SCUD THE DISPOSABLE ASSASSIN 1994-2008 - thank you.
cover by Doug Tennapel
Hey, guys.
Today’s a big day for me. Scud’s conclusion hits the stands this afternoon. After 15 years this project has taken me to so many places. Right now, it seems very surreal. The world is tingling at a different frequency. It’s hard to describe. I can’t believe I was capable of doing this amount of work. 764 pages of art. 8-12 hours a day, that’s over 9,000 hours.
Scud has taught me so much. Commitment. Endurance. Craftsmanship. Honor. The book quite literally made a man out of me. Twice.
All the while I was growing up, you guys were growing up with me. I get fan art, books, cartoons and movies all the time and you all blow me away. So much talent out there. I am humbled that I could inspire such awesome creativity. And very, very proud.
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But what about you? Yes, you- the one who hasn’t taken the plunge. Don’t think I can’t sense you; sitting in the back of the room, hoping you will go unnoticed. You have so much inside of you, don’t you? Those ideas and dreams are so big, you feel like your head will burst. It hurts sometimes, doesn’t it? It’s lonely too. Nobody understands. When will your time come? – I’m telling you, that day will happen but YOU have to take the first step.
But you’re scared. “What if I’m wrong? What if my dreams are dumb? What if nobody likes them? What if I work really, really fucking hard and nothing happens?”
I’m not going to promise that the water isn’t cold. But I will promise that once you’re in, your body and mind will adjust, and soon, you’ll be swimming. You won’t win all the the time (because nobody can) but you won’t lose all the time either. Take comfort in that.
Here, I’ll give you a push: You are a creator. YOU HAVE NO CHOICE.
Everytime you feel like quiting on your dream, get up and look into the mirror and say “I REFUSE to be beaten.” Then turn around and get your ass back to work.
This is a direct order coming from me, JUMP IN. Do it. Now. Tomorrow is for other people and you are special.
Good luck. I’ll be waiting.
Rob