Auld Lang Syne 2022

I’ll say it. It’s been a good year for this project I call, MoonBlimp. Thank you to my fans, who supported me and continue to do so! I hope you have the best and most incredible year to come! On reflection, there is much to be proud of and grateful for, and it’s because of you! So let’s take a quick look at the year in review!

Three Published Books in 2022!

The Hidden Legions 1st Edition Limited Run of 50

Those who have been fans long-term know that this was my pilot book. I made up for what I lacked in knowledge of book production with drama, atmosphere, and moodiness. It was a success in terms of the cinematic effect I want to capture in every sequential art project. It just needed polish.

In fairness, I released this book in the last quarter of 2021, heading into the holiday season. However, I sold it through to the first quarter and then placed it back in the vault. If you have one of these, it is truly a MoonBlimp gem of a collector’s item. Printed in-house, hand-cut, hand-stitched, and signed by the author! 🙂 I’ve got plans for a remake and reprint as part of an anthology. But thats down the road a bit. 🙂

Inchi Part One, Mysterious Beginnings – July 2022

ISBN: 978-1-959458-00-5

Even though MoonBlimp has been around for a long while, this book is the proper launch. It represents years of study in multiple disciplines paired with a unique story concept. Getting this project launched on Kickstarter was no small feat and is a true milestone.

21 Steezy Snuffs – October 2022

ISBN: 978-1-959458-02-9

The concept for 21 Steezy Snuffs was brewing for a couple years. However, I was focused on Inchi and dedicated to finishing it. After the launch of Inchi, I was motivated to get this done in time for the Halloween season.

Between these three books and a successful tradeshow appearance (Irving FanFest, October 2022) it’s been an incredible year. Again, all thanks to your support!

Two of those are for sale on my Etsy site if you have any friends or family that might be interested!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Moonblimp

2023 Resolutions

Inchi, Part Two!

You all voted it up, and it’s already in production! I’ve included some at the bottom for those who have not seen some of the art in past messages or on social media. I’ve spent the holiday modeling and doing studies of the environment that opens book 2. Where interiors are concerned, details matter, and spacial awareness matters! I’m upping the game on every level for this release. Cinematics, depth of story, engagement, drama, action! I can’t wait to get this in your hands!

Illustrated Poetry Anthology (Title T.B.D.)

More information on this is to come, but while sequential art is a passion for me, I will continue exploring art-related titles and publishing partnerships.

Have a great and safe New Year, everyone! Now here are some art panels with brief descriptions!

This is the first of two rough studies I’m sharing. This space lies below sea level somewhere inside the Venetian Arsenal. This room in particular is a research space. As this drawing serves to evaluate space, size, and content, many details are removed. The arches to the left indicate a support structure for a floor above and a separation of space.

From this angle, looking through the arches, you can see the research space from a different perspective. The casual furniture in the foreground indicate the living space. There is a full kitchen to the left!

Have a wonderful and safe New Year! I’ll see you on the other side!

David

Inchi #2 First Looks

Converting my site into an e-com platform qualifies as a short-lived experiment. Compared to Etsy, Kickstarter, and tradeshows, I got little traction here. So I made the decision to simplify and close shop. But while the channels for getting my books into people’s hands remain elusive, I am optimistic! The voyage continues!

I am full steam into the second book for anyone who is a fan of Inchi. Here is a pre-ink of the book opener. I released this a while ago on social channels and the Voyages newsletter, but as I took a little break from blogging, this is a catch-up.

Opening Panel of Inchi #2

I’m in the process of doing final character studies. The crusaders all have their “cursed look,” which is finally being revealed. These sketches were originally for Rinaldo’s character. However, I decided it’s a better look for a different character (To be named).

Not Rinaldo

I’m starting to experiment with process videos now. If you want to check those out, follow moonblimp on Instagram.

Appreciate you!

Krampus Cards and Digital Books

It’s just two critical updates today, and then some less important one’s! So….most important one is…

Krampus Greeting Cards are here! Kilted Krampus was so popular last year that we thought making some greeting cards was a good idea. This Kilted Krampus is an original art piece featured in the upcoming book 21 Steezy Snuffs. I just wanted you to know early if you want to grab those up while supplies (and time) last.

$24.95
Windowed Box of 10 Cards 5×7 (Blank Inside)
Includes 10 Kraft Envelopes
Printed in the United States on 14pt. Card Stock

It’s right on the splash of http://www.moonblimp.com if you want to check it out.

