Bard’s Tale Production Pages Part II
June 29, 2007, filed under: Sketchbook, by LexThe pages for A Bard’s Tale are coming along and I’m on target to reach my goal of completing the first part in time for Comicon (in 4 weeks!).
The following sequence follows Hrothgar’s journey to the mere where, across the murky bog, lie caverns of gold. Hrothgar is looking for a piece he can weld into a wedding ring for the girl of his dreams. But first, he’s got to make it across…
How To Draw Peanuts
June 28, 2007, filed under: Studio, by Lex
I can’t remember if I already posted this on the now defunct “Lexpress Production Log” or not–but I’m in a sketchbook clearinghouse mode so I’m posting these just the same. This past weekend I did a class at the Schulz Museum on “How to Draw Peanuts” –these are the practice sketches I worked up so I’d at least have some idea of what I was talking about.
For those of you who have ever tried to draw the characters you’ll remember just how deceptively difficult it is. The only time I’ve ever seen anyone capture the elusive “Schulz line” who wasn’t Schulz, was a cartoonist named Jim Sasseville. He actually worked for Sparky back in the day, helping him do the finishes on a single panel comic Sparky drew called It’s Only a Game. This comic and another feature Sparky did for a Christian Youth magazine (collected in the new book Schulz’s Youth) are rare gems–they feature a wide range of topics and more importantly a wide range of adults, teenagers and activities rarely seen in Peanuts. If you’re a fan of Sparky’s work, these books are worth adding to your collection.
Doing this class was fun, but also a little unsettling (my job these days is basically to spot a forged or incorrect usage of Peanuts artwork) no matter how “right” I may have gotten the characters, they were always wrong.
Plato Model Sheet 4.0
June 22, 2007, filed under: Plato's Republic, Studio, by Lex
It’s been a slow Kid B. news day, so I thought I’d upload this piece that’s been gathering dust in my sketchbook. You’ll be the first to know if I do any new strips, for now I’m just playing around with new character ideas and doodles.
Japan
June 18, 2007, filed under: Studio, by Lex
I was lucky enough to spend last week in Japan on a business trip (going on assignment for the Schulz Studio…Snoopy is very big in Japan). I went with some cohorts from the studio and the syndicate to attend a week-long seminar; when we weren’t in meetings we were taking in the sights, eating LOTS of good food and getting immersed in a fascinating culture. I’ll be the first to admit I’m a bonafide Europhile but after spending some time in Tokyo and Osaka, I’m ready to become a Japanophile –Kid B. will definitely make his way to Japan a– culture like theirs, not to mention its contribution to comics, can’t be ignored. (Did I mention how good the food was?). At left is Osaka Castle peeking out through the trees. Here are some other choice pics…
This is me pounding rice in a great restaurant called Inakaya. 
There is a lot of yelling done here, as the chefs prepare food for you, prawns and crabs are grilled alive, and the sake flows freely!
This is Osaka at night (the 2nd largest city after Tokyo). Bladerunner anyone?
A kendo class...
After a long week, the stress of constant companionship took its toll…
Hama Sculpture
June 7, 2007, filed under: Kid B., by Lex
I’ve got some exciting news: debuting at Comic-con 2007 will be a limited edition Hama sculpture! This wonderful rendition brings Hama to exciting and pudgy 3D life. Hama is the first in a series which will include Beowulf (2008) and Grendel (2009).
Hama will be cast in white resin for painting enthusiasts, as well as fully bronzed. He stands 4″ high and is 2.75″ wide and is a great addition to any collector’s shelf. I’m currently taking pre-orders so if you’d like to get your hands on a one-of-a-kind sculpt let me know. I’ll have an official order form and prices as Comic-con approaches. Click on the full 360 below for a better view. Hama was sculpted to exacting precision by premiere sculptor Pam Drucker of Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates. Thanks Pam!
Dagref & Ingeld
June 6, 2007, filed under: Characters, by Lex
Dagref: the Heathobard chief and Froda’s father.
Ingeld: the Heathobard smithy and Yrs’ father.
These two are old friends who’ll have to contend with the Danes down the line. I like Ingeld’s red pants, I think that’s a bold move on his part.
A Bard’s Tale: Preview Pages
June 1, 2007, filed under: Sketchbook, by LexThe first four pages (without cleanup)… 
