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Hi, my name is Kalman ‘Carun’ Balla. Once upon a time, in a galaxy far far away, I used to be a writer – this was the plot twist. My short stories were published in a Hungarian magazine. However, during the COVID-19 lockdowns, I realized that writing descriptions and narratives were a bloody torture, while punchlines on their own weren’t as effective. So, after some pestering from my missus, I started drawing cartoons that matched my one-line jokes.This was the beginning of my true creative journey, while in reality, I worked as a welder/fabricator, a paramedic, and a chef, and now I am the certified positive input in a local care home with the official title of catering assistant. This leaves me enough free time to play on the PS5, throw a few darts, listen to rock music, and draw.

Since that’s why you’re here, enjoy my cartoons!

More info: Instagram | X | threads.net

#1

Zero To Hero – Through 20 Cartoons Of Kalman 'Carun' Balla

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Liam Storer
Community Member
2 years ago

Wonderful.

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As a self-taught artist, I started as a kid doodling in all my school books, drawing the occasional superhero comics of my own, and photoshopping pictures in the traditional pen-and-pencil way; but then I ditched the idea of doing something with this “rare” talent.

This hiatus lasted until December 2021 – more than twenty years. After some nagging, I purchased sketchbooks and quality pencils, only to realize that these didn’t magically create better images of the ones in my head. Neither did the professional drawing software and the extra brushes. I watched YouTube videos, sometimes on repeat – even my missus knows Marco Bucci’s color theory from the heart – and practice, practice, practiced.

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    #2

    Zero To Hero – Through 20 Cartoons Of Kalman 'Carun' Balla

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    Sam Juan
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited)

    Thou shalt ROCK-ETH

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    #3

    Zero To Hero – Through 20 Cartoons Of Kalman 'Carun' Balla

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    Frank Russell
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    And apparently hasn't for some time.

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    Today, I use a sketchbook when I’m out and about, and Procreate on my iPad as my main work tool. After learning the basic software functions and various painting techniques, Inktober 2022 moved me in the direction of drawing cartoons because… those are awesome. And laughter is the best medicine, right?

    #4

    Zero To Hero – Through 20 Cartoons Of Kalman 'Carun' Balla

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    Yohualtica
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    "Maybe you're not ready for this, but your descendants in hundreds of thousands of years will love it... For a while"

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    #5

    Zero To Hero – Through 20 Cartoons Of Kalman 'Carun' Balla

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    Sam Juan
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    How has BP not censored this yet?

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    I enjoy discovering the fun side in the Far Side of everything – pun intended. Except in politics. That’s a joke in itself, at which I can’t laugh. Graham Annable aka Grickle, Sir Terry Pratchett, JP Ahonen can always make my day; while artistically I always fall for Marco Bucci and Nikolai Lockertsen. There are also unnamed heroes appearing in my life as special guests whose stories and wisdom never cease to amaze and inspire me. There’s a punchline lurking in many stories – I prefer finding that and helping people deal with our dull, often gloomy reality.

    #6

    Zero To Hero – Through 20 Cartoons Of Kalman 'Carun' Balla

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    ArodTheHorrible
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    Plus, as I've said before, geese are a******s

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    #7

    Zero To Hero – Through 20 Cartoons Of Kalman 'Carun' Balla

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    ArodTheHorrible
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    Superhero old folks home. That could get fun

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    Thanks to the drawing challenges, Dragon and Dude were born, and now I ended up here.

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    I’d like to take the opportunity to invite you to check out my Instagram, especially if you’re in dire need of some silly jokes and a good laugh. Who knows what the future brings? I think Dragon would look pretty on the cover of Vogue magazine, my vampire could feature as a blood-type diet specialist in health columns, and the witch would give the best beauty tips and tricks. So, as the agent of the above cool folks, I urge you to spread the word and let’s sneak a morsel of happiness in the world.

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    #8

    Zero To Hero – Through 20 Cartoons Of Kalman 'Carun' Balla

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    Tabitha
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited)

    Does he actually own that garbage can, or is he just renting? Asking for a friend.

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    #9

    Zero To Hero – Through 20 Cartoons Of Kalman 'Carun' Balla

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    Bo'owowo'uh
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    He's right behind me, isn't he?

    #10

    Zero To Hero – Through 20 Cartoons Of Kalman 'Carun' Balla

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    Ruby White
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    I WAnnA FIsh WitH BacOn

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    #11

    Zero To Hero – Through 20 Cartoons Of Kalman 'Carun' Balla

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    Bo'owowo'uh
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    Cheers!

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    #12

    Zero To Hero – Through 20 Cartoons Of Kalman 'Carun' Balla

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    Mr.Li
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    PIZZA TIME 🍕

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    #13

    Zero To Hero – Through 20 Cartoons Of Kalman 'Carun' Balla

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    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago

    Mine does the opposite. Well, I hope that explains what I see in there.

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    #14

    Zero To Hero – Through 20 Cartoons Of Kalman 'Carun' Balla

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    Apatheist Account2
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    Nerd alert - Vikings never had horned helmets.

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    #15

    Zero To Hero – Through 20 Cartoons Of Kalman 'Carun' Balla

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    S F
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    I don't get it

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    #16

    Zero To Hero – Through 20 Cartoons Of Kalman 'Carun' Balla

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    Mr.Li
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    A shield is actually a very good weapon. Use the edge and hammer the cr@p out of your enemy

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    #17

    Zero To Hero – Through 20 Cartoons Of Kalman 'Carun' Balla

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    Oreo's n Amethyst Cream
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    All i see here is 2 Quasimodo wannabees

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    #18

    Zero To Hero – Through 20 Cartoons Of Kalman 'Carun' Balla

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    Why?
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    Watch your shoes lady!

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    #19

    Zero To Hero – Through 20 Cartoons Of Kalman 'Carun' Balla

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    Little CJ
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    Is that how he ended up at the urologist?

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    #20

    Zero To Hero – Through 20 Cartoons Of Kalman 'Carun' Balla

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    Rob Philippo
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    I think more cartoonists need to take a step back from their work and try to see if what they create will make sense to their readers. This one is definitely a head scratcher.

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