R.I.P. Michael Jackson

June 25, 2009 I was at my moms house when I heard Michael Jackson died.

 I remember Mel calling me from her work when she heard the news. we were shocked. It's still kinda weird ... We had never met michael jackson... And yet, there was a sense of loss that we felt, as if someone we had known our whole lives had just passed. And I guess, in a sense, personally speaking, that's kind of  true. 

I ( and prob you reading this) have listened to his music our entire lives. It had always been around. 

For a child of the 80s like myself, one of my earliest musical memories was dancing to "Thriller". My parents had the video for "the making of Thriller"  on VHS... and beta max ( whats beta max? look it up kids) 

The drive home on that day in 2009 was bittersweet. We had all lost a legend. Yet, the radio (KMEL) made a fantastic MJ mega mix that I couldn't help but enjoy the hell out of as I listened to hit after hit (and a few Jackson 5 covers I never knew existed till then).

I have no reservations saying that I miss Michael Jackson. I could care less about what happened in his personal life ... I choose to remember the genius who helped provide so many musical memories that define the soundtrack of my life. 

It's been years since the sun set on his life and yet his music is still on the radio. And still played regularly at our house.... I suspect it always will. 

An update on the comic...

A few people have asked me recently, " How's the comic going?" And my usual answer is, " okay. Going slow though." Which, I guess, is true. 

For those not in the know ( and if ya Don't know now you know) in short I'm writing/drawing / eventually self-publishing my own comic. Eventually I might turn it into a whole graphic novel but I want to see how this first comic does. And the process on how to do it. 

 This project started last year in fall semester at DVC. I learned about a comic book contest given by the school through my English class. My comic was about My Uncle. There were around 100 entries. I was one of 12 winners. I won some art supplies and went to an award ceremony. It was hella cool to say the least. And while my artistic ability is lacking ( i hope to improve on this) they liked the story and the way it was written. 

The subject matter is serious and, at times, heartbreaking (it's not easy to write) but his story is one that people to relate to. Everyone, at some point, has seen someone they love in pain.

Because of the award and the encouragement ( both from the teachers who've read it and my famiy at home) I kept writing . Kept drawing. 

Progress , with work & school, has been slow but now in summer I start what I feel is the last section (chapter?) before I attempt to self publish.

Formatting and self publishing is something I don't really know ANYTHING about so it might take some time. 

I'm using a medium which I've loved my whole life, yet never thought I'd be creating something in. But more than that it simply feels good to be writing again.

When I do publish. I will let you know. Bring money. Haha. 

Thank you for reading. Thank you for your support.

Tommy