I Can Be Wrong, Too

May 6th, 2020

I think it’s good to admit when we are wrong about something. So, allow me to do so.

I just watched one of those videos that exposes the “truth” about what’s “really” going on out there. It made some dubious claims, the people involved were mysterious themselves, but it made a few good points, too. It didn’t change my life in any significant way, but I did do something after I viewed it.

I took the “Stay Home” banner off my profile picture. It seems small, but let me explain why.

Do I still believe we’re doing the right thing? I do. I think, with all the uncertainties about the pandemic, that what we’re doing is effective and the safest way of dealing with a violently erratic variable: people.

But do you know what that “Stay Home” banner was? It was a stance. One thing I do agree with is that a certain set of people benefit when we’re divided. No doubt that is true. And we all live in the same world, presented with the same material; having a hard position on what you decide is right for yourself is not who I want to be.

So, if I came across that way, I’m sorry. I really want to believe that we’re in this together, and telling you what to do is not a way to do that. The news that we watch can’t be completely true; conversely, those of you “digging for the real truth” and espousing that your dug up truth is 100% true, and that we are all sheep, are part of the problem, too. You’re just as much creating the kind of division they gain from. Remember that.

Anyway, I love you all. Be kind. Be aware and don’t be afraid to think and feel for yourself.

This is a picture of my face covered in peanut butter. You’re welcome.

One More Thank You, How To Read A Comic Book, It’s Release Day & My Birthday!

May 1st, 2020

“For the first 35 years of my life, I was a bit player. …When the time came, I knew I had to be more.”

– Dolores Abernathy, this week’s episode of Westworld

It’s my party, and I’ll cry if I want to. 😂 If you don’t want to watch 7 delightful minutes of my face talking words, here are the highlights:

A Final Thank You (But Not Really Final): Just wanted to give more gratitude to everyone who has supported me in any and every single way. Thank you from the bottom of my warm, dark heart.

How To Read A Comic: There are people who have never read a comic, AND THAT IS FINE. I’m here to help! It’s just left to right, like a regular book, and I show you how.

Something Personal: I talk about the deeper meanings and deeply personal connections I’ve made through this book. (Do I get emotional? You bet your beautiful bottom, I do.)

Today Is TWO Big Days: It’s the official release day of my graphic novel, The Weirdos, and it’s my birthday! There was supposed to be two parties this week; there ended up being none, and that’s okay. Wishing a happy birthday to EVERYONE who is celebrating at this unique and a little lonesome time.

Want to give me an absolutely FREE birthday present? Go to Amazon and give my book a review. It’ll take a minute and bring eyes to it!

Want to buy my book? It is available on dennisvogen.com NOW! Go get it!

Love you all. Have a wonderful weekend. Hope you’re staying well, safe and sane. 💜

Squirrel Life

April 30th, 2020

I’ve been asked about my obsession with squirrels, and I have to say: it’s everything. The aesthetic. The personality. The community. The particular and peculiar ways they create uncontrollable chaos in a world that demands control.

But the biggest thing is their lesson.

Every day, somewhere, a squirrel decides to cross a road. This happens millions of times. And, more often than not, a massive problem comes hurtling at them, giving them just moments to react.

In this situation, a squirrel has three choices:

1. To go back to where he started.

2. To get hit and be destroyed on impact.

3. To keep going and get to the other side of the road.

And that’s life.

When we face an obstacle or unfortunate circumstance, we can let it set us back, we can let it destroy us, or we can let it push us forward. It’s so simple and beautiful and it makes me proud to be a squirrel in tune with the universe, and happy to call you a fellow squirrel.

Sometimes you see the sign of wildlife who didn’t make it, but it serves as a reminder of this basic understanding of life.

So, the next time a problem threatens to run you over, take a moment to remember there’s just three ways out, and that you are a capable creature.

Purple Rain

April 21st, 2020

Four years ago, something sad happened. Something crazy happened. Something amazing happened.

Four years ago, Prince passed away. I miss that dude. Especially as I remember today. His fearless and peerless innovation. His boundless talent. His pancake-making skills (which I never had the pleasure of eating but I have HEARD, man).

Four years ago, I had free tickets to see Bob Mould of Hüsker Dü at the Turf Club. I thought I could work that day and head straight to the club afterwards; during my shift, we found out that Prince had suddenly died. My heart broke. My shift went long, but I still felt like I could make the show in St. Paul.

And I f***ing missed it.

Bummed, my buddy Brian suggested that since I was already in town, I should go with him to Day Block. It was the first time I saw the new Vikings stadium. And then he said, even though he couldn’t go himself, that I had to take the train to First Ave, to see what Prince had done to his city.

So I did.

Four years ago, I walked down the street, hopped on a train, and was accepted into one of the most emotional and inspirational groups of people I have ever encountered. It was transcendent; a spiritual experience. I will never forget it, and there was no way it happened by accident. It was by divine invite, and Prince had sent me a card.

So, here’s to the afterworld. Let’s stay crazy and let’s stick together.

It’s Here

April 17th, 2020

IT’S HERE.

The Weirdos are here. The book is glossy and bright and dark and beautiful.

The release date hasn’t changed: May 1st, 2020. The first shipment will be sent out the first week of May to donors. I can’t thank you enough for everything (but damn will try).

