Character Names

Posted on September 20, 2010 by speartoons

I’m switching gears this week. I’m writing a book, and I want to devote my time to that instead of single panel comics.

This morning, I set up a character sheet for my main character. I had been writing about him in my sketchbook and it was time to make something more official.

I already knew the first name of the character, but how do you find a last name? One source I found is a web site called The Name Generator. It’s a good place to brainstorm. They even have an iPhone version. It’s not an app, but a stripped down version of the site.

One thing I like about it is it makes some unusual names. I can change the spelling if I wish, and immediately have a unique name that may allude to the character’s personality.

I’ll continue to update you on my progress and the tools I use.

Webcomic: Internet Language Lessons

Posted on November 4, 2009 by speartoons

Cartoon of boy at a computer. Mom says to him, “We didn’t get you a computer so you could learn how to call someone a moron in seven different languages.”

This is an illustration I did back in 1996 for the sixth edition of the “New Rider’s Internet Yellow Pages.”

I envy today’s kids. The Internet is a vast resource for people looking for subversive ways to insult friends and loved ones. It’s one giant thesaurus, baby!

New Rider’s Publishing and me own the copyright to this image. Please do not use without permission.

Webcomic: Internet Play

Posted on November 2, 2009 by speartoons

Cartoon of girl at a neighbor’s door. Girl says, “Can Michael come over and surf the net?”

This is a comic I did back in 1996 for the sixth edition of the “New Rider’s Internet Yellow Pages.”

New Rider’s Publishing and me own the copyright to this web comic. Please do not use without permission.

Webcomic: Internet Love

Posted on October 28, 2009 by speartoons

Cartoon of a husband and wife. The wife says, “I’m sorry, Roger. I just have more fun with the Internet that with you.”

This is an illustration I did back in 1996 for the sixth edition of the “New Rider’s Internet Yellow Pages.”

I hope Roger and Carol got back together. The Internet is fun for a while, but it can’t beat good old fashion human interaction.

New Rider’s Publishing and me own the copyright to this image. Please do not use without permission.

Comic: Revising Dad’s History

Posted on October 17, 2009 by speartoons

Cartoon of a man behind a boy at a PC. Man says, “Mom told me you used the web to prove I really didn’t walk seven miles uphill both ways to school every day.”