2004 RAMBLINGS

January 22nd, 2004
No, you're not seeing things. There really is a new update. Actually to be honest, things were going to resume as normal by the end of February. That's what we all planned out and were ready to run by. But as I was clearing out my files for the new year and making some back-up copies, I stumbled across a few forgotten pieces that for some reason or another never debuted or was still works in progress. Add to that the number of times I hear "When are you gonna update the website?" each day and I figured February just wasn't soon enough. There's been enough delays already.
So starting today and continuing in the weeks ahead, we're going to be posting some of these lost pieces. But this is where you come in. Because our art has improved over the years, some of what we'll be showing will seem a little dated. So each time a new picture debuts, we want to hear whether it's a keeper or a clunker. Those that get more positives votes will stay put; those who spur hatred will be burned and never spoken again. And no, I haven't been watching "American Idol" this season.
And to kick things off, we have a picture that was going to be used to sell a piece of Plight merchandise, believe it or not! It's a collaborated effort by myself and a young woman named Kelly Anderson that I've converted into a pin-up called "Pulldown". I think people who are into anime/Hello Kitty are especially going to like it. But like I said, I leave that decision up to you.
That's it for today, but I will be back soon with entry #2, which features Erik. Until then, I hope you're enjoying the new year! - Jake

February 23rd, 2004
Some of you are going to be mad at me but to address the matter right away, this is not going to be a real update unless you call me addressing a couple of things just that. If you do, hey, we've got an update! Hooray! But if you're looking for something more 'illustrated', come back on Friday. I promise we'll have something then.
Alright, I want to bring the rest of you who have made it this far up to speed. Recently I got with the times and converted to Broadband. Problem is I had to switch over to a completely new computer. So not only have I had to load tons of files in, but I've also had to go through the dozen of boxes in my storage facility to locate and install Photoshop, the fonts I frequently use, my hardware drivers for my scanner and printer, etc., etc. It's only until yesterday that I got 100% back to speed. So yeah, I apologize for the delay... again... and from here on out, things are going to be different. And in case you didn't catch it: update this Friday!
Now that we've got all that ugliness out of the way, I just wanted to take a moment to wish a very Happy Birthday to one of our talented guest artists: Kaitlin. Today she turns 7 and everyone couldn't be more proud of her. Man, it's hard to believe it's already been 7 years. Time sure has gone fast. Anyhow, I hope she has a terrific day and get everything she wants.
Alright, that's it for now. Take care and I'll see you all on Friday! - Jake

February 27th, 2004
I bet you thought I was going to stand you up again, huh? Well, I admit your skeptism is well deserved; I'll attest to that. But no, I said I'd be here and here I be. I know... there's a first for everything! *s*
Actually things have been like old times around here again. We haven't had any computer breakdowns, no overtime at work, no transportation problems, no expecting children, and no immediate plans for moving (or at the very least for a couple of months). Yup, everything is taking a turn for the better. And knock on wood, it will stay that way for awhile so we can honestly get some stuff done around here!
So then why on God's green Earth am I only posting one pic today? Because as much as I've been drawing on a regular basis, I'm still not churning out as much as I'd like (and I'm strongly working on that). So rather than debut everything all at once and have another dry spell, I'll just pace it so we don't have any more breaks. Hopefully if I can get my butt in gear, I'll have two things to debut next week.
But getting back to the here and now, today we have another picture that was never shown or used before entitled "The Last Gun Picture...Ever". I'll give you two guesses what importance this picture holds, but I'm pretty sure you'll get it on the first try. And no, the answer isn't because it doesn't have Kari in it (wise ass). Like before, check it out and let me know if it's a keeper or something to toss. And speaking of which, the response for the "Pulldown" drawing I posted last month was very favorable so I guess it stays put. Thanks to everyone who either dropped me a line or told me verbally what they thought. It really meant a lot.
Well, until next week. And yes, there WILL be an update next week. - Jake

