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Archive for October 2009
2
New Night of the Bedbugs Book Cover
Just before going to print, the publisher and I decided to change the cover for my forthcoming book, Night of the Bedbugs. As much as I like the cover we used for solicitation, instead of being suggestive, subtle and graphic, we thought it best to be more overt to give readers a better idea of the story inside.
4
Michael Schenker Shirt Art
Having seen UFO in concert ten days back, I've been listening to their music, old and new and am in a real UFO/Michael Schenker phase. Reading again my recent post about seeing them live, I realize I can't truly call my interest in the group and Schenker an obsession, not when compared to how attentive and devoted my brothers' have been as fans and with their tribute band they've had going now over a decade. An MST article at their site is worth a read, from a few years ago now, covering the distinction between a "cover band" and a "tribute band." This interest all started over thirty years ago when my older brother, Karl, the guitarist brought UFO and Schenker into the house. We were such Schenker fans, I drew up two different tee shirts. We printed plenty and sold them at our high school. I recall spending some hours drawing up the art for the shirts, up in my bedroom, listening to their live album, Strangers in the Night over and over again 'til the art was done. I worked in pencil, making sure the lines were dark and clean so it'd print and be screen printed onto the tees nicely.
0
Conversations With Wilder
1
This Old Man, He Played Rock: Phil Mogg
2
Model Father
Balloon Man: Heene-Meanie-Minee-Mo-ron.
...My prediction from the sixties finally came true: "In the future everyone will be famous for fifteen minutes." I'm bored with that line. I never use it anymore. My new line is, "In fifteen minutes everybody will be famous."
Andy Warhol
0
The King of All: Sir Duke
In the last century, I'd be hard pressed to choose a better composer than Duke Ellington. In his musical career which spanned just over a half-century, he wrote early rhythmic jazz tunes, bouncy big band numbers, elegant ballads, musical scores, jazz/classical pieces and everything in between. He was the best of the best, covering all bases.
A great collection to start with is Sophisticated Lady, although that superb CD just scratches the surface of his tremendous oeuvre and legacy.
0
Comics Women
It's been a good sign to see more women artists, readers and fans show up at each successive comic book convention the last several years. And they're not all in costumes, either...not that there's anything wrong with that. But with what has long been largely a boys club for decades, it's encouraging that the fan base and creative trends are broadening.
Perhaps it's because of those female artists who blazed trails over the last few decades, or the proliferation of fantasy literature and comics for girls and women the last few years. Whatever the cause or reason, it's a healthy sign for comics and reading in general.
Given the nature of my upcoming Night of the Bedbugs children's book release, many more women and Dads with kids approached my table, just as I'd like it. I'm not aiming in this regard for a small niche of fans interested mostly in dark subjects or superheroes. But even as I see improvements at comic book conventions, I can't wait to do appearances with Bedbugs books and juggling Bedbugs beanbags at libraries, classrooms and bookstores.
In the meantime, become a fan at the Bedbugs Facebook Fan Page.
0
The Snow Lay On the Ground
A view from the studio window, perhaps not an unexpected sight in Minnesota in October. But, perhaps it's time to take in the patio lounges and take down the volleyball net?
0
Minnesota FallCon 2009 Costumed Heroes
A few highlights from the Costume Parade and competition at the comic book convention in Minnesota this weekend, both charming and scary:
Sister and brother get in on the act.
A fiery and muscle-bound Human Torch.
A Star Wars family affair.
Creepy Freddy.
Update: another pic snapped on Sunday at the show:
Young Iron Man, in a power pose!
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Night of the Bebdugs Book
