B16 and Vatican Kitty Panel

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Still working on that Da Vinci Code full page cartoon. Here's a panel.

A Prayer For Meerkat's Fungal Infection

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Drawn for Meerkat from the POE forum, who has a bad foot fungal infection.

Stupid Cartoon, In Progress

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Panel.

Stella Borealis

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A banner I've created for Ray at our own Stella Borealis featuring Solomon, Neverborn, and a monstrance. I've updated the larger image from Friday.

Neverborn seems to be beating the pants off of faithmouse for favorite character in our current poll. I have a few semi-completed Neverborn toons buried somewhere on the drawing board; I'll dust one off and post it sometime next week.

Two Guesses

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This cartoon is called 'Two Guesses.' In the last panel Ms. StarMole was meant to say "I'll give you two guesses who these people are supposed to be!" In the final analysis I decided that the cartoon didn't really need the additional dialogue; in fact it looks a lot less cluttered without it.

Thanks to Gail Nobles for adding a link to faithmouse by way of one of the recent Lines Of Duty cartoons at her Little Benny cartoon site.

Father Altier Reassigned To Nursing Home

This was only a rumor yesterday, but today it's confirmed-Father Altier is being reappointed as an assistant chaplain of a nursing home.

Father Altier To Be Assistant Chaplain Of Nursing Home - Desert Voice

At the age of 45, Father Altier has served 17 years in the priesthood, 14 of those as Assistant Pastor at the world-renowned Church of Saint Agnes, and now Archbishop Flynn has decided it is just and proper to relegate him to a nursing home. This is a priest who generously spends long hours in the confessional bringing souls back to God, who has been responsible for guiding numerous young people to offer their lives in religious vocations, who for 17 years has painstakingly given instruction through his Fundamentals of Catholicism course to over 150 people each year and brought hundreds of converts into the Catholic Church, who is renowned for his skills in spiritual direction, who acts as board member and advisor to several orthodox Catholic organizations, and who up until recently had been preaching to a worldwide audience via A Voice in the Desert website and Relevant Radio broadcasting.

Since March 1, Catholics worldwide have been asking the following questions: Why did Archbishop Flynn silence Father Altier? Why did he shut down a Catholic website known for its fidelity to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church? The first clue came when Archdiocesan spokesman Dennis McGrath told the Star Tribune, "I surmise that Father Altier's contrarian position on VIRTUS is the issue." VIRTUS and its related program Talking About Touching (TAT) are the answers proposed by the Bishops of the United States to the sex-abuse scandal which broke out in 2002. Unfortunately, these graphic sex-ed programs are in direct violation of Vatican teachings on human sexuality and do nothing to stop predators but instead place the burden of protection on young children themselves. Archbishop Flynn served as chairperson of the USCCB's Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse which developed these programs and he chose to proliferate it throughout his archdiocese beginning in the 2006-2007 school year, with pilot program testing to start in the spring of 2006. As the material content of these programs became more widely known, concern grew over their appropriateness. And because many aspects of VIRTUS and TAT are contrary to Church teaching (see sample lessons at http://www.primaryeducators.org/lessons.php ), Father Altier felt it was his duty to inform parents in an effort to protect the young children who would have their innocence irrevocably shattered by such programs. -from The Desert Voice

Personally, I wouldn't mind being reassigned to a nursing home for a few years myself. I could use the time to catch up on projects. My perspective on this is that, for Father Altier personally, it may not be such a bad thing as long as he doesn't spend the rest of his life there. The humbling experience and time given to reflect should produce some excellent homilies. The question is-for how long? Is this a respite before a triumphant return to St. Agnes', or a depot stop on his way to a more distant locale?

Two Guesses Panel

A panel from the next cartoon in the Flynn/Altier series, in progress.

Happy Day

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Roxanne Palmer, editorial cartoonist at The Brown Herald posted this comment a few weeks ago on this site, in response to my open query as to whether I should introduce a liberal perspective into the cartoon-

If you introduced a 'Christian progressive' character that represented thoughtful, intelligent rationale for a liberal mindset, that's fine and dandy. I also think it would make for an interesting dialogue.

