleep. Oh sleep. So tired. zzzzz
### Oh, It’s the End of the World – Update – Part 5 – Page 8
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2014/01/06/2014-1-5-oh-its-the-end-of-the-world-update-part-5-page-8/
Last updated: 2014-01-06T17:05:00.000Z
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### Oh, It’s the End of the World – Knock Knock #2
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2013/04/26/oh-its-the-end-of-the-world-knock-knock-2/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T01:48:00.000Z
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### Oh, It’s the End of the World – Update – We didn’t stop.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2013/04/04/2013-4-4-oh-its-the-end-of-the-world-update-we-didnt-stop/
Last updated: 2013-04-04T19:56:02.000Z
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# **Well that’s it! The end of part one – Prologue**
As I promised I’m going to be sending everyone who is on my mailing list a downloadable version of each chapter when it’s finished. So if you’d like to download this for reading on your tablet (which is a much better reading experience I must say) [sign up for my mailing list quickly](http://matthewbogart.net/subscribe?ref=matthewbogart.net)! The email containing this chapter will go out in the next couple of days.
I’m going to be taking a week off in between each chapter in order to get the downloadable version ready and do some preparations for the next run. So there won’t be an update next week, but stay [subscribed](http://matthewbogart.net/subscribe?ref=matthewbogart.net)! Starting on December 24th the story really gets going!
## The news is out! The world is ending! What happens next?
### *Find out in two weeks!*
### Oh, It’s the End of the World – update
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2012/12/03/2012-12-3-v6kvn4r0gtc6d9gfrjbk3bbjrnsg1w/
Last updated: 2012-12-03T22:56:42.000Z
[](http://matthewbogart.net/ohits-page9?ref=matthewbogart.net)
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[< PREVIOUS](http://matthewbogart.net/ohits-page7?ref=matthewbogart.net)
[READ FROM BEGINNING](http://matthewbogart.net/ohits-page1?ref=matthewbogart.net)
[SUBSCRIBE>](http://matthewbogart.net/subscribe?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### Train-tracks and crosswalks.
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2012/10/29/traintracks-and-crosswalks/
Last updated: 2012-10-29T15:00:00.000Z
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[READ FROM BEGINNING](http://matthewbogart.net/ohits-page1?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### What’s in the middle? (middle, middle, middle) The white stuff!
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2012/10/22/2012-10-10-whats-in-the-middle-middle-middle-middle-the-white-stuff/
Last updated: 2012-10-22T15:00:00.000Z
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# [Get the PDF](http://sellfy.com/p/fJzu?ref=matthewbogart.net)
### (Untitled)
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2004/11/16/2365/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T01:58:28.000Z
If you click here a window will pop up with a picture of one of the coolest things I found on my trip. Money can not be better spent than on a 50 cent Magic Octopus.
Also, don’t forget to check out the new Satellite Beach accordion minicomic.
### (Untitled)
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2004/11/09/2368/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T02:01:57.000Z
I did a bit more redesigning of the site today.
Most of it no one will notice, it’s just operational stuff. But I did add a [new mini comic to the books section](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/books.htm) as well as put up [a new illustration on the comics page.](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/comics.htm)
### (Untitled)
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2004/09/21/2372/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T02:04:17.000Z
Well, I’m back from my trip around America. My girlfriend Ashlee and I wandered for over a month. Hopefully, I’ll be able to post some of the most interesting stuff we came across. Right now, I need to get settled back into Portland.
Thank you to everyone who helped me out with my big sale. It went both fantastically and disappointingly. (Some shirts didn’t work out and were discontinued) Many of the shirts will be back up for sale once I’m settled again.
Talk to everyone soon!
### (Untitled)
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2004/09/21/2370/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T02:03:52.000Z
I’ve moved into my new apartment here in Portland Or. It’s great. Complete with neat new room to use as my studio and a new cable modem! I’m quite excited.
So I’ve been spending this morning trying to clean up this dilapidated site a bit. The first thing I did was update the links page. I took down some of the broken ones and put up some cool new pages that everyone should check out.
