Way, way back in 2014, I started a story called “Bungle in the Jungle” wherein the gang gets hired to play a gig in a small bar in Wisconsin. To save money, Jeff convinces everyone to camp out instead of staying in a hotel, which they could not afford anyway. I got the story started and within a few posts realized I had a better idea. “Bungle in the Jungle” became “Hemp Island.” The stories are rather similar except one takes place in a remote campground in Wisconsin, and the other takes place on a remote island in the South Pacific. Jeff even burns up everyone’s clothes in both versions using a flare gun. 

It was while drawing this cover in 2014 with everyone in loincloths (except Robyn, oh yeah) that the idea of taking the story to an island hit me. The island version of the story flowed much better too. You’re not really that far away from civilization in Wisconsin. Well, some would argue that point, but I digress. 

You may have noticed that I’m updating a LOT of older drawings. I’m doing it for two reasons. One, it helps keep me focused on drawing. And two, I have been planning for a long time now to create a 12″ x 12″ hardcover, coffee-table style book of selected 1977 comics and drawings. So, I have been going through the archives and picking out the cream-of-the-crop comics to update so they may be included in this book. This book will not see the light of day until the end of 2024 as I have a TON of comics to update. 

New page next week for “Taking On New York,” but I thought I would share this updated cover with you all, especially all you Robyn fans. In the meantime rock out ever so slightly with Jethro Tull’s “Bungle in the Jungle” from their 1974 “War Child” album.