Johnson’s day job is as a computer-based animator and illustrator and that’s not going to change any time soon. And his night job in his band, Sweet Jelly, remains the same. (The group has played only one show so far this year—but they are working on new material all the time.) These personal animation and musical skills allow him to throw the Duck into the ultra-hot web video space easily. Each Friday sees an animated strip, and there are occasional videos that don’t necessarily follow the three-panel format nor a regular cadence. Notable among these special videos is the recent “Kenosha Rocks” piece, which illustrate Johnson’s “different levels” and an amazing Groening-like ability to somehow waddle the line between being totally derivative and paying homage while still being completely original in its own way.
"Kenosha Rocks” is a shoutout to the residents of this city whose newspaper, the Kenosha News, was among the first to consider syndicating the strip. In the video, the Duck takes a road trip to the city to celebrate in front of the sights of the city montage-style. The fuel cost punchline completes the piece, and it stands completely on its own as an original in both the gag and the concept of the Duck celebrating the first newspapers to pick up the strip.
You don’t have to know that “Kenosha Rocks” is a parody of/take-off on/homage to “Cleveland Rocks”, the theme song of The Drew Carey Show, to appreciate Johnson’s piece. But if you catch it, it makes “Kenosha Rocks” even funnier. And hardcore photographers will get the total insider angle: Drew Carey isn’t just a comedian and game show host, he’s a serious sports photographer as well.
Many levels, indeed.
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