SQUEEKA! SQUEEKA!
Normally, this kind of strip would have been a royal pain to draw but I had so much fun rendering some of my favorite web comic characters as squeaky toys that it was a pleasure! This strip is a shout-out to all you wonderful people and fellow comic creators who have taken the time to stop by my site and reinforce me with your comments, contributions and support. I hope you guys will accept this special strip along with my utmost gratitude for your continued support and friendship!
Just so you can see a bit more detail, I’m enlarging the panels…
Thanks Stephen Beals (Cheesebo), Brian Anderson (Dog Eat Doug), Jenn (ChinChatComics), Tony McGurk (The Tasmanians), Frank M. Hansen (Animatic Press), Oskar van Velden (Mojo Comic), and Brian Little/Jeff Sandlin (End of the World).
More thanks to Javis Ray (Legacy Control), James Alvarez (The Obscure Gentlemen), Joshua Hauke (The Brothers Three), Jynksie (Madbury), Colm Ryan (Colmics), Lonnie Esterling (Spud Comics), Dawn Griffin (Zorphbert & Fred), Daniel Elliott (The Superpower Union), Jack Kent (Gulls Comic), Tim Green (Vinnie the Vampire), Peter Marinacci (Wombania), J.P. Keslensky (Bug Pudding), Jerry Benedict (Bunny Wiggins), Aidan Casserly (Scapula), Thomas Clemmons (Robot Friday), Chris Kile (Zany Comics), Will Terrell (Superzeroes), Saeed Faridzadeh (The Frumps), Brandon and Colin Oliver (TWXXD), Marieke Valstar (Monster Issues), Jande Rowe (Aedre’s Firefly), Leroy Brown (Icecubes), Warren Frantz (Off Season), Bearman (Bearman Cartoons), George Ford (Addanac City), Sareen Akharjalian (Ink on the Side), Carlo Ostrout (Life… After Death), Mike Bromage (Dustpiggies), Pancho (Porcpig), Hjörtur Hjartarson (Manic Comics), Eric Van Singel, Daniel Barton (Goober and Cindy), Gary B. (The Dog and Louse), Tom Truszkowski (Station V3), Drewvis (Dog & Dave), Dr. X, Miguel Hernandez/Corwyn Collier/Michelle Hernandez (Alpha Ballistic, Pen Hits the Pad), James Spence (Girls in Space), Michael R. Hawkins (The Amaizing Jim Corn), MC and Jen (Buttersword), Denny Fincke (Twit Troo of the Moon), Dave Crews (Roger’s Blues), and Tyler Gruhn (Forbidden Ferret).
Special mention goes to Todd McElmurry, David Cervi, Stephen Ramsey (Lake Nowhere), Jon Esparza (JonsCrazyStuff), Justin Babb (Jbabbcomics), Matt Gross (CAAATS!), Riley Schmitz,  and The Crimson Code!
Discussion (117) ¬
Wow! That’s a big bunch of awesome! 🙂 Thank you Mark! 🙂 Where does he get all those wonderful toys?!?
If he’s like my dog, he’s a hoarder! I’m glad you liked it, Carlo. I wanted to find a fun way to show my appreciation for all the great people who come by and visit my site and comment. I hope you scrolled down to check out the larger panels, you can see more detail.
I did it was great! I was looking for Roger and then I saw Corndog. Haha, you’ve always been his biggest fan and I appreciate that! 🙂
Thought I’d take a bite at him, love me some Corndog!
Aww! Now that is adorable! Great job Mark!
Thanks Will! Had to draw WonderWut, he’s already a plushie!
Wow. This is so incredible. You have no idea how proud I am to be a part of this awesome community. Great job with all of our mascots.
I feel the same pride, Saeed. Tremendous group of people all around. I’m glad you like your tribute. Your art and support for other artists makes it all worthwhile. Go Frumps!
HOLY MOTHER OF ALL THAT IS PURE AND GOOD! This is just beyond awesome! And I found mine as well! 😀 😀 😀
Sareen, I love the first line of that, lol! Of course you’ve got to be in there. Your work, your humor, your art — you — are very appreciated. Thanks for all your kind support and for giving the world your great talent!
