On the hunt for ghost hunters!

by Shannon on 19 July 2011 at 12:28 pm
Posted In: blog

Ah, midsummer…when a young woman’s fancy strays to thoughts of ghosts. Okay, maybe it’s just me. :P

Strange as it seems, as fascinated as I am by ghosts and paranormal investigation, I’ve never been on a ghost-hunting tour or joined up with any local investigative outfits. Truth be told, I’m a little wary. Of course I like to get the biggest bang for my buck, not only fright-wise, but with solid research and proper respect. But when I missed a LivingSocial deal on a ghost-hunting tour in Naperville, I thought to myself: why aren’t I out there, mixing it up amongst the supernatural?

So I turn to you, dear readers. Do you know of any decent paranormal investigation societies in the Chicago region? Or, alternately, what are the best ghost tours around the city? Ideally I stay away from “kiddie” or “too much drama” stuff, though a dark sense of humor is right up my alley. Spill your guts in the comments!

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Buyers’ market!

by Shannon on 12 July 2011 at 12:03 pm
Posted In: blog

My friend Marc brought this article to my attention: three Midwest lighthouses up for auction (the CHL not being among them, unfortunately), with 12 others being given away to qualified agencies. Yes, they actually do this.

If you have always wanted the tallest house in your neighborhood, here’s your chance.

The federal government is auctioning off three decommissioned lighthouses, and the bids are still pretty low.

At last, the dream can be yours! Just be aware of the crippling loneliness, the difficulties in getting back to land, the massive remodeling, the upkeep that goes with landmark structures…and in the case of Race Rock Light (possibly more), the spectral housemates. But then, I wouldn’t know anything about that…

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A Brush with Inking

by Shannon on 9 July 2011 at 1:49 am
Posted In: blog

By conventional standards, I went ahead and did something stupid on Thursday: I bought some brushes and an ink pot from Blick. I’d been meaning to do so for some time; I figured I’d start with a brush pen (preferably Pentel), get comfortable with that, then try the traditional materials. A tweet from Gordon McAlpin of Multiplex (for whom I did a guest strip last July) recommended jumping straight into brush inking; a trial by fire, if you will. Although I admire the hell out of people who can wield one, using a brush always scared the hell out of me. I was never good at painting, if I screwed up I was boned, spilled ink ain’t a fun time, etc. On the other hand, I’m never truly happy without a pigheaded challenge, so after diddling around a bit, here are the first real fruits of my labor! (Click for larger pictures.)


Daniel, with minor corrections.


1951 MG convertible, with no corrections.

So far I’m digging it. It feels natural and flexible, like I could take it far with enough practice. Don’t look for any inked Wighthouse strips in the near future, but if I’m feeling punchy enough, you’ll probably see worthwhile experiments go up in the gallery!

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Happy Burgers, Brats & Beers Day!

by Shannon on 4 July 2011 at 7:10 pm
Posted In: blog

That’s in the Midwest, at least. I’ve never had the pleasure of celebrating Beers, Steers & Queers Day. In time…

Chicago fireworks

In honor of the Fourth, I whipped up a little color dealie of Daniel, Nate and Becky enjoying Navy Pier’s fireworks. (Click for larger size.) Due to the Chicago Harbor Light’s close proximity to the Pier, I’m guessing they’d have a primo view. Enjoy, and don’t blow off any appendages!

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Ghost Battle: Sweet Dreams

by Shannon on 1 July 2011 at 12:00 am
Posted In: Extras

How many times has this happened to you? How would you know?

Thanks for reading Ghost Battle week! It was a lot of fun to draw these little scenes; makes for a good changeup, almost like being on vacation. My new monitor is up and running, though (and so far it is magically delicious), so vacation’s over come Monday!

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