March 3rd, 2004
Well here it is, a week from the last update, and what do you know! There IS another update. Of course you could argue that there is no possible way that Jake could have known about this artwork, because I just thought of it, created and posted it withen the last two hours, but thats just plain nit-picking. There's an update, and thats all that matters.
So yeah, there is a new picture posted and yes, it is drawn by yours truly. It's nothing special, but I consider it proof that I am still here, and yes I do draw pictures from time to time.
So surf on over and check out the new sketch: "Deja Freakin Vu".
Thats all from me, tune in later for more! - Tony

March 31st, 2004
After some investigation into the matter, I've decided to drop the recent piece of art by Amanda "Mercy" Payne. There were too many questions, both regarding the origin of it as well as some moral issues, that I felt it wasn't worth having it around. I know, I'm being an idiot but this is one of those times I'm putting my dictator cap on. I can only apologize to the artist. I wish things could be different, but I feel this is for the best.
And.... let the hate mail come in. - Jake

April 6th, 2004
Hey everyone. It's Tuesday, it's absolute nice outside, I have the entire day off from work, and what am I doing? Working on the computer in a stuffy room and watching my "G-Men From Hell" DVD. Normally I'd call that pathetic, but then I realize I'm doing it all for you; my homies. And if there's one thing I love, it's my homies. And yes, even the ones who bitched about me taking down Amanda Payne's picture. I forgive you.
Well, it doesn't involve monsters and lingerine, but we do have a new piece done by myself entitled "Tripping the Cliff". And if you're wondering why I'm so happy, just check it out and see for yourself.
We'll be back later in the week with some more stuff, maybe some big announcements, you know the drill. I'd talk about it right now, but you know what? I just want to go outside and play in the grass. Later! - Jake

April 18th, 2004
Hey everyone. I'm afraid I have some bad news, and then I have some bad news. First, the lesser of the batch.
Although it was pretty apparent early on, it wasn't until just recently we determined this year's Summer Blockbuster Gallery is going to be drawn entirely by me. That's right, folks - 18 entries spanning over 15 weeks (our largest gallery ever!) will be handled all by myself, with some color support by Tony. Now right away I can hear a couple of questions.
Will there be delays? Nope. As much as that's hard to believe, I'm focusing all my energy into this and not only am I confident I can do it, I'm sticking with doing at least 18 pictures, if not more. I'm that commited to it.
The other question is, obviously, why isn't Tony drawing any pictures? Well, that's the second piece of bad news and the one I wish I was joking around with. As you might have noticed, my boy hasn't been on here much. It's not because he's lost interest or has decided to take a break. Believe me, the guy is josing to come back, if only to make sure there's more pictures on this site that doesn't involve Kari. No, I'm afraid he's dealing with something a lot more important: his health. I won't go into it because I'd rather respect his privacy, but I will say Tony's had to put up with a lot of unfair crap lately. Fortunately, he's winning and the last thing he needs is me harassing him over an update. His little break from the site is only that; a break. And to ask him to draw a picture would be asking too much of him right now. But as I mentioned before, he'll be handling colors on the majority of the pictures (which was his idea, by the way, to make me feel more comfortable - can you believe that?) so his involvement isn't completely absent.
So there you have it. History is about to be made and I'm tackling my most ambitious project yet. I know some of you... okay, most of you are expecting me to fail. But it's my goal to prove otherwise.
You've been warned! - Jake

