It’s been, jeez, three and a half years since I last did one of these recap comics. And over nine years since I started The System. If you don’t know what I’m talking about when I say “recap comics”, every 100 comics (like numbers 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200 and 100) we take a step back and review what we’ve learned. To say that three and a half years ago feels like an eternity feels like an understatement. Here’s some updates from the world here at System HQ:

• 5 years ago I started a design firm. 3.5 years ago there were three of us. Now there’s seven.
• A relationship didn’t work out. You may have picked up on some subtext about that.
• There was a bout with anxiety and depression.
• I moved! Twice. From that one-bedroom to a studio, and that studio to a house.
• Oh yeah! I live in a house now! And that house also has an amazing girlfriend in it.
• That house has a very nice bike commute to work.
• And of course, it has felt oftentimes like the world is going to hell.

I have debated calling the comic quits here at comic number 800. As it is, I can take every 200 comics and catch up on publishing books, and it will make for a nice four-book set. They can each be color-coded as C-M-Y-K (the first was yellow, the second is going to be cyan, we’re going a little out of order but we can get there). Truthfully though, I don’t want to put a giant period at the end of this project. As much as it sucks to have it lingering, when I do find the time to put one of these comics together it still means a great deal to me, and I’ve heard from some of you it means a great deal to you as well.

So for now, consider the project moving at a colossally slow rate for the time being. Book 2 is actually all designed and ready to go, and as soon as I find some time I’ll be putting together a Kickstarter for it so y’all can order your own copies. Hopefully the last two books will follow, and with them more comics.

Also, if you are a convention-going type, I still am hitting up the convention circuit with shirts, books, prints, and touring with the Super Art Fight gang.

Meanwhile, I’ll keep posting comics until morale improves.

—Rosscott

I’m just cornering the market on escalator jokes.

Now that one really escalates.

SEE ALSO: Escalator Terminology

Thanks, Systemics. I couldn’t have done it without you.

Relatiolators and Escalationships are real problems in DC.  Too bad mine hasn’t worked out like this.  Btw, credit goes to my friend Rachel on this, who came up with these ideas long ago and was kind enough to let me put it into a comic.  If you’re in DC, check her out Friday night in the DCist Exposed show.