Held up at gunpoint and a break…

Yesterday night, right outside my house, I was held at gunpoint by five to seven kids. KIDS. They looked like they were in middle and high school. They all had guns. They took my wallet (with my credit card, debit card, social security card, driver’s license, SCAD ID, and two bucks in cash and change) and my cell phone. The guy with the shot gun hit me in the back of the head two to three times with the handle of his gun.

But I’m alive. And that’s the important part. I’m trying to focus on that fact right now. Also they didn’t take the car.

I’m still shaken up, obviously. I’ve been the victim too many fucking times this quarter. The quarter began with my iMac getting stolen, and the quarter is ending with THIS shit. One week from graduation and this happens. I lived in Savannah for over four years without any incident. I lived in this house ALONE and nothing happened.

This fucking sucks. This quarter fucking sucked. And this is how I end my college career.

I’m taking a few days to maybe a week off from posting any comics. I don’t feel like drawing about what happened just yet. I need some time. I don’t know how long. It’ just too fresh for me. I’m sorry about this. I hope you understand.

And now because of this the rest of my schedule (artwork, school work, personal stuff, getting the iDonations done, etc) is getting pushed back and messed up because I have to be on the phone with people to protect my identity and credit, get new cards, new ID, talking with police AND deal with all the trauma that comes with being held up at gunpoint by five to seven kids with guns. My mind is in a horrible place right now.

I don’t know if I’m going to be ok. Not for a little while anyways. I’m sorry. This sucks.

I would like to catch a break someday…

^ 33 Comments...

  1. Chris Downes

    That REALLY sucks. Take your time getting back on your feet. The whole right-to-bear-arms thing is one of the main reasons I left America. (Let’s hope Obama does something about THAT while he’s in office.)

    On the plus side, all your ups and downs make for EXCELLENT reading. I’m a devoted fan!

  2. aaron

    that sucks dude. i’ve had a gun pointed at me before, but nothing that extreme. don’t worry about the comic, take care of yourself.

  3. ilitchev

    Oh good god, that’s terrible! (I’ve been a passive reader but I thought I’d chime in at this point.) Take as much time off as you need man, everyone in the world would surely agree that after such an experience you just need some time to yourself. I know it looks like things are bad now but eventually all this bad karma is going to balance itself out, have faith in that.

    And we’ll be here, us fans, waiting for you when you come back.

  4. Cait

    :hug: hang in there pranas. we’re all here to help.

  5. Brenna

    Holy shit. I’m so sorry that happened to you, but I’m glad you’re okay! And by okay I mean not dead or in a coma. Don’t fret about the comic, just take time for yourself.

  6. Tetis

    DAMN!!!
    .
    be cautious about “taking time off”, because it may s-t-r-e-t-c-h out TOO long!…
    .
    I KNOW it is hard, BUT try to “get going” real soon, which may be the BEST therapy…
    .
    DON’T ignore it… maybe relive the experience in your mind and “live THROUGH it”, time and again, until it dulls and becomes less threatening…
    .
    from my own experience with anxiety: anxiety never killed anyone…. so I learned to welcome it, and live “through it”… which helped…
    .
    I was also mugged twice in my life ( I don’t remember if I had told you)… both times were traumatic… My biggest emotion, AFTER the fear, was ANGER!!! and, even to this day, I am cautious in unfamiliar surroundings and always plan for “a way out”… and try to be “situationally aware”… ask your brother about that…
    .
    Remember, Mom went back to work the VERY NEXT DAY after she lived through the 9-11 attack in the Pentagon, and she did well in recovery and coping…
    .
    a poor comparison: if you fall off a bike, get right back on, regardless of fear… it is the better thing to do…
    .
    take care, and if u need advice or want to talk: I’m here.
    .
    btw: something to look forward to: it seems your Teta Dalia and cousin Emma from Canada, will be comming to visit during Christmas-New Year’s…
    .
    Pax Tecum: PEACE!

  7. Architect

    my sincerest apologies! I cannot believe this has happened to you Pran! :( I hope they catch them and you get everything back good as new and they get locked up for years to come. And then you make millions off of a comic that gets revenge on them.

  8. birdilicious

    what doesn’t kill us
    makes us stronger and better
    don’t let this stop you

    you have such talent
    and have been so inspiring
    don’t forget those things

  9. Joey Weiser

    Holy shit! That’s terrible! I’m glad that you’re okay!!

  10. OdysseanBrett

    Good lord, that is just shocking, I suddenly feel alot less safe in Savannah now…

    But I’m really, really glad you weren’t injured, alot worse could have happend.

  11. Isaac

    That’s fucked up, man, and I’m really glad you’re ok.

  12. sixdegreesofdavewheeler

    Again man I’m really sorry to here what happend and again if you need anything let me know man.

  13. Grace Allison

    That’s so terrible and scary! I’m really sorry that something like this happened to you again, and I hope the cops catch those bastards. Take your time getting things back together and let me know if there’s anything I can do to help!

  14. Sean Williams

    In that kind of situation, there’s not a whole lot you can do, so I’m really glad you’re still alive. Take some time off to blow off some steam, shit happens, and when it does, it seems to happen a lot at once - kind of like diarrhea. So, you’re probably going to feel really drained afterward, but know that things will get better.

    That was a terrible analogy, but the important thing is you have Amy and she’s still got you.

  15. Tetis

    ok
    .
    time to pull yourself up by your bootstraps!
    .
    DRAW!!!
    .
    NOW!

