The best intentions fall short

it's a shame, but true. On January 10, 2010, I posted page 179 of Kukuburi with aspirations of finishing my then grand tale. Then nothing for seven years. I can't believe it, but have no other excuse than life just got busy, ridiculously so. A rollercoaster of ups and downs, opportunity and responsibility, with white hairs in my beard to embellish it.

Kukuburi was an utter joy to work on, a place I could play, and not have a care in the world. Since it ended, the playing seemed to have stopped, and responsibility took over. While the work for Marvel and other clients in the intervening years has been enjoyable, and at times frustrating, it has helped me grow creatively and professionally as a storyteller and creative. All the while Kukuburi lingered in the back of my mind, a place I yearned to return to, not just to finish the story I started, but for the creative freedom it allowed me.

I'm a little older now, and would hope a little wiser. So now, as I sit ready to return and finish what I began so long ago it's with different set of eyes and ideologies. I'm curious to see where Nadia takes me this time around.

Why a mailer though? I'm taking things one step at a time. I now know not to announce a return and unintentionally fall short, do three updates and then disappear. This is me connecting with you, the audience, fans of Kukuburi, and sharing with you my journey as I work on finishing Nadia's tale and then post it all in one grand gesture. You'll also be holding me accountable. So join me if you will in returning to the Inbetween...

What I've been up to...

Some of you may have been following me on social media, but for those of you who haven't, I'll share a little. Prior to Kukuburi I dabbled in comics, I would do an odd issue or couple for Marvel here and there. But around 2011, I had the opportunity to take on a project that would change my career; Tale Of Sand. A work I am very proud of, but with that turning point, my career became all comics. Which was exciting, but also a helluva lot more work. The man hours that go into a page of comic art is triple what might go into an editorial illustration, or an advertising concept. It's just that much more labour intensive.

I say that from from experience, and not some arbitrary position. I've worked in all industries art related, and it's a sad fact. People draw comics because they LOVE to, it's a passion. Moving into comics is a choice I don't regret in the least, but it was one that taught me a lot. I've had the opportunity to collaborate, and co-write, with some of Marvel's best writers in the intervening years on creating stories I've very proud of.

I've also collaborated with one of the most well respected screenwriter's in Hollywood, Aline Brosh Mckenna (of The Devil Wears Prada, and Crazy Ex-Girlfirend), on a soon to be released adaptation of Jane Eyre. The knowledge and experience I've gained has been invaluable, but now it's time to tell my own stories, rather than help others tell theirs.

What Else?

In 2006 I joined RAID (Royal Academy of Illustration & Design) and an inner group of us spun off and did Transmission-X (or TXcomics) which is where Kukuburi began. A decade later I am RAID's defacto captain and help steer the ship. I'm really proud of what the studio has grown into, and where we're going. This year is the studio's 15th anniversary, and we've been

quite busy. At the end of this summer we will be releasing our 128 page story ominous featuring the talents of the studio and it's extended family. The talent under the roof impresses me on a day to day basis, I'm always inspired and continually challenged to push myself creatively. If you're curious, we've started a studio mailer, of which you can sign onto here if you're inclined: The RAID Brigade and previous instalments can be viewed HERE.

Well that was a lot of me blathering on. I just wanted to give you a little catch up on me, where I went, where I am, and where I plan to go. What you can expect from this mailer in months to come is a focus on Kukuburi, with more art and less talk. Bi-weekly inside peeks at sketches and progress, and occasionally some news on me that might directly compliment Kukuburi's journey, and maybe some contests for the helluvit. I look forward to sharing with you my progress in the months to come... and of course returning to a world I love.

- Ramón