The production process is very different for me now. The old Simpleton Highs were done on plain white paper with ballpoint pen or whatever material I could find. It was then lettered by hand and colored directly by watercolors with a brush. So when an issue was completed there was only one copy that I had on hand. And when there were mistakes, they stayed there.

But with the use of a computer, everything revolves around a digital process. The artwork needs to be tailor-made for it. I have to constantly keep in mind how everything would look once it's on a monitor. The art is kept to its simplest form and inking is done with bolder & thicker lines. Coloring and lettering are all completed with the proper programs. And if there are any mistakes, it can be corrected by simply clicking a few buttons.

Another change for the book is the "distribution process." Because there was only one copy of Simpleton High for each issue back then, the only way people could read it was when I'd hand it to them face-to-face. That limited it to friends, classmates, or coworkers. But in the age of Web surfing, I no longer have to do that. Everyone can enjoy it from the comfort of their own home or office. Whenever you feel like it.

In a way it's like working on a completely new project for me. The whole deal turned out to be both challenging and refreshing. And I do intend to keep this series going for as long as I can. I will be back month after month with the best I have to offer, and I hope you will be willing to return for it as well.

So that's all for now. I'll catch you again next month.

CHI