Fried Chicken and Sushi 229 Karl's first compa!

This compa thing isn't working out too great for Karl.  It's nice that everyone relaxed a bit after a few drinks but how are you going to make meaningful connections when you're completely plastered?!  Do you have a compa story to share in the FORUMS?  I'd sure love to hear them!

Sushi that can make you fat?!

All of this talk about compa dating parties made me think of how healthy we think sushi is.  If you're eating it in Japan then it's probably pretty ok.  The Japanese don't really have all the crazy super sushi rolls like in the U.S.  Everywhere else though, you've gotta watch yourself if you're trying to watch your weight.  One of our readers shared this article with me that might help you know what to avoid. http://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/

Fried Chicken and Sushi 228 What is a COMPA?

I like the fact that young people in Japan get together for a compa.  I've always been shy and awkward when it comes to dating so it's nice they have a low pressure way to meet people.  Have you ever been to one?  We'll see how the dating party goes for Karl in next week's comics.  Stay tuned! 

Fried Chicken and Sushi 226 I guess they really broke up this time!

Well, I guess that confirms it!  If J "almost" cried then the break up must be real.  Let's hope that he can pick himself up and move on.  To all of my fans that take the time to write comments, thanks for the encouragement and support recently!  It's great to know that you're enjoying this comic and that it has become more than just a typical gag comic strip for you.  I feel blessed, after over two years of drawing this comic, to have several thousand readers from around the world reading every week.  Unfortunately, only a handful of people comment or add to the FORUMS so it's difficult to know what's working for people or what you're enjoying.  Don't be afraid to join in the comments!  There's much more excitement and humor to come so stayed tuned and please tell everyone you know to check it out!  I really want thousands more new FC&S fans to join in the fun!

Fried Chicken and Sushi 225 All clear for a break up!

Looks like this is it!  J pulled together enough strength to clearly state that he's breaking up with HER!  It can be really difficult to break up when the other person isn't ready.  Are you happy that he finally did it?  Let me know in the FORUMS or comments area to the left.  Thanks for reading!

Fried Chicken and Sushi 224 Does breaking up over the phone count?

I think it's perfectly fine to break up over the phone but some people just don't agree.  J's girlfriend is delaying the inevitable and should just let it go.  He at least tried a ninja text message so he could partly be there in person!  If you missed the other time J did a ninja text message, you can read it HERE.

Fried Chicken and Sushi 223 Gotta do what I gotta do!

I don't know about you but I'm glad Karl put a fire under J's butt to get this break up moving forward.  It can be difficult to end things when you've been in a relationship for awhile and are used to dealing with someone's stuff.  Now, we just have to see how J handles the actual breaking up part.  Are you on his side or do you think they should stay together and work it out?

Fried Chicken and Sushi 222 Why is Ryan in his pajamas?

Oh, that Ryan!  So good at making himself look like he works his butt off!  J better start thinking of more ways to get attention from the boss!  I have a feeling that Ryan has been looking up ways that Japanese people make themselves look like hard workers.  Judging by the comments, some of you know about some of those very well!

Fried Chicken and Sushi 221 Hachiro almost blends in!

I wanted to show that there are advantages to being of asian descent and living in Japan.  You can hide!  Especially, if you speak Japanese well!  Unfortunately, it can really throw people off when you speak English fluently.  Hachiro is put through a lot but let us not forget that there are many times where he's actually treated like an equal!  That's something Karl will never get a chance to experience.

Fried Chicken and Sushi 220 Hachiro is crazy for an English menu!

There are certain things that Japanese people say that can really make you feel like you don't fit in.  Even though most Americans are loved there, people have a way of making you upset by their little comments.  "Oh, you use chopsticks so well!" or "You speak Japanese so well!" they say even though you've been using chopsticks all your life and you only said one word to them in Japanese.  Compliments can easily become insults depending on the situation.  If you're living in Japan, you have to learn to get used to this...

Fried Chicken and Sushi 217 and 218

Sorry, I missed my blog update for Tuesday's FC&S comic!  I'm afraid most of you didn't notice because you don't really read my blog posts.  If you're into them then I'll comment on both comics for this week.  Looks like Tanuki is a little scared to not be needed if J comes to Japan.  Let's hope he's not gone for good!  Karl seems to be moving in the direction of wanting to try dating again.  Even though I'm sure he would love to show off that he has a Japanese girlfriend to J, we all know he's not that shallow.  What?  You've never wanted to show off to your friends?  Karl seems like the type of guy that needs to have something in common with a girl he's dating.  Let's hope for the best!

One more shout out to the FORUMS and my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

Fried Chicken and Sushi 216 I need to be understood

I have a feeling J's girlfriend understands him on one level but not on any others.  Come on, aren't most guys big kids anyway?  Can't really give her much credit.  I know I enjoy watching cartoons and reading comics and I'm a grown man!  I"m also a pretty responsible man.  She should really pay more attention to the man he is and stop trying to make him into something he's not.  Hopefully, this talk will give them both something to think about though.  J can really decide what he needs in a relationship and possibly end this one. 

One more shout out to the FORUMS!  Discuss, connect and enjoy!

Fried Chicken and Sushi 215 The truth comes out!

Oh, my!  J just couldn't hold it in anymore!  Once you put it out there, you can't take it back.  Let's hope J is ready to open up and be truly honest with his girlfriend about his feelings.  This could turn out to be a good thing. ;)

Don't forget to discuss in the FORUMS!  If you're new to the comic, follow me on TWITTER and FACEBOOK!

Arigato!

Fried Chicken and Sushi 214 Let the battle...BEGIN!

I've been looking forward to drawing this Pokemon inspired comic for a long time!  J and Ryan begin their Jokemon battle with Ninjoggle and Kissup by their sides.  Who will win?  You can let us know your opinion in the Do you think J's job will send him to Japan topic in the FORUMS.  For those of you with an interest in my art process, I drew sketched and inked this comic page entirely on computer using the MANGA STUDIO software and a Wacom Bamboo tablet.  It's a new software to me so I'm still learning but It's amazing how all of the tools in the software make it easier to draw comics on the computer.  No paper!  If you're a comic artist, you should give it a try.  Hope you like it.  Thanks for reading!

Fried Chicken and Sushi 213 I've got this one covered!

It's true that you should never underestimate the power of kissing up on the job!  J doesn't seem to be so into that but maybe he'll have to learn.  Both J and Ryan have a competitive edge in this race.  J, with his knowledge of the Japanese language and culture and Ryan with his slick kiss up skills!  Who do you think will go to Japan?  Give your opinion in the new topic I started in the FORUMS and let us know!

Fried Chicken and Sushi 210 Why couldn't he say hi to me?

If you live/lived in Japan you've definitely been through this experience!  You're walking down the street and your co-worker walks right past you and doesn't say anything!  Not a friend, but a co-worker or someone else that you don't know that well.  There's no way they didn't see the foreigner on the street walking by them.  This would really frustrate me, being a dude that mainly grew up in the American south where everyone speaks to everyone.  Relationships are a tricky thing in Japan and I did get used to it but I think it's going to take some time for Karl.  Thanks for stopping by for my comics this week!  Feel free to talk about this in the FORUMS