Bo Chappell

On the evening of Monday, March 4th, my father joined my mother in the hereafter at the age of 74. We as a family had been standing by his side at the gates as he battled cancer. He put up a fight right up to the final moment he left us. As the word of his death reaches through the land, I see my father through others eyes as they tell me how sweet and funny he was. How he brought joy to them by simply being around. These words do not surprise me in the slightest; they only cement the fact that I was seeing my father correctly and without bias.

My father was in construction , mostly building bridges. He once said, “When they start tearing down what you built, it’s time to get out.” I don’t think that’s the case here. I simply think he ran outta bridges to build between us all. I think the last one back to my mom he’ll leave standing for us to come join them one day.

Until then, I’ll always remember those days on the lake when I felt the warmth of the sun amplified by the cool water, and the warmth of my parents amplified by their arms. I hope to feel that again one day on the other side of the bridge. I love you Daddy.

Been sitting on this project a while, but I can finally announce THINGS THAT HAUNT THE DARKNESS, a tabletop RPG monster book made for Mork Borg but compatible with other OSR games. It’s yet another collaboration with Shawn Lachance. He wrote the descriptions and stats, then turned me loose to draw the monsters. Such a fun project we worked on in our free time. We’re both so thrilled to finally present the finished product. So if you need some new monsters for your campaigns or just want a big book of messed up monsters, pick this up.

I’ve had time to collect my thoughts on my first Comic-Con experience and wanted to get them down so I could do my best to hold on to this moment, this feeling of acceptance and love for creating, as long as humanly possible. Memories fade and become stories, so I’d like to go ahead and write it now to keep the magic of it as intact as possible.

SCCC SET-UP: April 8th

April 8th came very quickly, and soon Renee (my other half) and I headed to Greenville, SC to set up the booth. It dawned on me just how big this thing was going to be when we arrived into the building, past the Ecto-1 casually parked inside, and saw people peppered across the vastness of the space.

After a few hiccups and several hours later, everything came together, and suddenly I’m looking at my table in Artist Alley.

Across the way, I had casually been chatting it up with Fend Hamilton who first approached us and asked how her booth looked. Little did I know I would barely be seeing the FINE OK Press all weekend because she would be getting swamped with customers. While I wasn’t surprised after looking through her art, she was taken back by all the love she got for her work. I don’t know if I told her, but I was filled with so much joy for her all weekend. But more on Fend later.

After taking one of her business cards from the adorable, miniature milk crate they were in, we head for the exit. Checking out some of the other artists on the way out, I stop at an artist’s table and spot this wonderful print of The Iron Giant and Superman fist bumping. I tell him how awesome it is.

“You like The Iron Giant?”

“Of course. I love that movie. Brad Bird is amazing.”

“I worked on that film.”

Then I realize who I’m talking to as I look to the right of the print. It’s artist and animator Steve Garcia. He’s worked on The Simpsons, X-Men: Evolution, Mission Hill, and, of course, The Iron Giant.

I immediately flip out and start chatting with him, telling him how much I love the craft of animation and appreciate his contribution. We talk a few, and I tell him I’ll be back for that print tomorrow. We wish each other well and part ways.

Everyone with VIP access were invited to attend a private showing of the Art of Warner Bros. Animation Exhibition at the Upcountry History Museum. I’m not only a huge animation fan as previously stated, I adore Looney Tunes. I was so tired and even questioned going, but Renee asked one last time as we passed it on the ride home if we should go, knowing I’d regret it if I didn’t. So we went.

This is the only picture I have to represent what I saw as no photography of any sort was allowed inside due to the sensitive nature of the materials, and that was for the best. Instead of looking at everything through a lens and not absorbing it, I was able to really enjoy what was there, which was incredible.

Original sketches, character guides, painted cels, painted backgrounds, concept art, lobby cards, timeframe notes, newspaper ads, in house stationary, ALL done by hand. To see what one of a handful of groups broken into roughly sixteen guys did over the course of up to a year just to make ONE seven minute cartoon. I can’t describe the awe of looking at original art by Chuck Jones and Robert McKimson. To see the (hands down), cleanest line work I have ever seen in my entire life. I was floored with each and every new piece.

