Hey everybody! Here’s the new site. Be sure to check back soon as I fill it up with Mark Toon goodness!

I am really loving this new site! Word Press and Comic Press Rules! Special thanks goes out to Lagreca Arts for doing a fabulous job building the site. Check em out, they can help you and your small business! www.lagrecaarts.com

The one thing I’m looking forward to is hearing from you! Please feel free to comment on my posts. It’s quite easy, I’ll even start us off so you don’t feel weird.

I left you guys hanging in early September, sorry for the wait. I moved, had this site built, gathered the archives and now we’re golden…

- Well to update you all on the going-ons of your pal Mark… My Gal Meg (my fiancee/educational collaborator) and I have moved in together.

- I’ve been keeping up with the Happyloo art, closer and closer to completion!

- I spent my last two Saturdays in Maryland.
First, on September 27th I attended the Baltimore Comic Con. It was my second time going there and I had a blast once again. This time I went armed with a portfolio of my Happyloo work. I was seeking advice and criticism from my peers and favorite creators… And I came home VERY satisfied! Andy Runton (Owly), Chris Staros (Top Shelf), Scott Sava (Dreamland Chronicles), Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules!), and Franco (Tiny Titans) all gave me excellent advice concerning the look and feel of Happyloo. I am very grateful to them for their time and consideration. And even MORE thankful for their inspirational work!
This past Saturday, October 4th, I drove back out to Maryland for the SPX. It was my first time at the Small Press Expo and It won’t be my last. Seeing all those independent creators, the published kind and the homemade photocopied kind, told me that I am indeed ready for the comic con scene. First I need to finish my book!

For all of you cartoonists itching to create your own comic, this Saturday is YOUR day! October 18th is 24 Hour Comics Day. It was originated by Scott McCloud, organized by Nat Gertler, and now run by ComicsPRO. 24 Hour Comics Day is an annual challenge for cartoonists to produce a 24-page comic book written, drawn, and completed in 24 consecutive hours. It’s a real brilliant idea. Many comic shops around the world will participate in the event. They’ll have supplies and food for cartoonists who’ll be creating in the store for the 24 hours. Of course you don’t need to go to a comic shop to create, you can do it at home. For all the info and rules for this great day check out www.24hourcomicsday.com. As for me, I’ve got a busy day on the 18th but I’d love to do a 24 hour comic… maybe I’ll take a day off in November.

Now and then I’ll be posting some of my favorite artwork from comics and other places. Today’s Inspirational art is a classic Japanese painting entitled “Behind the Great Wave at Kanagawa.” It was created between 1823 and 1829 by Katushika Hokusai.