Hijinks Ensue

Hijinks Ensue is a webcomic created on on May 11, 2007 by Joel Watson. Joel is a self-professed geek and the comic is described as "geeking for the sake of geekery". It is updated every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The webcomic follows no plot in particular, with strips' topics ranging from political issues to commentary on new technology and films. Most topics are addressed through characters based on Joel and some of his friends in real life: Josh, Eli, and Denise. Many individual strips use one geek pop-culture reference to make fun of another geek pop-culture reference. The meandering style is often laced with recurring themes: Josh's love of bacon and all products porcine in nature, Josh's homosexuality, the author's love of new technology and the author's dislike for Fox Broadcasting Company. Being a geek's webcomic, it often references SciFi films, television series, and popular memes. The website contains premium content for donors and a range of HE related merchandise some of which is sold via TopatoCo.
The Experiment
Watson had always envisioned using Hijinks Ensue as his main source of income, however when he first started he worked on it while keeping his job. When he was fired after spending too much time working on the comic, he decided to start the Experiment and shift all of his focus to Hijinks Ensue as his full time job and only source of income. Since March 31st, 2008, Watson has depended on merchandise sales, donations, and occasional freelance projects to get by. While there have been a handful of setbacks due to equipment break downs and health scares, the Experiment continues today.
Fans
Fans of Hijinks Ensue are known as "Fancy Bastards", a term coined in a wallpaper from July 30, 2008.
Watson interacts with his fans and friends during conventions and at signings. He also interacts with them via his twitter account.
External Projects
Joel Watson is a frequent user of Twitter, and has used the tool to both keep in contact with fans as well as pick up a few side projects. When Jeph Jacques of Questionable Content asked for a guest comic on Twitter, Watson stepped in to create "Through the Geeking Glass: Hanners in Con-Derland". Watson was also inspired by Twitter followers and comments to make a Team Edward James Olmos T-Shirt based on his strip "Luna Nueva". The shirt proved to be so popular that it was linked by multiple sites including SlashFilm and io9. Eventually, news of the shirt reached the actual Edward James Olmos, and after talking with Watson, the Team Edward James Olmos shirt is now featured in the merchandise section of the official Edward James Olmos site.
Podcast
Along with the comic, Watson produces and hosts a podcast called "Hijinks Ensue Podcast". Although similarly named, the podcast is completely separate from the comic. Co-hosts of the podcast include the real life counter parts to the main recurring characters from the comic: Josh, Eli, and Denise. Watson has also welcomed Alex, the Art Director from Dallas Observer, as a guest. The first episode was released on February 4, 2008. Topics cover a wide range of geek culture, including comic, movies, TV, and the internet. As of April 20th, 2009, the Hijinks Ensue Podcast was sponsored by Infinistorm, providing bandwidth for Hijinks Ensue.
Watson has also been a guest on a number of other podcasts, mostly to talk about "The Experiment".
Literature
On July 24, 2009, Watson released his first book Godspeed, You Fancy Bastard. Containing all comics from 2007-2008 in full color, a "directors commentary", and more content not seen before, it is sold in two separate editions, regular and "Artist's" edition.
Interviews and Appearances
On August 18, 2008, Watson appeared on a list of "Top 10 Webcomics You Should Not Share With Your Kids" from Wired News Geek Dad section.
From March 20th to the 22nd, Watson appeared at the New England Webcomics Weekend thanks to a kind donation from a Fancy Bastard. While he was not scheduled to speak, Watson ended up giving a lesson on drawing with a Cintiq.
On May 18th, 2009, Watson did an interview with the Tech+Lifestyle blog.
On August 11, 2009, Watson did an interview with PopTen.
On January 17, 2010, Watson was interviewed by the Two Guys Talking Webcomics podcast. They touched on Watson's unique geek perspective, creative influences, and many other aspects of the characters he has created.
Watson has appeared as such cons as the New England Webcomics Weekend, the Baltimore Comic Con, and the Dallas Webcomics Expo.
Upcoming Appearances
* 2010 - Watson will be one of 85 exhibitors at Staple! The Independent Media Expo.
* Emerald City ComiCon - Watson will be participating in the Artists' Alley at the 2010 Emerald City ComiCon.
* C2E2 - Watson will be attending the 2010 C2E2, but the site does not reflect this at this time.
* Baltimore Comic Con 2010 - Watson will be attending the 2010 Baltimore Comic Con, but the site does not reflect this at this time.
Joystiq Webcomic Poll
While Hijinks Ensue does not regularly feature video games, Hijinks Ensue will usually be featured on the Joystiq Webcomic Poll when it does focus on games. Hijinks Ensue has won a Joystiq poll with the strip "Guitar Hero IV: The Inevitable Conclusion" , while reaching second place in a separate poll with "Westwood College: Tightening Up the Graphics on Level 3 since 1953", and reach third place with the strips: "Wiimo", "Rock Band is exactly the same as Real Band", and "Scared Straight".

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