This will be the last week of Treading Ground.

To say it’s been a while would be an understatement. While most of you have only been with me for the last year or so, I originally started this comic on Keenspace way back in 2003. It wasn’t until February of 2010 that I was able to give it the attention it deserved, though, and since then the comic has been going strong, gaining steam and attracting a readership that has been both numerous and vocal.

But this story was never intended to be something that would run forever. I’ve always had a beginning, middle and end in mind, and on Friday we’ll see that end come to fruition.

This story may be coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean I’m done making comics, or even that this is the last you’ll see of these characters. On Friday after the final Treading Ground comic, I’ll announce the first details about my next webcomic project, including where you can find it and when it will premiere. I’m working hard to get that project off the ground as soon as possible so no one is kept waiting too long!

I want to thank everyone who has been with me as we followed the lives of Nate, Rose, and the rest of the cast. There is much more to come, and I hope you’ll continue to join me for it.

If you’ve ever scrolled down below the comic, you’re sure to have come across videos from That SciFi Guy, the other major web project I work on. Until recently, I’ve posted the TSFG videos here, despite the fact that the subject matter isn’t exactly similar. I have fun doing these, and although mi hermano Leo Thompson is the front man, you can see a lot of my art, occasional voice talent, and sense of humor show up in the writing.

We’re excited to announce that That SciFi Guy has joined That Guy With The Glasses, home of the Nostalgia Critic, Linkara, and a host of other great and talented people. The TGWTG community can give the project a heck of a lot more exposure than I could on TG. This is awesome news!

So while I’ll direct you to our page on TGWTG and the original website for future That SciFi Guy videos, I’ll leave you with our newest completed review. See what happens as giant robots meet colossal pricks in Robot Jox!

As you may recall, a while back I ran TG’s first ever (and likely ONLY ever) Favorite Character Poll. Let’s examine the results!

Who is your favorite Treading Ground character?

1. Rose (29%, 300 Votes)
2. Aya (15%, 159 Votes)
3. Nate (12%, 125 Votes)
4. Purvous (12%, 123 Votes)
5. Tracy (10%, 103 Votes)
6. Arne (4%, 40 Votes)
7. Miranda (4%, 38 Votes)
8. Beth (Rose’s Mom) (3%, 33 Votes)
9. Steve (3%, 31 Votes)
10. Les (3%, 28 Votes)
11. Jimi (3%, 28 Votes)
12. Nina (Rose’s Sister) (1%, 11 Votes)
13. Derek (0%, 5 Votes)
14. Trevor (0%, 4 Votes)
15. Bill (0%, 3 Votes)

Total Voters: 1,031

She’s made her mistakes, but Rose still takes the lead in the hearts of the people. Thanks for voting, everyone!

And hey, here’s a non-April Fool’s episode of That SciFi Guy! This time around we put the Kung Fu Grip on G.I. Joe.

New Favorite Character Poll!

I’ve never actually done one of these before, and I probably won’t do it again, so this should be interesting. I already have some predictions which I will dutifully keep to myself.

Just scroll to the bottom of the page to participate!

New That SciFi Guy Short Video!

In what is most likely the only unboxing video we’ll ever do, That SciFi Guy tears into the McFarlane Toys Matrix Sentinel.

By the way, if you like that awesome remix, here’s the link to the high-quality version, and here’s a direct link to the mp3 for us normal folks.

The Food Baron is a place full of unforgiving flourescent lighting and colorless backdrops, and I assure you this is intentional. This has been the primary theme for grocery store design for as long as I can remember. From the easily scuffed white tile floors to the monotonous beige racks, stands and shelves, it’s just a never-ending cocktail of mediocrity. I suppose there was some market research that went into that choice, perhaps imagining that the chromatic purgatory of the decor would draw more eyes to the products themselves, and consequently lead to more sales. Whatever it is, it’s a fitting metaphor for the way Nate looks upon his job, so I made sure it shone through in the store scenes.

But lately I’ve noticed this theme changing. As some of the stores in my local area are remodeled, I’m definitely seeing a pattern of more earthy tones in the floors particularly, and much less harshness in the color scheme in general. It might be part of the response to the movement toward more natural and organic products, but no matter the cause it’s a welcome transition. The products might not get the spotlight as much as they used to, but the fact that your eyes are no longer being assaulted by the bright white void should allow customers to spend more time in the stores, accomplishing the same overall goal.

The ambiance in the Food Baron, on the other hand, will always remain blindingly banal.