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BUBBLE FOX

BUBBLE FOX
Now "Popping" at the CRAZY Forest! Updates Tuesdays and Thursdays

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Wednesday, December 28, 2016

SO LONG AND GOOD RIDDANCE 2016!!!

Another year is about to pass and one I think a lot of us are happy to see go away.  I won't go into details about the obvious stuff.  We all got mixed emotions about that.  2016 will always be a mixed bag for me.  From a working standpoint, it was actually my best year ever.  After 13 years I finally reached the middle rung of the stagehand ladder.  There's still a lot of climbing to do though and a challenge I'm ready to take.  Creatively speaking I think I did some of my best work yet.  Granted, it's really more subjective than that, but I'm still happy with the art I made, and that's what matters most in the end.  The big black cloud that looms over for me is matters with the family.  My father suffered a severe stroke back in January and has not been recovering as well as we had hoped he would.  I've made peace with my father's past and the actions that brought him down his rocky path, but it doesn't really make things any easier.  All I can really do is pray for his comfort and recovery.

So yeah, 2016 wasn't a very good year, but you know what?  2017 is a clean slate!  So let's put all the bad behind us and make it a year to remember!  In a good way!  Lot's of good, CRAZY, art is heading your way in the next 12 months, so be ready for it!

Anyway, that's all for 2016!  We'll be back next time with a NEW year, NEW art and a NEW beginning!  Take care y'all and have a safe, fun and Happy New Year!  Catch y'all later!

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

MERRY CHRISTMAS CRAZIES!!!

Christmas is this weekend?!?  GAH!!!  Why must time speed up the older we get?  It just ain't fair I tells ya!  Pepper the Dragon has already opened his gifts but hopefully y'all will be a little more patient these next few days.  I'll keep it short today since it's likely very busy for all of us this week.  Travel, shopping, cooking, gift wrapping...  It's all a part of what makes Christmas such a wild and worthwhile experience!

Well, that's all for now.  I wanna wish all of you a very safe, wonderful and Merry Christmas!  May the day be fun and full of family, friends, food and presents!  And please, since there's still time, help out those that are in need.  Every little bit helps!  Take care y'all and again, Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR... WHAT HAPPENED TO THE TREE?!?

Good Heavens!  Is Christmas really next week?  I must stop blogging and get all my gifts wrapped!  There's so little to do and so much time to do it in!  Wait, strike that, reverse it!  Anyway, since we're all very busy, let's get to the art!  Enjoy...

This is why you NEVER leave a partridge in a pear tree!  They're birds!  All those things do is eat!  Now I can't make any pear cider thanks to that bloated feather brain!  Oh well.  At least he isn't in my apple tree.  This was the last of the Daily Doodle "12 Days of Christmas" themes from a while back.  If memory serves, I did six or so of their 12 themes.  I think I might just go back and do the last few themes next year so my mind will be at ease!  This one was fun to draw.  Birds are cartoon naturals, so it's always a blast to draw them!  Oddly enough, I've never seen a wild partridge before.

Well, another week is down as Christmas approaches.  We'll be back next time with some super adorable art to celebrate the big day!  In the meantime please help out those that are less fortunate.  Food, toys, clothes...  There's always a need for them, so give today and help make the Holidays happy for all!  Take care and I'll catch y'all later!

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

TWO TURTLE... DOVES?!?

Well folks, we are now full on into the month of December!  Christmas is coming fast, as his the end of the year!  We still got a little time left to end 2016 on high note, so let's get right to it, shall we?  Enjoy...

Poor turtles.  They just wanna get in on some of the seasonal fun too!  Think about it.  These poor reptiles spend the holidays buried in mud until the Spring thaw.  Can you blame them for wanting a little merriment in their amazingly-long lives?  Today's art came from the Daily Doodle's "12 Days of Christmas" theme a while back.  Wasn't able to do all of them, but the ones I did have time for were a lot of fun.  And I relish the opportunity to draw a good turtle or two, so I was in when they said draw two turtle doves!  And yes, that's me making a rare cartoon cameo in this piece!  And never fear folks.  Real me would never yell at turtles.  I'd invite them in for some holiday treats!

And so concludes another week of the Christmas Rush.  We'll be back next time with a look at a pear tree that was visited by a hungry partridge!  As the holidays push closer, I'd like to once again urge all of you to please think of others this Christmas.  Food banks and toy drives are always in need this time of year and every little bit helps, so donate today!  On that note, take care and I'll catch y'all later!

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

TOOT YOUR HORNS!!! CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!!

