Hello and welcome back to Spark Comics! It has certainly been a while since my last page. Since then, many things have changed. For one thing, I used to be able to go outside without fear. A new decade is upon us and with it has come very strange times. It’s been a while since I’ve made comics so allow me to re-introduce myself for readers new and old.

Hi, I’m Jordan Sparks, a Multimedia Artist, Designer, Educator, and Friendly Neighbourhood Sparky-Man. It’s a long title that basically means I do a lot of things in several fields, including games, comics, illustrations, and more. You can find more about my work on my Portfolio.

I have a weird fundamental belief, that everyone, in their own way, is capable of making the world a better place. This belief what drives me to do make art that inspires social change. So why am I opening with this corny statement? Because for one, it’s true, and also because these days it can be hard to idealize a better world. Political Corruption, Climate Change, and now the Coronapocalypse, which has now brought our world to a standstill of tragedy. Many people are infected and dying and the future, despite our best efforts, can seem quite bleak.

2019 was a weird year, personally. Full of a good amount of highs and many lows and disappointments. 2020 was meant to be a reboot. I wasn’t going to let anything restrain me from achieving my goals and doing what I wanted and needed to do. I wanted to put myself out there, make projects that had been intimidating me, learn new skills, start dating again, travel, and more. I had made new years resolutions to promise myself that, no matter what, 2020 would be my year. I was even progressing through all of those things since the year began… And then the Coronavirus hit and everything came to a screeching halt on top of other unfortunate things happening before it.

Only 5 months in and 2020 is pretty much guaranteed to be literally nobody’s year. For reasons related and unrelated to the Coronavirus, my 2020 has been incredibly disappointing… But so what? But just because it’s not perfect, doesn’t mean I can’t make the best of it and do some good amongst the bad. During this time in quarantine, I’ve been dedicated to my projects, learning new things, continuing my usual self-reflecting, and helping where I can. I began live streaming on Twitch recently to raise money for COVID-19 Relief and will be doing so again tonight at 8pm EDT. I’ve been making time for ideas that I previously wouldn’t have time for. I’m re-evaluating a lot of things and am fulfilling one of my resolutions by finally publishing a new comic this year. Yes, I am kinda scared at the global climate right now. Yes, I am terrified for all my friends and loved ones, especially the ones in healthcare and essential services. However, with great crisis comes great opportunity to do good, either for yourself or others, so that’s how I’m treating this situation while I quarantine at home. 2020 may not be my year, but that doesn’t mean I will stop trying to make it so.

I don’t know everyone’s situation, but I hope that those also stuck at home can also find ways to improve themselves or help people from their couch. Learn a new skill, read a book, play some games. It’s okay to just relax and take time to yourself, but take a moment check up on your friends and family. For those still working out there, I hope you can keep yourself safe. 2020 will be nobody’s year and it is easy to feel isolated or afraid in this situation, but even if we aren’t able to see each other for a while, it’s important to remember that we’re not alone.

Stay healthy and I’ll see you next comic.