May 7th, 2004
Well, the day has finally arrived. Today I launch into my most challenging project since I've been drawing Plight. Starting today and going all the way through the middle of August, I'm going to be posting weekly updates for this year's Summer Blockbuster Gallery. 15 weeks. 18 pictures. All pencilled and inked by me, with only some support on colors by Tony.
Okay, okay; you can stop laughing now. I'm being serious here.
I realize the majority of you out there are expecting delays. Well, like I said last month, there's not going to be any. Not this year. Some of you are convinced there's no way I'm going to reach anywhere near the 18 picture mark (which would make this season's gallery the largest ever). But 18 is the bare minimum, and if inspiration hits, there might even have more. There's even a few nay-sayers out there who are willing to give me enough credit about keeping a weekly schedule, but are predicting a guest artist or two will come in to help me out if I get into a bind. Well, as much as I'm always stoke to have people like Alex and Sehera and James contribute - this time I think I need to go at it alone. At least when it comes to this particular task. Besides, I'm going to be debuting other pics while this is going on, some from other artists, so the updates aren't going to be SOLELY movie related. If they want to do other pictures, they're definately more than welcome to. :)
Anyhow, sit back, relax, grab something from the concession stand and may I present to you for your enjoyment the 2004 Summer Blockbuster Gallery which kicks off with "Monster Hunter E" inspired by Hugh Jackman's latest action flick, "Van Helsing".
Oh, and one more thing about this 15-week project. I'm definately saving the biggest surprise for last! You've been warned (again). - Jake

May 14th, 2004
Hey everyone! Well, it's already been a week and today's target for the PSBG is the huge mega blockbuster epic "Troy", starring Mr. Jennifer Aniston. Unfortunately we didn't have quite the budget the film had and we kind of had to skim on some of the details. Plus I had to pay off my Sears card so that took a big chunk out of the cash too. But really, it's not that noticable for something that only cost us "Tens and Tens of Dollars". So check it out and hopefully it gives you the same sense of being right there in Roman times that the movie it's based on does. Maybe even more so.
Well, that about wraps it up. Next week we take on a computerized ogre, so see ya' then! - Jake

May 21st, 2004
Bleh! What a cold, wet day it is outside. I guess once again the meterologist with the million-dollar Doppler lied to us. Sunny and humid, my fanny! Oh well, at least the lawn is getting watered.
Anyhow, it's Friday and that means we've got a new posting in the PSBG. For week 3 we bring our attention to "Shrek 2". Now for all you long-time visitors, I don't have to remind you of the pain I inflicted on you when the first film came out. This time around I'm older and wiser... and much more cautious. Perhaps a little too cautious. Check it out and please be honest on your thoughts. This assignment made me really nervous and it's possible I made the wrong decision.
Speaking of decisions, the auction I mentioned earlier this week for the Ark of the Covenent was taken down by E-Bay. Either that or someone used the "Buy It Now" option and closed all further bidding. When last I checked, the highest bid was at a staggering $1.5 million! Of course, if I learn anything new, I'll be sure to let you all know. So until then, take it easy and coming next week: Erik versus the elements. - Jake

Later that day....
Oh great! Leave it to Jake! I mean the guy tells me that I absolutely have to draw a picture for Shrek 2, and then he goes and does it instead!!!! Am I supposed to take all my hard work and flush it out the window? Am I just supposed to ignore my responsibilities????
Okay, truthfully, Jake never told me to draw a picture. In fact he's basically told me to stay away from the Gallery this year. Recuperate he tells me. Take some time. Yeah right.
I had to draw something. And seeing as how Jake was all "I don't know what to do for Shrek 2 and there's only a week left!", I thought I'd step in and give him a hand. But what do ya know, the guy came through. I think I now have hope for this year's Gallery once more. This Jake fella might just pull it off.
So now we have this extra picture that was just too good to toss away. So for the first time in two years, we have a new piece of art for our Summer Blockbuster Gallery's Deleted Scene section!!! Yay!!! *que fanfare*
So without further fuss....
Here is our Deleted Scene from Shrek 2: "Of Men and Ogres"!! Enjoy and we'll see you all next week! - Tony

May 28th, 2004
"Oh no! I don't know what to do with 'The Day After Tomorrow' and I only have a day left!! Help me! HELP ME!!!"
Yeah. Right.
I know I shouldn't be upset with Tony. After all, there's been enough times in the past when I didn't come through like I was planning. And gee, when is that comic of mine ever going to get done? But I don't know how many times I have to repeat myself: there's not going to be any delays this year. Not on my watch.
Still though, it's great to see the boy back at the drawing board. It was pretty damn cool for him to do that. :)
Anyhow, today we debut our contribution to the latest disaster film to hit the theaters, "The Day After Tomorrow". It's got suspense, action, and more importantly - a flying tire. That's a VERY important detail! So click on the link, enjoy, and I'll see you in 7 days when Erik returns to Hogwarts. 'Til then! - Jake

