Long story short, Untilted is a mixed media comic strip that revolves around the life of a loner who occasionally interacts with random strangers. The strip's narrative is characterized by its focus on the protagonist's isolated existence, punctuated by brief and often unexpected encounters with people from various walks of life. The storyline is largely episodic, with each installment showing either the protagonist engaging in a new and often awkward interaction with a stranger, or just the protagonist's internal monologue. These encounters can range from mundane conversations to more profound and introspective exchanges.

There's no deep complicated lore or anything like that. It's more like a collection of standalone episodes rather than a continuous story with an overly complex plot or detailed world-building. I'm not that kind of person. I like to keep things fun and spontaneous.

Oh, and it sounds mundane on the surface, but it will be so much more than that.

Target audience? Might be on the younger side, encompassing all genders with a slight skew towards introverted personalities. God knows what areas they’re most likely from, probably areas with a working Internet connection, with interests in comics, social commentary, and digital art.

If you have to keep asking what my target audience is after I just explained it to you, it's clear that you are not it.

Untilted isn’t confined to a single genre, as it often blends elements from various genres. Regardless, its core tone and style are most closely aligned with comedy, plus some slightly dramatic moments that are seamlessly woven into the narrative to provide depth without overshadowing the overall lighthearted feel. The comedy arises organically from character interactions and observational insights into daily routines, capturing the subtle absurdities we all experience. It's all about inviting the audience to laugh, reflect, and connect with the characters on a personal level.

Generally, the art of Untilted tends to be a fusion of fine art and popular art. I merge the meticulous attention to detail, rich textures, and layered symbolism found in fine art with the bold storytelling, simple but dynamic composition, and accessible visual style characteristic of popular art. And no, it isn't just slapping a bunch of pop culture references on an oil painting and calling it a day. I actually try to do something original with my art. Very few comic artists are willing to combine something like abstract expressionism with traditional ink and pen comic art, mostly because of the contrasting mediums each of them involve but also because one is objectively more harder to interpret for the general public than the other. Whether it's through intricate backgrounds or vibrant and easy to follow sequences, I can easily create art that resonates on multiple levels, engaging both those who appreciate subtler, symbolic layers and viewers looking for clear, compelling stories.

Regardless, Untilted's genre classification is not meant to represent any particular aspects of those depicted in traditional adventure, mystery, thriller, romance, drama, historical fiction, western, poetry, science fiction, fantasy, horror, slipstream, magical realism, superhero fiction, alternate history, utopia and dystopia, fairy tales, folklore, gothic fiction, mythology, steampunk, cyberpunk, weird fiction, and apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction, but I recognize that there may be some overlap, depending on one's individual interpretation. Same goes for art styles.

I choose not to give any of my characters names because I believe names have the potential to grossly oversimplify a person’s true essence. Instead, I allow each character to exist without the confines of a label, emphasizing that people are more than just the names they're given. In my comics, there is one recurring main character who serves as the central thread, while every new installment introduces a unique character, each visually distinct. Sometimes I may even occasionally rehash some characters.

There's a specific aesthetic I want to capture. Most comic strips have speech bubbles or just text at the bottom. While the inhabitants of Untilted may not possess standardized languages in the same way we do, they do use various forms of communication to convey information, express emotions, and coordinate behaviors. But for simplicity reasons (and because I can't be arsed to make up fictional languages), the language presented in the captions are in the English language, not to erase their identities, but to make it easier for the general audience to understand them better. However the characters in Untilted do not speak any real-world language.

Nothing and no one in Untilted is intentionally coded to align with anything specific of the following: ideological movements, political ideologies, sociological theories, moral and philosophical frameworks, and medical conditions, both physical and mental. While any aspect of Untilted might resonate with elements of various experiences, these were not consciously designed to reflect or represent any particular diagnosis or identity. Any similarities are coincidental, stemming from the personal experiences and imagination of the author rather than a deliberate effort to code them in a specific way. My intention when creating Untilted was to focus on the story itself rather than attach them to specific labels or frameworks, though I understand that readers might interpret or relate to them differently, and I respect those unique perspectives.