### (Untitled)
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2004/01/22/2377/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T02:54:49.000Z
Yes, I’m still here. I’ve been away from the site for several months now and, to be honest, I can’t say when any of the projects that I’m working on for this site will be finished. So I’m not sure when another update will come. However I just finished an illustration that I’m kind of proud of so I thought I’d put it up. It’s a poster for the band “Belindo” and you can look at it by [clicking here](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/oldnews.htm#).\\
There will be more comics up here eventually. No kidding.
### T SHIRTS! NEW CDs! COOL STUFF!
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2004/01/22/t-shirts-new-cds-cool-stuff/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T02:06:54.000Z
All for sale in [the new updated store!](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/store/store2.htm)
I’m desperately trying to raise money and as a result, you get cool stuff! Check it out and let me know what you think.
### (Untitled)
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/08/21/2379/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T02:58:21.000Z
I posted a new song in the [“nothing to write home about”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Music/NothingToWriteHomeAbout.htm) section. It’s a cover of a Daniel Johnston song called “Funeral Girl.” I didn’t do the song justice at all but I had a great time recording it. I even tried my hand at a new instrument!
### (Untitled)
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/08/08/2381/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T02:59:26.000Z
Well the Portland Zine Symposium is over. I sold and traded tons of copies of “Hello and other stories” and met so many interesting people.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/07/01/2385/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:08:21.000Z
Okay. I’ve been away from the site for a little while now. I’m apologize. I had to take care of a few things more important to my survival. (Stupid money) But I’m back at the keyboard again and working hard. The next update will most likely be another addition to [“…all in the past](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/AllInThePast/titlepage/titlepage.htm)” I’m very excited about this new part. It’s like nothing I’ve ever done before.
In the meantime everyone should check out [Scott McClouds new online comic “The Right Number.”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.scottmccloud.com/) It inspired the heck out of me. It costs 25 cents but is well worth it.
See everyone very soon.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/07/01/2383/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:07:20.000Z
Everyone should check out the “Portland Zine Symposium” which is coming up on August 1st through the third. It sounds great. Best of all you can stop by and see me and a bunch of other cool cartoonists at the booth we just registered for!
You can buy a copy of my book “Hello and other stories” or, even better, you can get it for free by bring a zine to trade with me.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/06/16/2387/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:08:59.000Z
There’s an [article up on “The Pulse”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/pulse.cgi?http%3A//www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi%3Fubb%3Dget%5Ftopic%26f%3D36%26t%3D001092) at comicon.com that talks about each creator in the new SPX anthology. There’s also a sumary I wrote of “Satellite Beach.” Check it out. There’s lots of links to other cool comic artists sites.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/06/09/2389/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:10:39.000Z
I just sent in my section for [“GRAN’MA EVELYN’S OLD-FASHIONED PUDDING TREATS WRESTLING THEATRE”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.evilspacerobot.com/wrestlingtheatre/index.htm) It should be up soon. While you’re there check out Pen Wards contribution. That guy is a genius.
Speaking of geniuses, everyone picked up the [new Weird Al album](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/www.weirdal.com) right? It’s fantastic.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/06/03/2392/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:11:50.000Z
My friend Chris just bought me this [great illustration by Daniel Johnston](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/danieljohnston.htm). Mr. Johnston is quite possible my favorite songwriter. His “Rejected Unknown” album is amazingly good.
Chris bought it for me after Mr. Johnston had to cancel the show I was going to attend. I was speechless when he gave it to me. I can’t thank Chris enough. Wow.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/05/31/2394/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:12:30.000Z
A two panel bit that I did for Chuck Riffenburgs jam comic “Limbs” went up on his [“Grab Bag Comics”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://grabbagcomics.homestead.com/) site the other day. You can check out my contribution by clicking [here.](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://grabbagcomics.homestead.com/files/onlinecomics%5Flimbs/gb%5Flimbs%5F061.html)
I finally found work again. I started work at Toys R Us yesterday. I’m still trying to recover for my old restaurant going under and stiffed me out of my last pay check. I sold almost all of my books and DVDs to cover rent, which was kind of sad and kind of liberating at the same time. Hopefully all will be okay now. (However if anyone has ever felt the urge to donate to the site and was just waiting for the right moment, now would be a great time)
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/05/14/2396/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:13:17.000Z
The final [“Satellite Beach”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/satelitebeach/satellitebeach.htm) update went up today. I hope everyone likes the ending. And if that wasn’t enough to put a smile on my face, I just discovered that [“Satellite Beach”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/satelitebeach/satellitebeach.htm) was accepted into this years Small Press Expo anthology. Man am I excited! It’s going to become my first published comic story in July! Check your local comic shop. I know that you can read my story here for free, but you really should buy a copy of the book. It’s a HUGE anthology filled with cool cartoonists. And at only $9 it’s a steal. Besides, you help out the [Comic Book Legal Defense Fund](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.cbldf.org/) when you pick it up. You can read about the book [here](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get%5Ftopic&f=37&t=000852) or go the conventions [official web site](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.spxpo.com/index.htm).
