Blue Moon Blog

I had a lotta hot fun at the Minneapolis Indie Xpo, doing sketches, chatting with fans, friends and fellow artists, and selling lotsa comics, minis, books, buttons and marbles. I expected the crowd to be 20-something hipsters, of which there were plenty, but a lotta families showed up, too, so it was a good cross section and MIX of people.

A view from near my table of one of the three rooms/areas of the show. This was taken in the morning as the show began. A short time later and most of the rest of the day, these rooms were pretty packed.

It was a hot and humid day, and the small fan I brought along was little comfort, but somehow I did a buncha sketches, even if my sweaty arm occasionally stuck to the paper:

A quick Hellboy drawing I did in a collector’s sketchbook.

I know, I’m weird. Big fan of spatulas. Never took any drugs, ladies and gentleman!

Many kids, parents and grandparents were drawn to my Night of the Bedbugs book, ABC minis, buttons and juggling beanbags, which was nice to see. A lotta new Bedbugs fans were made at this show, who I hope will follow up and LIKE the Bedbugs Facebook page or visit the bedbugsmania.com web site for games, vids and more.

Taking a break from doing a Micronauts’ Baron Karza sketch for a photo by new acquaintance, and MCAD Artist in Residence, Jim Keefe.

Special thanks to MIX organizers Sarah Morean and Andy Krueger for doing a fine job kicking off this event. I’m already looking forward to next year.

I did these couple of small Bedbugs sketches at the MN SpringCon last weekend, keeping them in hand, probably for sale at etsy.com or at the Bebdugs site. I’ll update here and at the Bebdugs Facebook fan page.

If you haven’t seen the latest Bedbugs video, check it out at the YouTube bedbugsfun channel. It’s been a big hit at school appearances so far.

The new Bedbugs Boogie Animated Trailer, complete with bouncy graphics and music has gone live at YouTube. About a minute in length, it moves pretty quickly and gives a good sense of the story and tone of my Night of the Bedbugs childrens book.

It’s also viewable at the just-launched bedbugsmania.com, which also features a six-page preview of the book, online games and activity sheets for download, Bedbugs tee shirts (more BugSwag to come) and more free stuff if you sign up to become a member of the Bedbugs Booster Club.

From the site, you can also sign on to follow Bedbugs on Facebook, Twitter and via RSS. Via the Bedbugs fan page, you’ll have a chance to win a Prize Package. The more friends and family you get to “Like” the page, the more winners there’ll be - so spread the word!

And remember, the book is available online and in fine bookstores now.

With my childrens book, Night of the Bedbugs now widely available, all fans, both young and young at heart have a chance to win a Bebdugs Prize Package simply if you click the “Like” button at the Bedbugs Facebook page. Each prize includes a signed, personalized piece of original Bedbug art, a Bedbugs button of your choice and a hand-drawn Bedbugs marble. Here are a couple sketches that have already been awarded:

Join now and spread the word - everyone has a chance to win!

As my childrens book, Night of the Bedbugs is now in stores, we’re just about ready to launch an expanded Bedbugs web site. In preparation, I did this illustration for the Bedbugs Booster Club. It’s, y’know…for kids.

From the site, you can click the Bedbugs Facebook icon to become a fan and learn the latest news, get a chance to win a special Bebdugs prize package, which includes a piece of original Bedbugs art. Order the book online, or go to your local Borders or Barnes & Noble to pick up a copy. The Bedbugs bandwagon is just pulling out, folks. Climb aboard - we’re just getting started.

It’s been a long time coming, from my point of view, but it was a thrill to receive earlier this week my comp copies of my new children’s book, Night of the Bedbugs.

Nothing can match the experience of seeing the first copies of Trollords #1 roll off the presses in 1986, but this is close, and special in another way. With my first self published comic, my Tru Studios pal and partner, Scott Beaderstadt at my side, we were together realizing a dream at the ripe age of 22. It was all so new, we couldn’t believe it was happening. It was like a first love.

But now after twenty-five years of seeing my work in print and on line, used in a variety of ways, I’m used to it. The thrill isn’t gone, but it’s not the same. Because this book is near and dear to my heart, because it’s all my own, I expected to be more excited when I opened the box and saw hardcover copies for the first time.

To get this book printed and out, I needed to clear a series of hurdles: I was elated when Silverline said yes to publishing it, and so quickly; finishing it was a creative challenge and is a personal achievement; holding the book in my hands is a Big Deal. But I think what I’m eager for is for kids and parents to read it. I can’t wait for reactions to the book and to meet Bedbugs fans in person at signings and readings, at libraries, schoolrooms and bookstores.

I was hoping the book would be in readers’ hands by this Christmas, but despite my and Silverline’s best efforts, I’m not sure when it’ll show up in comics shops, and though amazon.com lists the release date as Dec. 29, those who order are more likely to receive their copies between January 4-8.

I hope everyone will find it worth the wait.

In the meantime, check out previews at the Silverline Books site, print out and play with the Bedbugs activity pages, watch the Bedbugs Boogie Music Video, and become a fan of Bedbugs at Facebook for a chance to win a Bedbugs prize package.

The book will be available to everyone soon, and more stuff is on the way!

Merry Christmas from the Blue Moon Crew (Emily, Laura, Mary & Paul) and the Bedbugs!

Our daughter, Laura made these figurines and ornaments using Sculpy, as gifts for friends and family. Look closely and you may recognize a familiar little character!

The Bedbugs Boogie Music Video, the first of a few songs and trailers supporting my children’s book, Night of the Bedbugs.

This past Sunday we shot the video for the first Bedbugs trailer, a live music performance of a song I wrote to accompany Night of the Bedbugs, my children’s book due soon from Silverline Books.

With the help of the Bedbugs Backup Singers, we rehearsed and did six takes of the Bedbugs Boogie, a rollicking, bluesy call-and-response number. All the girls did a great job learning the tune and their parts both vocal and choreographed.

My pal, Mitch loaned us the perfect tripod. We taped sheets with large print of the lyrics and direction on an easel which was set on a table next to the tripod. The girls also taped a lyric sheet on my back so they could refer to that for cues. Noisemakers were placed on the floor and in pockets, at the ready for the rousing finale.

Though we were all exhausted afterward, we had a blast and enjoyed watching the footage and bloopers. Now it’s time to decide on a take to use, add titles and credits, then we’ll make it available for viewing on YouTube, Facebook and many online venues.

Night of the Bedbugs is currently available for pre-order at amazon.com and at your local comic book shop sometime in December. It’s also for pre-order sale at many online bookstores, like Borders, Barnes & Noble and Books-a-Million, and will be in fine bookstores late March 2010.