Also, right on the cover is the digital download of Inchi #01. So if you missed the Kickstarter, it’s in the Bookstore along with the physical.

Those are the important ones. Less critical but likely more interesting is the print schedule on 21 Steezy Snuffs! I am expecting proofs tomorrow with a guaranteed landing date of October 13th! That means those who backed the Kickstarter will have a book before the end of the month! Very exciting! If you missed the Kickstarter, it’s okay. We will have trade editions in the Bookstore soon as well.

Art Preview & Updates

A lot has happened since my last update. First, Inchi #01 wrapped, and then 21 Steezy Snuffs launched! Truth be told, I kinda wrecked my very cool-looking site turning it over to an e-comm page. I still don’t love it yet, but I’ll get there! But that’s not why you’re reading this! Let’s talk art!

If you’ve already pledged for 21 Steezy Snuffs (21SS), then you know that I’ve been on studio lockdown finalizing art. It’s been so much fun! I’m super excited about where it’s at and coming together nicely. That said, (Pirate Voice) “there be 10 days left” on this Voyage at $707 raised. As I said in yesterday’s Kickstarter update, I’m thrilled! Considering this type of book isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, it’s incredible! But that’s why we serve tea, coffee, and scotch on this ship. No spiced rum in this update.

Check out the Kickstarter

So let me take you through some of the new art that’s coming into the book. Another word of caution these are in progress! Let’s start with the surprise breakout star, the plague doctor!

Plague doctors have never gone out of fashion. Still, considering we have been living a modern plague for some time, perhaps that’s a boost. I love this dark and mysterious version, but this is how he will appear in 21SS with the story.

I’ll work the dark and mysterious version in somewhere too just cause he’s cool. Maybe on a keychain? Or a fridge magnet! This is what’s circling through my mind right now!

Ah, ha, ha! Love that movie, and oh, so true! But more on the fall conventions I’ll be at later!

These Animals are all “Rude men, gangsters, proper naughty boys, and all that bollocks!” Love that line from Guy Ritchie’s, The Gentlemen! In the print version, expect blood on Mr. Rabbit.

You probably never considered the challenges Brownies and Faerie Folk go through daily! Empathy is a blade that requires constant sharpening.

I love doing these silhouette-style pieces. It has an inherent drama to it that is unique to the form. In this piece, I’m working towards having the bloodied face the focal point as the story pivots on this detail. Sort of. 😉

OMG! She has no hands….NO HANDS!!! LOL!!! I love the drama unfolding on this one too. It’s different in that I’m going for more of an oil on canvas look. It’s exciting to see it coming together.

This book is a long-time dream come true with a wide breadth of art styles throughout. There are ten days to pledge if you want to support it directly. I appreciate you being on the Voyage in any case! I gotta get back to work, and you gotta get on to enjoying the holiday!

Be Safe!

David

Bookmarks and Postcards Are In!

It’s a great day on the blimp because bookmarks and postcards have arrived! Take a look!

The stickers are due to arrive on Tuesday, and we are still on track for the book in the next two weeks. The stickers are due to arrive on Tuesday, and we are still on track for the book in the next few weeks. Once we get inventory, those will be on the website for purchase. Book 2 is already in art production! Can’t wait to post up some prelims.

David

Final Weekend to Pledge

As I write, less than 70 hours of this campaign are remaining, and I am grateful. I can’t thank all of you enough for believing in and supporting this project. Everything about this project is fun, and it’s because of you! Every single backer of this campaign has a special place in Moonblimp history. I won’t forget that. I’m actually in the process of preparing unique letters for my Doge level backers. You all went above and beyond, and because of that, I will too! Inside these letters is something never before done in business! Well, it’s probably been done and is now considered a bad idea for profits, but you Doges deserve a little something extra. I can’t wait for you to see what’s inside.

It’s not too late to help get the word out on this project to jump everyone to $1500. I still want to be able to print the Armida Bookmark and get that in with all the print-level backers. But hey, digital backers! I’ve been thinking about you too. If we can get to $1500, I’ll drop some wallpapers for everyone!

If you haven’t pledged don’t wait! Have a great Saturday!

INCHI #01 RESERVE YOUR COPY!