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/05/12/2398/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:13:52.000Z
So I’m back on the streets looking for work. Macheezmo Mouse Inc went under last night. I got “the call’ at around 10PM last night not to come into work today. (I was dreading working the split shift today anyway) It’s so strange that I will most likely never see any of my coworkers again.\\
On a lighter note, there’s a new [“Satellite Beach”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/satelitebeach/satellitebeach.htm) update today. I would bet I’ve got about two more days until this story is finished
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/05/11/2400/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:14:36.000Z
Today was beautiful in Portland. Sunny and warm. Which is fitting since it’s mothers day. This mothers day however is special, because it’s my sister Cath’s first. She is a new mother this year! So on behalf of everyone in the world, I would like to dedicate this mothers day to Cathy. (I feel I can speak for everyone on this) Oh, and there’s a new [“Satellite Beach”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/satelitebeach/satellitebeach.htm) update today
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/05/10/2402/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:15:14.000Z
New [“Satellite Beach”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/satelitebeach/satellitebeach.htm) update today.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/05/09/2404/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:15:50.000Z
Well I missed the update for [“Satellite Beach”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/satelitebeach/satellitebeach.htm) yesterday so there is a little bit larger than normal update today. I’m still looking for work. If anyone has any advice it would be appreciated.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/05/07/2406/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:16:35.000Z
There’s a new installment of [“Satellite Beach”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/satelitebeach/satellitebeach.htm) today! YAY!
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/05/06/2408/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:18:02.000Z
I put up a new installment of [“Satellite Beach”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/satelitebeach/satellitebeach.htm) today.
Well, I’m looking for work again. I’m not sure my present job is going to be around for much longer. Things arn’t going well for the higher ups in my company. I may need to scale back the site if I can’t find a new job soon. I’ll have to check up on how much I can spare. The site won’t go away, but I may have to make it smaller for a month or two. Or perhaps not. We’ll see. Anyone out there want to give me a job? Or some money?
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/05/05/2410/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:18:45.000Z
I put up a new installment of [“Satellite Beach”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/satelitebeach/satellitebeach.htm) today.
I forgot to mention an interesting side note about a previous Satellite Beach update. The photo reference for the panel of the flat tire was a picture of my friend Joes car. We sat helpless as the Alternate Press Expo (which we had driven all night see) was going on somewhere just over the bay in San Francisco. EH! How about that?! Here at MatthewBogart.com Everything’s got a story. (However I’m not sure you can really tell what the panel of the flat tire is suppose to be)
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/05/04/2412/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:19:15.000Z
As I’ve been driving around in recent days, I’ve been getting so excited about various different things (the sun shining, my friends coming to town, my comics, my music) that I start shouting for joy! This is a new development in my life. But to be honest, I guess it’s not all THAT new. I remember being overcome with excitement about life when I was bicycling around Savannah six months ago. And I realized that I might be right in the middle of a new era of good old days.. (You know, when your down and you look back and say, “Ah, those were the good old days.” I think that might be right now!) I get depressed occasionally, I often wish I had a girlfriend, or that I wasn’t so broke, I don’t like my job, and I miss my parents, but all in all lets hear it for springtime! So, there’s a new installment of [“Satellite Beach”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/satelitebeach/satellitebeach.htm) today you should check it out. As well as my cool new [ONLINE STORE](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/store/store.htm)
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/05/03/2414/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:21:02.000Z
> Happy [FREE COMIC BOOK DAY](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.freecomicbookday.com/)! In honor of free comic book day, anyone who writes in to me using my nifty [new mailing list sign in thing](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/mailinglist.htm) will get a free mini comic mailed to them!
