Tomorrow, Feb. 29th is Saturday. Also known as Caturday!
This week’s Caturday sketch is based on the latest edition to the Witchipoo household. As you might have read on a previous post, Squeaky Squeakums passed away. Squeaky was the basis of my self published comic, The Temptation of Squeaky, released Spring 2019.
The Tempation of Squeaky. Spring 2019. Written and drawn by Michele Witchipoo. On WitchesBrewPress.
At first I wasn’t ready for a new cat. Eventually a new friend, a local resident who specializes in rescuing cats had a suggestion. She introduced me to a all black cat male who followed her home during a cold, rainy night. This woman suspects (no proof) that this cat came from an Italian family owned fruit stand within the area. So during the Thanksgiving weekend this cat moved in. Everybody, meet Mr. Jet Alister.
Mr. Jet Alister. Dec. 2019.
Most cats crave meat and fish scraps. Not Jet. He loves bread, pizza crusts, and pasta. This boy likes his carbs. Last night as of this post, he was going after my late night garlic knots. (FYI – Garlic is not recommended for cats.) I used to talk to Squeaky in broken German phrases when she was alive. Yesterday Nettie recognized the German words. This time I ask Jet if he’s Italian. While him and Netzach Wondercat (aka Nettie) aren’t exactly buddies, he’s made himself quite at home. I tell him he’s “sexy” and a “weirdo.” I’m sure he’s thinking his human is the real weirdo.
Mr. Jet Alister, while Netzach Wondercat, aka “Nettie” in the background.
So, in honor of Caturday, I present to you, Pizza Cat. The Caturday sketch of the week.
Pizza boy as a cat. Weekly Caturday sketch by Michele Witchipoo. Drawn Feb. 2020.
Seems like the fall season has finally arrived. With that brings anything pumpkin flavored. Of course, Psycho Bunny seems to have found himself in a pumpkin patch. Is he waiting for the ‘Great Pumpkin’? Good grief!
Psycho Bunny in a pumpkin patch. Based on the comic written and drawn by Michele Witchipoo, on WitchesBrewPress. Oct. 2018.
As mentioned, I will be at the Incredicon event Sun. Oct. 28th in Poughkeepsie, Upstate New York.
Since I haven’t gotten around to the latest Psycho Bunny sketch of the week, instead let’s have a retrospective. Here’s all the past issues of Psycho Bunny, from issue one to the last release in 2011.
This was the debut issue, released in 2004. My drawing and humor have improved ten fold since this first came out. Regardless, people had more or less a positive response. It sold out at Jim Hanley’s Universe (when it was located near Herald Square), and Forbidden Planet during 2004 and 2005. MySpace was popular during this time, so thanks to self online promotion, I managed to sell copies online. Unfortunately the printing place lost the files, so I’m unable to print anymore of issue one. Just as well. If you have issue one, hold on to it.
Issue two was released in 2005, making it’s debut when I had a table at Big Apple Comic Con. The cover was influenced as I was walking through Queensboro Plaza on the way to my job. Literally saw a drunken man slouched on the sidewalk after pissing in his pants. The kitty street walker was added in for maximum effect. She was affectionately known as “Crack Kitty.” Charles Bukowski would’ve been proud.
In between issue two and three, I self-published two mini-issues. Both made their debut at MoCCA Art Fest 2006 and 2007.
Spring 2008 saw the release of Psycho Bunny issue three, the double issue. Like the previous releases, this one also made it’s debut at MoCCA Art Fest 2008. The year 2008 was also when I became a NYC resident once again. Thankfully.
Jammed full of goodies at my table. Artist Alley section at the NYCC 2010. NYC
My DIY sign. NYCC 2010. NYC
The section my table was located, NYCC 2010.
In 2010, I had a table in Artist Alley at New York Comic Con, otherwise known as NYCC.
The years 2009 through 2012 were very busy. One reason was a decision to go back to college. In addition I was doing the art for a web comic titled Shitty Mickey, which was published on The Brooklyn Rail website. Along the way there was a short Psycho Bunny story published in the comic book anthology IF-X #8. The April Fool’s edition was published in 2012 by Hamtramck Idea Men.
After having some illustrations published along with various exhibits, it was time for another Psycho Bunny issue. The last one was released in 2011, debuting at MoCCA 2011. This one is still available for purchase. You can always order your copy online if I don’t have a table at a local comic convention.
My table at MoCCA Art Fest 2011.