Armida Page Reveal Inchi #01

There are just 8 days remaining in this campaign and only $115 left to unlock the Runa Postcard Extra! Thats thanks to some generous backers who joined us in the last few days. Remember, Runa is only available at a print tier so you can always upgrade your pledge to make sure you get this bonus! Either way, please share the campaign around in this final week because I really want to print this card!

Campaign Updates You Should Know About

I decided to do something fun with the project cover in this final week on Kickstarter. When you look for updates you will notice I changed the cover to this…

I’m calling this the “dark vs. light” version. Armida and her legion of monsters taking on the world against our hero’s! Speaking of Armida, she’s appeared a few times in the preview but for you guys…here’s another preview page!

But that’s STILL NOT ALL! I added TWO MORE preview pages to the story on the project so head over and check those out when you have a moment.

Inchi #01 on Kickstarter

You’ll have just 8 more days to wait because I’m not giving you anymore teasers! More rewards, sure! We just have to get the word out. Thanks for your help!!!

Friends to Check out

Our friends over at Last Ember Press are currently raising funds for a unique take on Alice In Wonderland that has some fun reversals from the original.

Curiouser: We’re All Mad Here #1

Curiouser is a sequel of sorts set some time in the future starring Alice’s adult son, Alec as he gets pulled into a plot to save Wonderland from a hostile takeover by a mysterious new threat!  Join, Alec, The Knave, The Mad Hatter, and more as they fight to restore Wonderland to the peace and balance that Alice managed to leave this wondrous place in when she left so many years ago.

I love this concept and the art is gorgeous. If your any kind of fan of Alice this is something you should be looking into…through a looking glass perhaps?

Runa The Mermaid Postcard

The campaign to print this book is 157% funded! So that’s $786 pledged and with just 13 days remaining I’d love to unlock a second stretch goal! Wait, you don’t know what a stretch goal is?

Stretch goals are extra’s that I can throw in the more money that we raise together. The first stretch goal was $750 and we blew past that last night. That means that everyone who’s backed this comic will be receiving this fun Inchi character sticker for free with their reward package.

The second stretch goal is set for $1000. I know we can do it because I know there are a few out there who want to stress me out and haven’t pledged yet. Well, let me sweeten the pot a little. If we get to $1000 pledged then it will unlock this Runa character postcard.

This postcard is a vertical format 4×6 that you can collect or actually mail out. Runa is a mermaid unlike any other and she can be yours once we get past this stretch goal. Please note that the art isn’t final…but close.

If your new to Kickstarter or went on there and thought you were looking at a Chinese menu then please watch this video I prepared just for you! It explains the reward tiers and what you get per contribution starting as low as $5. Please keep in mind that only “print backers” are eligible for the stretch goal unlocks which start at $10.

Please help this project get all the way from dream to reality!

Visit the project page today to pledge!

Inchi #1 On Kickstarter

Thank you guys!!

Inchi Is Live On Kickstarter

Happy Friday everyone! Very happy for MoonBlimp indeed because as this is written we are already 86% funded and $66 away from goal. BUT, I still need your help to get us all the way there!

Please help this project get all the way from dream to reality!

Click here to pledge!

Why And What Is Kickstarter?

If you’re unfamiliar with it, Kickstarter is a “crowdfunding” platform. In short, that means that entrepreneurs like me don’t have to rely on traditional funding vehicles in the hopes they can build a business or product that resonates with people. Instead, they can offer the business or product directly to people, and they decide if it resonates with them. They do this by “backing a project.” In most cases, this is in exchange for a product or service. In some instances, it’s just a donation.

In my case, Kickstarter is allowing me to not only raise the capital for this book but to offer you a unique experience on top of it. In the traditional model, I would print the books and take them to market in a static experience. What you see is what you get. However, Kickstarter allows me to offer you a customized experience through various reward tiers. These tiers allow you some control over what you value in the project.

Then there are stretch goals! The more funds raised, the more flexibility. As funding exceeds the goal, there will be free (no additional commitment) add-ons like art prints, postcards, stickers, etc. These are just fun things that can enhance the experience of a crowdfund that you can’t do traditionally. You’ll see those on the landing page Friday.

Lastly, trying an unfamiliar platform can be unnerving. Trust me, I know. But I think you’ll be hooked once you join the Kickstarter community. It’s an incredible marketplace full of unique projects from books like mine to film, music, and food!

Click here to pledge!

Don’t forget that you can choose from any one cover or get them all if you are a collector.

Thank you for your support on this!