Shameless plug alert: I was the guest on this week’s Comics Coast to Coast (Episode 59). Comics Coast to Coast is hosted by cartoonists Brian Dunaway and Justin Thompson. It’s always fun to be on their show. We first discussed my decision to end Stewart — and how I learned that basing a strip in San Francisco was a BAD idea. (I can admit that now.) We also talked about my former strip, “Tree,” which was about a slightly dim pine tree.

I also shared my experience as the cartoonist for a public health campaign which ran from 2002-2006. It was a highly unconventional campaign. What was it about? If you want to know, listen to the show. You will be either amused or disturbed. Or maybe both!

“Tree” is no longer online and a few people have asked about it, so here are some samples. (Claire the cow was also in “Tree.”)

Stewart: I’ve decided to end Stewart and replace it with something else. What that will be, I’m not sure yet, but I’m kicking around some ideas right now. Realistically, I won’t be able to start working on a new feature until the new year. This weekend, I’m moving out of San Francisco after living here for 14 years. Moving throws everything off–but once the dust settles, I’ll get back to the drawing board.

Golden Gate Park Bison Paddock: Golden Gate Park authorities are considering letting the bison herd die off. (Right now, all the bison are females.) Bison have been in the park for more than 100 years and a lot of people want them to stay, so hopefully they’ll let them breed. I say bring in a bull and them let get their freak on. I really hope bison stay in the park.

Thanksgiving: It’s my favorite holiday because it’s simple, fun and everyone celebrates it. Last year, I was riding the bus and, as this guy was getting off at his stop, he turned and yelled: “Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!” Normally, that kind of cheerful display would get blank stares–and maybe a few smart-ass replies. But instead, a bunch of people sincerely yelled back: “Happy Thanksgiving!” It was nice.

So Happy Thanksgiving, everybody. Below is an old Thanksgiving cartoon and another cartoon I did a couple months ago. Eat, drink and be merry.

The past three months being away from Stewart has provided me with some perspective. The bottom line is that I decided to extend this hiatus.

The baby and getting used to a new schedule are absolutely part of this decision as is the need to reevaluate what I want to do. I have been drawing more greeting cards lately (because it pays and isn’t as time consuming) and being away from Stewart has enabled me to look at it more critically. 

I’m not sure if Stewart will return the way it is now. It might even be replaced with something else entirely. The only thing I can say with certainty is that I’m going to keep cartooning. So bear with me, I’ll be back.

I appreciate everyone who reads Stewart (especially those who said they’ve been missing the strip). Your support means a lot.

-Scott

I need to put Stewart on hold for a little while. After the birth of my daughter on June 8, I’m still adjusting to being a new parent and everything that involves. Over the past couple weeks, I’ve realized that I came back to drawing Stewart too early. Plus, a couple other time-consuming things have recently come up that require me to put the strip on hiatus. 

I’m not exactly sure how long this break will be, but I want to be clear that I am not ending Stewart. This strip will return.  Once I figure out the issue of “when,” I’ll post an announcement here.

I appreciate everyone who takes time out of their day to read Stewart.  Thanks for reading.

As some of you know, my wife Katrina and I were expecting our baby girl to be born on July 3 or thereabouts. This past Friday night, Kat’s water broke and to make a long story short - our daughter Kate was born early Sunday morning, at 1:15 am. I am ecstatic but very surprised since Kate is a month early. I’m glad I put the baby car seat in last Thursday.

For those who like measurements: she’s 5 lbs 14 oz and 19″ long. Mom and daughter are both doing great.

I wanted to let you know that’s why there’s no strip today. I spent my whole weekend at the hospital - and I am heading back there now, and will be staying there until Tuesday.

Stewart will be back soon. As always, thanks for reading!

After getting stomped in the election, Gary had to get away it all. So he took a Greyhound to Pinkerton National Park to drown his sorrows at Fern’s bar. Check out his guest appearance in today’s Pinkerton!

David Reddick’s new strip, Legend of Bill, debuts today. What’s it about, you ask? Here’s the blurb from the site:

Bill was tired of his 9 to 5 office job as a file clerk intern at the local castle. So he quit.  Then Bill (and Frank, his faithful lil’ Blue Dragon friend and fellow intern) made a stop at Ye Ole Sporting Goods Shoppe, got himself the latest in barbarian chic, and the two of them set out on a great quest to find adventure!

Check it out!

I am proud to announce that “Stewart” is part of a brand-new cartoonist collective called Tall Tale Features.

Tall Tale Features is a group of six professionally-minded cartoonists who have joined forces to fight crime in the cartooning community. No, actually we’ve come together to provide you, the reader, a site that’s a “one-stop-shop,” linking to these quality comic strips:

• Dog eat Doug (by Brian Anderson)

• Pinkerton (by Mike Witmer)

• Imagine This (by Lucas Turnbloom)

• Legend of Bill (by David Reddick)

• The SuperFogeys (by Brock Heasley)

• Stewart (by Scott Metzger)

Head on over to Tall Tale Features to find links to each one and check ‘em out. Tall Tale Features also offers a blog filled with news about your favorite comics, pop culture musings and whatever else we feel like talking about. It’s also your source for the latest news on all the Tall Tale comics. Getting into the site a bit more, you’ll find bios of each of the creators on Tall Tale and a link to “TTF Radio” a podcast that will be starting up shortly, hosted by Tom Racine (of Comics Coast To Coast) and featuring the Tall Tale crew on a rotational basis.

Also, be sure to check out Tall Tale Features’ Forum. There you’ll find separate forums for all your favorite Tall Tale comics, along with other forums for discussing nonsense, movies, etc….and a place to plug your own work, too.  We expect big things ahead and hope you’ll be there for the ride, and join us in the fun. See you there!