Gorr’s an annoying puppy isn’t he? Annoying & persistent…
With my bad eyesight I never really looked closely at all the squeaky toys till I looked at your enlargements. Hey I see Barry!!! Thanks a lot Mark for including one of my characters. I’m truly honoured. Great strip with all the different featured characters, that must’ve taken a lot of work.
Oh… My browser still had Angus’ details saved in the fields & I didn’t notice. It was me ‘cos he’s on the couch asleep
Tony, you need to talk with Angus. He’s supposed to pass on a message for me…
He didn’t pass it on. Sleeping & Kong chewing was more a priority for him
I don’t blame him one bit. Those are some highly important things to do!
I could have drawn a week’s worth of strips in the time it took me to do that last panel, Angus! But it was worth every second! I had a hard time chosing between Barry and Cedric because I love them both! Tell your master he’s very welcome, and tell him thanks so much for his support!
An absolutely brilliant idea, Mark! Thank you so much! I love this!!!
Now you’ve been slobbered on by Gorr, Tim! I’m glad you liked it, I just had to draw Sunny, she’s so fun to draw! Thanks, Tim, for your great comments and great support, I really appreciate you!
Wow! This is just plain awesome and creative! Thanks so much for including Gully!
Gully would make an excellent squeaky toy, Warren! From me to you, I’d like to tell you thanks for all your comments and for all your great support!
Woo hoo, I am rendered. Though you were a week early for my cartoon charity challenge.
No room full of squeaky toys would be complete with a Bearman plushie! There’s no way there wouldn’t be a Bearman in there, you’ve been such a great supporter and you’re the constant commentor, the most dependable commentor I think there is. Thanks so much Bearman, your support and friendship really means a lot!
Ditto
This is an amazing tribute, Mark! Plus, it’s fun to find each and every character in the crowd. It’s like a wonderful game.
Thanks Justin. It was a bit of work, but it was worth it. I appreciate your great work and all your support too!
dear mark,
you have just my friggin day!! this is like an awesome lil love letter to webcomic’ing!
That’s a great way to put it. It really is a love letter to all the great people in this crazy webcomics business that I associate with. Had to include you in there, Colm, thanks so much for all your support!
So many awesome comics in there! Well done, Mark!
Thanks Brandon. I was originally going to put Keith in there, but finally decided to use your TWXXD logo icon instead. I think that would make an awesome plushie, btw. I want to thank you and Colin for your continued support and all the love you guys send from the Great White North.
Man, that is so cool, Mark! I had to do a double-take at the last panel. I was like “I know those toys!” Thank you so much for including my favorite little rascal in with the dog-pile of playthings. It is truly an honor. 🙂
I was a little sad to see how it looked at the size it posted, the characters all look so tiny. I had to post an enlargement so everybody could see themselves, lol. George, you were one of my first inspirations when i was just getting into web comics, I watched your kindness, your generosity and your unlimited energy and decided that was the way it should be. Not only are you a powerhouse as an artist, you are a powerhouse as a person, and I’m thrilled to call you my friend. Thanks so much for all your comments, your gratiousness, and above all your brilliant work.
Awwww..thanks, Mark! You’ve made my day. I don’t think my own mother speaks as highly of me as you have. You, sir, are a consummate gentlemen and hopefully an enormous boon is heading your way.
Oh, I’m sure your mother is very proud of you, George. Who wouldn’t want a cartoon genius for a child? Thanks for your generous words, they are much appreciated!
Did you have to put me next to Hank…he keeps farting.
The two of you are now immortalized together, fart or no fart!
Thats just amazing stuff Mark! What a PERFECT way to give a shout out to your peers! Thanks for including lil choti-baloo! [grin] I’m honored! [bows] I saw the little guy immediately! [applauds]
[smirk]
I was originally going to just use real squeaky toys, then the idea struck me to turn all my favorite web comic characters into plushies. The idea of Gorr drooling on everyone gave me a little thrill, lol. No squeaky toy collection would be complete without the cutest little pug online, Choti-baloo! The honor is all mine, Jynksie, you are a tremendous talent and person to boot! Thanks for all your comments and support!
