The title of this strip seems quite obvious considering the punchline, but what is probably less obvious is that this particular comic strip's origins were inspired by the Bob Dylan song of the same name.
I was listening to my iPod on shuffle when this song came up. Something about the driving rhythm caught my attention, there was a playful, yet somber tone that I rediscovered here at the right time and place. I was particularly struck by the following selection of lyrics, which I found rather poignant in terms of the Checkered Man and where he's at now vs. where he began a year ago:
"Dignity" (select lyrics)
by Bob Dylan
Wise man lookin’ in a blade of grass
Young man lookin’ in the shadows that pass
Poor man lookin’ through painted glass
For dignity
"Dignity" was first released on Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits Volume 3 in 1994. It was recorded during the Oh Mercy studio sessions but didn't make it on to the album. Now, I'm not entirely sure how I went from a poignant, thoughtful song to a comic strip with a butt crack joke, but it happened--it can't un-happen--and I'd like to think Bobby D would be just fine with it.
Then again, maybe not. Either way, please enjoy a few work-in-progress snapshots of this particular comic strip below:
-Denver
Yup….. that’s definitely the ‘end’ of The Checkered Man for now…..
Really dig panels 2, 3 & 4. Fun to see those series of expressions of CM. Also Love the last panel & how you handled it. Great stuff.
That last panel cracked me up! Sorry. I couldn’t resist.
Seriously, I think that is why Superman wears those little red speedos. Not only is it a second focal point (for the ladies!), it is the backup in case he leaves his trap door open.
Awesome stuff, Denver. I can’t wait to see how the investigative reporter interacts with the story. I am guessing this reporter is a female, in which I think she should be voiced by MTV’s Kennedy. Just my two cents.
Just when things seemed to be going so well…
Butt flapped pants will do that every time!
WARDROBE MALFUNCTION!!!!
HA!
That’s awesome.
Feel the breeze!
He’s got plenty of dignity, just flapping in the wind lol