Comics - Sparky!

Heart and Soil

Six-panel comic. Sparky the Eagle is thrilled to learn James the Worm is in a band, but James says they’re still “underground.” A flashback shows their show: a sign reading “Live! Decomposers” and a big arrow pointing at a mound of dirt.

Note: I always have a lot of fun with gags that end with a jump cut to a different perspective or setting. The last panel of this strip was no exception! The sunset scene was fun to make and gives the panel a strangely dramatic vibe, which contrasts well with the muted blues seen in […]

Wise Worms

Six-panel comic. Sparky the Eagle tells his laid-back friend James the Worm that he saw a strange suit that looked just like him at the football game. James says imitation is the greatest form of flattery, and Sparky feels better.

Note: This strip marked the first appearance of James the Worm! When considering what I would like to create for a new character, I start with making sure the character adds something new to the comedic dynamic. James’ laid-back nature renders him immune to Sparky’s antics, contrary to the exasperated Rebekah. I was also thought […]

Fowl Play

Six-panel comic. Sparky the Eagle plays tic-tac-toe against himself, determined to win instead of tie. When he cheers that he’s finally won, Rebekah points out that means he also lost, leaving him dazed.

Note: This gag was inspired by a funny exchange I had with friend in high school! During one class in which I was particularly struggling to focus, I began to play tic-tac-toe against myself. My friend looked over and said “Man, you suck at this.” I, having just placed the final ‘X’ in a row, […]

A Helping Wing

Note: Originally, Rebekah was supposed to be one of many human characters to appear alongside Sparky. However, I grew attached to her design and her sarcastic and exhausted personality pairs well with Sparky’s shenanigans. I decided that, instead of having a large cast of human companions, the comic would instead feature a lighter cast of […]

Flying Solo

Six-panel comic. Sparky the Eagle awkwardly tries to break up with his phone, which keeps chirping for his attention. When he angrily asks if it’s even listening, it answers, “Sorry, I didn’t get that.”

Note: When a comic strip for the Liberty Champion was greenlit, I immediately knew that the university mascot Sparky the Eagle had to be the main character! I had a lot of fun taking his mascot costume design and adapting it in the style of traditional newspaper cartoons. His face allows for a great deal […]

The Early Bird…

Six-panel comic. Sparky the Eagle brags to a sleepy Rebekah about his 5am routine for 8am classes, then oversleeps until 8:42am.

Note: This was the first comic I made! I was really happy with how it turned out, especially considering it was my first foray into this kind of work. The panels in this strip are square, unlike the landscape style panels that I began using in every strip following. While I can definitely see the […]