I absolutely LOVE this! Brilliant work! And thanks for the special mention 🙂
Thanks Riley. I had to mention you, you’ve been a great supporter! Keep up your tremendous work!
Mark, you are a cartoonist’s cartoonist. I’m stunned. The effort that must have gone into a comic that you (as always) make look effortlessly must be … uh, quite an effort. (There’s a better sentence that could be used there, I’m sure).
Having Claremont in a Zombie Boy cartoon is a huge honor. Made my day!
Actually, Claremont was the first character I drew as a squeaky toy. He fit so perfectly in that spot, lol. Thanks Stephen, your words mean so much to me when I consider the source. Believe me when I say it wasn’t effortless, but this in one case where i can truly say it was a sincere pleasure. You have my admiration and respect for your amazing work and talent, and my upmost appreciation for all your kind support.
Dang! How many squeaky toys Gorr have?
Couldn’t tell ya, Josh! There are at least 42 characters in that last frame and I would have put more but I ran out of room! Thanks for your comments and support, Josh, means a lot!
Well it looks great Mark. Keep it up.
*Standing Ovation* Well done! Thanks for the shout out! This was so much to zoom in on and check out all our buddies. He really wants to play!
Glad you liked it Jack! I got a thrill out of drawing all those great characters. Thanks for all your comments and support!
Nice!
Thanks Kevin! Appreciate you coming by and commenting.
Epic!
Glorious final panel.
ROLFE
Thanks Rolfe!
Wow, it’s going to take awhile for Zombie Boy to throw all of those! Thanks for including Roger in the pile… probably the first time he’s ever been “included” in anything.
Roger deserves his place of honor, Dave. You are a great creator and I admire your work. I really appreciate you taking time to come by and leave a few words on my strips!
Hehe, that’s brilliant! I love the little Bertie. It’s awesome! I love you and your site even more!
See? I told you you were in there! Thanks for your positive words and support, Gary, it helps make the work worth doing.
I’m honored to be in this comic among other web comic titans. Thank you Mark your kindness and thoughtfullness is what this world needs more of!
James, the honor is mine. You are one of the most supportive guys in the biz, a commenter extraordinaire, a creative whirlwind, and a master of wit and brevity. When it comes down to it, I think I’m in some good company all the way around! I want you to know how much I really appreciate your support and generosity, and including you in this strip was just a little token of my high regard.
Mark, this is awesome! Not only because of the awesome surprise to see Lee Legend among these other webcomic greats. But also because your the first artist other then me to every draw him. It’s great that you thought of all of us! Thanks again! This made my day!
No squeaky toy collection would be complete without a Lee Legend action figure! Miguel, you are an inspiration to me as well. I love how your experiment so much with layout and color and motion in your work. Even the drawing you did of ZB has so much LIFE to it! And I see your work improving with every strip. I wanted to find a way to tell you and all the gang at Pen Hits the Pad how much I appreciate you guys, your work and your support. That I’m the first other artist to draw Lee Legend besides you gives me a real thrill!
Wow! Wow! Wow! I am thrilled you included Twit Troo. What a nice surprise, Mark. You absolutely made my day. All of us web cartoonists are so starved for recognition and validation, so it’s great that a cartoonist of your caliber is giving us a bit of that. Very inspirational.
Denny, the pleasure is all mine! I’m happy to be in Twit Troo’s orbit, I think you are a superb writer and draftsman, and you have been nothing but supportive from your first comment. After discovering your work I’ve become a fan myself. Thanks so much for stopping by and giving me some support!
That’s great, Mark! Thanks for including me. And that was a really novel way to incorporate all those characters in your strip!
My only regret is that I couldn’t fit all your wonderful Wombats into the drawing! It was hard to choose which one to draw, because they are all so great! You are more than welcome, Peter, your work has been an inspiration to me since I first got into doing webcomics. Your comments and correspondence are really important to me, and help make it all less of a chore. I appreciate it!
Thanks, Mark, it’s been a real pleasure to read your work and comment on it.
Just about the coolest thing I’ve seen!! Excellent job! One day you should draw a Lake Nowhere and I’ll do a Zombie Boy.
