I feel as though I'm linked to Michael Swain and his emoticon-like creation: Blockhead. The link, I feel, is my retarded son: Ingus. Both created within a month of one another (Ingus in August of 2005, Blockhead the following September), both starring lovably stupid characters. We even seem to share a fan-base (though mine is not as big, understandably). There are some things that are different, like the styles of humor or tone. The biggest difference, however, is clear: Ingus sucks. In roughly the same amount of time (just over two years) Ingus has come to have 11 cartoons in the world, while Blockhead has had 14, 3 of which combined to make a movie, as well as its own flash game, not to mention countless cameos, and the honor of being depicted all over Newgrounds.

On top of that, Blockhead is tougher to make. What Swain does is no easy task. This isn't a TOOF-job he's pulling. He clearly puts time into his work, and makes longer cartoons than I do. It's impressive to see how far he's taken his little guy. Now, got watch Ingus 1 and Ingus 8 back-to-back... I congratulate you, Swain.

The key strength Michael Swain has is his persistence, which I am depressed to have reflect so negatively against myself. He persists and makes epics like Time Squad, his drawing ability improves exponentially, he excels like a champ. Let's compare that to me. I wrote Ingus 9 and 10 roughly a year ago and they're still not even in production. I actually wrote an Ingus movie, seriously. 35 pages of alien apocalypse and non sequitur gags. It could have been epic. But alas, I lack the drive guys like Swain have.

Looking at things like this, it makes me realize that being successful has nothing to do with a specific talent. There are millions of artists and only a handful have a great idea, and even less have the ambition to see it happen. Swain wasn't the best animator or the best artist when he started his series, but his drive overpowered those factors, and in doing so, he became great at both. Having a drive like that is more important than being able to draw, always.

But just remember, kids, you don't need that drive to make a moderately popular series on Newgrounds. Just look at me!

Anyway, WAY TO GO, Swain! You've unveiled my suckage by comparison. THANKS, BUDDY!

Also, everyone look out for his new Ghostmas special '07 and don't forget to put up your Ghostmas signs this year.