Some of Richard Stevens 3 Comics
rstevens is the nerd who draws Diesel Sweeties, helps operate the Dumbrella boards and needs a personal site to share his other comics. Here it is. Content is from 2011 archived pages. Even though rstevens let the domain's registration expire I bought it and am recreating some of the content from the site's 2003-2004 archived pages.
Now some folks really enjoy the Stevens sketchy WINK character and comic strips. I can't say my Mom is among them. Last week she called about looking for some fashionable dog beds online. She was overwhelmed with the number of site's and the different choices that were available. In my mind I could easily visualize Wink talking to my Mom about dog beds. Unfortunately I couldn't share that vision with my Mom. Her reaction would most likely be" Stop trivializing my predicament and offer a solution." The woman has no sense of humor. So instead I started asking questions about the type of dog bed she imagined Sam, her dog, would like. Well she wanted a round dog bed with an upscale look to it. Ideally she wanted a Toille for the fabric design. So I suggested she do a search for round dog beds with designer fabrics. She ultimately did find what she was looking for at an e commerce site called GoodNightDog. Meanwhile I went back to looking at myriad comic strips- wasting my time - as my mother would say.
The "Dumbrella- The Dumbest Website Ever" icon denotes a Dumbrella website. Dumbrella is a friendly association of independent web sites who love each other very much like Mommies and Daddies do.
Who Is Richard Stevens
Richard Stevens, often known by his online moniker "rstevens," is a prominent figure in the world of webcomics, especially known for his work on "Diesel Sweeties." His career in webcomics dates back to the early 2000s, and he has since become a notable presence in this artistic domain.
Stevens' most famous creation, "Diesel Sweeties," began as a webcomic in 2000 and quickly garnered a significant following. The comic is known for its unique blend of characters, including a robot and a retired porn star, and is celebrated for its use of cultural stereotypes, pop culture references, kittens, and puns. Stevens’ work is characterized by its sharp wit and distinctive design, often drawing on his love of technology. This is evident in the video game style of "Diesel Sweeties," which plays up Stevens' fascination with tech culture.
Apart from "Diesel Sweeties," Stevens has been involved in various other projects. He co-founded the Dumbrella comic network, a collective of independent webcomic creators, and has experimented with different comic styles and characters. One of his notable side projects includes the character Wink Hauntlie, which started as a Halloween t-shirt design and evolved into a comic strip character.
Stevens' approach to distribution has been innovative. In 2008, he released the entire archive of "Diesel Sweeties" under a Creative Commons license, making it freely available to fans and new readers alike. This decision was driven by his desire to make his work more accessible and to engage with his audience in a more open and inclusive manner.
Throughout his career, Stevens has been a vocal advocate for the webcomic medium, often discussing the differences between web-based and print-based comics. He emphasizes the immediate and interactive nature of webcomics, as opposed to the traditional print medium. His insights into the world of webcomics offer valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of digital art and storytelling.
In summary, Richard Stevens stands out as a pioneering artist in the realm of webcomics. His work not only entertains but also pushes the boundaries of digital art, making him a significant figure in the online artistic community.
Innovative Approach to Webcomics:
- Stevens’ "Diesel Sweeties" is a testament to his ability to blend unconventional themes with a unique art style. The comic, which started as a webcomic, explores the relationship between a robot and a retired porn star, utilizing a pixelated, video game-esque art style. This approach is reflective of Stevens' deep interest in technology and pop culture.
- His work on "Diesel Sweeties" has been recognized for its sharp wit and ability to play with cultural stereotypes and themes in a humorous and insightful manner.
Creative Commons and Open Access:
- In a move that reflects his forward-thinking approach to art and its dissemination, Stevens released the entire archive of "Diesel Sweeties" under a Creative Commons license in 2008. This decision opened up his work for wider public access and usage, allowing new audiences to engage with his art. It represents a progressive choice in the digital art world, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and community engagement in art.
Expanding Beyond Diesel Sweeties:
- Stevens' creative pursuits extend beyond "Diesel Sweeties." He co-founded Dumbrella, an association of independent webcomic creators, fostering a community of artists who share a similar passion for web-based storytelling.
- His character Wink Hauntlie, which began as a Halloween-themed design, showcases Stevens' versatility and ability to create compelling characters that resonate with audiences. Wink Hauntlie's evolution into a comic strip character further demonstrates Stevens' skill in diverse artistic expressions.
