The passing of the torch...

Hey everyone. Got a bit of announcement. I’ve been mulling this over for a while and I’ve decide that A Problem Like Jamal will be going on hiatus for the near future. As disappointing as this may be, it’s actually a bit of happy news (kind of). I started the comic during a time when it was critically important to me to have a strong outlet for the various anxieties plaguing me in our current political climate. Jamal and crew really helped me work through some of these tough issues and come out the other side with a renewed perspective and world view. I’m actually much happier now for having done the work! Unfortunately when the anxiety abated so too did Jamal’s voice. It’s been a struggle since then to update the comic and my philosophy has always been not to force it if I don’t have to. So instead of doing that I pointed my creative energy in a different direction. What does this mean for Jamal? Well, he’s not gone, just taking a break. After all, I’m confident Jamal will have more to say before things are settled. As to that other creative direction, well...

Have you heard of Crabgrass?

If you haven’t you should definitely check it out. This new comic is something a little more biographical in nature. Loosely based on my own childhood growing up in the 80s, Crabgrass follows the adventures of two best friends Curtis and Kevin. It’s basically about coming of age in that time when kids roamed the streets like wild animals from sun up until the street lights came on. The strip has a much wider appeal, I think, and right now I’m literally (figuratively) bursting with ideas about where to take it. And while, so far, Crabgrass has enjoyed a very warm reception on the interwebs (growing by leaps and bounds on Instagram!), honestly, I REALLY want to share this comic with you guys. My original squad. The people that have kept me inspired from day one by supporting Jamal with your real dollars! I know Crabgrass isn’t what you came for, initially, but it’s made with all the same love and I hope you’ll give it a chance. You can find Crabgrass on its Facebook page @crabgrassthecomic but if you want to guarantee to get the latest comic, background stuff and random sketches I strongly suggest following on Instagram @crabgrasscomic. And as always you can get everything here on Patreon!

So that’s it. It’s been a helluva ride with Jamal (and it’s not over for good). Let’s keep this thing going, whadaya say?