Ho ho ho my CRAZIES!!!  With Thanksgiving (Sadly) over, we can now properly get into the holiday spirit that most department stores have had displays up for since August!  That's right, I'm talking about Christmas!  I got so many things to do this month, I can hardly contain myself!  I love the festivities of the Holiday Season.  From food to movies and even ugly sweaters, I try to take it all in while I can!  And what better way to start Season's Greetings than with some holiday art?  Enjoy...

This is why it's important to be very clear while requesting props for your Christmas pageant.  Mixed communications can really get messy.  This theme came from the Daily Doodle a while back.  They picked random holiday staples throughout the month and one day settled on "Three French Hens," hence the reason it's out of sequence.  And me being me, I had to play around with which three objects actually show up!  This one was a lot of fun to come up with.  I really love how the kids' expression came out.  Maybe someday I'll do a book of Christmas art.  Could be fun!

And that's all she wrote for November!  Only one month to go in 2016, so let's end it with the best of holiday cheer!  Next week the Christmas CRAZINESS continues with more new art!  I would also like to remind you dear friends to think of others this holiday season.  There are many who won't get to have a tree or a nice meal this month, so if you have some change to spare, drop it in the Salvation Army bucket.  Donate a toy to a toy drive or food to a local food bank.  Spread the love and share the wealth this holiday!  As always, take care and I'll catch y'all later!

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

THAT BIRD IS FULL OF HOT AIR!!!

WOO HOO!!!  THANKSGIVING IS TOMORROW!!!  Boy oh boy how I've waited for this day!  Granted, I will be on my feet all day today making stuffing, pecan pie and a few other assorted treats and am probably gonna be beat up on the outside, but on the inside, I'm a kid again!  I won't leave y'all hanging.  Most of you got long drives to make today, so here's the conclusion to Tom Turkey's Thanksgiving escape!  Enjoy...

How d'ya like that?  He's slowly getting away!  If Tom can keep away from sharp objects, he might actually be in the clear!  How odd that the farmer would keep an entire tank of helium in the turkeys' pen?  It's like he's tempting them to take creative escape routes!  This art was actually from a Sketch Dailies theme from last November.  It was fun to finally ink and color this one.  With Sketch Dailies and the Daily Doodle both being less active lately, I had to come up with the other three turkey posts this month!  Luckily, I already had a "Big" payoff to work up to handy!

And that's all for this week folks!  Next week kick's off my CRAZY Christmas Countdown, so be sure to come back for some holly jolly fun!  Until then, have a fun, safe and happy Thanksgiving my friends!  Be careful out there on the roads and be especially careful if you're braving the Black Friday crowds!  Take care and I'll catch y'all later!

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

TIME'S UP FOR TOM TURKEY!!!

ONE!!!  ONE WEEK TO GO!!! AH HA HA!!!  Sorry, was channeling Count von Count there for a second.  Yup, next week is Turkey Day!  And I know how I'll be celebrating: Marathoning all my Joel-Era MST3K episodes for my own personal Turkey Day Marathon!  Oh, I'll also be eating my weight in turkey, ham, sides and pie, but that goes without saying!  Anyhoo, while visions of apple pies dance through my head, take a look at today's Turkey art please.  Enjoy...

Wow!  All that running away from the farmer must have worked off all that bread Tom Turkey gorged himself on!  Good thing that ridiculously large pumpkin was there for him to hide behind!  How will Tom escape from the hungry farmer?  How I ask you?  HOW?!?

Well folks, hate to leave y'all on a cliffhanger again, but that's all the time we have for this week's post!  Do come back next week to see if Tom becomes a free bird or the main course!  The finale may blow you away!  Until then, take care and I'll catch y'all later!

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

GET "STUFFED" THIS THANKSGIVING!!!

Woo hoo!  Two weeks and counting until Thanksgiving arrives!  Oh man!  I better buy some bigger pants!  It'll certainly make life easier for me once the day is through.  While I go out shopping, check out today's Turkey art!  Enjoy...

It was very kind of that farmer to offer Ol' Tom Turkey some bread to eat before the meal starts.  How thoughtful of him!  Wait a minute.  Isn't stuffing usually made of bread?  And why's the farmer holding that...  Oh God Tom!  RUN YOU DUMB TURKEY!!!

Well folks, looks like things are gonna get cut short here this week, but be sure to come back next time to learn the fate of Tom Turkey!  Until then, take care and I'll catch y'all later!

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

TURKEY V PORK: DAWN OF SANDWICHES!!!