The concept of romantic/sexual/gender orientation in my story doesn’t map neatly onto conventional human categories. In the world of Untilted, most characters have diverse reproductive anatomies and capabilities beyond what we experience in the real world. While some, including the protagonist, may display behaviors that resemble traditional notions of orientation, these actions are better understood as part of a broader spectrum of social interactions or reproductive strategies. They can serve various functions such as establishing dominance, forming social bonds, or responding to environmental conditions. However, my narrative isn’t focused on romantic/sexual content; these aspects are simply one layer in a richer, more complex portrayal of life that isn't either traditionally human or alien.

No, there are no humans, but there are several humanoid characters, including my protagonist. These characters possess unique traits and abilities that set them apart from humans, allowing for intriguing interactions and conflicts within the narrative. Their existence raises questions about identity and what it means to be sentient.

No, none of my characters are aliens or monsters or anything. They have their own unique characteristics, cultures, and abilities that differentiate them from other species. They might have humanoid forms, but they don't belong to any known species or categories like humans or animals or aliens. Or any other stereotypical category. Instead, they have their own distinct traits, abilities, and cultures that are entirely original to my story.

No. In Untilted, I intentionally focus on one character because I want to allow the audience to explore that character's complexities, motivations, and personal journey in greater depth. In today's storytelling landscape, many narratives revolve around dynamic duos and ensemble casts where the spotlight is shared among several characters. By centering the narrative on a single protagonist, we can offer a more intimate and nuanced portrayal of their inner world and challenges. Think of it like a close-up in photography that reveals details you’d miss in a broader group shot. If you think about it, it helps to create a richer, more immersive character study.

A traumatic past is not present for my character. All too often when characters are given "traumatic pasts" by their creators, it's usually to make their trauma their whole identity OR the story is largely about trauma itself. I also don't really show any trauma in the literal sense, and I'd like to keep my story free of potentially distressing elements that may detract our more vulnerable readers, out of respect for them. Untilted does acknowledge that trauma exists but it does not explicitly delve into it, because I just want this to be just a random comic strip and not an overly complex graphic novel with an overly complex plot arc. This is not a commentary on the real-world significance of trauma, but a stylistic choice.

No. That term is a dated term with misogynistic ties.

And just because physical resilience is present doesn't mean perfection in the physical domain. There are actually a lot of flaws. And Untilted is actually designed to be more nuanced and realistic compared to other comic strips.

It's not THAT kind of story. Geez. But yes, naturally, everyone fights. However, again, not that kind of story.

In contemporary society, the experience of isolation within one's community can profoundly shape an individual's identity and worldview.

My own existence in a city characterized by a lack of support from friends, family, and practically everyone I seem to run into, has contributed to a kind of life that often feels solitary and fraught with challenges. Despite my earnest attempts to secure employment and forge meaningful connections, I have frequently encountered barriers that render these aspirations elusive. The pervasive bullying I experience in my hometown, compounded by two instances of physical assault, has not only been a source of profound difficulty but has also catalyzed significant introspection regarding my place in the world.

The notion that one can simply "find their tribe" (as pop psychologists and unsolicited advice givers like to put it) as a remedy for isolation is a gross oversimplification of the complexities inherent in social dynamics.

My observations suggest that communities and groups often operate under the guise of inclusivity and support, professing to foster safe spaces and promote unity. However, the reality frequently diverges from these ideals; decisions made within these groups often prioritize the interests of a select few, ultimately undermining the collective well-being of their members.