But what we noticed early on became a punch in the gut each time we saw it. On the cards mounted by each piece detailing some of the most talented artists in the entire history of man, we saw one word repeated many times.

Unknown

True artists who probably looked at their work simply as a job, lost to time. Why? Who knows for sure. I’m willing to bet none of them knew the impact of what they were doing at the time, and if these cartoons hadn’t been rediscovered in the 60’s & 70’s, restored and re-aired, this world would be lesser for it. I loved them before, but I certainly appreciate them even more so now. I’m thankful for that opportunity to see that artwork. So much joy has entered my life from those few people, many of which now go unrecognized. I thank them and love them with all my heart.

I’m glowing with optimism the whole ride home.

SCCC: Day One April 9th

Wow. We arrive with the VIP ticket holders and suddenly a white vastness has become a glorious rainbow of the more varied people I have ever encountered in my life. Families, friends, couples, individuals, furries, heroes, villains, cartoons, warriors, everyday people, aliens, superheroes, people proudly wearing their flag and proclaiming “THIS IS ME!”

I have never been in an environment where I didn’t feel judged before then. I was in this place where I didn’t feel like being me was a bad thing. It was so spiritually warm and comforting, that the withdrawal from it now is noticeable. Being at a Comic-Con will restore your faith in humanity because everyone was there to be seen by one another and acknowledged for creating joy. If the joy you feel at Christmas or Halloween is a bomb, then a Comic-Con is a nuke of happiness.

I have become life, the creator of joy.

One of my goals was to meet actor George Newbern. I was a fan of his movies growing up, but when Justice League Unlimited rolled around and I learned he had taken over for Tim Daly doing Superman’s voice, my mind was blown. I’ve been following his voice actor career since then. Then came Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children where he gave one of (if not THE) best villain line reads ever:

I take a quick trip down to the media guest section before the show fully opens up and find myself almost immediately talking to him. Like, in person.

I first give him some fanart I had printed of a parody mashup of Justice League & Father of the Bride:

It got a good chuckle and a “Oh that’s clever” out of the guy, so I was thrilled. Then I asked him to sign my Superman figure the only way I could imagine:

As I’m complimenting him about that line read, he leans in and (as Sephiroth) says, “Good to see you, Bo. Get on your knees and beg for forgiveness.”

I geeked out pretty damn hard. After a few more minutes of chatting (he really was in no rush at all, which was cool), I thanked him for all his work and shook his hand. One of the nicest human beings I have ever encountered in my life. I carried that positive energy with me all the way back to my table, where I started making sales and seeing people light up when I told them what the books were about.

Little time goes by, and my booth neighbor to the left introduces himself. Jacob Holo and his wife, H.P of Holo Writing. Really cool to see returning fans thirsty for the next installments in their book series. More on the Holos later.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a comic-book convention without the cosplay, and there were no disappointments. So many wonderful costumes. I wish we could have gotten them all, but here’s a few from Day One:

In my downtime, I’m doodling in my sketchbook. Out of nowhere comes this young man, Lawson. Kid’s a ball of energy and it’s immediately infectious. He’s throwing down compliments and we’re talking geek stuff. He then informs me that he’s going around and asking as many artists as he can if they’ll redraw this horse cartoon of his anyway they see fit. Says it’s a good way to get to know someone. I’m immediately intrigued and give in to his proposal.

In hindsight, I wish I had gone crazier with it, but he was more than pleased with it. I tell him to take my card and contact me, let me know how it goes.

My sister shows up (announcing her arrival by texting me the group cosplay photo being taken outside) and brings along my niece and her friend.

It was only a couple years ago I found out my niece was, well, a nerd. I wasn’t expecting it, and much like my nephew (who is a man now. I’m getting old), it has made me a proud uncle. In fact, she may not know this, but I’m pretty sure she’s the reason I even attempted this.

When I found out she was getting into art and anime like me at her age, I was, well, relieved. I love her dearly and wanted to connect with her in some way, but I wasn’t sure when that opportunity would arise. When you’re an uncle, they don’t wait on you to grow up, and I didn’t want to miss out.

