John Leavitt was sent my way by Molly Crabapple, with whom he’s authored two books, including most recently, Fugu’s soon-to-be-release graphic novel, Scarlett Takes Manhattan. In response to the original request for Subway Stories strips, he responded with the simple message, “Lesson One: Never do drugs you find on the F train.” Wiser words have seldom been spoken.

This isn’t that story , however—though it does involve some conspicuously-placed white powder–and a big wad of cash. For “Birthday Boy,” Leavitt borrowed a story from his friend Howard Des Chenes.

Leavitt’s work has appeared in The New Yorker and The New York Press. In his spare time, he is not a choral composer. You can check out more of his work here.

Those artists interested in submitting a strip to the Subway Stories series, please drop us a line at dailycrosshatch@gmail.com.

[Subway Stories #1: Raina Telgemeier]