Next post I’ll get back on track, moving forward. Stay tuned for a new Psycho Bunny sketch of the week.
That’s right. It’s a blog post about a comic con I vended at in Cambridge, MA during Oct. 2016. Finally having the chance to post some long delayed photos from when I was lucky enough to get a table at MICE 2016. It was one of the best comic cons I’ve had the pleasure of taking part since I’ve started publishing my own comics.
MICE, which stands for the Massachusetts Independent Comic Expo focuses mostly on indie, alternative, undergound, and art house comics. Many of the comic artists were self published. The annual event takes place in Cambridge area just outside of Boston.
Despite my NYC loyalty, I’ve always loved Massachusetts. Particularly Boston, Salem and Cambridge. Best part was MICE 2016 took part during Halloween weekend. After MICE was over, I managed to zip down to Salem on Halloween day, right before taking the bus back to the Big Apple. In between MICE and Salem was a night at karaoke in Quincy, MA at some old style Chinese/Polynesian restaurant.
The night before MICE was going to kick off, there was a cartoonist party at HUB Comics. Located in the Somerville, Union Square area, the next town after Cambridge. Was very impressed by Hub comics. If I opened my own comic shop, this is what it would resemble. A very good mixture of mainstream and alternative comics, graphic novels and other merch. Also got to mingle with the other local cartoonists. My friend and fellow cartoonist E.J. Barnes (who helped put together the tribute anthology to Luisa Felix along with Paul Curtis) showed me around the area, and helped introduce me to the locals.
Also checked out the main drag around Cambridge. Discovered a shop called Cheapo Records, ate at a vegetarian diner, checked out and paid a visit to the Middle East.
Back to business. After setting up my table, anyone who had a table was treated to breakfast and a quick lecture, if anyone wanted to listen. Through out the day, the artists were given water and snacks by volunteers. MoCCA could use a few pointers from MICE.
Michele Witchipoo/WitchesBrewPress table at MICE 2016. Oct. 2016.
After the first day, there was a celebratory dinner for everyone in MICE 2016 at another venue. Artists were encouraged to doodle on the wall with some free art supplies. Some even showed up in costume.
Day two was more or less the same. Breakfast and someone was doing a quick lecture on the floor before the con started. Since it was Halloween weekend, many showed up in costume.
On June 14th, 2018, the 2018 FIFA World Cup games began in Russia. In the rest of the world, it’s the sport known as Football, or Futbol, but Americans call it Soccer. Now I should know more about soccer. Particularly since my own father was a professional soccer player in his own country, before he came to the U.S. However, I’m more attuned with baseball. Currently I’m a Mets fan. Yeah, yeah, I know. How about them Mets. Next.
Anyway. Figured I’d do a Psycho Bunny sketch in honor of the 2018 World Cup, which ends on July 15th. Introducing the Psycho Bunny sketch of the week a day earlier than usual. Usually I try to post on Mondays, but this week is an exception.
Psycho Bunny and soccer. Based on the comic written and drawn by Michele Witchipoo, on WitchesBrewPress. June 2018.
Get yourself some cool stuff on RedBubble, featuring my designs. There’s dresses, tee shirts, notebooks, etc. The notebooks, and the Quentin Crisp tees seems to be one of the best selling items. Just in time for Pride.
One of my hobbies is documenting what goes riding the NYC subway lines: Wildlife On The MTA. Cause if you can’t laugh, you’ll cry. MTA passengers know what I’m talking about. Even better: My WildlifeOnTheMTA Instagram is active once again.
Come back next week for a new Psycho Bunny sketch.
Completed this sketch last week but didn’t get a chance to post until today. Just as well, spring finally arrived over in my neck of the woods.
Introducing the Psycho Bunny sketch of the week for May 13th, 2018.
Other news? Saw The Melvins live over at Warsaw in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. They did not disappoint. Redd Kross member Steven McDonald joined the band a few years back. Haven’t thought about Redd Kross in years. Saw that band open for a reunited Dead Boys back in the late ’80s. Stiv Bators was so burnt out, Dead Boys barely made it through their set. Not interested in the latest Dead Boys reincarnation. Besides. Have some current items to work on. My three month ‘vacation’ is over. Eventually I’ll fix my website.
Don’t have much time today, so here’s the usual social media hints:
Here’s the weekly Psycho Bunny sketch of the week for Sept. 11th, 2017. Intense hurricanes and other natural disasters seem to be the theme for this month. Of course, Psycho Bunny only has one thing on his mind…
Psycho Bunny sketch of the week. When it rains it pours. Posted Sept. 2017. Based on the comic written and drawn by Michele Witchipoo, on WitchesBrewPress.
