Max Dlabick’s Interplanetary Joy Ride — Bringing Whimsy and Wonder to Kansas City

Photo by Lilly Gerend/Art in the Loop Foundation

At a time when the daily grind can often feel overwhelming, Max Dlabick’s colorful and playful artwork offers a refreshing reminder to slow down and reconnect with joy. As a comic artist and illustrator based in Kansas City, Max’s Interplanetary Joy Ride project brings bright whimsy to the city’s streetcar line, inviting everyone — especially kids — to smile, dream, and feel the delight of simple pleasures.

A Creative Journey Rooted in Joy and Play

Max describes themselves primarily as a comic artist who loves making fun art without taking things too seriously. Their goal? To help people escape the constant push for productivity and find space to enjoy life’s lighter moments. “I want people to slow down, find things they really enjoy, and ease off that pressure,” Max explains. Whether it’s roller skating just for fun or doodling in his sketchbook, Max believes hobbies without an agenda are vital for mental health.

Their approach to art balances whimsy with meaningful intention. “I don’t want to make light of serious issues, but I want people to feel joy and not be stressed when they see my work,” Max says. This delicate balance is at the heart of Interplanetary Joy Ride — a project inspired by childhood imagery like coloring books and the bright, vibrant style of Lisa Frank, combined with the expressive line work found in comics.

Little Creatures with Big Personality

One of the most charming aspects of Max’s work is their quirky cast of characters — weird little animal-people hybrids that bring a playful energy to their art. These figures originated as stress relief during demanding art school days, when Max used a sketchbook as a place for fun and freedom. Inspired by the bold graphic style of Keith Haring, Max’s creatures are cute, expressive, and full of personality.

Among the favorites is a simple little cat that Max doodles often — a kind of comfort character that pops up when they’re testing pens or looking for a starting point. “It’s not really me,” Max laughs, “but it’s my go-to when I don’t know what else to draw.”

Influences and the KC Creative Community

Max’s love for comics began early, influenced by their dad’s passion for newspaper strips like Foxtrot and Garfield. “I was amazed that artists could draw the same character over and over,” Max recalls. Max’s time at KCAI pushed them further, surrounded by classmates who challenged them to improve — sometimes harshly, but always with growth in mind.

Though Max describes themselves as shy, collaborative projects helped them come out of their shell and connect with other artists. “Everyone just wants to talk about their art,” Max says with a smile, emphasizing the importance of community and shared creativity.

Finding Joy Off the Page

Outside of art, Max’s favorite no-pressure hobby is roller skating — a physical, whole-body activity very different from drawing or painting. “I’m not athletic, so falling down is expected and it’s okay,” Max explains. This freedom from expectation and perfectionism perfectly complements their creative mindset.

If Max’s characters could take a real interplanetary joy ride, they imagine they’d visit Pluto — “to give it some love now that it’s not officially a planet anymore.”

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Artists

Max offers honest advice to new artists facing uncertainty and self-doubt. “You have to just do it, even if you think your art is terrible. Finish it, learn from it, and move on. Don’t get stuck obsessing over the little things — just keep creating.” Max’s encouragement is a reminder that growth comes through persistence and practice, not perfection.

Engage with Art, Engage with Joy

Before wrapping up, Max invited everyone to engage with art in any way possible — whether taking a class at Kansas City’s Cherry Pit Collective or simply visiting a museum like the Nelson-Atkins. “Art enriches your mind and your life,” Max says, and their joyful, colorful work certainly brings that enrichment to Kansas City’s streets.

We’re so grateful to Max Dlabick for sharing their story and inspiring us all to find our own interplanetary joy rides. Keep an eye out for their playful creatures next time you ride the KC streetcar — and don’t forget to smile!

Bio:

Max Dlabick crawled out of the Mississippi River mud in the summer of 1994 and has been drawing funny little animals ever since. After graduating from the Kansas City Art Institute with a BFA in Illustration in 2016, Max began focusing on digital and ink-based comic work. Max’s artwork utilizes expressive line and color to explore the relationship between humor and emotional resonance in everyday life. Past projects include the 2024 Parade of Hearts, Stick ’n Poke Vol 1, André and Karl Vol 1, and a piece in The Nib’s Ignatz award-winning Be Gay Do Comics.

Instagram: @mdablick

Website: https://mdlabick.com/