A: A tremendous relief and a sense of pride. I really feel that this book is a collection of the best stories I�ve ever done with these characters and I cannot wait to see everyone�s reaction to it! I worked hard on to make it consistant to what came before and also look fresh and new.

Q: Is this for longtime fans only or can new fans jump aboard?

A: I wrote this in such a way that you can read this as a stand alone and be totally fine. In the beginning, all the characters and story are re-introduced. But for those that have been with me for the other three books will see some continuation of themes and there are callbacks. The goal was to have all four books, once collected to show one evolving story. But again, if someone is new to my work, they can read this and it completely stands on its own.

Q: These characters and places in the book are inspired by your past and hometown. Does that make the ending more bittersweet?

A: Yes. That�s partly why I decided to end the book and move on to other projects. I�m in a different headspace now than I was in college. Everyone sort of grows up and moves on and for me it is no different. This book does read as a sort of loving tribute or Hallmark Card to that era of my life. I�m quite proud of the result.

Q: Fan favorite characters have been super geek Mortin and tough security guard, Ted Gross. Are they in the book?

A: Absolutely and they have alot to do! Ted foils casino thugs, has a new nemesis in a bitchy boss, and does the same stuff he usually does. He�s a modern day John Wayne and he enjoys life in the book as such. He�s got a lot of action packed sequences and some emotional ones too. As does Mortin. I�m very happy with Mortin�s arcs in this book. He gets the opportunity to direct a big budget porno, take his nerddom to new, mythic levels and even has a Trek trivia fight to the death! I got some big things happening to him in the book!

Q: Its been said that Lucas and Mortin are like two halves of you. Did you put alot of yourself into these characters this time around?

A: Oh yeah. I think by the end, you�ll see how much indeed I am a part of these characters and what happens to them. I do feel very close to them, so it was important to me that they get a proper send off. Its all equal parts action, comedy and drama. Its hard to define or pidgeonhole this book at all as any specific genre. I think it transends the indie idea of �slice of life� comic. I don�t want my work to seem too preachy or too farcical. Thats very important to me to show that the fantastic can happen and be believable. No matter how outlandish or nerdy it can become!

Q: What were the challenges in the production with this book?

A: I try to write things that are fun as well as challenging for me to do. There�s the action scenes, and I tried not to just draw plain backgrounds as much as I did in the past. I really tried to fill the panels. Sometimes I would redo whole pages three to four times. I worked hard on the whole thing. Writing-wise, I wrote some deep, challenging stuff. I have a lesbian love story in the middle of the book, which is a challenge for a straight male to write properly, I would think. You have to find the proper voice for that. I�m proud of the dialog I write in the book because it does seem natural, and real conversation-like. My narration and accents on characters has always been one of my strengths, so I worked on keeping those things up and refining them as well.

Q: What do you have to say to people that might be interested in picking up this book or your work for the first time?

A: Its an interesting time in comics right now, because of the success of the movies and all that. But also, sales on books are declining. Cause of the nature of the business, its hard for an �indie� creator to make it today. The only thing that can make it happen is for the creators themselves to step up to the plate and make a great product that people will enjoy. I really do think that Pleasant Life is a book that anyone can read and get something out of. I would urge those who are into fun, good reads that have alot of heart to it to give this book a chance.

Q: So ends Pleasant Life. What is next?

A: I am also releasing the first in a trilogy of graphic novels called THE OUTCAST later this year. I am also doing lots of work for hire and just keeping busy with it all. I�m looking forward to going to new conventions this year to promote the books. New places I�ve never been to. I never would be doing these things if it weren�t for this book and the faithful fans of my work. I really owe all my success to them and these characters in Pleasant Life. I�m sad to see them go, but happy and ready to see whats on down the trail!

Q: Any advice to anyone starting out and wants to do what you do?

A: If you woulda told me fifteen years ago that I would be doing what I do now, I wouldn�t have believed you. It was a dream and I went for it. I�d say for anyone wanting to do this, learn your trade and follow your dreams. Make them happen. They are not gonna come to your door. You gotta go out there and take what you�re worth. Just go out and rock it. Evolve and make it happen, cultivate a following an exercise patience. I�ve been doing this for going on my fifteenth year now. My enthusiasm for this is higher now than it ever has been. If you think you got the same drive to go for your dreams, then just do it. Go for it.