The sketch was ironically drawn back in June or July 2017.
In case this is your first time coming across this blog, allow me to introduce you to other links. Check out both Facebook pages: one for Psycho Bunny, and the other Michele Witchipoo – WitchesBrewPress for other illustration work. Also on Tumblr, DeviantArt, Twitter, (and my personal Twitter account) and Instagram. You can always order comics through my website, which needs an update. Till next time…
It’s been almost a month since posting a new Psycho Bunny sketch of the week. Again, life got extremely busy, but this time in a good way. Now I’m getting back to schedule, with the latest Psycho Bunny weekly sketches. Just in time for the solar eclipse, happening today as of this posting, Aug. 21st, 2017.
Psycho Bunny’s plans during the Aug. 2017 solar eclipse. Based on the comic written and drawn by Michele Witchipoo. Monday August 21st, 2017.
From Thursday Oct. 6 to Sunday Oct. 9, I felt as if I lived at the Javits Center. That’s because it was the annual New York Comic Con. Earlier this year I received my Pro pass for which itself felt good.
As usual it was packed and the cosplayers were out in full force.
NYCC. Photo by Michele Witchipoo Oct. 2016
To the left as you walked into the main entrance, there was a entire section dedicated to Wonder Woman. Not just because the Wonder Woman movie will be released in 2017, but Oct. 2016 marked the 75th anniversary of the character’s first appearance. There were also a lot more Wonder Woman cosplay than ever before.
Wonder Woman booth at NYCC. Oct. 2016. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Wonder Woman booth at NYCC. Oct. 2016. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Wonder Woman booth at NYCC. Oct. 2016. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Wonder Woman booth at NYCC. Oct. 2016. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Wonder Woman cosplay at NYCC. Oct. 2016. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
To my relief there wasn’t as many Harley Quinns, but plenty of Pokemon characters. There was some unique ones that stood out above the others. Darth Maul looks happy here.
NYCC. Photo by Michele Witchipoo Oct. 2016
NYCC 2016 had an increase in Bob’s Burgers cosplayers. Louise and Tina Belcher were the most seen. Occasionally you would run into the entire family.
NYCC. Photo by Michele Witchipoo Oct. 2016
NYCC cosplay. Photo by Michele Witchipoo. Oct. 2016
NYCC cosplay. Photo by Michele Witchipoo. Oct. 2016
During the course of the four day event, I checked out a few panels. Panels are very good. For one, they give you a wealth of information in regards to the comic book industry, or discuss pop culture. If all else fails, you can rest your weary feet in the seat closest to an outlet to recharge your cell.
The Panel for Trump Magazine (No, not Donald!), a short-lived publication from the 1950s.
The other panel that grabbed my attention was the panel titled ‘Bringing Stories To Life: Holding a Comic Con at Your Library.’ Here local librarians from Connecticut explained the ins and outs of operating local comic cons from the library.
Librarians from CT discuss how to do comic cons at the local library. NYCC Panel. Photo by Michele Witchipoo. Oct. 2016.
Back for more cosplay.
NYCC cosplay. Photo by Michele Witchipoo. Oct. 2016
NYCC cosplay. Photo by Michele Witchipoo. Oct. 2016
NYCC cosplay. Photo by Michele Witchipoo. Oct. 2016
Classic Planet of The Apes. NYCC cosplay. Photo by Michele Witchipoo. Oct. 2016
One thing you cannot forget. The real reason why we have comic cons in the first place. To promote comics. As in artists, writers, pencilers, inkers, etc. Onward to Artist Alley.
Walking around the Javits Center was exhausting. It was time to head home and come back another day.
During the NYCC, I found out there was going to be a panel for the latest Planet of The Apes reboot series. Since I was a huge fan of POTA, I trekked all the way out of the Javits Center to the Theater At Madison Square Garden. That’s where they held the special events, like the one for Doctor Who earlier during NYCC.
Point blank, this Q&A ‘career conversation’ with actor Andy Serkis, who portrays Ceasar in the Apes reboot was the only letdown during NYCC 2106. This might be clarified why in separate blog post.
Actor Andy Serkis after finishing his Q&A panel during NYCC 2016.
