July 8th, 2008.  I write the first ever System comic*.  In the weeks that followed, I began writing two comics a day, all in hopes of having a 30-comic archive by the time I went to Connecticon, in order to proudly have a comic after a year of having no reason to refer to myself as a webcomic artist.

*Don’t get snarky with me, I back dated the first couple posts so I could move things along faster.  As such, I’m calling today the “anniversary”.

We’ve come a long way since then.  Thanks to some humble links from friends made along the way, support of family and friends, and of course the excessive free time of you Systemics, The System has grown into part of both your life and mine.  I’ve done a lot of thanks for all your help throughout the site, but I will do it once more because it couldn’t be a what it is without you coming back.  As my way of saying thank you, we’re having a new contest on the site.

Jimmy the Murderdog Fan Art Contest

Grown out of a hair-brained idea written in a room with high temperatures and no ventilation, Jimmy the Murderdog has become a sort of mascot for The System.  Here’s your chance to show your love for the murderdog that shows only murderous tendencies to others.

1. Draw your interpretation of Jimmy the Murderdog.  It can be a sketch, a refined drawing, or even an all-out comic.  It can be impressionist, a realistic interpretation, or made out of stained glass.  Really, just go nuts with it.
2. Email it in to: systemcomic at gmail, subject: HE’LL GET YOU.  You have until Midnight (the end of) Sunday, August 2nd.
3. The winner (chosen by me based on however I’m feeling) will receive a Jimmy the Murderdog T-Shirt, a Jimmy the Murderdog 13″ x 19″ poster, and a The System pin set! And, of course, all other Systemics will know that you, as winner, reign supreme.

Want some ideas to get your creative juices flowing?  Luckily for you, I’ve received to “star entries” from some fellow internet peeps.

This first one is by Charles Snow of Sordid City Blues.

Our friend Noah over at Skull A Day has gone a little more elaborate outside the box, with this amazing photograph.  Hey, I never said you had to draw it.  Click the image to see it bigger, btw.

Hopefully this opens your brains to some possibilities.  Remember, comic, drawing, or anything else you come up with to interpret Jimmy the Murderdog.  Email me with questions.  So get to work, Systemics!