Just click HERE
(I’ve had Twitter and Reddit, but those were a hassle. So, don’t expect updates).
Who am I?
Who am I?
So... what happened? Why all the name changes?
Between 2007 and 2020, this page was purely a theology blog. It was originally known as Arnobius of Sicca. Then, in 2016, it became known as If I Might Interject. In 2020, I began adding an occasional webcomic between blogs. On 7/5/2021, I made the jump from a blog with a webcomic to a webcomic. It wasn't until July 29th, 2022, that I decided to change the name of the page to match the webcomic. Unfortunately, I managed to break the previous links that existed in previous posts… twice. Since this blog has been going on since 2007, odds are I won't ever get around to fixing them. I recommend using the archives page (which covers the comics) or the “Blog Archive” on the right to find them.
The archive page of all past comics can be found HERE. the links have been fixed.
Why did you change to a webcomic format?
I'd been feeling for a while that my blogs were becoming harangues. There are a lot of angry Catholics blogging. I didn't want to join their ranks.
Will I ever go back to just being a blog?
I'm not planning on it. I've always wanted to tell a story, and have always wanted to use the comic format.
When Do You Update?
The comics are set to be posted on Mondays at 4AM Pacific Time.
How Far Ahead Do You Work
At the moment, I'm barely five four three two one weeks ahead of schedule. Hopefully, that will keep the comic subplots on track if I need to do a comic on something unexpected.
What do you use to make your comics?
I can't even draw stick figures well. I started out purely using Comipo! software, designing some characters, and using the stock backgrounds. Eventually, that was too limiting. So, I started using Clip Studio Paint to create backgrounds, improve the word balloons and make edits to images that were just too awkward to achieve in Comipo!.
Hey! Why do you only have covers and not the comics?
You’re on the main page. Either click on the title link above the cover or on “Read More” below it. I did this because my comics are getting longer and I figure it has to be a pain for the reader to scroll down to find the issue they want.
Why do some panels disappear?
I used to publish my comics through an iPad app because the Blogger interface was so clumsy. Unfortunately, the app started publishing the images in a temporary file that disappeared after a month. Thanks to people on the Blogger help forums, I was able to track down this problem and find a new method. It seems to only involve 2023 comics. But if you see any missing panels, please let me know.
How come so many links in the individual issues/Facebook are broken?
Because a little knowledge is dangerous. After breaking my page fooling with HTML, I reimported the posts instead of the template. That changed the web addresses. At least I repaired the archive page.
Why do you hate members of group [XXX]?
I don’t. But this is a comic that professes and defends the Catholic faith. So, when groups make claims that go against the Catholic Church or her teachings, I call them out. There are no strawman arguments. Every anti-Catholic or anti-Christian argument that appears in my comics exists “in the wild.”
I am on the autistic spectrum like Iimi is. So, it is possible I may come across more bluntly than a person who doesn’t have it might be.
Can you please lengthen the skirts?
I wish I could. This is how the costume models are designed in Comipo! Remember, I can’t even draw stick figures well. I’ve found some Clip Studio models that work, but they’re awkward to work with. That’s why the main characters are wearing pants more often.
Why have some of your backgrounds changed?
When I first started out, I used some assets from sources marked as being “non-commercial only,” and others that were photos run through the Photoshop Elements Comic Filter. I’m trying to move away from that with images I can use without restrictions. So, more 3d room and furniture models are showing up.
What's your comic-making process?
I start by writing a script in Word. I create the backgrounds I need with Clip Studio. I then go into Comipo! to create the basic action in the panels. I go back to Clip Studio to edit the panels, enter the dialogue and captions, and add the word balloons. Then I upload them to Blogger.
Why do you use AI Art?
First, that depends on what you mean. Comipo and Clip Studio are not AI art. These are the heavy lifters in my work. I also purchased artwork to use in covers (Issue 183), borders (Issues 178 and 186), and interior art (also Issue 186). But sometimes, my software and purchasable art don't meet the needs of my project. For example, it needs to be at an angle that matches the comic. It has to fit in with the artwork of the comic, and it needs to be a certain format (300 DPI, PNG or TIF format and fit a 3300 X 2200 canvas). That limits what is available.
In those cases, I have used AI art for vague backgrounds. As I understand it, my source (NightCafé) is ethical. You won't see me using AI to do my comic for me. But occasionally, you'll see backdrops on covers or in panels. But they are used for exactly that... the backdrop, not the main focus.
If you want to see what art I have used AI for, you can see my page HERE. And if you do see something unethical, please let me know. I strive to have my webcomic production be in line with my Catholic beliefs.
Education:
M.A. Theology. Franciscan University of Steubenville, 1998.
B.A. International Relations. Holy Names College, 1992.
Preferred Bible Translation:
NABRE (New American Bible Revised Edition).
(My use of the Douay-Rheims in the "Reftagger" mouseover script is because that is currently the only Catholic Bible Reftagger supports -- probably because it is public domain).
(My use of the Douay-Rheims in the "Reftagger" mouseover script is because that is currently the only Catholic Bible Reftagger supports -- probably because it is public domain).
Preferred Bible Commentary:
Navarre Bible
Political Outlook:
I think neither political party is “God’s Party.” We need to judge their political platforms in terms of what God commands and what the Church teaches, and not judge the Church in light of political views.
Philosophical Outlook:
I tend to follow the approach of Augustine and Thomas Aquinas. God may be above reason, but He is not contrary to reason. We can learn the truth and what is right by reason, though we need the assistance of the Church to avoid falling into error. I would reject the view that human reason alone is sufficient to live rightly, however. Without God, we cannot be saved.
Religious Outlook:
I am a member of the Catholic Church because I believe she is the Church established by Christ and Christ has chosen her to bring the message of salvation to the world. There are scandals and Judases within the Church to be sure (may God grant I do not add my name to this list), but the sins and dissent of some do not mean the whole is corrupt.
I reject the views of radical traditionalism and liberal dissent. I would hold to the view of “Where Peter is, there is the Church.” This means I do my best to follow the Church and her teachings and evaluate my views according to her decrees.
I don’t consider my blog as having any authority to compel. Rather, I seek to point people to the Church and to accept the authority of the Magisterium. I NEVER want my writings to be seen as being in opposition to the Pope and the bishops in communion with him. In fact, I think Pope Benedict XV made a good point in his encyclical Ad Beatissimi Apostolorum:
[22] Again, let no private individual, whether in books or in the press, or in public speeches, take upon himself the position of an authoritative teacher in the Church.
All I can do is try to explain what the Church teaches and why when I try to discuss the issues of today.
IF (may God forbid!) any of my writings seem contrary to the teaching of the Church, it is because I have expressed myself poorly and not because I intend any dissent from the teaching authority of the Church.
