Happy 20th, Ronald McDonald House of Memphis!

Muley got to spend the day today (Thursday, August 25th, 2011) at the RMH helping celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the opening of the house. If you were there and have photos, please share them with us. In the meantime, here is the photo Muley took of himself with his cellphone.

The week started off with the honorary renaming of Alabama Avenue (out front of the RMH) as John "Bad Dog" McCormack Avenue. Everyone will remember him from his many, many years as part of the most awesome radio trio, The Wake-Up Crew, on Rock 103 who raised money for years doing the Wake-Up Crew Radiothon for the RMH. SO, please help celebrate the memory of Bad Dog and further celebrate the RMH's 20th Anniversary! Make a $20 donation in celebration of both!

Those Recent Earthquakes and Thoughts

Just wanted to add a quick note that I hope everyone is okay after the earthquakes across the country yesterday; but, also to remind everyone that it could be worse than it was—an awakening to all that we should live each day as though it were the last. Remember to be happy, make others happy, forgive and love one another! That way, you have no regrets.

Muley for Mayor: Part 4

Yes, yet again Muley is still trying to figure out his speech.  So, he's sought the help of one of his more theological pals, Calvin Cow, to help him search.  They are going through books galore in hopes of finding something to draw from...

Why does this strip pay a special tribue?  Well, on August 28th the dedication of a memorial paying tribute to one of the greatest Americans ever will be happening.  Finally, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a great humanitarian who didn't necessarily preach on the advancement of a particular people but rather the peace and tranquility of all races communing and living together, will have a great honor bestowed upon him by those who support and maintain his message of love, acceptance and respect.

You can find out more about the MLK Memorial by clicking here.  Help keep this dream alive by making a donation.

Muley for Mayor: Part 3

Muley is still working on his speeches, and here are his next two test rats. 

Erm--test dog and duck...

On August 25th, you can find Muley appearing at the Ronald McDonald House's 20th Anniversary Beach Part here in Memphis, TN!  Want to help out?  Donate to the RMH!

Muley for Mayor: Part 2

So, it appears that Muley is getting geared-up for his mayoral race.  "Appears."

...and, then, just what do you do with the ears you've been loaned??

MULEY FOR MAYOR!!

In November, we'll be voting for the Mayor of Memphis.  Muley wants to have that position.  No clue why, but he does.  I think it says a lot about a city when a 6 year old talking mule wants to try and fix it.  So, recently, he went downtown and submitted his Application for Mayor.

SUPERMAN CELEBRATION 2011 - A Photo Montage

Rather than setting up a photo gallery somewhere, we wanted to offer a video montage of images from our trip to the 2011 Superman Celebration.  But, not to be left out, Muley decided he wanted to narrate the images.  Yay.  Never give a 6 year old a microphone and say, "Okay."

Superman Celebration is held each year in Metropolis, IL, during the 2nd weekend of June.  If you haven't been, you should go!  It's always fun, and we always say that if you go to Metropolis and don't leave with at least one new friend you did something wrong.  Everyone is so nice there:  the locals, the visitors, the stars...you'll want to live there.

We love going back each year to see our old friends and make new ones.  There is always something to do and something to learn. 

This year, Muley was able to perform his show "Muley's Talent(less) Revue" and he also emceed the kids' costume contest.  Up and down the street, he stopped for photographs and visited with the attendees, some from as far away as France.

We live in Artists Alley & Writer's Way which hosted Muley, Kevin L. Williams, Martheus and Janet Wade and DaMarco Randle.  There was a slew of other great artists, writers, and more!  We're always thankful to the City of Metropolis, IL, for the trip and friendships!

(By the way, if Muley annoys you like he does me, you can turn the sound down and hum the Superman Theme yourself.)

Learn more about Superman Celebration by clicking here.
Our friends, the Wades, can also be found at http://www.toshigawa.com/.