> All the comics on this site are free of course but I figured I should do something special. Seeking of which, there’s a new installment of [“Satellite Beach”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/satelitebeach/satellitebeach.htm) and don’t forget to check out my cool new [ONLINE STORE](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/store/store.htm).
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/05/02/2416/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:21:52.000Z
Two more panels were added to “[Satellite Beach”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/satelitebeach/satellitebeach.htm) today. Don’t forget to check out my nifty new [ONLINE STORE](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/store/store.htm) in the lower left corner of the screen.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/05/01/2418/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:22:16.000Z
There’s a new installment in [“Satellite Beach”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/satelitebeach/satellitebeach.htm) today as well as the debut of my [ONLINE STORE!](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/store/store.htm) (see the cool new icon on the lower left?) How can you live without this stuff?\\
Isn’t this an exciting day? Sure.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/04/30/2420/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:22:49.000Z
I put up a new segment in “Satellite Beach” today! Hip Hip Jeff Hague!
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/04/29/2424/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:24:21.000Z
Well here it is, at long last. Another comic story by me. This one is called [“Satellite Beach.”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/satelitebeach/satellitebeach.htm) (man I hate titles) There’s going to be a new installment of this every day so check back often! Please, feel free to tell me what you think.
[e mail me](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/mailto:curtiswpitts@hotmail.com)
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/04/28/2426/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:25:10.000Z
I want to be drawing comics all the time. Unfortunately, I also want to be doing other things. Any advice as to how to solve this problem?
[e mail me](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/mailto:curtiswpitts@hotmail.com)
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/04/24/2428/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:25:43.000Z
I”M POOPED! I just shipped my submission for this years SPX anthology, right at the last moment. (It’s due in their hands tomorrow) I don’t know if they will use it or not but I sure put a lot of work into it. Thank you to Kate, Ryan, Joe, Keith and Chris for their help on that project I’m going to start coloring it in a day or so (right now I’m sick or looking at it)
I’ll post it here as I finish each panel, so check back here soon!
Right now I’m going to go relax.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/04/21/2430/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:26:33.000Z
This months “Comics Journal” is full of surprises! [Check this out.](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/tomheart.htm)
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/04/20/2432/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:27:18.000Z
I’m still working on this [new story](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/tour/toursample.htm). I’ll probably start serializing it here in about a week. (Perhaps even in color!)
I just got an e mail from Joey Comeau who (with Emily Horne) does a strip called [“A Softer World”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/%7Eaw096/soft/today.html) that you should check out. I really like the strips for [March 7th](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/%7Eaw096/soft/soft%5Fmar7%5F2003.html) and [March 21st.](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/%7Eaw096/soft/soft%5Fmar21%5F2003.html)
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/04/20/2422/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:23:38.000Z
> There was a [“Satellite Beach”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/satelitebeach/satellitebeach.htm) update today.
> [Todd Web](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.toddbot.com/) (another cool online cartoonist) needs our help! Go help him out and get cool stuff!
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/04/16/2434/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:28:47.000Z
My sister Cathy just had a BABY on April 14th! The baby’s name is Amanda Michelle Lapore.
I found out just after I posted the update for April 15th.
I’m Uncle Matt! My dad is a grandfather! (holly cow)
Congratulations Cathy and Rick! Most of all, congratulations Amanda. Life sure can be great sometimes. I bet you’ll like it.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/04/15/2436/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:29:40.000Z
YAY tax day! I got my first set of self filed taxes off today. (right on the deadline) If I did everything right I should get 31 bucks back! (I’ll buy myself another month of using the cable modem.)
A little while ago my old friend [Chuck](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://grabbagcomics.homestead.com/) asked me if I would contribute a thirty second bit of music for a new opening animation on his site. I finally got around to doing it and you can [listen to it here](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Music/NothingToWriteHomeAbout.htm). I’m not sure if he will use it but it doesn’t matter cause I had a great time making it.