June 4th, 2004
Hey everyone! I hope you all had a great holiday weekend and kicked off the beginning of summer just right. Unfortunately I had to work, but I'm not going to bring up sour grapes. For the hours I had to put in and the people I had to work with, I really don't have anything to complain about. I mean, it's not like I did any work.
Anyhow, it's week # 5 and, somehow, I've managed to stay on track without a hint of delay. I know, I should keep my mouth shut and not jinx myself, but it's kind of hard NOT to brag. After all, when is the last time I personally had five weekly updates done on time in a row? I actually went back and checked and the previous record was three. Three! But of course, I still have 3 months and 13 pictures left so the fight's not over yet, right?
Yeah. I'm just rambling, aren't I? I'll stop.
Okay, today we have a picture based on the successful "Harry Potter" books and movies franchise. Now some folks out there thought I had buried myself when I posted my first Harry Potter inspired picture a few months ago and that coming up with a new idea would take some time. Well, thankfully it didn't. So before I rant for seven more paragraphs about nothing, why don't you check out a piece I like to call "Dobby is in Another Castle". Enjoy and be sure to come back here in seven days when we'll have TWO pictures to debut! - Jake

June 11th, 2004
I'm never gonna learn, am I? You'd think after more than five years I'd have learned from my mistakes. But no, I've got to start boasting about how there's been regular updates and how this week I'm going to have TWO pictures. Next time I just need to shut up.
The good news is there IS an update today, so the streak continues. But unfortunately the head honchos at Dreamworks entertainment decided to push their release of "The Terminal" back one week (like movie studios will do from time to time), so that picture won't be debuting for another seven days. So for those of you eager for a double-shot of Erik, I apologize. Hopefully the wait will be worth it.
Anyhow, TODAY we debut an image based on the new Vin Dessel film "The Chronicles of Riddick". In all honesty, I give myself an "A" on idea and a "C" on execution. But I'll let you be the judge.
Next week we'll have our "Terminal" piece and take on one of the guarantee bombs of the summer. So until then! - Jake

July 6th, 2004
Hey Everyone! As you already know, there hasn't been any updates for the last month. Now, it's not because we got lazy or fell behind on the Summer Blockbuster Gallery. Fact is, for the last month Geocities locked us out of our account; making it impossible to post anything. And sadly, once I was able to get back in, I quickly discovered that by re-registering "Plightsite.com" again, everything we set up before was deleted.
So much for not skipping a beat this year, huh?
The good news is the majority of the layouts and artwork WAS saved before this happened so it's not going to be too hard to bring everything back to normal. The bad news is it won't be 100% and it won't be overnight. Right now I can tell you I'm going to have to design new banners, re-scan and color some previous artwork, and rewrite roughly around 15 or so ramblings. And to be honest, I'm too fricking angry to know if this was a blessing in disguise or a curse.
Fact is: this site WILL be back up very shortly along with at least SIX new pieces in the gallery to debut (just because I couldn't get on doesn't mean I've taken a break). All I ask is for you to just hang in there. I'm sorry for the inconvience, but I didn't abondon you guys!
As for my challenge this summer, I'm not accepting defeat. True, I failed on having regular posts. But whether this was my fault or not... I'm not going to even think about it. I made a goal for myself this summer and the season is only half over. I can still do this, and I will.
So stay tuned. We will be back. Thanks! - Jake
August 12th, 2004
Hey guys! Well, I've got good news, bad news, and then some more good news, followed by even more bad news.
First of all, the Summer Blockbuster Gallery is up and starting today, we'll be able to post new pictures again. In fact, today we debut one we did waaaaaay back in late June for "Spiderman 2" entitled "Amazing Fontasy # 15". It's not the next one in chronological order ("Dodgeball" and "The Terminal" will come first), but it's based on one of the biggest movie of the summer. And yes, even though I'm running behind on pretty much the remainder of the films I have planned, I'm still going to do them all. That's the good news.
The bad news is that's all I have to show for today because of two things. First off, I moved again last week to New Hope and my telephone line hasn't been activated yet. Well, that's not true... by the time I write this it will have been activated. The problem is I'm typing this at the Larson household while Tony and Katie get packed for our trip to this year's Wizard World in Chicago, which we leave tomorrow morning. So while I have a phone line, I'm unable to use it at the moment because.... ah, you get the idea.
Anyhow, things are going to be getting a lot better pretty darn soon. No more month-long delays and such. All I can say is I'm sorry for taking so bloody long. It's my hope when I come back, I'll have plenty of stuff to show for it. So until next time, thanks! - Jake

