Blue Moon Blog

I’ve long been a fan of Don Simpson’s Megaton Man, indeed since his debut in 1984. So I was pleased as punch when he and newly appointed President of the CBLDF (Comic Book Legal Defense Fund), Larry Marder asked me to color a four-page story Don had done for the upcoming annual issue of Liberty Comics.

Don considers himself retired from the comic book scene, focusing on teaching and working towards his MA in history of art and architecture and PhD. Still, when called upon to raise funds and defend the First Amendment, Don rose to the challenge and hasn’t missed a beat. Indeed, not only is this piece his first and longest in years, it’s also his best. It’s like he never took the time off. So it was a pleasure for my wife, Mary and I to color away on his array of Bizarre Heroes, and contribute to the cause ourselves.

Here’s a sneak peek panel from one of many great stories by big name creators:

This panel also features fan faves Yarn Man, Rubber Brother and X-Ray Boy.

CBLDF Liberty Annual 2010, edited by Larry Marder with stories from various creators and covers by Jim Lee and Darick Robertson, arrives in stores on October 6, 2010 for $4.99.

The Gettysburg Address

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that this nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate - we cannot consecrate - we cannot hallow - this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us, the living, rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.

It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us, that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion; that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that this government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from this earth.

Abraham Lincoln, November 19, 1863

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, here’s a couple sketches of one of my favorite Irishmen and actors, Brian Dennehy.

Happy Valentine’s Day, All!

The unfortunately named Landon Pigg caught my ear this past year with a sweet tune, Falling In Love At A Coffee Shop. Click that link to play at lala.com, or watch the vid.

And check out our previous Valentine’s-related posts right here at the Blue Moon Blog.

Sure, 2009 was a rough tumble of a year in many respects for many people across the globe, and certainly was for us personally, the Blue Moon Crew. But for all the challenges and difficulties, we find much for which to be grateful.

Our family is healthy (or getting healthier). We have plenty of creature comforts, even as we’ve tightened our belt. Our Blue Moon Daughters are growing evermore to be smart, funny, talented, confident and independent individuals. Mary and I marked our twentieth wedding anniversary (even if we weren’t able to celebrate or spend it as we would have liked), and during a time of crisis and hardship have become closer than ever.

We’re still drawing away, doing what we love most to do, both to sustain ourselves and our family, and ourselves creatively. And as 2010 rolls out, my Night of the Bedbugs children’s book arrives on the scene! So we’re excited about what the New Year will bring, stepping out of the dark, even if as with baby steps, to gaze upon and steep ourselves in what we trust will be better and brighter times.

Don’t forget to look for the blue moon tonight, a special rare occurrence in this case, as a New Year’s Eve blue moon will not happen again for about another twenty years.

And the illustration above was done by one of the greatest American illustrators of all time, J. C. Leyendecker. A book dedicated to his work and life has finally been compiled and released, long overdue. I highly recommend you pick up a copy, and if you click the link, you can order it through our amazon/Blue Moon Store to support this blog. (Personally, I’m perusing a copy now I picked up at the library.)

So, we wish for you, our world, all peoples, peace, safety and health, contentment and happiness in the coming year. Happy Blue Moon New Year to one and all!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, not the cheeriest holiday tune ever written was introduced by Judy Garland in 1944 before the end of World War II, from the movie Meet Me in St. Louis. Certain lyrics were replaced with those more optimistic, as requested by Frank Sinatra in 1957. My favorite version of the song is a little more sprightly & swingin’, less melancholy, though Ella retains the original lyrics:

Given the troubles economic and otherwise both national and global the last year (or eight), this tune is speaking to me more than ever this Christmas. But also personally, as the last 9 1/2 months have been a test and struggle for me and my family since I had a severe accident in March. And since mid-May/early June, I’ve been dealing with post traumatic stress. in some ways more challenging than healing physically.

So, we’ve learned a bit, sometimes the hard way, and are trying our best to appreciate more each other and the time we have together, as well as fiends and relatives abroad. This Christmas tune tells us not everything will always necessarily be easy, we may have to face adversity and muddle through, somehow.

Another fine version, this from James Taylor:

We’ve come through all this closer than ever as a couple and family, though we’re not through it all yet. And while 2010 may not bring all happiness and cheer, there is good in us and all around us. We are blessed and have so much for which to be thankful.

So, have yourself a Merry Little Christmas now.

Here’s a little slideshow of bloopers and out takes from our Christmas card photo shoot. Sometimes poses were good, but faces goofy, other time faces were fine but poses stiff. And to keep things loosened up and fun, the girls goofed around between mini-sessions.

And posing with Laura is a friend’s guinea pig, Scooter, who’s our special Christmas guest this year.

Merry Christmas and Happy & Healthy Holidays from the Blue Moon Crew!

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!

My daughters made this video after learning of it from friends. A free service called Elf Yourself to share and view brought to you by Office Max via JibJab. Tons of fun and easy to do, it’s good for a laugh and a way to customize something for Chrsitmas. There are many variations, so have at it! Only $5 to download a generated copy for posterity.