If you are not a donor and would like to purchase a book: they are now available on dennisvogen.com for $30 each! They, too, will be shipped the first week of May.

“Why $30?” For a few reasons. One: this is the amount the donors had to pay to get their copy. I think it’s highly unfair to offer them at the same time for a discounted price. Two: shipping. The price of packaging and postage and the time involved evens this thing out. Retail price is $20, meaning that will be the price at conventions and shops when they reopen. That’s to support the places I truly believe in.

So to reiterate: they’re here. And you can buy a copy NOW at dennisvogen.com — while supplies last, obvs. 💜

P.S. Shout out to Comix Well Spring for their amazing job from start to finish on this project. I really love it.

Sober Distancing

April 11th, 2020

This is a shout out to my beautiful peeps who are dealing with the same stuff that we’re all dealing with, but also doing it sober.

We live in a world (and social media climate) that actively promotes and adamantly believes in the idea that to get through things — big things and small things and good things and bad things — we need the assistance of adult libations.

This idea is fine. For some people.

For some others, the idea is painful. It doesn’t work, and it made things worse. But we found ways to change and grow and while life is better, times of stress and trauma are difficult for everybody, and I’m proud of the way you’re holding it down.

You might be like me — scrolling past your ninth “I NEED A GLASS OF WINE” meme of the morning, tapping through yet another “SEE A SHOT, TAKE A SHOOOOTTTT” in your story, wondering why so many booze ads seem to be targeting me, and why so many people seem to be triggering me.

And hopefully, like me, you’re using the tools you have and you’re doing your best. You’re checking in on friends, and your friends are checking in on you. You’re finding safe ways to stay well and stay sane, even if it’s just fueling your Netflix addiction (hello, Schitt’s Creek!).

I just wanted to send you message to say: I see you, I care about you, I’m proud of you and you are doing so well.

Keep going. I’ll keep going with you. ❤

A Nut is a Circle

April 2nd, 2020

I’m always saying it: the universe is too strange and too perfect to be random.

I just had to go on a grocery store run, and there at Target, I ran into Eric.

You would be easily excused if you don’t know who Eric is. But if you do know, you would realize how absolutely insane it is that I just happened to run into him after all that has happened this week.

Eric was the GM of Old Chicago when I started, and he was the person who hired me.

I asked him how he was, and he said, “Medium.” We caught up for a little while; he hadn’t heard about the mass collapse of our former mutual colony. Then we nodded from a distance and said see you later.

It brought all of this full circle in a way that I know it’s the end.

I’ve said it previously, but I have to say it again: I just want to thank all of my co-workers and guests — my family — for everything. This was a huge part of my life, and just know that for the last few years I have gotten up every day to give you all the very best of me, even if I never reached that bar.

Oh — the photo of Squirrel Girl? She’s one of my favorite superheroes, and she is the embodiment of hope and resilience and compassion and reason. She’s unbeatable, and she will be the first to tell you that you’re unbeatable, too.

Love you all. ❤

No Foolin’

April 1st, 2020

Dang it. I had all of this planned before tonight happened, before I lost my job of almost thirteen years; but I still want to do this, and I’m gonna, damn it.

To address what happened simply, though: I will never be able to express how grateful I am, for so many reasons and to so many people. And how glad it makes me that for the last few years, you all got me at my best, and I got to end this chapter of my life on the highest possible note. Thank you. ❤

Now — for the rest of the post!

It’s April Fool’s Day!

No joke – the last month has been ROUGH, for all of us, to say the least. Our generation is in uncharted territory, at least as far as what we’ve lived through. We’re existing in relative seclusion, latching onto kings of tigers and our dusty shelves of pop culture comfort foods to get through it all.

Movie-makers, musicians and more are releasing surprise projects and content early to help us pass the time, and I think it’s about time I do the same.

The Weirdos: Volume I is NOW AVAILABLE on Amazon for your digital devices, a full month before it’s official release on May 1st, 2020.

It’s here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086M8W8R6

Better yet: if you were a donor to my Kickstarter and filled out your survey, you will find an email in your inbox RIGHT NOW with a link to your copy FOR FREE.

It’s not much, but it’s all artists can offer at a moment like this (which I stole from Kelly Clarkson). We’re not essential in a literal life-saving way, but we can offer trinkets and treasures of hope and love.

The Weirdos is all about connection, and in a world without, it can be helpful to remember.

(Again, thank you all. I am feeling so many feelings right now, and when I get my head and heart wrapped around it, I’ll give you my words. Enjoy this for now.)

Excellent Adventure

March 28th, 2020

I finished the special Collector’s Edition behind-the-scenes pages of my book today, and it required me to go through all the material it took to get here. As you can see, it took no less than NINE notebooks, SIX years and THOUSANDS of pages to get to this 128-page graphic novel now.

I say six years because I actually found a timeline this afternoon that began and took place in 2014, which must be the year I started this. For the record, there is a canonical timeline in the book, and The Weirdos does take place in the year 2020. Having Axis be asleep during the COVID-19 crisis is probably one of the most genius ideas I’ve ever had.


It was crazy and kind of emotional going through all these words and sketches and paintings and photos. It gave me some constants; touchstones that grounded me in this whole experience.


Who would have thought that I was going to stick with this over half a decade later? ❤