007 - Expression of a Knot in your Throat

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Have you ever wanted to say something you just couldn't put to words? Well, this is one of such cases. Words alone are not enough in this case. It is something that really happened. I base my comics off the things I live, see, and enjoy; yet sometimes, due to individual and introspective nature of the creative process, personal things start to seep.
The original 007 comic was to be titled "Hate Comic Number One", and featured people I hated being killed off in numerous, amusing ways (Most, involving a tall man with a red pyramid on his head and a huge sword on his hand). Actually, it was just three people: A girl whose behavior and attitude irritate me to no end; Uwe Boll (Do I need say more); and Deviant Art N00bs who only draw anime and believe they're The Best Shit Since Akira Toriyama but truly have no talent. I'm scraping that comic, I'm just not doing it.
What prompted today's comic of self-reflection, then? I can cite a number of things.
First, the "Enlightment" hinted at in the first comics. That actually kinda happened, while watching a movie... The enlightment was the realization that I had been believing my own lies, and that I had finally understood the truth (Many truths!) that today's comic so obviously states. I don't like it when people lie to me, so why should I like it when I realize I had been subconsciously doing it to myself? Find a way out. Be honest. And this is it.
Second, an awesome japanese comic called "Living Game", which is drawn in the simplest, most old school style, and features some of the best layouts I've seen in a japanese comic. The story has a very basic premise that grows real fast and is the driving point behind the entire 10 volumes: A 25 guy who, after an earthquake, has to accomodate his office at home, along with the boss and the coworkers. His personal space is incredibly reduced, and even more so when the company hires a new employee: a 15 year-old girl. At first, he teases her, but soon he decides he will do his best to look after her, without realizing that decision might be the most influential and life-changing he will ever take. It's simple, it's sweet, and at some veeeeery specific points, it feels incredibly real. I don't get that often, so check it out.
Finally, Honey and Clover, another work of Japanese animation. It's a romantic story with hints of comedy, which means it might be everyone's cup of tea. Watch it, though; it grows on you. There is, however, a moment in Episode 10 that resonated strongly with my own situation. If you watch it, you'll know.
All these influences, albeit at different times, have forced me to think what I had been doing. Yes, I knew and accepted the truth. But can I face it so openly, without fear or regret? This is me, facing fear and regret, without turning away.

Another important thing to mention is that I finished this comic on Sunday, which is a whole day early. Even better: The next comic (Origins) is actually 60% done! I gotta keep the pace so I can have a reserve of comics in case I can't work on one or two.

Finally, I want to take this chance to send my best wishes to Chuy Astorga, who's finally getting his operation! (It's not what you think... It's his foot) LET'S PLAY SOME SOCCER AFTER YOU GET BETTER!