You should check out [his site](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://grabbagcomics.homestead.com/). He’s got some really cool stuff going up.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/04/09/2440/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:30:58.000Z
[Here’s another bit of the comic that I”m working on.](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/tour/toursample.htm) I don’t have a title for it yet. (I know these aren’t much of an update but I figured “what the heck, the images are on my hard drive, I might as well put them on the Int
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/04/09/2438/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:30:23.000Z
I just read an interview with [Derek Kirk Kim](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.smallstoriesonline.com/) at [Comixpedia](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.comixpedia.com/html/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=310&mode=thread&order=0&thold=-1). It’s a great site that just got even better by saying:
“**CP**: There’s a lot of pooping in your comics. Why is this?\\
**DKK**: Everyone poops. Pooping is fun. Pooping is good. And poop is a good metaphor for life, too.”
Amen.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/04/05/2442/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:31:44.000Z
I’m working on a new five (or so) page self contained story. I’m making reasonable progress so it should be finished in about two weeks. Until then, [here’s a little preview.](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/tour/toursample.htm)
Also, our friend [Jana](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://jrinspire.com/) recently told us that it looks like she’s moving out here to Portland with us! Yay! Our ranks swell…ah.. ha ha!
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/03/22/2444/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:32:17.000Z
[Here’s a drawing I just did](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Illustrations/girl.htm). I like it.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/03/20/2446/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:32:59.000Z
I put up two new links you should check out. [“Grab Bag Comics”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://grabbagcomics.homestead.com/) and [“Bueno the Bear.”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.calarts.edu/%7Epward/)
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/03/18/2448/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:34:19.000Z
I edited and added to the song I posted on the 16th. I like it better now. You can listen to it above or go to the “[nothing to write home abou](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Music/NothingToWriteHomeAbout.htm)t” section to download a copy of the mp3.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/03/16/2450/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:35:09.000Z
Here’s a song I just wrote a a few minutes ago. I’ve decided to call it up late as its midnight and I have to be at work in a few hours. [Click here](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Music/uplate%5FByMatthewBogart.zip) if you want a copy of the mp3.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/03/15/2452/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:36:07.000Z
[“the hand picked album”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.choyoungandthedavenports.com/SITE2/handpicked.htm) is up at the newly redesigned [Cho Young and the Davenports website](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.choyoungandthedavenports.com/). The band selected fifteen of their favorite tracks and put them up for free on the site. All together it’s like a very strange greatest hits album.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/03/12/2454/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:36:47.000Z
“Interview Records” has a new album available on their website (which I maintain). The album is called “The Great Sasquatch Debate.” It’s a round table debate between two doctors and a hunter on the existence of bigfoot. You can download the whole session from the Interview Records website or listen to highlights by [clicking here.](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.couchstuff.com/interviewrecords)
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/03/03/2456/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:37:49.000Z
Just to let everyone know why there haven’t been any updates recently, I’m working on writing music. This has always been a very difficult process for me (the lyrics in particular) and I decided recently that I’m going to see what I can do when I am capable of devoting all my efforts to it. I’m still drawing and [“…all in the past”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/AllInThePast/titlepage/titlepage.htm) is almost finished (this chapter anyway) I’m just slowing down with the site for a few weeks. I promise, if anything good comes of my experimenting I’ll post it here. If not… oh well. I’m still glad that I’m giving it an honest try.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/02/26/2458/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:39:23.000Z
I was told that on some systems [page 12](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/AllInThePast/PastPage12.htm) of [“…all in the past”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/AllInThePast/titlepage/titlepage.htm) didn’t load right. Evidently the roll over panels didn’t line up with the artwork underneath it. So it’s now set up differently using a table system. It looks okay from here but I don’t use tables often so please let me know if it looks strange to you. Thanks everyone!
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/02/25/2460/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:40:04.000Z
There’s a little more [“…all in the past”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/AllInThePast/titlepage/titlepage.htm) artwork today. Also, if I sent anyone an e mail recently and it came up all garbled please let me know. I’m still having problems with the e mail account I got from bluedomino.com. Thanks!
By the way…HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO CHRIS!
