Status report

So the main question people keep asking me is: when is "Girl" going to launch?

The answer is one you will probably find as unsatisfying as I do: I don't know.

Firstly, the way it works: syndicates launch 2-3 strips every year, and at any point they have a number of strips under development, waiting for the green light. I was hoping to get the fall launch slot, but I didn't.

The syndicate let me know, in August, that they were launching "Thatababy," one of the strips I beat in the contest last year, ahead of me (and ahead of several other strips that had been in development longer). They said there were several reasons, one of which was that they had launched two "talking animal" strips in a row, and didn't want to launch a third.

So if I'm lucky I might get in in spring 2011. Cross your fingers for me. In the meantime, I'm getting paid to send them 20 roughs a month, which come back to me with commentary written all over it by several editors.

They also let me know, though, that they wanted me to try some changes to the strip. The title, for one thing. Too generic.

Also, I'm experimenting with the cast. In the most recent strips I've given my protagonist a name and paired her with a little boy.

Here's some sample art:

Comments

[Laura]

I thought her name was Emma! Sorry, but Zoey is a stinker...mostly because it's been used already. Baby Blues, anyone?

[Belgarath]

I'm quite sad to see the way syndicates treat your work, because I really think that "Girl" was a quite unique idea.
I fear that, by becoming a pair, this might come closer to your previous "Ozy & Millie" work - without the charisma of Ozy, if the syndicate just want something... let's say, with the same flavour than the other cartoons.
I strongly hope you'll find a way to impose your ideas !

From a French reader who really loves your work,

[JLG]

What is just so darned appealing yin-yang, boy/girl pairings of a two kids who march to their own drums? It's a core foundation that so many people build outwards from, including me.

I do think Zoey is a better name for your leading lady than Emma Jane. Stands out more.

[Derrick Fish]

I LOVE that "title" pic, with the name in the stars. Beautiful!

[Erik Brooks]

I'm not sure where I learned about your strip, but I was drawn in by the draftsmanship and the characters to be sure. I'm a children's book illustrator and have been experimenting with a strip of my own in my local paper, so its very interesting to hear a little more about the behind the scenes development and the syndication process. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you get that spring '11 release!

[Vuld Edone]

Strange... I get the feeling that Max's hair attract the eye too much... anyway, let's give change a chance, the result may be better than Girl.

[Dave Palmer]

I think Max needs a stovepipe hat! Seriously, it's great to see that things are moving along, even if slowly. Can't wait to see what comes next.

[ronrab]

I was always concerned they'd object to the title. I do think the new one is stronger, and speaks more loudly of Zoey's identity (I love that name!)

[Brian]

Thanks for sharing a bit of what happens behind the scenes!

[Teaspoon]

But...the title is part of what hooked me! I'm glad you're getting paid, though.