Though I drew comics pretty much constantly for a decade or so, it’s unfortunately not something I’ve been able to keep up with. My work on Black Rose is limited to the story and writing sides of the project, and I just don’t have the time to draw my own comics on the side.

That changed a little while ago when my good friend Dan Kinnaley (the Communications Coordinator at 3 Rivers Federal Credit Union) asked me if I’d be interested in drawing a short comic book for 3 Rivers. For money! Obviously, I said yes.

3 Rivers provided me with a script, written by Rob Hines, but pretty much gave me free reign to define the aesthetic and layout of the comic. It was one of those rare times when the only feedback from the client at every phase was “Looks great, no changes!”

The comic debuted at Fort Wayne’s Summit City Comic Con in May, and was a big hit with congoers as well as internally at 3 Rivers. It was very enjoyable to get back into the swing of cartooning, even though my perfectionist tendencies made the project take longer than it should have! I hope 3 Rivers wants to develop these characters further – I’d certainly love to make drawing comics a habit again.

If you’d like to read the comic in its entirety, head over to its featured portfolio page. You can also visit 3 Rivers’ website to download a PDF or CBR of the comic.