Happy 2026, Squids!

or How I learned to stop worrying & Love making Comics.

Happy 2026, Squids!
I hope every single one of you had an awesome Christmas and got at least one gift that made you say “Heck yes.”

Writing these newsletters can make me a little nervous. Then I remember: you’re here, reading this, hanging out with me in this weird comic corner of the universe… which means you must actually dig what I do. And that rules. You like my work, you like me, and the feeling is mutual.

One big goal I’ve set for myself this year is to send 12 fun, positive monthly newsletters packed with art I’ve created, cool things I’ve found, and anything that genuinely gets me excited to share.

Back in September, I cooked up the idea for a sitcom webcomic called Coffiends — set in the coffee shop, Perkatory. Located between here and there. a place where humans and monsters grab coffee, hang out, chill and brew up the occasional disaster.

So far, I’ve released 8 episodes, and the plan is to make 52 total to see where it goes. I’ve finally started diving into running storylines and character arcs, so now the real fun begins. I’m having great fun and hope you read it! And did I mention? It’s 100% FREE to read 👇
(links below to multiple platforms)

(The Coffiend’s site is currently under construction. Not all episodes are available yet.)

Right now I’m working on rebuilding structure in my workflow. Animation trained me well — weekly deadlines made me more productive, and I thrived on them. Since each Coffiends episode takes 1–2 days to create, it’s become my way of recreating that deadline energy to keep me sharp and consistent. The rest of my time will go toward my bigger projects:
• Black Phantom: Holy Terror
• Biodegradable Jiu-Jitsu Jackalopes

And speaking of the Phantom…
Here’s sneak peek art from a short 8-page comic I wrote and illustrated:
Black Phantom — “The Demon Child of Dunwich”
It’ll be appearing in an upcoming anthology (more details soon, I promise!)

I also really love writing goals and gaming them. So here’s my 2026 checklist:
• Create & crowdfund 2 comic books
• Produce 36 Coffiends episodes
• Get my website & shops organized
• Write 12 fun monthly newsletters
• Make 1–3 drawing videos a week
• Pitch an animated series 👈 (Big one!) I might be able to to achieve this one.

To help keep myself accountable, I’m trying a mental reframe this year:
I’m treating Squidco as my boss. I’m the employee, I answer to it — not to myself. I’m hoping it flips the productivity switch in my brain.

Thanks for reading all the way through. You’re the best.
I hope 2026 is the year you surprise yourselves, crush your goals, and make stuff you’re proud of.

Now I want to hear from YOU:
What’s one big goal you hope to achieve this year? I genuinely want to read your comments.

Happy New Year!
Your pal,
Chad Townsend