September 14th, 2004
Hey everyone! Tommorow we're finally going to have an update on the website with a new entry in the Summer Blockbuster Gallery. But I thought before I did that, I owed it to all of you to let you in on some of what's been going on and stuff. No, I'm not going to start in with the same old crap so this isn't going to be full of excuses. Rather, I want this to be about what's going to be happening in here. No bluffs, no little secrets... just letting the truth blow in the wind so you can be assured that things are coming soon.
First of all, with the summer a distant memory now, one would think it'd be foolish for me to continue with the Blockbuster Gallery. I should just throw in the towel and be thankful for what I accomplished. But I'm not doing that. Yes, I'm going to be looking like a idiot if I post a picture based on "White Chicks" sometime in November, but the goal I had from the get-go was for me to do it all myself with at least 18 entries. And let's face it: when have I ever taken a project to completion on this site? That's why it's so important I still do this. I admit I'm pissed at myself for not getting it all done by the deadline. Forget even that I had to repost the entire Plightsite again (and as you can see, I'm still working on that too. I'm just tired of making excuses for my incompetence and so I'm still going ahead on it.
Which brings up the topic of the ultimate sin on the site: the actual comic. It's been twelve years since I first planned it out; it's taken me three of those years just to post five non-consecutives pages, aside from unforseeable disasters and such. But rather dive into excuses, I'm going to report on some results. In the past month I've gone over all the pages I've done and decided since my skill's improved over the years, to redo/revise/expand them. As we speak I'm currently in the middle of pencilling page 6. And when I say that, I mean I've gone and improved on ALL the pages I've ever done so # 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 15, 16, and 30 are already completed (note to historians: page 24 is now page 30.) So in case you didn't catch that: I've done eight pages in the last month. And when you see them (very shortly) as well as all the ones that go between, I think you're going to be impressed.
And speaking of pre-mature death projects, one that even I assumed was dead was the Dark Holiday collaborations with Sehera. When we both lost our jobs and moved further away, it seemed our collaborations were at an end. But since I relocated to New Hope (it's still really far away), we've gotten back in touch now and the two of us would really love to see us finish up the remaining holidays. And really, like I needed to be talked into jamming with her again. So expect some new pieces to debut on some dates you really don't need me to announce, do you?
But perhaps the biggest surprise I can give you today, and one that's not even an announcement but rather a tease concealed as a question, is: what other things have we left undone or abandoned? You can probably come up with half a dozen things. Funny thing... whatever you're thinking of, most likely the answer is "yes".
Tommorow is just the beginning of something big. It might seem small, but trust me: consider it an advance warning. - Jake

September 15th, 2004
Well everyone, as I promised we have a new picture to debut today. And although it's about two months late, this is the one picture from the Summer Blockbuster that I didn't really care so much if it was tardy rather than it was done right. So go ahead and enjoy "I Saw this on C.S.I. Last Night", my tribute to not only "I, Robot" but after eleven years, a homage to a particular television show I'm a little obsessed about. Enjoy! - Jake

