A little tale behind this one... midway through San Diego Comic Con 2004, and it was defined by missed opportunities. I got shut out of some convention panels I'd really wanted to attend, couldn't find any decent animation art to buy, and the art I commissioned that year for the most part hadn't turned out as planned.

I thought of another commission idea, a reminder of how sucky a day it had been: a skunk aiming its artillery end toward the viewer would leave one in doubt. The marvelous Gabe Hernandez was up for the challenge, and set to work per my instruction.

Or, so I thought...

Clearly, the result was not anything like what was imagined or instructed... and I could say that even this one was another letdown that day. But strangely, it actually works better for the intended purpose because of it.

Besides, I wouldn't guess many illustrators are comfortable with drawing skunk ass.. well, not those outside the fandom anyway :)