pennybyruben@yahoo.com

 I want to continue making Penny representative of "a little of all of us," as you pointed out, and that I feel is the wellspring for the humor in the strip. As often as possible, I want the situations to ring true...Kind thanks, Todd--Your observations are appreciated!

 

Shooting for the moon,

Ruben

River Petein, Musician, Australia <rivermusic@hotmail.com> wrote:

Hey Ruben,

the comics are cool......

river ( ausie sax player)

 

 

Bryan Larkin , Creative Director, OC <bryan@lightassoc.com> wrote:

Ruben,

Love the strip! Love the way you craft the story through the strips or just in a single image.

It's a great style that I will keep in my head if we ever need an illustrator.

Hey Brian,

Coming from a creative director, your thoughts about the crafting of the strip are
well-received. I always try to decide on the layout based on the text, and sometimes it gets to be a bit of a puzzle.That's part of the creative challenge,
isn't it--?

Please visit Penny often,
Ruben

Dear Ruben,

 

Your Penny is so likeable!. . . she seems relatable. I especially like the idea of the cozy zone. I want to see even more of her quirkiness - someone who would spend a lottery on a 99 cent store. What does her refrigerator look like? . . .

 

Rebecca Martin

Dear Ruben,
 
Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your PENNY comic strip. The writing is fresh and the art is consistently excellent!! Penny is certainly a character I’m sure many folks can easily identify with.
Rather than being far-fetched, in-your-face or too punny, the writing and humor are down-to-earth.  
I also like that you gave Penny the attribute of being a poet – having occasional poetry certainly adds another nice dimension to use in the comic strip.
Overall, I like the feel of the cartoon style and the characters. I don’t know why. I just do!!!
I think using an occasional gimmick (WARNING – Sentimentally explicit...) is very clever and unexpected.

Although this is trivial, I wasn’t wild about the “just act natural” strip (natural not nostril).   It’s not believable so I didn’t find it funny. Sorry. In comparison, the “resumé” strip (doctor it up/major surgery) and the people watching/zoom lens strip are much funnier. I’m a stickler for typos. Be sure to proofread. (you misspelled received in Electric Company overdue account strip).   
 
Keep up the great work. I hope little PENNY brings you big bills one day soon!
 
Sincerely,
 
JEFF ABBIT
 

I love them! So woman and yet funny!
I have a website on myspace. It's www.myspace.com/capricornmountain . Can I post one of your cartoons on there?

SURE THING, RACHEL AND THANKS!

Nevarco@aol.com wrote:

Hi!
You are a great artist.  I can see that the personality of Penny is developing into a consistent character.    I like the fact that she is seeking wisdom and a career.  I am going on my 60th year and was an artist ( performing, writing  and drawing,) all my life so I really appreciate your usage of all of the above.  I think it would be nice if Penny and Wade had an older mentor character who advises the two to cool it when they get frustrated, and remind them to meditate more and 'fret-i-tate less!'  Best to you in Tao, Raven Cohan

Greetings, Raven!

 

You must be reading my mind, or maybe my notes for future strips! The character

of Wanda is the role I've assigned as Penny's mentor, and somebody very close to

Wanda will have the honor of guiding and confiding with Wade. Those strips are about

a month away, so stay tuned...

 

Speaking of staying "tuned," I am going to fix (or maybe exchange) my computer

sound system as soon as possible so I can check out your original jazz creations.

In the meantime I will offer your link to Penny's readership as well.

T.L.C. Tai Chi-Chi Kung and the Healing Tao of S. FL.
offers a C.D. with eleven original Jazz songs written by Raven entitled, "Jazz-Up Chi"... (Songs to Inspire and Tickle Ya!) They do just that, reminding you that the practices we can study are helping us to evolve along our path toward being more and more awakened beings. It can be ordered for $15.00 from Raven or at  www.cdbaby.com/ravencohan  where you can listen to 2 mins. of each song.

 

Keep On Creatin'

Ruben

 

Kim Flint <kim@partyworksusa.com> wrote:

Ruben,

 

I love the character that Penny plays in your comic; kind of like nothing ever goes her way.  Sometimes I feel like it’s my life.  Keep up the good work and continue making her a klutz too.  It’s always funnier laughing at someone other than me! 

 

Kim

Kim!

 

In a few short words, I think you've cut to the core of what most comedy is all about.

In our pursuit for happiness, just about all of us mortals are bound to hit The Great

Wall Of Frustration from time to time. One of the big reasons we laugh is because we recognize our own shortcomings in others. My goal with Penny (along with getting her into the papers and making a living at what I enjoy) is to consistently present her foibles in the way that resonates with as many folks as possible. Part of that means keeping her as humanly clutzy and misfortunate as possible.

 

Kim--Thanks again for taking the time to check Penny out. I hope you don't mind that

her main antagonist has the same name as you!

 

Asta La Vista, Baby!

