The Farce Awakens

It's a secret fact (well, maybe not so secret) that I am a big Star Wars fan. I've seen the movies countless times, read the novelizations and all the backstories, and bought the Lego sets. I blame good parenting.

That's a young me as Darth Vader. And my brother as a Lego brick.

So unless you've been stuck on a rock far away from the bright center of the universe, you know that Star Wars: The Force Awakens came out December 18th. Fans across the world were simultaneously giddy with anticipation while nauseous with fear for the much anticipated sequel. Was it going to be something fit for the trash compactor? Or worthy of thunderous applause?
Well, I saw it last night. It was pretty dang good. It hit all the right nostalgic notes and avoided the cluttery CGI trap house of practically every movie we saw in the trailers before. It has plucky droids on important missions, alien desert planets, unlikely orphan heroes, giant evil superweapons, and- well, let's just say there was a lot of homages to A New Hope. Which isn't a bad thing, incidentally.
Basically, like any great fan, I set out to watch all the movies beforehand, but like any great college student, I was snarled in finals last week. Upon finishing (on Tuesday) I still hadn't sat down and watched any. But I decided to do a dumb thing and watch them all before Thursday. This is more or less my experience.

I think my roommates were kind of annoyed I had finished finals and was enjoying myself before they could.

Worth it? Yes. Would I do it again? I'd rather kiss a Wookie.

What'd you think of The Force Awakens? Let me know in the comments below!

A Blogger's Book

It's been a little while. But, it's been an important while. I've fulfilled a lifelong dream! I'm a published author!
As you probably know if you actually read this blog, I wrote comics my entire mission. It was a good way to let off some steam and a surprisingly great way to chronicle two life-changing years. Hopefully it provided some level of entertainment for the folks back home.

Though I wouldn't say I got that much actual fan mail in response.

Since getting back, I've been working with the BYU Bookstore to have my comics published. And it happened! For anyone who's ever been interested in reading all the comics I wrote on my mission, they're here! Available on the BYU Bookstore website and on Amazon.com, if they ever get around to putting up the link. It's a pretty awesome feeling!
I was in Pennsylvania the other week. Talk about an incredible experience. I feel incredibly blessed to have been able to see some great friends again and see the ways the gospel has been blessing and changing their lives. I got to visit a lot of members and missionaries. They loved the book!

 I disapprove of Elder Bramwell's tie length. But he's a big fan of the book!

Apparently even the other missionaries want in on the goods! (They're probably just hoping I featured them in a comic.)

At the risk of just making a bald-faced sales pitch, I'd really appreciate if you looked into buying the book. Here's a look at what you could be reading!

We've all had exchanges like this.

Enjoy!

The 6 Types of People You See on Campus

Nothing defines college like stereotypes.

I think we have all met at least some of these people. Hopefully that's what makes it funny. 

Was it funny? Are there stereotypes you wish were on here? Comment below!

Dating while Mormon

    This following true story happened to a friend of mine, I'm hoping he doesn't mind if I share it. Though I did change his name.

    There are enough awkward dating stories here at the BYU to stock a comic blog for months on end. I think a part of that comes from the very real pressure to settle down and tie the knot, forcing many college students into anxiety spirals and uncomfortable situations. That's not to say marriage is a bad thing- in fact, from all accounts, it's pretty fantastic. In the Mormon religion, however, we believe marriage will last forever, after death, throughout the eternities, etc. So... it's also something to try and make sure you get right. That's enough of the monologue. Here's a comic for you.

Got a better story? Or a worse story? Send it in! It could get published!

Things Return Missionaries Need To Stop Doing

For the entirety of a Mormon guy's life, serving a mission is the big goal- there are lessons, programs, interviews, and manuals focused on helping them get to that point. Then they're off!- they have an incredible, life-changing experience, and they get back.

Missionaries can get a little antsy about the subject the transfer before they go home.

Suddenly, rather than being the shining face of the rising generation, they find themselves just another RM in a veritable sea of them. The adjustment is rough. And so, they relive the glory days. With comical frequency, you're going to hear these conversations, over and over. Worse yet, you're going to be taking part in them.

Accurate? Are there other things returned missionaries need to stop doing? Do you know a returned missionary who does these things? Share this blog with them!

I did two years worth of comics while I was a missionary. Every week, in the mornings at 6:30 if I could drag myself upright or after 10:30 lights out if I couldn't sleep, I'd draw something that stuck out and seemed humorous. It was a lot of fun. And people seemed to enjoy them. So I stuck with it.

I'll be honest, sometimes it was just a way to poke fun at uptight missionaries.

Ever since I've been back at Brigham Young University, it's been weird. Being surrounded by Mormons again after so long is like hopping into a swimming pool after sitting in the jacuzzi for an hour. (Kind of tingly, somewhat jarring, yet not really unpleasant.) It's been an experience trying to regain my footing. Then I realized that if missionary culture had been that easy to satirize, Mormon student culture couldn't be too hard.

This take on BYU facial hair* is what followed. Enjoy!
-Isaac Wright

*For those unaware, the BYU Honor Code prohibits beards except for in extenuating circumstances (being in a theater production, having a religious obligation, having bad acne.) Mustaches are fine. (Though, in the end, it's a mustache, so it's not fine.)


Leave thoughts, questions, or ideas for future comics in the comments below!