Hello my CRAZIES!!!  Do you know what month it officially is?  Why, it's now November which can mean only one thing!  What?  No it ain't Christmas time yet!  You tell Santa to take his chubby butt back to the North Pole and stay there until December rolls around!  Tis the time for Tom Turkey to have his day and make a mad dash from the hungry masses because it's Turkey Day!  Or Thanksgiving for those that didn't grow up watching Mystery Science Theater 3000 like I did.  It's a time for food, family, friends, football and fat bellies after eating all those gut-busting dishes!  But since we got a few weeks until the big day arrives, why not enjoy some festive art while we wait for the feast to start?  Enjoy...

Turkey and Ham.  Two essential pieces to ANY holiday feast when you get right down to it.  Both are simply delicious and can be made in a variety of ways, but is either truly better than the other?  I honestly feel they are as equal as it gets and that both swine AND fowl deserve their respective places on the dinner table come the fourth Thursday of November.  And if you're reading this Austin, don't even THINK of bringing up fish!

Well folks, that's all for this week.  We'll be back next time with some art that'll definitely keep you full until Thanksgiving arrives.  Until then, take care and I'll catch y'all later!

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2016 FROM THE CRAZYVERSE!!!

Happy Halloween my CRAZIES!!!  The Ragtags and Pepper are sure having a good time and I hope those of you who are still of trick-or-treating age will have one too come Halloween night!  Poor Sap, he drew pumpkin duty this year while Pepper is dressed as Mr. Blob, Clover is Nettika and Mooch is Picpak Dog!  What can I say?  Web Comics are loaded with great characters to dress up as!  Still, there's plenty of candy to be had!  Just make sure you get it from the right houses.  Otherwise, you could end up a mouse!  Don't believe me?  Read on and you'll see what I'm talking about...

The Witches, one of Roald Dahl's most unusual works of literature, which is really saying something, is the tale of a boy given chocolate by evil witches that turns kids into mice.  The book was adapted into a live action movie by Jim Henson in 1990 and was among the last projects the Muppet great lived to complete.  Dahl himself wasn't particularly fond of the film as it changed the downbeat ending into a happy one.  In his final years though, he did soften up to it a bit.  I've stated in the past that as great as his books are, they've rarely translated well into film and the big reason is because they are all quite dark for kids books.  Even Steven Spielberg couldn't make The BFG work this past summer, and that book is one of Dahl's more adaptable works.  Perhaps Tim Burton can take another crack someday.  I had a lot of fun working on this one, even if the art is a little grotesque by my style.  Hopefully no one will turn into a mouse from looking at it!

And that's all she wrote for October!  November is coming fast and will have all sorts of turkey-themed fun coming your way, so stay "Tooned!"  Until then, take care and I hope y'all have a fun, safe and spooky Halloween!  I'll catch y'all later and be sure to save me some Reese's Cups!

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

THEY LIVE! ON MY FACE!!!

Welcome back CRAZIES!!!  Last week, I promised to show y'all how I made the alien mask from They Live!, and I intend to deliver!  Before we start, let it be known that I got the idea from Make: Magazine, which is a must read for anyone down to do some DIY projects!  The Make article wasn't quite as clear on certain steps though, so I'll try and be as thorough as I can.  Also, I'll be listing supplies as I go, so be sure to make a list.  Anyway, enjoy...

STEP 1: MAKING THE BASE

First step is the easiest: Buy Supplies!  To start, you'll need a simple craft mask and some instant papier-mache which you can find at any craft store.  I would recommend Michael's since they constantly have coupons.

The next part is to mix up the papier-mache and put it on the mask, except over the mouth and nose.  You will only need roughly a quarter of the papier-mache mix, if even that, so eyeball it closely.  Something the magazine article didn't point out is that after it dries, the papier-mache CAN come off, so you might wanna get some spray glue as well.

STEP 2: ADDING THE JAW

Another piece of the puzzle you will need is a skull mask, more specifically, the jawline of it.  Most Halloween and party stores carry them at this time of year, so finding one shouldn't be too difficult.  Cutting it out however, was a chore!  Scissors aren't very good on thick plastic.  I'd highly recommend a scroll saw or dremel.  You also have to cut out the mouth of the white mask, which scissors were effective on oddly enough.  This is another part the magazine article wasn't very clear on.

With everything cut out, glue the skull jaw on to the white mask.  This part is a little tricky as the jaw will NOT just fit on (Yet another thing the article neglected to say!).  And there WILL be a gap in between  the two masks.  I used hot glue to set it on there and Gorilla Glue to reinforce it as the hot glue didn't want to stick very well.  Also be aware of where the jaw lines up.  Mine was noticeably off, BUT, it actually kinda worked as the aliens in the film are quite grotesque!