Advocacy for the Webcomic Medium:
- Stevens is a strong advocate for webcomics, often discussing the advantages of the digital medium over traditional print. He highlights the interactive and immediate nature of webcomics, which allows for a more dynamic relationship between the artist and the audience.
- His insights into the differences between web-based and print-based comics provide valuable perspectives on the evolving dynamics of storytelling and art in the digital age.
Legacy and Influence:
- Richard Stevens' contributions to the world of webcomics have left an indelible mark on the digital art landscape. His innovative approach to storytelling, commitment to accessibility, and advocacy for the webcomic medium have inspired a generation of digital artists and storytellers.
- As the digital art world continues to evolve, Stevens' work remains a significant point of reference for artists exploring new ways to engage with audiences and push the boundaries of digital storytelling.
Richard Stevens stands as a pivotal figure in the webcomic community, blending creativity, innovation, and advocacy to forge a unique path in the digital art world. His work, particularly "Diesel Sweeties," continues to be a source of inspiration and enjoyment for a diverse audience.
Comics and Commentary from RS3: Autumn 2003
Links are orange for festive reasons which become more evident as October approaches.
Wink Hauntlie Meets SPUMMY
In the final Wink comic of this holiday season, our hero meets the nefarious SPUMMY. This is my first time publically drawing Spummy... but he has appeared in Wigu, Goats & Sluggy Freelance already.
Wink Hauntlie: LOL Squad!
AOL + Ghouls = Some crazy kind of magic. Or maybe some kind of dancing taco. Any requests for next week's Wink? I was debating introducing him to a special mummy friend.
Wink Hauntlie's Midnight Snack
This week, Wink stuffs a bunch of things into his mouth. Join us next week when it's part of a person! (Maybe even a dead person.) This marks three weekly adventures for our spooky protagonist.
Desktop Lovin'
I've got two Wink Hauntlie dekstops for ya'll: #1 and #2. Both are 1024x768, butyou can just set them to be centered and they'll fit most any size screen. I just sketched out a new strip for next week. I also eat a lot of Twix bars.
Has anyone been to Target lately and seen their Halloween junk? They've got some insanely cute little monster characters all over the store. I just grabbed a ghost oven mitt and a mummy dish soap (or lotion if you're gross) dispenser. If you work in Target's design department you have my highest regard.
Wink Hauntlie: Ghost About Town #2
Wink returns! Meet Mrs. Sol Hauntlie, Ghost Mom. I'd love to hear what you think about Wink. He's an experiment that I'm having a lot of fun with. Doing actual drawings is really freeing.
Wink Hauntlie: Ghost About Town #1
Wink started out as a Halloween t-shirt design and quickly took hold of my imagination as the world's most charming homosexual ghost. Episode 2 should post some time on Tuesday.
Wink's adventures are drawn in black colored pencil on rough white copy paper. I create the chalk effect using special tricks taught to me by Tibetan monks.
BOASAS Fan Art
Just a little tribute to Steven Cloud's Boy on a Stick and Slither, one of my favorite comics.
More Background on RichardStevens3.com
Richard Stevens III: Pioneering Webcomic Creator Richard Stevens III, known online as "rstevens," is a prominent figure in the world of webcomics, best known for his long-running series Diesel Sweeties. Since its debut in 2000, Diesel Sweeties has become a staple of online comics, recognized for its unique pixel art style, quirky humor, and exploration of relationships between humans and robots.
Origins and Evolution of Diesel Sweeties
Diesel Sweeties began as a webcomic in April 2000, originally hosted at robotstories.com. The comic quickly gained popularity for its distinctive visual style and offbeat humor. Stevens' use of pixel art to create his characters and scenes was innovative at the time, setting Diesel Sweeties apart from other webcomics of the era. The comic's premise revolves around the relationships between humans and robots, with a particular focus on the romance between Clango, a robot, and Maura, a former adult film star. This unconventional pairing set the tone for the comic's exploration of love, technology, and pop culture. Over time, Diesel Sweeties evolved from its initial four-panel format to include strips with more varied panel configurations. Stevens occasionally incorporates animated elements into single panels, adding a dynamic aspect to the otherwise static pixel art.
