First off — The title is a line from a great Robert Redford movie, Spy Game. Yes, I rip things off left and right. Check yesterday`s comic again…I pretty much rolled out my Jim Davis model, no changes. A little idol worship never hurt anyone, right…Right?
There`s been a big theme at play the past few comics: The issue of roles and success. We all know the guy is coasting along in an entry-level position while the girl is quite successful in the corporate world. Here, they are trying to step outside of their comfort zones, and they are meeting failure. The guy can`t seem to climb the corporate ladder (he gets perks, like an office and a raise, to keep him happy) and she`s met a string of failures in being domestic.
The second panel here is the last I`ll run in this theme, at least for now — They are willing to return back to their roles. He assumes the domestic burden and she`s paying because she has much more earning power. His solution, dinner out, is a bit of a cop-out, but he`s never been portrayed as a really good cook anyway and I`m sure they`re really hungry. Notice also that he drops his work bag — He`s relinquishing the role of corporate success to his wife.
I tried to tie it all up in a nice neat package, but it`s a huge story that y`all probably never even realized was taking place. Three strips a week is not enough, but I can`t possibly provide more. That`s why I provide comments form time to time — I fill in the details behind my motivaiton.
I can also point out some artsy stuff — This is one of the few times, and definitely the best, I have been looking over the shoulder of a character. Shading helps define direction here, but I still need work on things like the hands. The second panel is a bold new example of shading for me, where I`m really trying to define the depth of the actors. It`s definitely a start, one I`m very proud of. I think overall that today`s comic is an indication that I`m going to start trying new things again. Keep checking back to see the good (and the bad).