STEP 3: MOLDING THE CLAY

The next phase of making this mask is the best part!  Shaping it!  You'll need modeling clay and a little patience with this step.  First, add clay around the jawline to A) Cover up the gaps between the two masks and B) Elongate the jaw to make it look more natural.  Be sure to keep a bowl of water around too as you'll need to wet your fingers so you can smooth the clay down.  Add more clay around the eyes, nose and cheek bones to form ridges.  You'll wanna add ridges to the forehead too.  The goal is to make it look like it's holding back rotting flesh, which is what the papier-mache simulates!

STEP 4: PAINT

And now we enter the home stretch!  The first part of step 4 may well be the easiest thing you will do on this project: Priming the mask!  Because you'll be using light colors, you'll wanna use a non-glossy white primer paint.  No real primer preference here.  It's a mask not a wall!

Once your primer dries, you can REALLY go to work!  First up, paint the nose and eye sockets black.  Then using red paint, make the fleshy parts red.  This includes the gums between the teeth and ALL the exposed papier-mache.  Because of the white primer, it may take a few coats, especially with the red as the papier-mache isn't a smooth surface and will have hard-to-fill grooves and cracks.  You also wanna use acrylic paints for this step, preferably with a matte finish.  Once again, I have no preference.  Whatever is cheapest works just fine.
 
Now it's time to paint the bone ridges blue!  You'll paint everything BUT the teeth and lower jaw a medium shade of blue, once again with acrylic paint.  I used turquoise since it's the perfect shade of blue!  With a VERY small brush, also take some black paint and get the lines in between the teeth and gums.  This will really make those chompers standout, especially after the glossing step.  It'd also be wise to pick up some white acrylic paint too, as the brush is going to smear while doing the lines.

STEP 5: TOUCH UPS, EYES AND GLOSS

This next step requires a bit more skill than most as you'll be adding highlights to make the mask really stand out!  First, take some brown acrylic paint and lightly sponge it on to the red parts.  It doesn't have to be heavy, but should be somewhat covering of the red paint.  Basically, make sure the red paint is still visible.  Next, add some water to the brown paint and lightly brush it on to the teeth and lower jaw, then wipe it off quick with a paper towel.  This will age the teeth and make it look more sinister.  You can leave the teeth and jaw white though.  Totally your call!

And now we reach the last part!  With some pink acrylic paint, faintly sponge it on to the brown and red fleshy areas of the mask.  Next, use light blue acrylic paint and faintly sponge it on to the blue parts of the mask.  These are merely highlights, so no heavy coat needed.  To make the eyes, cut a ping pong ball in half, spray paint it silver and then cut a star pattern into the eyes.  This is another one you'll need a dremel for as the curved surface make it impossible to use a knife or scissors.  Once done, hot glue the eyes into the eye sockets of the mask.  Once all the paint and glue is dry, take a glossing medium and lightly brush it on.  The magazine recommended a medium gloss varnish which I did find very satisfying.  Once again, this one is really more personal preference than anything else.  A higher gloss may stand up to the elements better depending on the weather.

And there's your mask!  The white craft mask will have straps already attached, but you may wanna replace them with elastic as the included straps only tie around and likely won't support the added weight.  Anyhoo, that's my tutorial!  I hope y'all liked it and didn't doze off while reading!  I hope y'all will also be inspired to try even crazier variants!  I know I am!

And that's all for today.  I'll be back next time with some Halloween fun just in time for the spookiest night of the year!  Well, save for Ozzy Osborne's birthday party!  Until then, take care and I'll catch y'all later!

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

LONG BEACH COMIC CON: WEEKEND WELL SPENT!!!

It's a week late, but my Long Beach Comic Con review is here!  The trip up was one of the most aggravating road trips I've ever been on, but it was worth it for the relaxing two days that followed!  So let's dive right in shall we?  Long Beach Comic Con is a go!  Enjoy...

I know the con is gonna be good when the first Cosplay I come across is from Mystery Science Theater 3000!

Twitter pal and WannaBe Press publisher Russell Nohelty sports the They Live! mask I made prior to the show! Dig the mask?  Next week, I'll be showing y'all step-by-step how I made it!  Also surprised my dear pal Joie Foster while wearing it!  She legitimately didn't know I was under the hood!

 One of the best Riddler cosplays I've ever seen!  Long Beach is always a great source for amazing Cosplay.  Unlike last year, the weather was far more agreeable this time around, so more folks were willing to dress up.

 Always love it when families get involved!  The kid as Meowth was adorable!  Some cool parents there!  Oddly enough, PokemonGo was not the hot topic of the con though.