It’s a deal, Stephen! I’m glad you came by and saw this strip. I appreciate your support both here on my site and also on Twitter. I’m a big fan of your strip, too, which brings a lot of cache to your kind compliment.
Awesome to see Smash included in this strip 🙂 Always look forward to seeing more of Zombie Boy 😀
Daniel, I HAD to draw Smash, I’ve been aching to since I first saw him. All of your characters are so well-designed, I wish I didn’t have to choose just one. Your friendship and support is so very much appreciated, thank you for that!
Thank you, mark!
You’re very welcome, Jenn and thank YOU for all your wonderful support!
Oh my! Its just amazing! Thanks Mark! 🙂
Daniel, you are very welcome. I appreciate all your comments and great support you’ve given me. Thank you! And doesn’t Goober make the most excellent plushie?!
That was awesome! Thanks. I found Zork in there. Very cool ZB!!!
I want a Zork plushie! You’re very welcome Chris. Thank you for all your great comments and support!
Great work and awesome way to include all your fans!
That’s nice of you to say, PF. Thanks a lot for coming by and taking the time to leave a comment. It is really appreciated!
Rumor has it this is a great strip! 🙂
Yes, but in what reality? Thanks for coming by Tom, and thanks a lot for your support and friendship. I love your strip, it is so intelligent and funny, and you are a great cartoonist. It means a lot to me to be in the Station V3 orbit!
All I’ll say is a Scapula toy DESERVES to be chewed up by a savage pup!
Thanks for the cameo!
Scap had to be in there, Aidan! I’ve been wanting to draw him and now I’ve had my chance! Thanks a lot for your witty commentary and fantastic support, you are much appreciated!
As you can see from my face Gorr’s mouth isn’t the most fun place to be. He’s all squeeked me out.
I think you’re destined to have a plushie made of you Barry. Oh, and Cedric, too! Of course he’ll have to say “Not another word, Barry, not another word!” when you pull his string.
Oh how fun. Bravo for pulling this off so well. Honored to have Texas Bo from “E.V.S.” show up!
Thanks Eric! I had to include Texas Bo, he’s just hankerin’ to be made into a squeaky toy! This was my way to say thanks for all your comments and support both here and on Twitter. I really appreciate it!
That is many levels of awesome, pal! First the shout out from George, then from you… What a great week! Thanks for including Bunny Wiggins… I am truly flattered!
And don’t he make a cute stuffed toy? You are welcome, Jerry. You’ve been one of my most steadfast commenters and supporters and I wanted to show you how much I appreciate it. Bunny was one of the first characters I sketched in that panel, FYI.
So sweet! This was many kinds of cute all at once. Great job on this, love all the effort that went into this crazy comic explosion!
Thanks so much, CC! I had to include you on the list because it has been really nice to have you come by and leave your comments and lend your support in the Twitterverse as well! The effort was well worth it to be able to show just a little of my appreciation.
No, thank you for being such a brilliant fellow comic book geek!
Awww, thanks!
Aww… No plushie love for Jande? *sniff*
Awesome job and a funny cartoon as usual, Mark! :`D
Jande, how could I have possibly forgotten you? Look closer. Look right below Monroe (Bug Pudding). Recognize a certain firefly? Yes, you’re in there! Thanks so much for all your positive energy, your comments, and all your support in so many ways, Jande! You’re one of the reasons I think web comics people are the best!
Ah! My poor old aged (and now *blushing*) eyeballs! I stared and stared and couldn’t find anything to do with Aedre’s Firefly. But then I hadn’t found Scapula or Monroe either! (even after you told me Monroe was in there I couldn’t find him for ages. I had just called Mal over to see if his younger eyes could find him when — Behold! There’s the Firefly! I can tell you had a terrific time doing this one. and… and… >.> –I’m sorry I doubted you. <3 I'm gonna print this and pin it up next to my desk! :`D
That would be quite the honor, Jande! I thought your firefly fit the squeaky toy bill perfectly, it sure enough is a cute character. Jande, you are definitely a bright star in my commenter pantheon, your comments, observations, and support are very and truly appreciated. Thanks for all the good vibes you bring and for putting the meaning into the word friend.
