From an article in the Oakland Tribune, July 2008 - Topo is a little bear who dreams of grand adventures. He makes elaborate plans, collects the necessary gear, but never actually embarks on any of these adventures. Topo is a character in Mike Dutton's new comic strip,"One Swoop Fell."

"It's kind of autobiographical," Dutton says.

For the past year, I've been publishing an online comic called One Swoop Fell. Although the main characters are anthropomorphic and the story is slightly fantasy-based, you'll probably recognize locations from around Berkeley, like Marmot Mountain Works, Joshu-Ya, or the Homemade Cafe. And while the story is lighthearted, the themes might hit close to home as well, as I explore restlessness, the ever-present travel bug, and the difference between escapism and the active pursuit of happiness. I hope you'll enjoy these few pages on display along with my other illustrations, and be inspired to take on that adventure you've been daydreaming about, whether it's a weekend trip, tackling the garden, or taking a moment to slow down and just enjoy where you are.

To see Mike's illustrations, visit his website at www.DuttonArt.net. His online comic can be found at www.OneSwoopFell.com. It is updated on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Labels: Artist of the Month, Mike Dutton, One Swoop Fell