Ruben

Jose Torres<getchusukka@hotmail.com>  

An unconventional beauty not inhibited by the standards set upon her. She has a light-hearted perspective, but she keeps her wit holstered and ready. I really love the fact that Ruben is in touch with his inner "lady". Enough to adequately represent a strong woman and her style. I love the thrift store fashion plate. Great illustrations, and great amount of thought within. Her outfit was great. I loved the love interest in Penny's life and Wanda. They're supportive, as supporting characters should be. And the antagonist, isn't very antagonistic, since Penny is obviously smarter and more confident and appreciative of herself to ignore the sex bomb supervisor. I love the unique style of the illustration. Not reminiscent of any style I can think of. In the words of Jack Gyllenhaal..." I wish I could quit you...." But I wouldn't WANT to quit Penny.

Jose!

You-R-D-Man! Wanna be my publicist? Too bad I didn't have your well-chosen words as my cover letter when I was sending out one-zillion-and-one submission packages to the newspaper syndicates. This present Penny crusade needs more people like you!

Bring 'em on Muchacho!

Ruben Del La Nacion De Los Noches Triste

Guadalupe Mendoza" <thecobraqueen85@yahoo.com>  

Hey, its Lupe! The comic strip was interesting in that it was about a strong independent woman going through the motion of what is the real world,  I really liked it, and I'm sure all women who are adapting themselves to the harsh reality of the world will like it too.  It's nice to have someone note what it's like to be a women in this day in age, especially with some humor.  Hope to see the evolution of Penny.

Lupe, girl--

The evolution of Penny begins now! Spread the word to all your friends, family, and even enemies! I'm not particular...

Hey, It's Ruben--saying, "Hey thanks, Lupe!"

JIM ELKINS <gcd101ds@verizon.net> wrote:

Mr. R&S R: I am flattered, flustered, and flabbergasted that you have chosen to acknowledge my meger input to your magnificent output. I am awed by the award, reeled by the recognition, beaming at the back-pat, and heavily humbled by the honor, but aren't you worried that this might destory my anonymity?

Signed: The Lone Stranger

Dear Jim,

Consider yourself  anonymous never more... Mentors like you don't grow on trees, y'know!

Don Ruben De La Mancha

Bless you Suzanne!

 

I'll try keeping up the good work so long as the kind people out there such as

yourself keep on reading!

 

Write often,

Ruben

 

Hi Ruben –

 

I love the clean art work you do!  Your style is very readable and easy.  Some cartoons just have way to much going on.  I like the work-related comics the best as I can relate to most of them the most.  You should be in “Working Woman” or “Oprah” or something appealing to women!!

 

 Warm Regards,

 

Terry

Hi to you too, Terry--

 

I take your views with much appreciation. The "clean" look of the strip comes from

lots of experimentation. I wanted both the messenger and the messages to work together, not to get in each other's way. Since you're a business professional, it's

particularly gratifying that the work-related strips hits home with you. They'll be

plenty more of those in the future mix. Lastly, (Is there such a word?) I wouldn't mind be associated with "Oprah,"or "Working Woman." In time, I will submit

Penny strips to both.

 

As Ralph Kramden to say,

"Baby, you're the greatest!"

 

Ruben

Miceteawsugar@wmconnect.com wrote:

Hi;
     She looks great and the storys are funny. Will she appear on cards, newspapers or online, or all? May I ask one thing. Why are blonds always drawn with dark eyebrows? Mine are so pale they look like there not their. Keep up the great work, Pennys wonderful.

micetea
http://www.cafepress.com/greetens

Hello there, Micetea!

 

Your e-mail is invigorating! I'm glad you like the way Penny looks. I'm even happier

to see that you think the stories are funny. Content to me is my first priority.I want

to maintain as a high a level of writing as possible. In comic strips, you could also

say that the drawing is part of the writing--because so many times the facial and body

expression helps promote the narrative. Not so long ago I use to draw Penny in a much

more "cartoony" fashion, but as I kept wanting to squeeze nuance out of her expressions, she became more illustrative.

 

As for Penny's various media goals, the internet is my starting point, and I plan to

keep her there. Newspapers are my biggest target, and getting her in there will re-

quire people like yourself reading the strip on a regular basis and e-mailing me from

time to time with your comments. Can I count on you? I'm hoping--.Greeting cards

and other Penny goodies are in the works--and that will help cover expenses.

 

Now, the question was"Whay are blonds always drawn with dark eyebrows?"

Enquiring minds want to know! The answer could be because most comic strip

characters are drawn with dark eyebrows regardless of hair color. It draws attention to the eyes which helps to denote their expression--especially when most strips that

appear in the papers are reduced so small you need a magnifying glass to make it out.

I have actually experimented with giving Penny more naturally light eyebrows, but I

still didn't get that to work out to my satisfaction. Hmmm...Something else to re-

consider...

 

Best Wishes,

Ruben

 

Hi Rueben,

Very cute strips.  I especially like all the ones
that came out on the first, 1/3, 1/7, 1/13, and
1/19.  The ones with her boss are great.  The ones
with her boyfriend are a little cheesy for me.  But
all and all I like them.  I will keep reading them
every day.  Good luck!! Let me know what happens.

