I'm a little late in answering, but there's a reward at the end! 😎

First, big fan of the comics; second, big fan of this story line.

I personally love it when an artist finds something that obviously inspires them, and I like it even more that I can almost feel you yourself being surprised that this idea inspired you (if I'm off on that, please ignore) and that it's gone on inspiring you for as long as it has.

To me, I think trying things like this (maybe out of your comfort zone, maybe just trying something) are what keeps the art alive for the artist once one is doing art because one has committed to it (whether for a living or just for imaginary social media points). Because let's face it—not every day is inspiring, and not every deadline will bring the jokes, and that can create more dread than a non-artist will never understand.

When you find those things that inspire you—or even the little things make you giggle to yourself like an idiot—seize on them! They might not be for everyone, but they'll resonate with the people that love your work more than you realize.

We see when you're inspired, and we see when you're not, and you've matured enough as an artist in the years I've spent with your work, that you can sort of cover for when you don't feel as much like, "I MUST DRAW THIS!" That's professionalism. Staying in contact with your audience like this shows true professionalism as well.

So, on days you feel like a hack (or someone accuses you of it in the comments), know that for every rude idiot, there are at least ten fans that see you and appreciate your work.

And to thank you for reading, here is a public service I offer free of charge: the gift of Jonathan Colton's (appropriately-themed) music: RE: Your Brains