I stuck around however to catch the Stan Lee panel at the same venue. Which went off much smoother. Moderated by film director and famous geek Kevin Smith, the panel also had Walt Simonson and Chris Claremount. The packed house was treated to an oral recollection of Marvel comic history. Insert very crappy photo of the panel itself.
Very bad, blurry photo of the Stan Lee panel at NYCC 2016 with Kevin Smith, Walt Simonson and Chris Claremount.
Barely getting enough rest, it was time to head back to NYCC.
Classic Star Trek cosplay on the NYC subway. Photo by Michele Witchipoo. Oct. 2016.
Since NYCC has become so popular, expect free swag. During the weekend I got a free Monster energy drink which I usually never touch, some wafer cookies and a complimentary sample of Death Coffee.
The cosplaying continued.
Ronald McDonald as Thor. NYCC. Photo by Michele Witchipoo. Oct. 2016.
The last day of NYCC was spent getting merch I didn’t need like this Muttley POP. Then off to cruise Artist Alley once more.
Troma booth at NYCC 2016. Photo by Michele Wtichipoo Oct. 2016.
Adult Swim book at NYCC 2016.
Various Planet of The Apes art
Planet of The Apes motion book display as seen during NYCC 2016
This year there was some new interesting talent in Artist Alley, as well as those established such as Terry Moore (Strangers In Paradise), Joe Staton, and Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon).
One person that stood out was graffiti artist Andre Charles, otherwise known as ACharlesNYC. I brought a pin from him. He was so kind to give me a second one for free. Which was a score because I was having trouble which color to choose from. Besides, it’s always good to share old school NYC memories with someone.
Another new comic I discovered during NYCC was titled Pugly.
Also snagged a free issue of Faith, a popular comic book title now published by Valiant.
Of course some more cosplay.
NYCC cosplay. Photo by Michele Witchipoo. Oct. 2016
NYCC cosplay. Photo by Michele Witchipoo. Oct. 2016
NYCC cosplay. Photo by Michele Witchipoo. Oct. 2016
Some T-Rex creatures were spotted as well.
Another trend I noticed. This year people were cosplaying with their pet dogs. I asked someone cosplaying a character from Adventure Time how he got his dog in. He replied listing your pup as a service dog. While it’s cute, I was left wondering if it was safe at all for the dogs themselves.
Adventure Time cosplay. NYCC. Photo by Michele Witchipoo. Oct. 2016.
Another curious observation during the NYCC weekend. I kept on seeing something scribbled on the bathroom doors inside the ladies room. Later I discovered it was a quote from The Handmaid’s Tale in Latin: ‘don’t let the bastard grind you down.’ Quite fitting for these times, especially during the current U.S. Presidential election, in which NYCC was the perfect escape from. Ironically, this was the same weekend that news broke out about Trump ‘grabbing pussy.’
Quote from Margaret Atwood’s book The Handmaid’s Tale in Latin: ‘Don’t Let The Bastards Grind You Down.’ NYCC. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
In all it was fun as always. Maybe one day I’ll have another table at NYCC Artist Alley again. Till next year.
Superheroes resting at the shoe shine stand. NYCC 2016. Photo taken by Michele Witchipoo. Oct. 2016.
This time there’s not just one, but two Psycho Bunny pics of the week.
The first one is about Bushwick Open Studios 2016. For those who don’t know, Bushwick Open Studios, otherwise known as BOS is an annual event where artists from the Bushwick, Brooklyn area open their studios to the public. There were a lot of good work seen this year. Such as the Made In Ridgewood exhibit. Although I had plenty of snark for tourists who wouldn’t been caught dead in the same area fifteen – twenty years ago, there was amazing work in all mediums by various artists. Despite seeing some guy give walking tours about Bushwick street murals.
Psycho Bunny came by to check out some art – but he was really there for the open bar.
Psycho Bunny checking out art while looking for the open bar. Based on the comic by Michele Witchipoo. Oct. 3rd, 2016.
The second one is about the upcoming New York Comic Con. Whatever few friends he had, one of them was nice enough to get a little something. Only Psycho Bunny being the drunk that he is, is not amused.
Psycho Bunny gets a gift from someone who attended NYCC. Only being a drunk rabbit, he’s not amused. Based on the comic by Michele Witchipoo. Oct. 3rd, 2016.
Now for some promotional chatter. I’ll be at MICE in a few weeks. So if you’re in the area, come by to buy a comic. I’ll be table C99. Also check out the Facebook pages for both Psycho Bunny and WitchesBrewPress.
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