October 11th, 2004
Growing up as a child of the 70's I had two heroes whom I could look up to. One of them, as many of you may have guessed, was Luke Skywalker. The other? A man named Superman.
And as that so called child of the 70's, only one man can be truly associated with the man of steel, Christopher Reeve. Sure there were a few before him, and a couple after, but he is the only one in my mind.
And so I woke up this morning to hear that my 52 year old hero has passed on. I was heartbroken in 1995 when Mr. Reeve took that tragic fall from the horse that paralysed him from the neck down, placing him in a wheelchair and a ventilator for the rest of his days. But I was cheering once more when Chris told the world that he "would leave that chair and walk again". Further than cheering him on, I BELIEVED him. Why? Because that man was Superman. Nothing could stop him, not a bullet, not Lex Luthor, not even General Zod. I had total faith that one day in the near future Christopher Reeve would stand and walk again, that Superman would prove that not even Kryptonite could keep him down.
But now Superman has died. One of my heroes has left the planet. He died at home with his family around him, and now the whole world mourns.
But I'm not too sad. Because even now I see him, see him in that place that people go to when they die. And he's running.
Rest in peace, Mr. Reeve. We will miss you. - Tony

October 30th, 2004
Even though he had a hand in contributing to this massive update, I don't think it dawned on him why. Maybe near the end he got a little suspecious, but no - I don't think he really figured it out. And if he says otherwise, he's lying. I called him late last night and all he cared about was missing "Enterprise".
Ladies and Gentlemen, today my esteemed co-hort Tony turns the big 3-0. Not only is it a landmark day for him, but as you can see, it's also a golden one as well. Those reasons alone are cause to celebrate, but that's not why I planned this. As you see, Tony's had a tough year and has been putting up with a lot crap most people prey never falls on them or their loved ones. He's had his good days as well as his bad, but never has it interfered with his duties as a husband and a father. It's been tough, but fortunately he's on a speedy road to recovery (which is apparent because he's debuting a few new pictures today). So if that's not a reason to party, I don't know what is.
I got a confession to make to him as well as all of you: this update could have debuted a LOT sooner; like say, back in September on MY 30th birthday. What you see was completed that far back. So Tony, when you said everything I'm debuting is old? You hit the nail right on its head. That was the whole point all along! If I had told you all this stuff was finished back then, I wouldn't have heard the end of it. Of course, now that the truth is out, I guess I'm going to be getting an increase in angry e-mails. "What do you mean you were holding out, ya *#%&!"
Anyhow, today we don't just have an update: we have a MASSIVE one!

After months of recooperation, the birthday boy makes his long-awaited return to these pages with a special entry in TONY'S PICS entitled, "Into the Breach, Again". As you'll see, he's taken various pieces from some of his previous pictures and compiled them into something brand new. Plus he adds a motivation speech in there for no added charge. But that's not all! After years of neglect on both of our parts, the first twenty pictures in his gallery finally have ramblings! So if you're in a fun mood right now (or if you happen to feel like it later), you can click on his first picture and go on a little mini excursion as I personally chime in with my thoughts, critiques, and sometimes nasty-ass complaints, about his early work.

But that's not all. We also have a new category, HOLIDAY PICS. Over the past four years, we've accumulated a good amount of drawings which focuses on the seasons. So we decided it was time they had their own page. Some of have been from the beginning while others haven't been seen in a long time. And we couldn't open up a new page a day before Halloween without a picture to celebrate it. So venture in and take a look at Tony's rendition called "All the King's Men"!

In the "We Can't Believe He's Still Working on the SUMMER BLOCKBUSTER GALLERY, why won't he let it go?", we have three new entries based on "Dodgeball", "Catwoman", and "The Village". Check them out, and hey! The best thing about me being so ass-late on them is that you can go to your local video store and rent the actual movie (and maybe even the sequel by now!).

And finally, pointing our attention to the MISCELLANEOUS section, we have a couple of professional sketches we picked up at this year's Wizard World done by the creator and artist of "The Magic Pickle", Scott Morse. Three to be exact featuring Batgirl, Wonder Woman, and Obi Wan Kenobi. We would have had more, but the place was so big and so much to see that we had to put our priorities in order.