LBCC always brings out an impressive assortment of classic movie/TV cars for display outside, and this year was no exception.  Behold the "Shaguar!"

My favorite Cosplay of the con!  I've seen a few Gomez and Morticia Addams cosplays over the years, but these two definitely hit the nail on the head!  Even got a Deadpool photobomb that I only just now noticed!

A Kinnex Astro Droid!  I'm always in envy of the R2 Builders group.  Their dedication and skill are simply amazing!  And this droid was fully functional too!

This dastardly Borg is actually Evil Ted, a master of prop armor, weapon and costume making!  I've been totally addicted to his tutorial vids as of late to the point where I'm looking to make some prop armor myself!  What's truly amazing here is that most of his Borg costume is made of simple foam floor mats that you can buy at a hardware store.

Leatherface!  Excuse me while I run!

Star Wars Cholos!  These guys had everybody cracking up!

Megatron!  Not sure how this dude got through the doorway, but he sure attracted a crowd!

Even Fido got in on the Cosplay fun!  And trust me, this pooch was big enough to be Falcour!

I love Cheesy Poofs
You love Cheesy Poofs!
If we didn't eat Cheesy Poofs
We'd... Be... LAME!!!
I'll give credit where credit's due.  This kid nailed Cartman! 

I guess this Bogart didn't realize how many wizards were hanging out at the con.

And we'll finish things off with how the Shredder's supposed to look in live action!  Always love it when people Cosplay the original TMNT films.  Still waiting on Keno the pizza delivery boy cosplay!

And so another Long Beach Comic Con has passed.  A most enjoyable show this year, road trip aside.  Caught up with many old pals while making quite a few new ones.  Also discovered some great comic finds while there, which has become the norm really.  Long Beach is a huge show with a small con feel that really gives con goers the chance to slow down and really check things out.  You won't get that at too many other shows in Southern California, so it's always a blast to go there.  Hopefully, next year will be even better!

Well, that's all for now.  I'll be back next week with a detailed look at how I made the They Live! mask that I had at the show!  Until then, take care and I'll catch y'all later!

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

RIDDLE ME THIS?!? WHERE DOES TIME ACTUALLY GO?

Okay, that's really more of a question, but it does explain the really short post today.  You see, time hasn't been on my side much as of late.  So much so that it's two days before posting starts and I only just now had a few minutes to type this up!  Fear not, more posts are coming, but due to time constraints, the long-promised look back at Long Beach Comic Con 2016 will have to wait until next week.  In the mean time, I do have something pretty cool to show off, so let's dive in, shall we?  Enjoy...

Y'all might recognize this as The Riddler.  I was recently asked to take part in the Cheeky Charlie charity which is helping to raise money for a little boy in England named Charlie who requires a wheelchair due to spinal muscular atrophy type 2.  Charlie's a big fan of Batman and his notorious rogues' gallery, so we were all asked to draw characters of the Dark Knight with hopes of selling prints to raise money for Charlie's wheelchair.  Felt kinda weird drawing a villain for a charity drive, but Edward Nigma is just too much campy fun to pass up!  If you'd like to help out or learn more, click any of the links in this paragraph.  This link here will take you to the main shop while you can find my print with this link here!

And that's all for this week!  Sorry for not doing any kind of grand October welcoming.  Just had too many things happen at once.  Next week will be more fun as I'll be covering this year's trip to Long Beach Con!  Also gonna be a bit different as there will be no new art.  Don't fret though.  I haven't stopped drawing.  Just testing out some potential format changes.  Until then, take care and I'll catch y'all later!

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

THE NINJA NEWT NUISANCE!!!

Last week of September!  Hopefully everyone's had a good start to the Fall.  I know all my favorite holidays are rapidly approaching here, and I especially hope to have a lot of fun this Halloween given some of the stuff I've been working on!  But that's all for another time.  Today, we celebrate the arts!  So let's get to it!  Enjoy...

Another alphabetic animal from the Daily Doodle, Ninja Newt was a lot of fun to come up with.  He hasn't appeared in any comics yet, but I feel he will eventually.  Is he friend or foe?  Hard to say at this point.  I try to make reptiles and amphibians good guys in my comics because they are so unfairly judged in real life.  People freak out at the site of these animals and I really don't get why?  Would you run for your life if Kermit the Frog came your way?  NO!!!  Kermit is gentle and cute and wouldn't hurt anyone, much like a real frog!  So please don't be afraid of reptiles and amphibians when you come across them.  Most would rather get away from humans!