So when she starts talking about My Hero Academia and cosplay and showing me this amazing artwork she’s been doing, my pride swells. She’s such a brilliant kid and so I kept telling her, “We need to go to comic-con one day”, knowing damn well I had never been either.

As soon as I knew I was going, she was the first one I invited. I bought her a ticket first thing. And seeing her there, in her element with her friend?

I am a proud uncle of both her and her brother.So she comes up and I suggest she and her friend should go check out Fend’s table.

“I’m pretty sure I’ve read her comics.”

I immediately get brownie points for having a conversation with her already.

“You gotta go over there and say hey then”

“I can’t. I’m too scared.”

“Artists LOVE to hear how much you love their work. Go over there!”

And they do. They come back with some great buttons, one of which says, “IT SUCKS TO SUCK.” I sit here now and regret not getting one. They all come back by and she shows off some K-Pop art cards she picked up (which I found out later she lost by setting them down somewhere because she refused to put them away so as not to wrinkle them. Haha). My sister wishes me well and the family takes off to have more fun before heading home.

UPDATE: [ Fend read this article and immediately messaged me, “I HAVE HER K-POP CARDS!” Turns out they were left behind during the meeting mentioned above. Fend was kind enough to mail them back and the boys are now safe and sound in my niece’s collection.]

I’d like to take a moment and thank my sister as well for loaning me the seed money to attend on short notice. Without her as well, I wouldn’t have been able to go. I’m starting to see a trend of amazing women responsible for my being there.

Nearing the end of the day when the crowd is dying down, my neighbor to the right (husband of Sarah MW Miller Creations) comes over and buys a copy of FROM DAY ONE on the briefest of synopsis. The sales where you see a person’s face light up as you start describing the book are always the best. I’m fortunate I saw that more than once during my time. (BTW, Sarah’s booth was stopping traffic with her art prints. Definitely check her out.)

I’m preparing to leave, but I have one last thing I must do for the day. I head back to Steve Garcia’s table and purchase that print. It’s even more beautiful in person.

We talk some more, and I bring up how I loved Mission Hill, to which he starts telling me interesting stories that connect with my thoughts about the Warner Bros. artists who went without credit. I express my appreciation for his work again, and it’s then I realize we’re making a real connection. We talked shop a bit more before leaving.

The day winds down, and Renee and I are exhausted, but in a good way. Not only was it a thrill to introduce my work to new people and connect, it was so much fun seeing my neighbors make those connections as well.

This is why we do what we do. To shake hands with our art and say hello.

SCCC: Day Two April 9th

Another early morning and we’re back in Greenville, this time a little more familiar and comfortable. So much so that I take advantage of the early access and take my chances on meeting voice actor Jim Cummings. Had a fun chat with the person ahead of me. He was getting some Funko Pops signed (Kingdom Hearts Pete and Cheshire Cat) and told me about the time he met Gary Busey and got him to randomly sign a Sega Genesis. Even had his friends believing for a bit that Gary was the original voice of the 🎵SE-GA🎵 (admitting he’d had better results if he had told them he did the screaming version).

While I’m waiting, Steve spots me and stops to say hello. Another unexpected joy to add to the pile I had already accumulated over the weekend. He wishes me luck and that’s when Jim shows up. Within minutes I’m next in line. I was afraid of taking up too much of his time because I didn’t have enough spare cash for anything, but his assistant waves me in and I get to personally give him some fanart I did:

He takes a moment to look at it and then asks, “Now are you the artist?”

“Yeah, I did that.”

He then proceeds to tell me how wonderful it is before asking me one last question.

“Did you sign it?”

“Yes, I signed the back.”

Jim then moves his water bottle closer and props the picture up for everybody after me to see.

I am overjoyed at this moment. I thank him for everything he’s done, he fistbumps me, and I am on my way back to my table to sell some books and prints. Renee admits she was tearing up watching us.

It was a good way to start the day.

I say hi to all the neighboring booths and am immediately enthralled once again by all the fabulous cosplay.