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Tools and Techniques: The Light Table

Way too long ago, I needed a light table and so that rendered me needing to construct one (because it is less costly).  The next big thing I had to do was to discover what items I needed:
-16x20 Picture Frame
-1x4" wood
-16x20" presswood
-Under-the-counter light
-White paint

I formed the 1x4" wood to fit the size of the wooden picture frame (leaving a notch underneath so the under-the-counter light cord can fit through it).  Next, I nailed the presswood for the bottom and then painted the entire inside white (to cause the light to reflect outward later).  Then, I nailed the frame (open side up so I can get into the light box later) to the 1x4" wood.  Next, I attached the under-the-counter light on the inside of the lightbox, closest to the side where I plan to do the majority of the drawing on it.  Finally, I added the picture frame on top (after taking the glass out).  It is positioned so I can replace the glass later (it is my suggestion to also get some plexiglass that can be placed under the glass--this is so you can use the glass to also cut things with an Xacto if needed, and the plexiglass supports the glass).

And for the grande finale, I painted the exterior blue and yellow, my "corporate colors."  The result: a light table that I've used since the early 1990's.

I hope that this information is helpful and lends you to making your own light table.  If you have any questions, please feel free to post them below or visit us on Facebook.

LOLLIPOP TREES EXIST!!

Growing up and in college, folks would tell me that I was drawing the trees all wrong.  In college is when the title "lollipop trees" first came into discussion about my round-top foliage on the thin body of the tree.  "No tree looks like this," the instructor told me in painting.  "Yes, it does," I replied.  "Charles Schulz draws the Kite-eating Tree this way.  If he does it, it exists." 

Nope, I was told it did not exist and I needed to work on my trees.  So, instead, I began doing something a little different.  But, recently and NOW I think I've changed my mind. 

You might say Lollipop Trees don't exist, but nature says they do!!

Muley in Cape Con (Yep, he's bringing some Jetta, too)!

You can find Muley the Mule this weekend at Cape Con, the 6th annual convention in Cape Girardeau, MO.  Held at the Osage Centre located at 1625 N Kingshighway Street, this year's convention promises to be chock full of fun!

First on the card (because we're biased) you'll find Muley the Mule, yukkin' it up with folks as they stop by his table for a visit.  He'll be promoting his stuff, but also have on hand copies of MAW Productions' "Jetta-Shi: Arrow of Destiny" cross-over book that was written and drawn by Martheus Wade with covers by Billy Tucci who just so happens to be a guest at this year's Cape Con!

Find out more about meeting Memphis artists, other guests and directions, tickets and more by visiting the official Cape Con website by clicking on the logo below!

Superman Celebration 2011

We're all very happy around here to be heading into Metropolis, IL, for the Superman Celebration!  There, you'll find lots of great folks--guests, visitors, hometown folk--and we always say that "if you go to Metropolis and don't leave having made one new friend, then you didn't do something right."  We've always made new friends, and are always glad to see and visit with our old friends.

In the meantime, SuperMule sez:

Now, you can see the whole schedule of events by clicking here.

Friday at 2:30, you'll be able to see Muley's Talent Revue during the show which features performances by all the characters of "Muley's Comix and Stories" and the extended MuleyVerse--all assisted by MAW Productions' Martheus and Janet Wade, our very cool and artsy pal DaMarco Randle, and Kevin L. Williams--whoever he is.

MAW Productions' Martheus Wade and Andrew Chandler will be teaching cartooning classes.  Muley will be helping emcee the Kids' Costume Contest at 4 pm on Friday as well.  Then, all weekend long, you can find characters and art at the booth, including meet and greet with Jetta and Turra from "Jetta: Tales of the Toshigawa" and "Turra: Gun Angel - Bombs and Betrayal."

Don't forget, if you bring a receipt showing that you donated to the family of Jake Black to help pay for bills associated with his cancer treatment, you get a free Muley sketch!

So, we hope to see you around.