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/02/23/2462/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:41:03.000Z
Here’s [a strip](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/sweat%20sock/sweatsock.htm) I did in school. I don’t remember why.
By the way, if any of you have been writing me at curtiswpitts@hotmail.com I think there is something wrong with it. You should write [curtiswpitts@hotmail.com](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/mailto:curtiswpitts@hotmail.com) instead. Thanks!
### (Untitled)
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/02/19/2464/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:41:43.000Z
I put up more [“…all in the past”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/AllInThePast/titlepage/titlepage.htm) artwork today. I also just got my replacement CD-RW drive. For the last five months I’ve been working with a broken CD ROM drive, printer, and scanner! Slowly things are getting fixed! YAY!
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/02/17/2466/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:42:27.000Z
There’s a new song up today under [“nothing to write home about.”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Music/NothingToWriteHomeAbout.htm) It’s a cover of a song by fellow cartoonist Bob Pendarvis. Check it out. I had a lot of fun doing it.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/02/15/2468/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:42:56.000Z
I put up a little bit more [“…all in the past”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/AllInThePast/titlepage/titlepage.htm) artwork today.
Also check out [this](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.couchstuff.com/random/puppies.html) that just went up in the random section on [www.couchstuff.com.](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.couchstuff.com/)
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/02/13/2472/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:44:00.000Z
At long last there’s new [“…all in the past”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/AllInThePast/titlepage/titlepage.htm) art up today! I know you’ve been asking, “where the heck was it all this time?!” and all I can say is… I’m not sure.
Also, this update is a BIG image file so if it’s to large for any of you let me know and I’ll see what I can do from my end. Thanks!
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/02/13/2470/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:43:27.000Z
I put more[“…all in the past”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/AllInThePast/titlepage/titlepage.htm) art up again today. Check it out.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/02/09/2474/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:44:36.000Z
At the suggestion of my friend Antar, I posted the question I had asked on February 7th about what is the worst part about being an artist on the [failure message boards](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.failurecomics.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=291). It’s received some interesting answers if you want to check it out.
Also, the guy who’s putting the Daniell Johnson Tribute album together put up a [website](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://djtribute.listen.to/) devoted to it. It Features a track by [Cho Young and the Davenports](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.choyoungandthedavenports.com/) as well as booklet artwork by [myself](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Illustrations/Illustrations.htm), [Cat Garza](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.magicinkwell.com/), [James Kochalka](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.americanelf.com/), and several other Davenports. (the main menu image on the website is by Cho Young himself.) Check it out.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/02/07/2476/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:45:21.000Z
I work with a guy who talks a lot. Today he was talking to me about his experiences playing in various punk bands in LA and he asked “You know what the worst thing about being an artist is?” I said that I did since I am an artist and, even though I didn’t have an answer ready, I figured I had to have experienced the worst part of it at some point. He also wasn’t about to listen to anything I had to say. “The worst part about being an artist is doing work and not getting paid for it” he said.
I disagree with him, but in order to argue with him I felt like I had to come up with what I actually think the worst part about being an artist is. I couldn’t come up with anything. I know it’s not all bliss but, what’s the worst part?
Sure, I’d like to get paid for my work but I do it even though I don’t get paid. I almost said that the worst part is when people think your work is bad simply because they can’t figure it out, however I’ve done LOTS of pieces where I wanted the audience to be confused. I’ve done some where I honestly wanted them to hate it. It was my desired reaction.
It’s not the amount of work that it takes to be an artist because you only have to do as much work as you feel like doing. If you don’t want to do it you don’t have to. (especially if your not getting paid)
When I posed the question to a friend of mine he said that the worst part about being an artist would be to do something that gets no reaction. There’s a lot of truth to that. Granted, I think most artists have done work that they never intended to show to others, but when you do open your work up to someone I think it’s safe to say that every artist wants at least some reaction. What do you all think? [E mail me](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/mailto:curtiswpitts@hotmail.com) if you’ve got any ideas. I’ll post what people think
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/02/06/2510/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:56:57.000Z
New “[…all in the past](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/AllInThePast/titlepage/titlepage.htm)“\\
art is up today.