And at this point in the story arc, it would probably be easy to add another cast member to the crew as we've met many new ones recently, and it's clear that many of the characters have changed. However, I hope it's not going to just be slapping a crucifix on Ms. Star-Mole.

If it's your own personal desire to explore other viewpoints, I heartily endorse it. You shouldn't feel obligated to assuage the hurt feelings of Internet trolls, though. It's not like there's a shortage of liberal cartoonists.

It'll be interesting to see how this turns out- this moves faithmouse away from the traditional 'political cartoon' format, which has always been rooted in propaganda and one-sidedness.

I say go for it, since you seem to like the idea. Then, if you find that it's not a useful concept, then drop it.

Roxanne's comment about not slapping a crucifix on Ms. StarMole sort of stuck on me. Even though I've never agreed with the character politically, I sort of like her. She has nerve. So many characters have changed since Timothy A. Bear fell asleep for two years-why not Ms. StarMole as well?

So I've slapped her not with a crucifix, but an ankh. Ms. StarMole the uber-atheist has done the unfathomable; she has found Christ, and is now a quite active lay member of the uber-liberal St. Jean of Snark. She has also, as you may notice from the small triangle pin on her vest, come quite boldly out of the closet.

Gaybear changed to Francis by way of personal religious revelation, not as the result of being prostelized by any of the other characters. I'll extend the same respect on this issue to Ms. StarMole as well.

Happy Day Panel

Had to hit the hay before completing this, but here's the second panel.

Happy Day, In Progress

Continuing both the storyline and the Father Altier series...

Thanks to mercyhour for adding the cartoon the blogroll at View From The Pew. Denny Hartford has done the same at his Vital Signs Blog. Student Danesha Jones at Texas A&M used the pray hurricane Katrina cartoon from last year as the subject of a rhetorical analysis. Gratzie to Christine for adding the live feed to her Ramblings Of A GOP Soccer Mom .

Favorite Character Poll

Another poll! For those who have an opinion to lend, thanks for voting. I pay attention to the results of the polls and comments; they actually do influence the cartoon.

Adstat, the service which makes these customizable polls available, allows only up to ten choices per poll, so for now I'm foregoing gathering opinion on many secondary characters such as Fraud Fits, Chaplain Catodanno, Howard Donkey, Devil Cat, Professor Ferret, Reverend Rhino, and others.

The Francis / Gaybear poll was pretty decisive, with 65% favoring the recent change in the character. Baring the occassional non-partisan issue cartoon such as the 'praying hands' image below, I'm sticking with the continuing storyline. Therefore, we'll meet up with Francis and Clare once again sometime during the next month or so.

Even though I'm staying away from taking political stances, I wouldn't want to see the cartoon abandon its focus on life issues and religious free expression. The introduction of a Neverlived character would do no harm to Neverborn. Similary, it does no damage to the cause of religious freedom to point out that a fallen soldier isn't allowed a Wiccan headstone in a military cemetery. This is what I meant by agreeing to make the cartoon more 'liberal'; laying off the partisan and expanding focus. The good result here is that the cartoon might become more Catholic, which wouldn't hurt.

Oh, enough already. I need to draw something.

Red And Blue Praying Hands

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The Da Vinci Load / Panel

One panel from the full page 'Da Vinci Code' cartoon in progress. As with the previous 'Lord How Times Flies' cartoon, this should take at least a few days to complete.

The background for this image is a scan I made of the folder for a set of postcards I picked up at the Vatican PO in 2000. I mailed two of the postcards to family, but still have card #3, which I may add to the page as well.

I'm building this cartoon over the next few days at this Hipinion forum.

Lord How Time Flies

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I may do some revisions on this page in the future, but for now let's call this completed.

The 'Phat' poll results, with just under 100 votes, are as follows-

It's inappropriate. Please put some underwear on that mouse! 43.2%

I hope future cartoons have even stronger adult themes. 15.9%

I thought it was perfect. Don't change a thing! 40.9%

How I would read this poll is that more than half are in favor of the same or stronger content. I purposefully didn't define 'adult' content, just to see how many voters would be willing to allow me every inch of rope necessary to either hang myself or produce better work.

