ToothyBj describes their comics as dark yet well-intentioned. While it's not uncommon to stumble upon some wholesome or reflective comics, they prefer to keep their audience guessing. “We have to laugh about everything," explains the artist. "The appreciation of nuance and context is getting lost in all spectrums. Machines determine what is and is not offensive on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube... it’s dystopian."
ToothyBj says if a joke is too "dark" for Instagram, they'll share it on Twitter instead. Making comics is their way of feeling better and talking about things that might be considered too sensitive.
We asked ToothyBj if there have been any instances where they've found themselves surprised or challenged by the interpretation readers have given to their comics. "Many times, people choose to interpret them [cartoons] in bad faith, which makes you lose hope for the future. Like, who has the time to do that? I really envy people with that free time in their lives," the artist shared.
We're curious about how artists like ToothyBj get their comic ideas or if they have any quirky habits before starting a new project. So, we asked if they have any funny superstitions or routines that help them get creative. Their response? "Sleep deprivation."
While some artists have the luxury of creating whenever inspiration strikes, it's not as simple for ToothyBj, who struggles to find time. "I draw almost all my comics at 2 am. It's hard to find free time."
ToothyBj's approach to dark humor resonates with the idea that anything can become a source of amusement.
For enthusiasts interested in twisting conventional ideas into humorous narratives, exploring some intriguing examples from an artist's perspective on how dark humor can be effectively used in comics might be appealing.