Seeing as how your website is called FUDGE FACTORY "COMICS" and a number of your handmade zines are "strip" oriented, how big of an influence were comics on you growing up? Are they an influence on you now?

I was a pretty avid comic book dude when i was younger, but dramatic super hero comics never really did it for me too much, but i was into the drawings and paneling. I totally ate up old Mad magazines, Cracked, Zap Comics, The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers, and other goofy stuff. I was also really into skateboard graphics and those magazines. Comics still continue to inspire me today for sure, but it's a pretty narrow aesthetic that i tend to collect anymore. 

Obligatory Question: What sorts of tunes are you listening to these days?

The Top 10 Fudge Spins of the Week!
Ruins, Fantomas, Wives, The Movies, White Flight, Animal Collective, BGM, Sounder, Grateful Dead, King Tubby

So you started out as a midwest boy, then you moved to NYC for a few years, and now you're out in LA. How do those three places compare in your eyes? Do you feel you you may be suited better for one than the others?

I despise the city for all the reasons the midwest is not, and the midwest sucks for all that it lacks in comparison to the coasts. I'm not sure i'm better suited for either. I think i want to try and look into blimp rental, or some kind of hover-home. Just something where i'm like, living in the air, you know?

What's the deal with the Dude with No Pants? Did he lose 'em or is he just a perv?

The Dude with No Pants On is naive and liberated. He is positive, optimistic, equal-opportunity, healthy, adventurous, and free from the conventions of lower appendage apparel. The people just aren't ready for his brand of living. ...and he's kind of a perv. 

What's going on in the near future? Anything extra exciting?

Fudge Factory Comics will be releasing a real nice comprehensive, 200+ page, hardcover book with Narrow Books in the summer. Volcom will be releasing a book of mail collaborations between myself and Michael Sieben in the spring.  Several national and international exhibitions rolling out over 2006. New boards and things for Foundation, Vans, Obey clothing. Possibly some tv cartoon type stuff. Maybe get a haircut. I'll probably also make some eggs tomorrow.