I believe the above full page cartoon is indicative of where I'd like to go with the strip. I've been commenting in secular, sometimes hostile forums as of late, and I know some people feel I'm doing so as a way of reaching out to the unsaved. I'm not. I'm not on a secret mission to convert the unwashed; as a matter of fact, these former critics of my work are helping me much more than I could ever help them. I've come to the conclusion there's a great disparity between what I believe, as an ideal, and the person I actually am. I haven't lost any of my conservative, Christian principles-I've just faced the reality that I'm a much bigger sinner than any of my critics.

The material which I believe some people may now find unacceptable in this cartoon is meant to display and explore the flaws of my characters. This is what I mean by 'honesty'. The by-product of this might turn out to be humor. Faithmouse the cartoon would benefit from a lot more humor.

In related news, I've decided the 'Da Vinci Code' cartoon would benefit from an appearance by both Pope Benedict XVI and Vatican Kitty. God willing, I'll have that posted by early Friday morning, sometime just before sunrise.

We have tulips!

We also have cardinals, nesting right outside our front door. Here's a peek inside their nest-

I dutifully removed their first nest (we also have cats, right inside our front door.) The nest reappeared a few days later, complete with the three eggs you see above. So, we're resigned to cardinals. A blessing really, provided we can keep them out of the cats.

The Da Vinci Load, In Progress

I drew Tom directly from his T.V. appearance last night on David Letterman.

Here's a very thoughtful and appreciated email I received this morning in response to the ongoing poll-

Dan,

I read your announcement about changing Faithmouse
with some trepidation, especially with regard to
posting on the sites that have forums on your work.
Our Lord is said to have led captivity captive, and I
applaud your call to shed light in dark places, both
to strengthen the weak and to bear witness to the
proud. I am led to intercede for you in prayer and
the Holy Spirit.

I will evidently need to view Faithmouse with
discretion now; her deshabille in Phat was striking,
and definitely NSFW. Having her character show the
vulnerability of being conflicted by her burden and
past actions will no doubt provide considerable ground
for artistic expression.

Producing "apolitical" work will be a stretch; since
you are at the same time proposing to introduce
liberal views. All media could use a rest from the
well-trodden Chimpy meme. *please*

Christ himself did not espouse political partisanship,
but he did exhort righteousness, civic responsibility,
public mercy, and integrity; things that both of the
leading parties could take to heart.

Let me urge you to be strong, to keep your message
pure and true, and to continue to seek the Lord's
leading in your life and the use of your creative
Gift.

Ephesians 6:10; 1 Peter 2:1-3; John 4:14; James 3:11;
Proverbs 5:15; Matthew 12:34-37; 2 Peter 1:16

Yours in Christ-

Lord How Time Flies Panel

Another panel from the full page cartoon in progess.

Line Of Duty / Police Dogs Sevo and Buddy, In Progress

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North American Police Work Dog Association - K-9 Sevo

Remembering Sevo Poem - Topeka Police Department K-9 Unit

Lord How Times Flies - Headboard Panel

Slow progress on the full page cartoon. Here's the headboard panel, though-

Click for larger image.

I am a pokey-bear.

Lines Of Duty / Pasadena, California Police Officer Kyle R. Ballard Memorial Illustration

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Police Officer Kyle Ballard - Officer Down

I still haven't been able to find Officer Ballard's badge number, which I'd like to place on the back of his shirt. I've called and emailed the Pasadena police department, but as of yet they haven't returned my messages.

If anyone happens to know this information, it would be much appreciated.

Lord How Time Flies / 'Kiss' Panel

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One panel from a full page comic in progress.

For those who may be concerned, this is only a flashback in Faithmouses' mind to an earlier event. It isn't happening currently in the plot line, which will now resume from the point where we last saw Faithmouse and Timothy A. Bear together.

To recap: Timothy fell asleep for two years in a Squealy Mattress store. When he awoke, he learned that Gaybear had found his true self through devotion to the Blessed Mother and had become Francis, the ex-Gaybear. He also had a new girlfriend named Clare. Timothy also learned that Augustine the Cat had become a priest. Father Augustine brought Timothy to a house shaped like a cross with a lot of shoes on the doorstep and a Celtic cross doorknocker on the front door. Inside, Timothy was amazed to encounter Faithmouse, her new husband Blackbear, and their six children.