100th Post

Erin at Elaine's wedding reception in the Masonic Lodge

For my 100th post, I thought I would show you my favorite picture this year. The photo is of my great-niece, Erin, at my sister's wedding this summer in Jackson, MS. It was 110º outside, but she was serene, beautiful, and collected. We were lucky enough to see Erin and her family here in Chicago this summer and we hope to see them all again real soon. We had a blast.

One Hot Wedding

I took a break from comic books and had a great weekend. My sister, Elaine, got married to Dan this past Saturday in Jackson, Mississippi. It was 102º.


Mr. Daniel Ferguson and Mrs. Elaine Strickland Ferguson.

It was really great to see almost all of my immediate family in one place. With the exception of my father, who was too ill to travel, everyone was there. My sister was beaming as a beautiful bride and her groom was absolutely giddy. My nephews and niece have all grown into smart, decent, warm adults and their kids are marvelous. And as much as I give the South some grief when I visit, this time really reminded me of a lot of the good aspects of growing up in the South. People really are friendly and courteous and there is a slower pace that can remind you to look around and appreciate your family and friends. All in all, a really good weekend.


They got hitched in a little chapel that was originally built in the 1800's.

Fellow Traveller

This year, in October, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sputnik's launch. That's right, Sputnik, the first orbiting satellite. Man's maiden voyage into outer space. Which, of course, makes me a Sputnik baby.

Two First Downs

I don't normally talk about life outside of my artwork in this chatfest, but once in awhile I have some special news that affects all of my life, including my creativity. This is one of those times. My father, who is 89, fell about 8 weeks ago and broke his hip. His recovery has been touch and go, including talk of funeral homes, hospice care, and my father never walking again. Well, yesterday (with help) he got out of bed and walked for the first time since his operation. And he kept walking. Two walks at 30 feet apiece. Essentially, two first downs. Way to go, Dad.

First Fear Script - Thanksgiving Draft

People have been asking where I'm at with the First Fear comic book. Well, I'm actually at a pretty exciting place with it. I have been working on a new draft of the script and a much better story is coming together.

I had written a complete storyline and in looking at the whole I wasn't satisfied. It was a wall of cliches and fun scenes, but not much of a story. An 'interesting premise' entertainment does not make. I also wasn't happy with the lead character and tone of the piece.

A story about monsters can take many routes these days. Is it gothic horror? Buffy the Vampire Slayer - scary/funny/ironic/hip? Hellblazer social commentary/character study/bloody violence? Saw/Hostel/Chainsaw - all gore, all the time? Well, none of those appealed to me nor was I capable of writing one well. What is coming out now is historical science fiction meets Ms. Indiana Jones (as Cthulhu) covered in blood. Think of a bloody immortal running amok through Erich Von Daniken's Chariot of the Gods.

I had originally named my lead character, Shakti, but a new, high profile line of comicbooks with Indian heroines has put a kabosh on that one. Damn.

Writing in a hospital can also put a new spin on a project. My father, who is 89, fell last week and broke his hip. I have been spending about 10 hours a day with him and writing in his room when he sleeps. At least today, on Thanksgiving, I got to feed him pureed turkey and pumpkin pie and still pop home for a great dinner that Julienne slaved over.

Liberator

'B-25 Mitchell bomber in flight above the Palwaukee Airport'

A hot, but beautiful day was perfect for a trip back in time at the Palwaukee Airport this morning. David, Charles, and I toured the B-17 Flying Fortress, the B-25 Mitchell, and the B-24 Liberator bombers after they landed from their morning flights. David's father, Aaron Caplan, was one of my favorite people in the world and he passed away last year about this time. Aaron was a proud member of the Pyramidiers, the 98th Bomb Group Bomb led by John 'Killer' Kane during WWII, and Aaron often talked about the boxy B-24 Liberators he serviced.


'David Caplan in front of the B-24 Liberator"

After hearing Aaron's many fascinating WWII stories over the years, we were thrilled to step into history and a significant piece of Aaron's life. The Pyramidiers were involved in many campaigns, including the famous Ploesti Raid in 1943.


"People entering the B-17 Flying Fortress - Hollywood favorite"

Every year the Collings Foundation travels the country with these planes and lets people see them up close and fly in them, if you're up to it. We spoke to several people who took the morning flights and they all loved it. Smooth as glass take-offs and landings and, once you're up the air, you take your seatbelts off and roam around the plane in-flight. Dave and I have promised each other to put together the $425 ticket fee to fly next year. Everyone said it was a once in a lifetime experience and well worth the money.


"An example of amazing design - the B-17 Gun Turret Bubble"

The cool thing was there folks there of all ages, from veterans who had flown in these planes to little kids and families. We were surprised to see that about half the folks there were women. And everyone knew something about the planes, so it was easy to strike up conversations. A great morning!


"And, yes, this is one of the current pilots"

Many Revolutions

As of today, my father has travelled 89 full orbits around our sun. He started those trips in 1917. Happy Birthday, Gus!