I grew up drawing and doodling, probably like most young kids. I began to write and draw stories in Jr.High School. My first stab at comics came in the form of animal superheroes. I would draw alligators, tigers, bears, dogs, etc. walking upright, talking and wearing tights. They were largely based on some of my favorite superheroes. Through jr. high and sophomore year of high school I drew comics. Also I studied classical music and once I got more into music I had no time for drawing comics, that chapter was closed. Little did I know that creating comics would resurface nearly 15 years later.

I graduated with a B.S. of Science in Biology at Cal State Dominguez Hills and am currently completing my M.S. in Molecular Biology at the same institution.  Initially I thought I was going to either medical school or pursue a Ph.D. in molecular biology. I fell into teaching in the meantime.  After about four and a half years in teaching, I decided to go back to school and pursue my interests in science. Previously, I was involved in a research internship and learned that I didn’t want to be in research. It did not excite me. What did excite me was forensic science. I cannot recall exactly when and how it began, but the idea of using science to help solve crimes fascinated me!  Forensic files became a staple in my television viewing diet.  Similarly, Court TV programs along this line quickly followed. Then I began reading lots of books (mostly technical) on DNA fingerprinting, trace evidence, firearms, fingerprinting and other topics.  I began volunteering in the LAPD crime lab to learn more about forensics. My heart’s pursuits resulted in me earning a certificate from CSU Long Beach as an Evidence Technician and taking additional forensics courses from CSU Fullerton.  Of course, I still have a deep love of forensics and continue to pursue opportunities in the field to broaden and deepen my knowledge.  Returning to teaching was practical, but after a year at a school that really sucked, I decided to seek out a really cool private school. There my mind was clear and creativity is highly encouraged.

I had been itching to draw again, so in summer of 2005, I started buying drawing books and anatomy books and practicing. Something in me decided to be more serious about writing comics, and in order to provoke thought in my readers, I believe the characters would have to be real people, not animals that simulated human lives, but real people living real lives. The Strand is the culmination of all my interests.

Birth of The Strand
So what inspired The Strand?  Everything.  Obviously, it represents my love of comics and cartoons about super heroes.  But mostly it was inspired by the events of today, things we deal with on a daily basis as human beings. There is a lot going on in the world that I want to talk about.  Many topics and issues will be presented in The Strand.  What is constant is the idea of growth and change, and that will be observed through the various characters you will interact with.  For me this is the perfect forum to express my love of molecular biology, forensic science, science fiction, uperpowers, and my views on the state of the world and what people like this would do about it if they existed.  This has become a serious labor of love. In closing thanks for stopping by my website, look around, learn about the characters and I hope you enjoy following the adventures and the lives of the people in The Strand.

Chris Grice
Email me at thestrandcomic@aol.com