I also put a strange new thing up at www.couchstuff.com (he he he)
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/02/05/2478/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:46:02.000Z
We had some trouble with the [Interview Records](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.couchstuff.com/interviewrecords) site this morning but all is okay now. To try and woo people into visiting[Interview Records](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.couchstuff.com/interviewrecords) I’ve posted highlights from “The Greatest Answering Machine Messages of All Time” CD. To get the full affect you really need to listen to them all at once however.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/02/04/2480/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:46:53.000Z
I just finished designing a site for a friend of mine that everyone and their brother needs to check out. It’s a branch off of www.couchstuff.com called [“Interview Records.”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.couchstuff.com/interviewrecords) My buddies Aaron Krolikowski and Cho Young have at long last compiled CDs of their collection of interviews, round table discussions, and answering machine messages to make the most bizarre and hilarious listening experiences I’ve ever heard. I recommend downloading the zip file of the complete “Greatest Answering Machine Messages of All Time” and listening to the whole batch in one sitting.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/02/03/2484/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:47:55.000Z
I’m BACK! I just got back from [APE](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.comic-con.org/pages/APE2003.html) in San Francisco early this morning and I’ve been so inspired I don’t know what to do with myself! I met so many cartoonists that I respect so much… I’m flabbergasted with the whole experience.
I’ll be back later tonight with a comic update and within the next few days I’ll be putting up a page for people to buy copies of the paper collection that I brought to the show.
Also, everyone go out and read “Clumsy” by Jeffery Brown. It’s amazing.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/02/03/2482/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:47:25.000Z
I just put up [“Tales of the ELBOW BOY”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/elbowboy/elbowboy.htm) . This is the first page to my paper collection that I recently put together. If you’d like a copy of it drop me a line and I’ll send you one for the price of the measly postage. Such a deal! I’m quite proud of it. It’s the most well put together little book I’ve ever done. And best of all it features some work that isn’t on the site! (…yet)
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/01/27/2486/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:48:55.000Z
There’s a complete new comic up called [“Old Jokes.”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/oldjokes/oldjokes.htm) It’s about the creation of the world.
The reason I’m so sporadic in updating recently is that I’ve been working on a print version of many of these comics as well as comics that will appear here eventually. If you’re at [APE](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.comic-con.org/pages/APE2003.html) I’ll give one two you for free. After [APE](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.comic-con.org/pages/APE2003.html) I’m going to be selling them around Portland and on this site. I just thought I’d let you know.
[“…all in the past”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/AllInThePast/titlepage/titlepage.htm) is still going. Don’t worry. It will be back soon.
Isn’t easter great?
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/01/21/2488/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:49:26.000Z
I put up a strange story I did in a few hours. It’s called [“Book.”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/book/book.htm) Thanks to Belinda Hogelstone for letting me scan her PJs for the background.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/01/20/2490/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:49:52.000Z
There’s new [“…all in the past”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/AllInThePast/titlepage/titlepage.htm) art up today.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/01/19/2492/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:51:32.000Z
There’s new [“…all in the past”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/AllInThePast/titlepage/titlepage.htm) art up today. Isn’t that exciting. I’m sorry I missed several days recently. Things should be back on track now. (and the story can really get going)
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/01/18/2494/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:52:02.000Z
There’s new [“…all in the past”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/AllInThePast/titlepage/titlepage.htm) art up today.
More to come tomorrow I promise. Check out this hysterical web comic I discovered through Drew Weing’s site. I was blown away.
[“Bueno the Bear”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.calarts.edu/%7Epward/) by Pendleton Ward
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/01/14/2496/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:52:34.000Z
There’s new [“…all in the past”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/AllInThePast/titlepage/titlepage.htm) art up today. Text is to come soon. Along with some other odd changes…\\
By the way I’ll be at [APE](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.comic-con.org/pages/APE2003.html) this year if anyone wants to try find out what kind of man would do this crap. I don’t have a booth but I’ll be easy to pick out. I’m the shy 20 something year old who’s trying to come out of his shell enough to give people free mini comics. See ya’ there!
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/01/13/2500/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:53:42.000Z
I put up a new song in the [“Nothing To Write Home About”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Music/NothingToWriteHomeAbout.htm) section. It’s not a solo song as the button suggests but I like it allot.
