As this comic isn’t really well known or popular (yet - har har), I don’t really get asked many questions. However, based on other webcomic FAQs and based on things in the comic I may have forgotten to explain, here are a list of questions and answers that may help you in understanding stuff. If you do have any questions about anything related to the comic, drop me a line at cos@dead-ends.co.uk.

Who in God’s name are you, and what are you doing on my internet?

Whoa, easy now. My name is Cos Ryan, which isn’t my birthname, but then I don’t remember much about my birth anyhow. I am currently 22, but this number changes on a yearly basis. I do a comic strip on this website. You should know this already.

Are any characters based on real people?

In parts, yeah. Mac’s life is similar to my own, his career choice and the like, but then he’s nothing like me in character or looks. Well, maybe his sarcasm and tendency to be an arsehole. Aoefe isn’t based on anyone, and neither is Claire. Bernard is most certainly based on somebody I know, and he knows it also, and Meryl, certainly looks wise, is based on a friend of mine also. Coop and Eric, the Music Town employees, are based on the two sides of my personality - one being neurotic, pedantic, anal retentive and sarcastic, the other being laid back and perhaps a bit naïve.

Aoefe? What in the hell?

Aoefe is a traditional Irish name. It is a lovely sounding name, especially in the native accent. It is pronounced like Reefer, but without the R, or Kiefer (as in Sutherland) without the K. Ee-fer. Ee-fer. Now your turn. I realised only after 5 or 6 strips that Aoefe is probably the worst name to use in a visual, text based medium. If it makes you feel better, the character’s first name is Sophie.

How do you make the comic?

I am going to post a step by step tutorial at some point, if you’re really that interested, but the abridged version is “traditionally.” I write out a script, then fold an A4 piece of card into however many panels I need for the script. I pencil out each panel, and then add the dialogue in ink, as well as the border for the panel. I ink the rest of the rest of the comic, erase the pencil and then scan into my computer. I colour the comic using Corel Photo House 2 - a piece of software that I got with my very first computer in 1995. It does what I need it to. I reduce the size to fit the site, which in turn erases any slight imperfections in the lines and colours. I then upload, write the blog and hey presto.

Do you do this full time?

I wish. I really do. Sadly, instead I work in a call centre, an order line for Britain’s major catalogue retailers. It’ll do for now.

What’s your favourite comic?

Webcomic, it would be Questionable Content. I love the story, the characters are well rounded and the artwork is superb. I would say it’s the main influence to my current excuse for work. Print comic and graphic novel wise, Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead series of novels is just excellent. I also like the graphic novel adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere and Steve Niles’ 30 Days of Night series.

What’s the deal with “Guest Sunday?” Can I make one?

I worked out that most people read comics when they’re updated on Sundays. I don’t have the energy, what with work and all (plus the fact that the weekends are the only days I have to myself) to craft a comic for Sundays, so I figure guest comics are the way to go. And yes, you can make one. If you’re feeling creative and wish to see your work on this here site, then email me at cos@dead-ends.co.uk and we’ll talk some.

I’ve noticed through various photographs that you’re incredibly good looking. Add to this your talent and career, this makes you quite a catch. Are you single?

Why, yes, yes I am. If it weren’t me writing these questions then I’d assume you were coming on to me, you sexy man beast, you. Also, I’m not gay.