Reflecting on my experiences and the environment around me, I have come to recognize the societal portrayal of individuals who exist outside conventional social norms - often labeled as "loners." This categorization is fraught with sociocultural stigma, as those who prefer solitude are frequently deemed "awkward" or "troubled." Such labels not only perpetuate misunderstanding but also contribute to a culture of bullying and ostracism. The societal tendency to pathologize the preference for solitude and isolation reveals a deeper discomfort with nonconformity, suggesting that the very fabric of social interaction is predicated on adherence to established norms.

Thus, my goal is to share a better work of fiction that provides a more nuanced representation of what it means to be a loner in the most intriguing and least stereotypical way possible.

But I cannot guarantee that I will be able to eschew every known stereotype, and I might mess up. I actually strongly believe it is far more empowering to authentically embrace my individuality and define my success according to my own terms.

People vary in their awareness of and sensitivity to stereotypes, and such differences are acceptable. The true objective should be to cultivate an environment in which people are liberated to pursue their aspirations and ambitions without the imposition of excessive scrutiny or judgment for not being more attentive to what other people think about them.

I also want to do this on my own terms, with very little help from anyone else in terms of running this website. But I also need and value your participation and your input.

I know that this journey won't be easy, and I'm prepared to face criticism and skepticism along the way. But I'm driven by a passion to share my story and to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Every 3 days.

The reason is because I'm one of those people who need extra time to do most things, and that includes things I'm passionate about. So I don't do dailies or hourlies or stuff like that. However, I always manage to be on time for everything.

See more here.

All official Untilted comics are primarily in this website through a free/paid membership, which you can register for/login here. However, I reserve the right to also distribute it or display it through other approved channels (in case this website becomes non-functional for whatever reason). You can also read it for free without registering, right here.

Social media platforms often condense the image to the point where it may appear low quality, and galleries present a cohesive brand and make it easier for people to evaluate my work. That's why.

I consider platforms like Tapas.io and Webtoon to be too distracting and their userbase to be potentially biased in favor of other types of comics. So I don't post to these websites.

Untilted is created for a general audience and is not primarily directed at either children or adults. Although it uses a cartoon aesthetic, this artistic style is an expression of my vision and does not imply that the content is solely intended for children. As we know, the Western world has a tendency to assume that anything cartoonized must be solely for children themselves. However the themes and narratives are designed to engage readers of all ages, and no elements have been included with the specific intent to appeal predominantly to either children or adults.

Although I recognize that in our current climate, even the most innocuous artistic choices can be viewed through a political lens, I would encourage anyone engaging with my work to try to approach this comic strip with an open mind, without any interfering preconceptions. It is one of the few artistic projects that doesn't serve as a vehicle for any known imposing rhetoric. The goal is to deliver engaging, wholesome stories that resonate on a human level, while bringing something a bit more different to the table in a world full of other comics that are either too blandly wholesome and relatable or too gritty and real. You can safely enjoy Untilted while your grandparents or children are around!

And if it makes you feel better, know that my art contains little to no: sexual themes, violence, obscene, or other mature themes not suitable for young audiences. And I never use profanity. However, my art is never too sanitized either.

Content for a general audience does not necessarily require that everything be "sanitized" if one adopts nuanced storytelling methods through symbolism and metaphor. In this way, mature themes can be explored thoughtfully and meaningfully without resorting to censorship or explicit depictions.

For example:

• Symbolism allows creators to represent traditionally "mature" ideas indirectly, giving viewers room to interpret the content based on their own understanding and comfort level.
• Metaphorical narratives introduce complex topics subtly, without shocking or alienating vulnerable audiences, while still keeping the message meaningful.
• With this, we can create a "safe space" for discussing important issues while avoiding discomfort or defensiveness.

This mode of nuanced storytelling ensures that difficult topics can be explored without compromising the audience's sensitivities or sacrificing the depth of the message. The aim is to present content that both entertains and educates, fostering critical thinking and encouraging open dialogue. It eliminates the false dichotomy that mature themes must either be censored or depicted explicitly.

If more creators realized that, there would be more safe spaces for everyone, even in entertainment, and we wouldn't need to censor anything.