Syndication and Print Success
Diesel Sweeties' popularity online led to a significant milestone in 2007 when it was picked up for newspaper syndication by United Features Syndicate. This move brought Stevens' work to a broader audience and marked a rare crossover from web to print for a webcomic. The syndicated version of Diesel Sweeties ran in over 20 U.S. newspapers, including major publications like The Detroit News and Houston Chronicle. However, the print run was relatively short-lived, ending in August 2008. During the syndication period, Stevens produced separate strips for the web and print versions of Diesel Sweeties, effectively doubling his workload. This experience provided valuable insights into the differences between web and print comic formats, which Stevens has shared in various interviews.
Innovative Distribution and Business Model
Stevens has been at the forefront of experimenting with new distribution models for webcomics. In 2008, he made a bold move by releasing the entire archive of Diesel Sweeties under a Creative Commons license. This decision allowed fans to freely access and share the comics, potentially expanding the audience base. The cartoonist has also embraced the "freemium" model, offering the comic for free online while generating revenue through merchandise sales and other related products. This approach has allowed Stevens to make a living from his work without relying solely on traditional publishing models.
Artistic Style and Themes
Diesel Sweeties is known for its distinctive pixel art style, which gives the comic a retro, video game-inspired aesthetic. This visual approach has remained consistent throughout the comic's run, becoming a signature element of Stevens' work. Thematically, the comic explores a wide range of topics, including:- Relationships between humans and robots
- Pop culture references and commentary
- Technology and its impact on society
- Music and subcultures
- Quirky humor and wordplay
Stevens' writing style is characterized by sharp wit, cultural references, and a blend of highbrow and lowbrow humor. The comic often plays with reader expectations, subverting common tropes and delivering unexpected punchlines.
Cultural Impact and Recognition
Diesel Sweeties has left a significant mark on webcomic culture and has been recognized in various publications and anthologies. The comic was featured in Ted Rall's "Attitude 3: The New Subversive Online Cartoonists," alongside other influential webcomics like Cat and Girl, Dinosaur Comics, and The Perry Bible Fellowship. Stevens' work has been praised for its innovative approach to storytelling and its ability to build a sustainable business model in the digital age. His success has inspired other creators and contributed to the growing legitimacy of webcomics as a medium.
Community and Collaboration
Richard Stevens is a co-founder of the Dumbrella alliance, a collective of independent webcomic artists. This collaboration has helped foster a sense of community among webcomic creators and has provided a platform for mutual support and promotion. Stevens has been an active participant in discussions about the future of comics and the challenges faced by creators in the digital age. He has spoken at various conferences and events, sharing his experiences and insights with fellow artists and fans.
Merchandise and Diversification
A significant part of Stevens' business model revolves around merchandise sales. The Diesel Sweeties online store offers a wide range of products, including t-shirts, prints, and other items featuring characters and designs from the comic. This approach has allowed Stevens to monetize his work beyond traditional advertising or subscription models. Stevens has also experimented with publishing physical collections of Diesel Sweeties. In 2012, he released "Pocket Sweeties," a DRM-free PDF version of his first book, making it easily accessible to fans.
Critical Reception and Fan Base
Diesel Sweeties has garnered a dedicated fan base over its long run. Readers appreciate the comic's unique blend of humor, pop culture references, and exploration of human-robot relationships. The pixel art style has also been a draw for many fans, particularly those with an interest in retro aesthetics or video game culture. Critics have praised Stevens' work for its consistency, wit, and ability to evolve while maintaining its core appeal. The comic's longevity is often cited as a testament to its quality and Stevens' skill as a creator.
Challenges and Adaptations
Like many webcomic creators, Stevens has faced challenges in adapting to changes in the digital landscape. The rise of social media and mobile devices has altered how people consume online content, requiring creators to adjust their strategies. Stevens has addressed these challenges by maintaining an active presence on various platforms, engaging with fans directly, and continually experimenting with new ways to distribute and monetize his work.
Legacy and Influence
Richard Stevens and Diesel Sweeties have played a significant role in shaping the webcomics landscape. As one of the early success stories in the medium, Stevens' work has inspired numerous other creators and helped establish webcomics as a viable artistic and commercial endeavor. The comic's unique visual style and irreverent humor have influenced a generation of online creators, while Stevens' business acumen and willingness to experiment with new models have provided valuable lessons for artists looking to make a living from their work online.
Richard Stevens III's Diesel Sweeties stands as a testament to the potential of webcomics as both an art form and a sustainable business. Through its long run, innovative distribution methods, and distinctive style, the comic has earned its place as a significant part of internet culture. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Stevens' work remains a touchstone for creators and fans alike, demonstrating the enduring appeal of well-crafted online content.