Thank you so much for this Mark. It is an honour to have a character drawn by you, especially in the company of so many great comics. Seeing the Aardvark gave me a great feeling of nostalgia. I really should blow the dust off that comic some time and give the sheep and aardvark another adventure. I’ve mentioned your strip on my site so hopefully you’ll get a few visitors to reward your very much appreciated efforts! I salute you!
Spencey, I wanted to put both the Aardvark AND Sheep in there but room was at a premium. I love the look of those characters and especially the wonderful sense of whimsy you bring to them. The honor is mine really, I’m amongst such wonderful company, such great compatriots, and tremendous creators. Thanks for your comments and support, and for sticking with me, it has been a great trip so far!
Oh WOW!! This is AWESOME!!! I’m honoured you put plushie Mickey in there, among all those other great characters! Thank you so much 😀
I wasn’t sure what color Mickey was, so I made a guess, lol. I’m glad you like it, Marieke, the honor really is mine to be able to associate with such good and creative people who are equally supportive as they are talented! I appreciate every one of your comments, Marieke, and I wanted to try to express that in a small way. Thanks so much!
Ha ha, great stuff! 🙂 I’m a little late to the comment thread but I’ve just been head down in pre-production for the book… Love all the characters and its a great idea that we all should expand on. How about creating our own syndicate? In any case, thanks for including Peckinpaw who looks just like a plushie in there. I feel a poster is in the works… I want to publish this on the ICECUBES website, can I?
You are welcome to publish it if you want, Leroy, just make sure you spell my name right, haha. I wanted to include at least one of your cast in there, and Peckinpaw filled the bill nicely. Just a little thank you for all your support! Your syndicate idea is something I’d like to expand upon a bit, maybe we can have a creator round table and open it up for discussion.
Yeah, the independent web syndicate idea is something that has been on my mind for some time now. Not being a web guru its hard for me to figure out how to implement it technically, but I believe the time may be right to put out some feelers.
I’d be interested in seeing if something like that would be possible, and how it could be set up. Keep me tabbed!
This is what I get for taking my eye off of you for a second. I miss a few comics and you do something I feel bad to have missed LOL. Thanks for the shout out to EOTW. There’s so much energy and creativity in the circle of webcomicers that’s floating around here it would definately be a sight to behold if we could get some large scale cooperation going. Really want to see what would come of it.
I agree it could be a wondrous thing. There definitely is an explosion of creativity happening right now via web comics, and it’s just amazing to be a part of it. Harnessing the beast may be a major undertaking but I totally agree with you that the outcome could change our worlds. I appreciate you guys and your support via here in my comments, and also on Twitter. It has been a great experience to associate with you!
This is so cool!!! Thanks for making Jim a squeaky toy and for giving a kind tribute to so many web cartoooonists. This really made my night and makes me want to get to that next batch of Jim Corn strips! I also thank you for your restraint in not drawing in a lot of drool over Jim’s face or making it look like the squeaker was eaten out of any of the characters’ butts.
Well, get crackin’! Would personally love to read as many Jim Corn strips as you can create! I appreciate you being a part of my web comics experience, and your comments and support are much appreciated! Actually, if I know Gorr, I’m positive there are some butt-chewed toys somewhere in that mound!
Found it! Awesome idea. I think this is the only circumstance in which I can say I’m proud to be among the dog slobbered squeaky toys!
Lol, Tyler, that’s good! I had to include you in there, you’ve been nothing but supportive and your comments are greatly appreciated. I’m glad I discovered you in that sea of web comics out there!
Mark, this is just fantastic! Thanks for including me bud
You’re welcome, Doc. Thanks for your great comments and for sticking around! I really appreciate it!
Hahahaha! Love it!!!!
I’m glad you like it, Hjortur. I wouldn’t be complete without Pawn in there!
I swear I had not even seen!
amazing and exciting, I was very happy.
I can not wait to go back to the daily strips Porcpig and return the gift.
thanx man, and congrats!
That was made for YOU, Pancho! Thanks for all your comments and support! I LOVE Porcpig!