Also, if anyone wants to [Vote for Hello atOnlineComics.net](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.onlinecomics.net/index.php?voteID=862) it might help some other people discover it. Thanks!
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/01/13/2498/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:53:02.000Z
There’s new [“…all in the past”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/AllInThePast/titlepage/titlepage.htm) text and art up today. Also check out the new song under the [“Nothing To Write Home About”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Music/NothingToWriteHomeAbout.htm) section.
Also, if anyone wants to [Vote for Hello atOnlineComics.net](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.onlinecomics.net/index.php?voteID=862) it might help some other people discover it. Thanks!
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/01/12/2502/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:54:17.000Z
There I put up the [illustration](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Illustrations/Illustrations.htm) I did for a [Daniel Johnston](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.hihowareyou.com/) tribute album [Cho Young and the Davenports](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.mp3.com/choyoung) are going to be on. Thanks to Casio Casanovia for puting the tribute together. You should check out some of his older songs under a different by clicking [here](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/115/nigel%5Fwillis%5Frothmeyer.html) or [here.](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/194/og%5Fmudbone.html)
Also, if anyone wants to [Vote for Hello at OnlineComics.net](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.onlinecomics.net/index.php?voteID=862) it might help some other people discover it. Thanks!
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/01/10/2504/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:54:55.000Z
There’s new [“…all in the past”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/AllInThePast/titlepage/titlepage.htm) artwork up today, but not in the place you would think. Please bare with me, all is going according to plan.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/01/08/2506/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:55:28.000Z
There’s a couple new links today. That’s all I had time to do. I’ve got two ten hour days in a row so [“…that’s all in the past”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/AllInThePast/titlepage/titlepage.htm) will be back on Friday.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/01/07/2508/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:56:04.000Z
I put up a new illustration for the title page to [“Stanley Can’t Fly.”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/stanley/StanleyCantFlyTitlePage.htm) It was designed by Ric Lanciotti and drawn by me. It features all the original cast of the show.
Highlight each character to learn more.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/01/05/2512/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:57:22.000Z
Slight site redesign today. New menu bar on the bottom and the music finally got it’s own index page called [“Nothing to Write Home About”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Music/NothingToWriteHomeAbout.htm)
[“…all in the past”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/AllInThePast/titlepage/titlepage.htm) also has new art today..
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/01/04/2514/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:57:47.000Z
New [“… all in the past.](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/AllInThePast/titlepage/titlepage.htm)[“](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/AllInThePast/PastPage1.htm) artwork is up today.
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/01/03/2516/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:58:36.000Z
**The first panel for [“…that’s all in the past.](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/AllInThePast/titlepage/titlepage.htm)[“](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/Comics/AllInThePast/PastPage1.htm) (my new comic) is up today.**
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URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/01/02/2518/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:59:13.000Z
So sleepy. I got a new job today as a supervisor at a Mexican restaurant. I think I’ve eaten Mexican food four times in my life. I had a lot to learn.
I also finished the mixing for a new [Cho Young and the Davenports](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.mp3.com/choyoung) song today. It’s our final song and our first cover that we did for a [Daniel Johnson](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.hihowareyou.com/) tribute album we were invited to be on. It sounds great but was quite the headache to put together as the band is scattered across the country.
“…Thats All In The Past” (my new comic) will start tomorrow. Sorry about the delay.
### Happy New Year
URL: https://www.matthewbogart.net/2003/01/01/happy-new-year/
Last updated: 2020-01-28T03:59:54.000Z
**I’m back from my break. I had a great time seeing my family and eating lots of good food. I hope the holidays went well for everyone.**
**To celebrate the new year I’m posting the script for one of my all time favorite projects, a play I co-wrote with Chris A’Lurede and Ryan Hill called[\\](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/stanley/StanleyCantFlyTitlePage.htm)**
**[“Stanley Can’t Fly.”](https://web.archive.org/web/20041206005634/http://www.matthewbogart.com/stanley/StanleyCantFlyTitlePage.htm)**
**When it was performed several years ago it was an amazing success. I can’t remember when I’ve had more fun on a project.**