Epling Illustrations

Sometimes I have the chance to create larger comic-strips for publications. These assignments are my favorite. Included here are a few examples of my favorite comics. They vary in content, and in how they were used. I hope you find something you enjoy while you're here.

This page gives the viewer what might be the best example(s) of what I mean by 'Sequential Art'. Using pictures, in conjunction with images, to convey a thought, or, to tell a story. This particular comic-strip was created for the Lexington-Herald-Leader. I feel it conveys the potential for this medium as it portrays something more thought-provoking than what the majority thinks of when they consider comics, and comic-art.

'True Tales from Appalachia' series began with this comic-strip (large format) for Modern Mountain Magazine. Here, we can see how comics can be used to show events from history. Showing the different uses of 'Sequential Art' is a big part of the workshops I conduct in schools. Learn more about these workshops on the 'School Events' page.

Here's another example of using 'Sequential Art' to convey a story. Themed content is a another benefit of using this medium along with creative writing.

This was the comic-strip that I created for my 2013 Halloween Card. I send out a Halloween Card each year. If you are interested in getting one, LIKE my facebook page, and send me your mailing address. You will get one next Halloween (as long as I am here to send them out).

Here's another example of using 'Sequential Art' to convey a story. Themed content is a another benefit of using this medium along with creative writing.

This comic-strip was created for Christmas. It is the first of the 'Toe and Trolley' series. I wanted to make something special to post on the good ole' facebook page. This is what I came up with anyway. I like the characters... so think I will keep creating the series.

A little bit of a strange comic-strip I guess... well, it seems that way if you haven't read the article that it was supporting. Supposedly some kind of group was pushing for 'horse meat' to be served as a delicacy in Lexington-KY. You can see by the content of the comic how the paper viewed that.

Here in this example we see that there are no multiple 'panels'. The comic is made up of one large sequence. Sequential Art has many forms, and many applications. This is something that I stress to students when visiting schools. The main focus is combining creative writing, and the visual arts.

Sequential art at it's truest form (in my humble opinion anyway) means conveying a thought, or idea, and maybe even a story with symbols, or pictures, alone. I am working on this more for my own comics. Feel pretty happy about this try below for Modern Mountain Magazine.

Modern Mountain Magazine:
Summer Edition 2015

Since November of 2013, I've been drawing this ongoing series for the "Elkhorn City Area Observer". Eventually, I plan on collecting all the various segments and putting those together in the form of a graphic novel. This particular comic makes up a page from the opening of the story.
You can see more of 'Carbide Bottom' by visiting the 'graphic novel' part of the comics section on my website.

Modern Mountain Magazine:
Summer Edition 2015

Another comic for Modern Mountain Magazine. THe Hatfield and McCoy Feud occurred, in part, right where I grew up. Keeping with the intention of producing content related to my home, this comic fits the bill. Hope you like it.

When deciding what to create for the Modern Mountain Magazine 20th Anniversary Issue, I went back to something personal. My grandfather loves the comic 'Dennis the Menace', so this creation is dedicated to him.

For the Summer 2016 Modern Mountain Magazine, I went with characters from my mini-comic series called "The Hillbilly-Bigfoot Survival Guide".

For the Fall 2016 Modern Mountain Magazine, I went (again) with characters from my mini-comic series called "The Hillbilly-Bigfoot Survival Guide".

Fall 2016; Something I did for fun. Not sure where the inspiration for this came from, but it is what it is. I actually mailed this as a gift to one of my favorite graphic novelists; Josh Cotter.

Fall 2016; I did this as an original art giveaway promotion for my Facebook page (please visit and LIKE to be included in all the drawings for all kinds of great stuff). Space Ghost!

Fall 2017 Modern Mountain Magazine Comic; Characters from my Hillbilly Bigfoot Paranormal Survival Guide Series