And there you have it - the first of somewhat regular updates from now (and the start of something far more sinister!). To everyone out there, I hope this makes up for all the delays we've had this year. I apologize and hope you check in more frequently from now on. And hey, how about some letters to make sure we're on the right path, hmmm?
So until next time, take care and if you get a moment, drop Tony a line and wish him well. Later! - Jake

November 7th, 2004
Hey everyone! Well, it seems the dust has cleared and most of you had some pretty interesting comments and thoughts about last week's update; so much so that I might just have to bring back the letters page after taking it down. Go figure.
I think I got back to everyone who wrote in, but just in case I didn't, let me just say thanks for the feedback. Touching on some of the comments I got: It's cool that you don't mind the Summer Blockbuster is stretching out real late as long as it gets done. Ditto on how cool it is to have Tony back in the saddle again. When it comes to sketches from profession artists, I think we'll just post pieces we acquire rather than being sent digital copies from other sites. The picture done by Kaitlin above is going to remain on this page for a little while longer (if only because I think it fits there so perfect.) And yes, I deliberately held off posting the new pages of the comic book AND unveiling the official cover for a later date. I'm looking at having a few more completed so that the updates on that category won't be so sporatic anymore.
Now if you excuse me, I've got to finish up some of my own drawings to post in here. Take it easy and see ya later! - Jake

December 28th, 2004
Ugh!! What happened?!?!
Actually I know what's been going on, and it's not anyone's fault. In fact, if you'd be so kind as to click RIGHT HERE, you'll see just one of the reasons why there hasn't been any new updates lately, and at the same time, understand the matter is behind us. Believe me, noone is more bummed out how 2004 turned out than I am. That's why the new year is guaranteed to be quite the opposite. So if you'll allow me to say them four days early, below are my 2005 New Year Plight Site Resolutions. And if you don't care about that stuff, just skip down to the new updates. Cool? Cool. Okay....

Numero Uno: I will spend less time administrating and more time creating. I learned my lesson juggling so many things and relying on too many people only leads to disaster. And because of it, I only have a handful of stuff and a half-completed Blockbuster Gallery to show for it. And no, all the free sketches and pin-ups I did for other people doesn't count.

Part Deux: Because I'm 40% done with it already, I resolve to have the first issue of Plight done this year. And not by the end of the year either. Like say, split that in half and you have a reasonable target to go by. And while we're on the subject, I also pledge NOT to redo any more pages again. Once something is completed, it will stay completed.

Act Three: I will be more considerate of the Kari fans out there and let her participate in next summer's Blockbuster Gallery. On that note, I promise to not harp if the guest artists want to do a picture of Kari (even if she DOES outnumber all the other characters by a majority in that category). I'll also THINK ABOUT (and keep in mind, this isn't a definate yes) some of the suggestions I've received from all of you. If it's done tastefully, it's likely to happen. But no - Erik is still the main character. Sorry.

And Number Four: With Crimsonpug.com coming back, along with a revised "Yin Versus Plight", I'll be more informative to everyone about what's going on. Yes, I have two secret projects I have yet to announce but as soon as I'm absolutely sure they will happen, you'll hear it first here. And yes, one of them will be completely out of both Tony and my hands.

So there you have it. What to expect in 2005, which I've monikered "The End of the 10 year Warm-Up".

Anyhow, given things are winding down I thought it'd be nice to clean house a little and debut some pieces that for one reason or another never got posted. They include a historical piece of lost history entitled, "Passionate Couples Embarass Students", a quick sketch of Harley Quinn that I thought came out great, a message board avatar of Aurra Sing for a Star Wars fan (that's not Tony!), and a sketch of Kari as Plight Girl for someone's sketchbook (which I've posted in here colored).
So there you go. 2004 is closing up shop for the Plight Site, but be sure to be here when 2005 rolls around. It's going to be great; really, really, REALLY great! - Jake