Among the list of outfits I knew were there but either missed or failed to get a pic of:

THE BATMAN Riddler

Alphonse Elric

Samus in full suit

RoboCop

I’m lucky for all the other people who had my back with their pictures and video.

I did talk to a cool couple who wanted me to send my photo to them, which was an honor.

Talked some more with Jacob Holo, who offered me a freebie. I asked for a suggestion and he hooked me up with a copy of THE GORDIAN PROTOCOL that he co-authored with David Weber. His description of the climax with “battling, time travel machines” sounds like a winner to me. Can’t wait to dive in.

I, of course, offer up a freebie to them, to which his wife later asks, “What was the one where God died?” I give her a copy of FROM DAY ONE with a smile.

The people walking by my booth and having a laugh at either my humorous prints or the sign I had in front of my bowl of complementary candy keep me peppy.

It was a nice feeling for people to be digging my art prints and my books at the same time. I felt validated as an artist like I haven’t before, and it made me feel like a real person.

But sadly, the weekend did have to come to an end. The crowd starts thinning, people start packing up, and I simply don’t want it to be over. I say my goodbyes to the Halos and Mr. Miller (I presume).

Continuing on with the women who deserve my gratitude for even being able to live out my dream, Renee continues to be my hero and helps me pack up. She was there every second I needed her, and I quite literally couldn’t have done any of this without her.

And because of her, I have a few moments before I go.

I head over to see Fend and pick up a print of hers I had been eyeballing all weekend, but even at the end, she was still busy selling. I turn my back for a second to let her do her thing, only to have her head over to my table a few moments later.

The day before, while talking about how she had made me look like a cool uncle, she had suggested an art trade.

She had come to collect, and after a few exchanges, she walks away with copies of GOODNIGHT MONSTER (by Dusty Evely, which I did the artwork for) and ONCE YOU GET TO KNOW ME. And me? Well:

I doubted myself at the last second, but when she asked what I wanted, the light from outside shone on the Waffle House. We joked how it was a sign from God. I HAD to pick it.

As I’m saying my goodbyes to Fend and congratulating her on an epic weekend, guess who shows up?

If you guessed Steve, you are correct. If you guessed he had the same print I bought to give to Fend, then you are a psychic and this blog was probably really boring to read. Email me some lottery numbers, would ya?

He asks me to take their pic (as he had done mine and others who picked up his work), and I ask to take one for myself because I realize it was a miracle that I got to meet these two amazing individuals.

I have a new hope that this isn’t the last time I see either of these wonderful human beings and that maybe we can collaborate one day on something. I miss them dearly and hope nothing but the best for them.

I say my goodbyes, and the weekend ends like any magical moment in life should end.

Steve goes in for the hug, and I gladly welcome it.

And in a daze, I find myself in the car on the way home, already dreaming of the next moment where I find another connection.

But one last surprise finds it’s way to me.

I get home and find a message on Instagram from Lawson. He shares the collection of his sketches and thanks me for making his con great. I return the sentiment.

He sent me a video of him being represented as Patrick from SpongeBob being inspired by my art and me as Superman. The hilarious video is a cherry on top of everything.

FINAL THOUGHTS

What else can I say? I went in just wanting to get the work of my friends and I out there and bond with my niece.

I end up getting SO MUCH MORE in return. I wanted all of my artist friends to be sharing the wealth that weekend. I witnessed the most diverse collection of people in my entire life fly their flags (some quite literally) and everyone was hellbent on having a great time while respecting those around them. I’m not joking when I say this kind of experience restores your faith in humanity.

I gotta figure out how to do it again, and soon.

If you came by my table and are still interested in my works, all the links are available. But regardless of who is reading, thank you for supporting my dream and contributing the oh so necessary joy to my life.

I love you all.

A new logo I made for my friend Brian Black’s Twitter game, The Follower Games, which is a mash up of The Hunger Games and his followers on Twitter.

I’ll try to do some Halloween artwork all month long. But let’s at least kick off October with some Green Goblin fanart.

I originally intended to have another piece to show today, but I underestimated how long it would take with all the detail going into it. So I decided to post this one instead for the moment.

Inspired by an obsessed member of Romero’s Indie Brigade, Lance Wagner.