Breaking the Ice
If you’re new to the strip, I’m sure the first question you have is “who the hell are these people” and “what is the strip about?”
I wish I had a good answer for the latter.
BREAKING THE ICE originally started as a workplace comic. Then it morphed into a autobiographical one. Then my quirky sensibilities kicked in and I had the characters break the fourth wall from time to time, go into fantasy sequences and even play the parts of different characters all together. As much as a mangled mess this may appear to be…it all works, somehow. At least that’s what I’ve been told by people who are nice enough to visit the site and send me a comment or two. I have always been a huge fan of E.C. Segar and his POPEYE/THIMBLE THEATER newspaper strips, so in some way, this is my homage to him.
BREAKING THE ICE has been described as quirky, character driven and most of all…funny! It has also been published by Hopper Comics, so please visit them at www.hoppercomics.com. Check it out and let me know what you think!
Mick Nardelli: Mick is a struggling actor, doomed to endure the horrors of day jobs, auditions and living with his grandparents. Yeah, he’s sexy! Check out some of Mick’s key strips:
Tales from the Bathroom: Strips #9-11
The Marmot Saga: Strips #20-30
The Conversation Killer: Strips #52-56
The Grandparents: Strips #58-69
Arianna Meaney: Mick’s girlfriend. Cute, sarcastic and spunky. They met during their days at Milo Monkeyshines House O’ Fun and an act of heroism on Mick’s part sealed the deal. Some key Ari strips:
The Marmot Saga: Strips #20-30
Dinner with the Grandparents: #70-83
Papa: Mick’s grandfather. A World War II veteran with a penchant for all types of technology. Some key Papa strips:
Papa vs. Technology – Strips #101-114
Goin’ Commando – Strips #121-122
Stevie Neptune: Mick’s co-worker at Mega-Conglomocorp. Laid back, mellow and rarely seen with eyes open or without his hat. One of the earliest characters, he pops in from time to time with a well timed, sarcastic remark. Some key Stevie storylines:
Poker? I barely even… – Strips #4-8
Hal Pozner: Hal starts off as the manager of Milo Monkeyshines but, after a career ending incident, leaves for the greener pastures of Mega-Conglomocorp. Hal is effusive, demonstrative, verbose and other big words. He can also be seen playing “other characters” when BtI switches into “fantasy mode”. Some key Hal strips:
The Marmot Saga: Strips #20-30
Hal gets the spotlight: Strips #118-120
El Arquitecto: ‘Tecto (as his friends call him) is a masked luchadore and also Ari’s brother.
He’s never seen without his mask. Never. Since his debut, ‘Tecto has become somewhat of a fan favorite in the BtI universe. Some key strips:
Who Was that Masked Man? Strip #41