  16. Isaac

    Those goddamn kids. I’m already going through Inkdick withdrawal :-(

  17. Whitney Cogar

    Hey Pranas! I’m glad to hear you’re ok. Do whatever you need to so you can deal with this, we’ll be here when you get back :D

  18. Paul

    Shit, that’s horrible. Take all the time you need, it is understandable. Sorry, man, just sorry. Effin’ kids.

  19. buffalobelle

    Now, my say. Get back to drawing. Tetis made me sound like a hero in going back to the Pentagon the day after I was blown out of the place. I guess it was my way at getting back at the people who did this to me, this Nation and killed some of my friends. I refused to be the victim; it was also listening to the horrific experiences that Opa went through during WWII. He used to tell me that he refused to have the enemy win. I so much believe what birdilicious said that what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger and better. Get back to drawing as you do have talent and much to say in this world of good and bad. Now, since 9-11 I don’t take well to loud noices and sudden surprises. But, you have to live with the fact there are bastards in the world who act in cowardly ways and like to intimidate. Yet, at the same time, you have to focus on the positive and not the negative. I survived 9-11 because it was not my time to die; there are more things I must accomplish for the betterment of this world. Make a list (mentally, if you must) of all the good things you have going for you; trust me, they will outweigh the bad.

    Hang in there kid. Rise above the misery; I know you will.

  20. OdysseanBrett

    I hope your finals are going over well after the whole ordeal. I can imagine you’d need a break from Inkdick for them alone.

  21. show time

    Everyone has their way, and references are just references. In my case, as a professional kickboxer, I wouldn’t stop my kickboxing training. I’d avoid the danger spot, or what not, I’d find a place to kickbox.

    In your case, difficult to find the kids, difficult to stop all likelihood of such incidents happening, even with harsher gun control. The only way to fight back would be to affirm your individuality in this world.

    If you’re going to escape or seclude, at least do so forward, would one perhaps put. Another tough times. Again, a person’s true nature and value or valor is revealed precisely in the tough times of him/herself or of others in need.

    It’s a chance to come out stronger, and take better advantage of every moment, speaking of which, I need to sleep and wake up early enough to use up my tomorrow! Time is a treasure that can slip away if not held on.

  22. thedeafguy

    man, I’m glad you’re okay! Kids with guns…sheesh. 5 yrs I lived in Savannah, never had any held-ups or anything, so i count my blessings. You…look at it this way, you’re leaving Savannah soon, getting rid of all that bad karma at once can’t be that bad…? Ya I know…lame excuse…all i can say is, count your blessings, cuz it could be worse. You could be dead. You’re alive and hopefully you should be marvelously appreciating life right about now.

  23. tory

    that sucks, i hope you feel better and aren’t by your self.

    also a kinda neat thing is, lots of people who don’t even know you are happy you aren’t dead! thats kinda nice right?

    good luck with the feeling better:)

  24. fan o' urs

    in the comic book world, the heros avenge these situations. you could become a vigilante of some sort and then your comics could be based on true stories about your crime fighting. you could be a hotdog that fights crime…that’ll save you money on a costume. time will heal you buddy, you don’t know me but i’m a fan of your work and everyone is rooting for you

  25. Weigy

    Pranas, I’ve met you once or twice and have enjoyed your work. I just heard of this from a friend of mine and would like to say that I’m glad you came out alive out of this and I’m not sure if SCAD security really do have the students’ best interest by their general disinterest in taking more action with safety issues in this town. It’s a little ridiculous how a good portion of us all have known how it feels to be at the end of a gunpoint.

    I hope you all the best, I hope nothing else as unfair as this kind of shit goes down to you or anyone during their stay in this town.

  26. buffalobelle

    Twenty-three years ago today I gave birth to my first child. He weight 7lbs 6 oz and was 22in long. What a joy entered my life. He grew up to be talented with skills to entertain and bring balance to this world. He is tenacious, witty and always looks out for the underdog. In fact, as a little boy he would protect those who were being bullied. He sees the world in drawing and writing; what he gives back to the world in each is amazing. Now, he tends to be too negative and critical of himself. Maybe, this is what gives him the competitive edge. Yes, I am very proud of him and wish my son, Pranas, a VERY Happy Birthday!

  27. D

    Holly Crap Pman I hope your alright. I can’t belive that happened to you. I am so happy your safe. I dont even know what to say thank goodness you wont be in town for a while right get to get a break from the city. I miss you buddy w/ all my jewish little heart. and i hope you will be alright my friend.

  28. Kiri

    In response to your twitter — I recommend Surpass Hosting, though they may be a bit on the pricey side. They’re very reliable and have some of the BEST support I’ve ever seen for a webhost. Aside from that, WebHosting Jury is a good place to start.

  29. Tetis

    it is time to pick yourself up…
    c’mmoooooooooooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnn!!!!

  30. show time

    I’m sure I’m not the only one checking this comic blog every day.

  31. Isaac

    So Inkdick is over now right? :-(

  32. Tetis

    I want INKDICK!
    I want INKDICK!
    I want INKDICK!
    I want INKDICK!
    I want INKDICK!
    I want INKDICK!
    I want INKDICK!
    I want INKDICK!
    I want INKDICK!

  33. Tetis

    YEAAAAAA!!!
    I GOT INKDICK!
    :”>
    should have checked first…. :”>

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