Sam and Fuzzy Q & A: 8-bit Edition
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"Is there no chance of getting the bonus package of desktop wallpapers that came with the last Book Club email? I just started reading the comic and only now saw the ads that told of the deadline back in September." -Froggy

In theory, each of the Book Club bonus pack releases is meant to be a one-time-only deal. But since a lot of nice-sounding folks missed out on the first one, and since generosity is in season at this time of the year... I think I can make an exception this one time!

YOUR NEW REALITY IS THIS: everyone who picks up a book before December 15th will not only receive our brand new second bonus pack, but also the first pack from back in September! This will, however, be your absolute last chance to nab both packs. If you think I'll be feeling this nice again in the middle of February, you have forgotten what February is like!

If you've bought a book, you can look forward to receiving both bonus packs a day or two after the 15th. Thanks for your support!

"How often do you get the inevitable (and annoying) "SOMEONE ELSE HAS DONE THIS BEFORE, GET SOME ORIGINAL IDEAS" e-mails?" -Duncan

Not nearly as often as the "WAS _____ MEANT TO BE A SUBTLE REFERENCE TO _______" emails!

In seriousness, I almost never get grouchy emails of any sort! Compared to many of the other cartoonists I know, my inbox is a haven of civility... especially considering some of the ridiculous crap I have pulled in the strip over the years. (Hey, here's an idea... let's hide the main character for ten months and see what happens!)

Sam and Fuzzy's readers are a very tolerant and supportive bunch, and for that, I am tremendously thankful. It's because of you guys that I get to do what I've always wanted to do, and I'll always do my best to do right by you all.

"OK, I love the new shirt design... but isn't Sonic a 16-bit character? What's the deal?" -Deco

As you can probably guess, I waffled back and forth between 8 and 16 for quite awhile during the design process. The way I saw it, one franchise was predominantly 8-bit (with a handful of 16-bit sequels and spin-offs), and one franchise basically ushered in the 16-bit era (but had a massive number of 8-bit titles produced after the fact). In the end, I decided to go with 8-bit for two main reasons:

- The 8-bit era is what I associate most with old-school Olympics games.

- 8-bit Olympics would generate the most controversy and publicity-gaining gamer blog entries sounded better!

True story!

That's a wrap for this week, team. Come back on Monday for more comics!



-Sam Logan

New shirts now on sale

It's true... we have not one... not two... but three brand new t-shirt designs now on sale! And with plenty of time to pick them up for the holidays. (Although international buyers hoping to use the cheapest shipping option should think about placing their orders today -- Click here to view our various holiday shipping deadlines.)

As you can probably tell, I had a lot of fun designing these suckers. Here's a closer look!


Catalooooooupe
This show went way downhill when they introduced Cataloupe. Still, there were a lot of demands for Cataloupe-wear, and he made for a pretty cute design... so who am I to say no?


X vs. Y
I wanted to do a new textless design -- something with the same simple, stark black-and-white art style I use for the comic. The epic ongoing battle between Mr. X and Mr. Y was a perfect fit. Plus, the two of them form this striking zig-zag shape that I like for deep and profoundly arbitrary reasons.


8-bit Olympics
What can I say? This was the Olympics game I really wanted. (And I'm sure I wasn't the only one.) But I don't know how to make games! So I made this shirt instead.

All three designs are available now in the Sam and Fuzzy Topatoco Store. Consume!

-Sam Logan

Desert Bussing

Today, I have made the trek to Victoria to visit my friends at Desert Bus! I will be popping in to DBHQ sometime this afternoon... and will even be driving the fabled virtual bus myself, starting at 4pm PST! I'm only doing an hour long guest shift, which is nothing compared to the insane 24-hour shifts the Loading Ready Run gang have been taking. But their generous donators have paid good money for their suffering, and I would hate to interrupt it for too long!

In other news, here's a sneak peek at one of the bonus goodies our Book Club members will be receiving in mid December. This desktop -- which is actually based on a new disappearing/reappearing "magic" mug that we'll be selling through Topatoco -- features nearly every major ninja mafioso the comic has ever seen. (Although in some cases, they haven't been seen for a long, long time!)



All our Book Club members will receive this desktop -- plus some other exclusive desktops and a never-before-seen classic comic -- on December 16th! If you want to join too, it's easy... all you have to do is pick up a copy of Sam and Fuzzy Fix Your Problem before the 15th. (And don't worry... if you've already bought a book, you will get them too!)

edit: Also, don't freak out or anything, but three new shirts just went on sale!



-Sam Logan