And we're done!  But fear not fellow CRAZIES, for I will be back next time with a rundown of Long Beach Comic Con to get October off to a fun start!  Until then, take care and I'll catch y'all later!

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

LOUNGIN' WITH LENNY D!!!

Well, two weeks into September now folks!  Time flies don't it?  I'd give y'all a run down of how Long Beach Comic Con went, but since I wrote this post before it even happened, I have no idea how it was!  And if I try to BS my way through it, I could possibly cause a time rift and we don't want that do we?  Of course not!  So while we patiently wait until October's posts for some LBCC highlights, we'll go ahead and move along with some new art that'll hopefully prevent any kind of Biff-run dystopian future!  Enjoy...

Every so often, the Daily Doodle would do some animal-themed posts with alphabetical help.  One particular day, a lizard was chosen and I decided to turn him into a lounge singer!  For those that were born after 1995, "Lounge Lizard" was a term typically given to performers that regularly played in hotel/bar/casino lobbies.  It's not a bad gig if you can get one really, but it tends to carry a rather sleazy tag with it because of the location of said gig.  Lenny wound up getting quite a few fans when his pencil art first appeared on Twitter, with dear pal Eline Wagemaker in particular demanding that he show up in the comics someday.  Well, this past June, the opportunity came and Lenny D wound up Hosting Critters Got Talent for the residents of the Crazy Forest!  This is his first color appearance though, and I gotta say, he looks dashing in his typical 70's-era blue tuxedo!

Well folks, that's all for today.  I'll be back next time to close out September with some art that slices and dices!  Until then, take care and I'll catch y'all later!

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

PEPPER THE PURPLE DRAGON!!!

Welcome to September CRAZIES!!!  This month's all about our scaly pals from the reptile and amphibian world!  If you've been following along with Bubble Fox lately, then you'd know that Bubble recently became a dad!  No, he and Willow didn't finally tie the knot.  He simply hatched a giant egg (After an intense battle with some rather desperate weasels!) that happened to contain a baby dragon, making for a BIG bundle of joy for the wily fox!  You may be asking "How on Earth did you decide that Bubble should have a son?  A dragon son no less?!"  Well, just keep reading along and you'll find out...

You see, the Daily Doodle one day put out a baby dragon theme.  I really liked the design of this little fella and thought he'd make a good addition for Bubble Fox.  The only real cosmetic change that I've made is that he now has a tiny pair of wings on his back.  Since Bubble had already done battle with a dragon, it made sense that such creatures exist in his universe.  And so the stage was set for a storyline that would span eight months, ending in May when little Pepper hatched and roasted the dastardly weasels away for good!  How did he get the name Pepper?  You'll have to read the comics to learn that answer! (HINT)  As for his colors, I hadn't really decided on it until a recent guest comic from Dawn Griffin convinced me that purple was the way to go!  I've also considered the notion that he can change colors since he is reptilian.  It's a black and white comic, so color's kind of a moot point really!

Well folks, that's all for today.  I'll be back next time with a guy that personifies the phrase "Lounge Lizard!"  If you happen to be in Long Beach this weekend, stop by the Long Beach Comic Con and come say hi!  I won't have a table this year, but I'll be walking around all weekend seeing the sights and catching up with old pals while making new ones!  It's always a ton of fun and, weather permitting, is usually a cosplay hotbed!  Anyway, take care and I'll catch y'all later!

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

THANK YOU RICHARD...

 Richard Thompson was a truly amazing cartoonist.  So few of us are able to capture the wonder of childhood, the drudgery of adulthood and the absurdity of life in general in a single strip as well as he did.  His strip, Cul De Sac, was by far one of the greatest comics to ever grace the funny pages.  It was a crushing blow in 2012 when Parkinson's Disease forced Mr. Thompson into retirement so he could undergo treatment.  We hoped he'd get well again someday and return to the funnies to give us all our badly needed dose of Alice dancing on her manhole cover.  Sadly, it never happened.  On July 27, 2016, just days after the world gathered in my hometown to celebrate comics, Mr. Thompson passed away.

I never met Richard Thompson in person, although I did have a few chance interactions with him on Twitter.  Early on when I started on that site, I had mentioned one day how I wished my local paper, The San Diego Union-Tribune, carried Cul De Sac.  About an hour later, he tweeted me back, thanking me and jokingly asked if he could crash on my couch during Comic Con!  He wound up not making it that year (because of his illness), but he would've been more than welcome to the sofa in my home.  At that moment, I didn't even know he was ill.  I just knew he did a comic that I absolutely adored and couldn't get enough of.