Terri

Terri
I so appreciate your feedback. It's good to know what
different people respond to and don't respond to. It's my
barometer to see how I'm doing so I can fine-tune (Or fine-toon!) the strip as muchas possible. Also return readership and getting into the papers are two of my major goals. One thing will help the other, and folks like you are the biggest help of all!

I will explore the strips with Wade and see if I can
filter out the cheese--although some people do like
cheese as well as ham. His character provides both the romance and connection to a like-minded soul,--or like hearted soul as the case may be.

Great to hear from you,
Ruben

 

I found most of it funny.  The only ones I did not like were the sassy comments that denote jealosy of another or the boss comments.  other wise i found it funny.

 

Parrot Brown/akaPaula Megginson

Paula

Satara Odom <lip2lipdiva@yahoo.com> wrote:

I loved it. YOU ARE GREAT!!!! The one from my birthday Jan. 26,06 was funny. I wouldlove to work with you sometimes. I'm in the group poetry-n-motion. I'm the moderator and I am trying to start my own greeting card company. So please tell me if I could have that honor.    Continued success. CONGRATS!!!

"\"Bwana\" Art Studio" <jm65613@alltel.net> wrote:

Dear Ruben;

Just recently visited your site and read some of your work.

Your artwork is exceptional, in my view...and your strip is 'excellent'...very, very high quality!
Your writing is also of the very best!
Work like yours deserves maximum exposure.  Hopefully, you'll get the attention you deserve!

Ira Monroe
http://www.ArtWanted.com/bwanaart

Dear Ira,

Thanks for taking the time to check out "Penny." --And thanks for the nice words. I've taken a moment to view some of your work as well and I already have three favorite pieces of yours. They are the "Glacier Mammoth" illustration,"Let's elect him," and my absolute fav--"So many trees, only one bladder."

Penny fans-- Explore Ira's Jungle Of Toons! Click on the link above!

David Rickert <drickert@columbus.rr.com> wrote:

I visited your site through a posting on the Aspiring Cartoonists board.  I really like your drawing style; very neat, expressive and uncluttered. Much better than a lot of what I've seen out there.  The characters are well-developed; I get a good sense of who they are just from a couple of strips.  From the website standpoint, I really like that I can scroll down and read several strips at once without having to click to a different date.

 I am curious as to how you draw your strip.  Do you ink it by hand, and then color it with Photoshop?  What size do you initially draw them at?

If you'd like to return the favor, check out www.drcartoonist.com, although there is more there than just strips.

Hey, David

Thank you for the kind words! And please excuse me for not responding to your e-mail sooner. The fact of the matter is--it's been hell week for me-- Getting up around 5 a.m. and working the whole day through on one pressing thing or other, trying to make living while keeping up the Penny strip.

To answer your question--I first rough out the strips in the final size, work out the writing and drawing bugs at the same time, then blow them up on a copier to 16-1/2 to 5-1/4 which fits on most copiers on an 11x 17 sheet of bristol board .I then ink the old fashion way--with a Series 7 Winsor Newton watercolor brush, size 1 (Or 2) . I then use a Super Black india ink, being careful to clean my brush every 15 minutes or so. This is a pain, but the laquer content will kill a brush in no time if I didn't do it. I do use Photoshop for shading, coloring, and lettering--and that's pretty much it.

Now, --I have also checked out your site. You have some very cool things happening. I particularly liked your Shakespeare and Benny Goodman caricatures. I want to spend a little more time checking out the strips you did for your ol' alma mater. I like to give people (Especially fellow cartoonists) my full attention on their work and that to me means putting quiet time aside to do so. In the meantime I will post your link on thePenny site so other fine folks can check out The Talented Mr. Rickert.

 Keep In touch, and please-- Check Penny out every day (If you can--)

Thanks Again.

Ruben

Valori Gutierrrez <ublg2me@msn.com> wrote:

Wow ...how long have you been doing this? These are very good! I’ll be back for more………….. Valori

Thanks Valori--I've been making more, and it ain't easy sometimes. That's why I'm responding to you at 6:30 a.m.!

Rise And Shine Ruben

From: Jennifer Dempsey <jenld68@yahoo.com>

Gratzi, Jenn--

Jennifer is a master entertainer/performer. Visit her site!

http://www.scarletsisters.com/info.html

I like Penny and the art work, but think you need to add alot of "dumb blonde" laughs  to the script.  She looks the part.    Let Jim Elkins help.  He's a hoot.   He's my favorite uncle.

Hi Ruben

So far Penny looks like a whole piggy bank full of fun. Looking forward to tomorrow and the day after and the day after and .....

Signed: A regular reader

(AKA: Jim Elkins)

Wow, Jim, can I quote you --? You're my pal!

Greetings to all,

 

funnypaperz <funnypaperz@yahoo.com> wrote: