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A Life on Display: True Story Swear to God’s Beland, Part One

Posted: Wednesday, June 4
By: Tim O'Shea

Imagine a work that tackles the death of one’s parents, long distance romances, a tipsy priest, and that Magical Kingdom with the giant mouse…among many other things. Imagine a very funny story, that touches upon every emotion you might have. Actually you don’t have to imagine, as Tom Beland has created such a work in True Story Swear to God. Beland is a fun fellow to interview, as I know from past experience, and understandably it’s not hard to get him to talk about TSSTG, which is the story of how he and his wife, Puerto Rico journalist Lily Garcia, met and fell in love.

In this two-part interview, SBC is able to tap into a bit of the dedication that makes Beland’s work instantly engaging. In the first part, Beland’s take on reader response, the power of TPBs, and how his friends and family react to appearing in his autobiographical work. In the second part, which will be posted tomorrow, Beland will discuss his political cartoon work, message boards and the evolution of his storytelling ability.

After reading this first part, be sure to find out more about the AiT/Planetlar TPB, which collects the first four issues of Beland’s series.


Tim O’Shea: A year or so back when we did an interview, you said: "I'm very appreciative to those who've taken the time to read my stuff. It means more to me than anyone could imagine."

To a certain extent, I know you're telling the tale for the pleasure of telling the tale, but what does it mean/how does it feel to have people eager to see the next release of your work. For people, in essence, to be fans of your life?

Tom Beland: It's very surreal. I've always been a fan of Keith Knight's K Chronicles and I felt like I'd known Keith as a person. So, when I met him for the first time at a convention, my friend told him that I was also a cartoonist and he said that I should get off my ass and start making comics. It was so cool to hear this... so I immediately went home to learn how to make mini comics.

So now, at conventions, I get people telling ME that they feel they know me as a person from my comics. In San Diego last year, a couple came from Arizona, I believe to meet us. The woman told me that she really connected on the scene where I talk about my parents being deceased for a long time and she actually started to cry while she was quoting the scene. It was amazing. I think we ALL feel that our life's story is pretty uninteresting... but it's just the opposite. When you write something that someone out there can relate to, there's a connection that's created... and I've learned how strong that connection can be. I've always had that with other artists... but to have that happen to ME, man, that's something that takes a little getting used to.

TO:You tackle some personal issues in the comic quite directly. I wonder if anyone has come up to you at shows and said, "I felt better about my situation, after reading your story."

TB:My parents death was something I've never gotten over... and I pray I never do. But I've had many people who've told me that they've always felt guilty about not being able to "let go" and now feel better knowing that someone else can't do it either. I'm getting some positive feedback on the sexual problems discussed in the book. My family thinks that VIAGRA should be a sponsor of the comic. Maybe they're right.

TO:Do you feel that a whole new audience is discovering your work, the second time around, with the release of the TPB?

TB: Oh man... TPB's... I've heard they sell great, but man!! Here's the thing: at APE this year, we had people buying all four issues of the comic series PLUS the trade paperback. I was freakin' OUT over this. But I'm also getting emails from readers who saw the book at Boarders or a comic shop and they've become fans of the comic and are excited about the next issues coming out.

I'm not sure why I'm surprised at the popularity of TPB's. I've been buying them for quite a while now, most recently: Bone trades, Strangers in Paradise, the Daredevil Yellow hardcover and Authority to name a few. A trade reads differently than four comics. There's more of a flow to the story, in my opinion. The Daredevil Yellow , by the way, is awesome with its collection of sketches in the back of the book. I LOVE sketch pages.

TO:As fellow Tony Kornheiser fans, how much fun was it to be mentioned on a nationally syndicated radio show (after creating some strips for the ESPN Radio website)?

TB: The Tony strips (called Pardon the Interpretation) have been on hold for quite a while... in part because my email system was COMPLETELY SCREWED UP with a virus. Also, we now have one phone line at our house so it's difficult to listen to Tony's show on the internet. But I'm working that out as we speak and there will be Tony toons coming back soon. I sent him some copies of the series, but I've been unable to listen to his show, so I don't know if he's received them yet. He's one of my favorites in talk radio. But I WILL SAY that the show was even BETTER when they'd leave their mikes on during the commercial breaks for the internet audience... THAT shit was OFF THE HOOK hilarious.

TO:What does the extended family (on both sides) think of appearing in your work? Do some of your friends, ever say "hey I don't look like that" or "did I really say that?"

TB: Joe (Beland’s brother) loves his scenes. I'd swear that he's doing brainless things on purpose, just to get into the strip and book more. Lily's mother was a major concern when I did the scene where she tells Lily she should be wearing earrings after she was working her ass off to get the house ready for dinner. She says I was exaggerating quite a bit... while Lily rolls her eyes and says "no he wasn't."

You take a good guess at who can deal with what… but in my family, they've been appearing in the comic strip forever, so nothing's really sacred. But Lily's family is rather new at being comic book characters. However, Lily has her own morning radio show and they've all had their stories appear on the airwaves... so they're also cool with it.


Please click here for part two with Tom Beland.