The art in today's post was made in honor of Richard Thompson and his wonderful characters.  The piece at the top of the page was for the Team Cul De Sac art auction that Chris Sparks hosts every June at HeroesCon in Charlotte.  I drew this piece back in May and included my three favorite characters: Mr. Danders, the wily guinea pig always looking to make a quick get away; Petey, Alice's neurotic older brother always trying mightily to get a grip on his oboe; and, of course, Alice, a wonderfully imaginative, pangolin-obsessed little girl who looks at every manhole cover as her own personal stage.  I don't know if this piece sold to be honest, but it is one of the things I'm most proud of.  Coloring the grass on this piece wasn't easy, but it was worth the effort.

After word of Mr. Thompson's passing reached, I did another bit of art...

Most of Cul De Sac was in black and white, one of the qualities that added so much to the comic's charm.  That's why I opted to forgo colors on this one.  I liked the simplicity of it.  That's why I liked Cul De Sac so much.  It wasn't full of political satire, wacky antics, grotesque violence or disgusting bathroom humor.  It was just simple fun.  In a very complicated world like today, simple is always a welcome change.

I never knew Mr. Thompson, but I knew his work and knew it was very good.  I know he is in a better place now and I know he made this world better for having been here.  I urge any who want to help fight Parkinson's Disease to check out the Team Cul De Sac site to learn more.  But more than that, I want to thank Richard Thompson for being such an amazing artist and for bringing so many smiles during his time here.  And thank you Richard for giving us Alice, whom I will always see dancing whenever I pass a manhole cover.

-Jon Esparza

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

CHEER UP CHARLIE!!! BUBBLE'S VACATION IS ONLY TEMPORARY!!!

This is the end…  Of August!  Yup, Summer's over and Fall is almost here, which means only one thing: Bubble Fox is taking a break!  Much like last year, things are kinda backing up a bit, so I'm taking a month off to recharge my batteries so I can come back fresh and with even funnier comics featuring that silly fox and his crazy pals!  In the meantime, I have a great lineup of guest comics from my pals around the interwebs that have graciously agreed to pick up the ball I'm dropping!  So be sure to check them out!  For now, we still have some work here that needs to be done, so let's get to it!  Enjoy...

Cheer up Charlie!  He said he wouldn't go on forever!  I kinda get the feeling Wonka would be a bit of a task master.  Seriously, look what happened to the other kids!  Hopefully Charlie's indomitable spirit won't be broken!  I felt kinda bad about the possums.  I've always found them to be kinda cute, but the gag just doesn't work with another critter!  Please forgive me possums of the World!

And that's a wrap for August!  We'll be back next time with more wacky fun from my sketchbook markers!  Just because Bubble Fox is taking a break doesn't mean the blog is.  Until then, take care and I'll catch y'all later!

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

TAKIN' OUT THE TRASH...

And we're back!  We got a double dose of fun in store today with the baddest of the bad Golden Ticket winners, Verruca Salt and Mike Teevee!  So let's "snap" to it and jump in!  Enjoy…

Ah Verruca and Mike.  Such devilishly hatable little turds!  In all versions of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, these two are without question the most despicable of the kids who got to see the factory.  While Augustus and Violet had very minor flaws, these two brats were ripe for a heavy dose of reality! And as you can see, Willy Wonka is happy to deliver it to them!  The reason these two share a page is rather simple really.  I had to work and missed one of the Daily Doodle's themes.  So, I just combined them!  I think it worked out pretty nicely!  I killed two birds with one stone… Just like Mr. Wonka!

And that's all she wrote for today!  We'll close out next week with the big winner of the Golden Tickets as well as with some news on Bubble Fox's vacation!  Until then, take care and I'll catch y'all later!

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

BLUE WEDNESDAY...

It's the middle of August!  Cripes, how'd we get here so fast?!  Seems like only yesterday I was gearing up for Comic Con, now I'm gearing up for Long Beach.  Oh well.  Guess all we can do is live life to its fullest and look at some art of the very, heh heh, "Plum" Violet Beauregard!  Enjoy…

Wow!  Given some of the commercials I've seen recently, perhaps Willy Wonka has a gassing room too for scented markers?  Violet was another kid I felt didn't deserve such a harsh punishment.  At least not in the original movie.  Even the Violet from the remake didn't seem all that bad.  And yet, both times and in the book, she's turned into a fruit-flavored dirigible.  I'm starting to think Wonka just plain hates kids!

And another bites the dust this month!  But never fear!  Next week, the two kids that actually were pretty bad FINALLY get theirs!  So be sure to come on back for a laugh or two!  Until then, take care and I'll catch y'all later!

