Stu Versus San Francisco, Part 9
Original Release Date: August 19, 2008
There was a period of a few years when I didn't have to deal with copy machines very much, and I wondered if the punchline of this comic was dated. Now, I work in an office again where we have problems with the copy machine all the time, so it turns out it's still relevant today!
You may notice throughout the coming pages that this appears to be a lightly attended charity ball. This has less to do with Mayor Pratt reputation and more to do with my laziness and lack of confidence in drawing people. Much like the empty San Francisco exteriors that we've seen, this charity ball seems devoid of people at the moment, save for Mike and Renee, Tiffany, and a couple of bouncers. Look at all those empty seats! You'll also notice Renee says something about things not having started yet. That's all a cover so that I didn't have to draw a lot of people. In hindsight, I wish I had taken the time to draw them because this scene is noticably empty and lifeless. It's a ball, for goodness' sake. It gets a little better later when some more people filter in, but it's not how I envisioned it. If there's a lesson learned here, it's to take the time to make backgrounds as believable as possible. Draw the details you know need to be there, time-consuming as it may be. It adds so much more depth and livelihood to your worlds and stories.