While not literally frequently asked questions, the following page contains a series of questions and answers designed to answer most general inquiries I receive about this site. If your question or concern is not covered here, please view the about, characters, and process pages as well.

[ COMIC ] [ ISSUES ] [ PERSONAL ] [ OTHER ]

COMIC

Is this comic really drawn on your lunch break?

Originally, yes. The first comic was scribbled on a sheet of printer paper during a lunch hour at my job at the time, at which point I jokingly came up with the title. The title stuck, and I continued to draw them at work until the art style evolved to the point where it was no longer feasible. The later comics with more detailed artwork and fine shading take twelve hours or more to complete. Eventually I became self-employed to concentrate completely on creative projects. Lunch Break is part of a network of sites which I depend on for a living, so if you enjoy reading the archives, please consider making a financial contribution or a purchase through the shop link on this site.

Are most of the comics really based on true events?

Most personal anecdote type comics are based on true events, or slightly altered versions of true events. Sometimes I will substitute a regular cast member instead of introducing a new character that would appear in only one strip. Conversations that occured over instant messenger may be illustrated as a telephone conversation or in-person dialogue. I research comics based on news or current events, and try to represent them as factually as possible while stating my opinions.

May I license Lunch Break comics for my publication?

Though I would love to accept your money, no. Since many of the comics are intensely personal, and almost all of them at least somewhat biographical, I prefer them to be read only in the context of this website or my books. I do not allow any licensing.

Will you give me advice about starting a comic?

I am not comfortable with and do not feel qualified to give anyone advice or critique.

ISSUES

You’re just another stupid left-wing Bush-hater! Why are you so stupid?

Believe it or not, I was raised in a very socially and economically conservative household. Into my early twenties I still listened to talk radio shows such as Rush Limbaugh regularly. It was not until I moved away from the area where I grew up to another state, and travelled frequently to Canada, that I was able to reevaluate the perspective and beliefs I had always taken for granted. I spent the requisite few years exploring extreme ideas like anarchism, socialism, and libertarianism.

While in the past I have held no general animosity for the right-wing, the unchecked corruption, attacks on civil liberties, Iraq war, and the increasing influence of religious fundamentalists have pushed me away from it for the forseeable future. I consider myself an independent, moderate progressive, and a civil libertarian. Many stripes of people do not like the Bush administration.

You’re just another stupid atheist Christan-hater! Why are you so stupid?

Please keep in mind that for the entire duration of Lunch Break, and most of my life, I have been a resident of the state of Texas. We do not live up to all of the stereotypes, but the majority of Texans are some very God-fearin’, Jesus-lovin’ people. I have a positive relationship with my religious immediate family members, but more often I find myself remaining silent about my atheism to avoid a conflict or negative judgement. My comic is frequently a vehicle to express frustration to a more receptive audience, and I use it to say many things which I cannot always say in real life.

I do not intend to single Christianity out, however, it is the religion I am exposed to and most often find myself at odds with. I have never had a person of another religion declare to my face that I am destined for Hell, or say incredulously, “You believe in that crap?” if evolution was mentioned.

You have misrepresented my personal issue! Why are you so stupid?

A short gag-a-day comic with few panels is a limited format, and I have been accused by different parties of both omitting important information and being too wordy. I attempt to remain accurate and fair to my subject matter, but often subtlety is lost in the translation to a comic. This leaves room for assumptions and interpretations that might not have been intended. We may simply disagree on a subject, or you may be mistaken about my actual opinion. Regardless, if I were interested in conducting nuanced debates regarding my personal beliefs on politics or religion, I would have a detailed and introspective public blog about it, instead of a dumb internet comic.

PERSONAL

What were your jobs, and why do you no longer have them?

Since 1998, my primary full-time employment has been as a custom picture framer, and today I still do some framing in-house at my studio. I have also worked in retail sales, as a shipping and receiving clerk, and a waitress. I was not able, for various reasons, to attend college or university, so my options have been limited. Go to school, kids. I have left my positions due to problems or personality clashes with management or coworkers, moves, being laid off, or self-employment.

The last part-time job I held was in 2004, when I finally accepted that I am not well-suited for work outside the home. I have mental, physical, and sleep problems which make it nearly impossible to adhere to a daily routine. Instead, I have done my best to work around my weaknesses and utilize my strengths to be successful. I have not always acheived that standard, but it is my goal.

Why are you so bitter and angry all of the time?

Many Lunch Break comics portray me as a concentrated mass of perpetual bitterness and anger. In reality, they only demonstrate a bias in what I am motivated to create comics about. Prolonged anger, anxiety, and stress manifest heart palpitations and other physical symptoms in me, so I have learned to let go of violent emotions quickly. Such feelings rarely last longer than the time spent to vent or express them. Often that catharsis takes the form of a comic or piece of artwork.

OTHER

Do you accept commissions or custom work?

I do not accept any commissions or custom work. There are no exceptions; please do not ask “just in case”. The many recurring requirements of operating a small business, managing and shipping products for an online storefront, and the existing projects and commitments on my schedule do not allow for accepting additional work. I am also unable to participate in artwork trades, guest comic exchanges, and group projects.

I have a question about rats as pets, or a sick rat. Can you help me?

Rats are intelligent, affectionate, and wonderful pets with both positive and negative characteristics. When properly socialized, their personality is similar to that of dogs, and they form bonds with their owners. They also have short lives, fragile respiratory systems, and often suffer from genetic health problems. Many veterinarians do not treat rats, and the ones that do can be expensive. Please research thoroughly before bringing any new pet into your home. Some online resources I use myself are Rat and Mouse Club of America, Rat Care and Health Guide, Suebee’s Rats Rule, and The Dapper Rat. I am not a veterinarian, and cannot diagnose your pet or give you medical advice. If your rat is sick or injured, please consult a veterinarian immediately.

I have a pet rat that I can no longer care for. Can you help me?

A search engine query for your city, state, or province with the phrase “animal shelter” or “pet rat rescue” will return the most relevant information for shelters and rescues in your area. You may also check the links section of I Can Has Rats. I do not have any special knowledge or the resources available to help you rehome your pet. Please do not put me in the miserable position of having your pet’s welfare on my conscience.

Where can I view more of your work in person?

Unfortunately, there are no conventions or other events where you may view my work or meet me in person for the forseeable future. I do not have sufficient time, funds, or energy to participate in them, and they are currently too disruptive to my schedule.

Where can I view more of your work online?

Please visit JinWicked.com for the complete directory of my websites.