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

EATING AS MUCH AS AN ELEPHANT EATS...

Welcome back CRAZIES!  Week two of our Roald Dahl salute continues as we take a look at everybody's favorite glutton, Augustus Gloop!  So let's dive right in, shall we?  Enjoy…

I honestly never felt that Augustus was that bad of a kid.  I mean yeah, he was a greedy slob, but some kids just are.  He wasn't really rude or mean spirited.  Maybe a little foolish, but he didn't deserve to get sucked up into a pipe after nearly drowning in chocolate!  Either way, Wonka's vacuum system is gonna need replacing soon!

Well, that's all for this week folks.  I'll be back next time with some art that might have you feeling a little "Blue!"  Until then, take care and I'll catch y'all later!

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

COMIC CON 2016 AND WONKA'S SHOP OF HORRORS!!!

Welcome to August my CRAZIES!  Man, Comic Con 2016 was something else!  I was all over the place that week!  My feet STILL hurt from all the walking I did!  The sights, the sounds, *Shivers* the smells…  It was a lot for just five days.  Still, I have a responsibility to report on the goings on at what has become Nerd Christmas for many, but first, some art!  Tis Roald Dahl month here at the CRAZYVERSE, and this year, I've selected Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as the theme!  Actually, The Daily Doodle is the reason this art exists, but I gotta stroke my ego every once in a while, don't I?  Anyway, enjoy...

Willy Wonka.  Candy maker, inventor, businessman, masochist?  Given the track record of his guests, you can make a pretty good argument that he is!  Still, character flaws aside, I will always love this tale.  From the book to both films, it's always made me happy!  A couple years ago, The Daily Doodle did a whole week devoted to the book, so it didn't take much prodding to get me on board.  Just hope y'all find the art to be very "Sweet" this month!

And now, it's time to take a look at this year's Comic Con!  Like I said earlier, it was an insane week!  Between the nonstop walking and the 90 degree weather, I may've sweated off ten pounds that week!  Still, I had an amazing time and saw a lot of great Cosplay!  So sit back and enjoy the show...

Sexy Dark Helmet.  Was bound to happen someday! 

 Sofia the First cosplay, which may very well be a first for Comic Con!

Zootopia!  That little bunny girl was so adorable! 

Tyrone Biggums!  Best cosplay of the Con!  Felt so bad for this dude though.  It was SOOOOO friggin' hot in San Diego that week! 

Mama Fratelli and Sloth!  Nice to see these too finally bonding! 

 Some pretty cool freebies at the Con this year!  Entertainment Weekly hosted Con X daily for free!  It was a bit of a walk, but well worth it!  They gave away some great swag and it wasn't packed at all!  At least when we went it wasn't.  As we left, the crowds started showing up in mass!

That sort of thing is his bag, baby! 

Honey, I cosplayed at Comic Con! 

Jareth brought a little "Dance Magic" to the Con!  Oddly enough, he was one of only three Goblin Kings that I saw.  I figured there'd be a lot of Bowie cosplay this year. 

Ash's Fun House from the Ash vs. the Evil Dead series.  This was done at the Petco Park Interactive Zone which, admittedly, was a bit of a letdown this year.  Still, the Evil Dead experience was fun and scared the hell out of a few people! 

"Matt" wasn't fooling anyone at this year's Con! 

"TELL 'EM 'LARGE' MARGE SENT YA!!!  MWA HA HA HA!!!' 

Some MST3K diehards made it out of Deep 13 for a day of fun in the Gaslamp Quarter! 

Quite a bit of Big Trouble in Little China cosplay this year.  Given it's the film's 30th anniversary, shouldn't be too surprising.  And you can't see it, but there's a mulletted baby in that big rig stroller! 

Mr. B Natural made it to the MST3K autograph signing!  Was awesome meeting Joel again and the new cast!  Can't wait to see what movies get the ax this time! 

HEIFER!!!  That costume was a hoot!

Lando still plugs Colt! 

Ghost with the most babe!  And the Receptionist has joined in on the fun! 

McThor!  Now all he needs is a Grimace Hulk, an Iron Mac and a Captain Ameri-Jack! 

Very cute cosplay family here.  What a nice way to bond.

And so ends the Comic Con experience for another year.  Didn't get to see many panels this year and dealt with some pretty gnarly blisters on my feet the whole time, but I made it through.  What can I say  I'm a trooper!  I'll just have to work harder to make next year's show even better!

Anyway, that's all for this week.  I hope y'all liked the Comic Con pics.  Things get back to normal next week as Roald Dahl month continues with some "Heavy" laughs!  Until then, take care and I'll catch y'all later!