When Art Imitates Life Imitates Stories

Most of my comics are set in present-day United States. But I try not to use specific states so I can make up cities, towns, and districts/counties inspired by actual unique events, demographics, and regional culture. However, there remains a veneer of realism I want to convey with a sense of universalism for the readers.

This is also a tremendous help and opportunity for me, the creator, to do research on different states as I may be unable to visit but can figure out the aspects and unique locales. Then I can begin to work out geography for that story and its characters.