A funny thing happened on the way to launch…
This past Summer was a whirlwind of activity! Scripting for the preview issue of Red’s Planet began in mid June and by the end of August I was finishing off the colors on the last few pages. The time was filled with 14 hour days and many all-nighters as I juggled family, the occasional freelance gig, and full-steam comic production. And it was well worth it! The response from all the readers has been more than I possibly expected and the momentum was exactly what I needed to push me through for a November launch.
Until I hit a speed bump.
About two weeks ago, I found myself in the ER around 3 am with my blood pressure dancing on the roof. Thankfully, the ol’ thumper is ok; and all and all, it wasn’t as serious as it could have been. I’m feeling much better now( thankyouverymuch), but for obvious reasons my life has changed as I adjust to a new diet, medication and…uh…rest. There, I said it. Rest: my arch nemesis. So for the past two weeks, as I’ve struggled to stay awake past 10 o’clock at night and found myself napping more than the cat, I’ve come to slowly realize that my work load will have to change. The long days and late nights are gone (evidently taking the salt with them). Even seemingly easy days can have their unsuspected hiccups.
This past Saturday, I thought I could join some fellow cartoonists in Jacksonville, Florida, for a Yellow Ribbon event to help welcome home the troops by drawing cartoons and caricatures for them and their families. I made it about a quarter of the way before I realized I didn’t have the energy to go on. It’s quite a shock for someone who’s always been healthy and never thought twice about pushing as hard as needed to get the job done. But, things have changed and, unfortunately, so will the launch of Red’s Planet.
When I jumped into Red’s Planet this past summer, I had no intention of starting something I couldn’t finish. I planned to work ahead to ensure that I wouldn’t get behind. The story was outlined and the first 5 chapters plotted and ready to go. There’s a lot of work that goes into each issue; I still want it to be the best it can be, and I’m not willing to just slap it together for the sake of making deadlines. I also don’t want to launch and immediately fall into the habit of posting one week then being late the next two and so on. So weighing how much is left to do on chapter one, I have decided that Monday, January 4, 2010, will be the new launch date.
But don’t go away mad! I can assure you that no one is as disappointed as I am. To make the wait a little easier, I promise to blog over the following weeks with a look behind the scenes, including sneak peaks, development art, and a special audio commentary for the Red’s Planet Preview issue.
See you soon!
Geez, man! Rest easy! Think of it this way…Red’s Planet won’t show up at all if you’re having to run to the emergency room more times! Take your time…we all know it’ll be worth the wait. Breathe…meditate…listen to Enya music…whatever.
Hey, Eddie… I went through the same thing over the summer. Nothing like a trip to the docs to remind you of your priorities.
Can’t wait to see more Red’s Planet, but I want you around telling your stories for a long, long time. So, speaking as one of those artists who posts one week and then makes you wait another two weeks because I’ve fallen behind – take your health as the important thing, and let the rest fall where it will.
I’m not embarrassed about missing an update, considering the alternative is dying while trying.
‘Night.
Be well and stay well. I’m sure a lot of us are looking forward to the full launch of Red’s Planet, but it’ll be ok to wait a while longer. Take care of yourself !
I’m glad to hear your okay Eddie! Like Og says, health is #1. We can certainly wait a bit more – we’ll be here when you’re ready!
Oh my gosh! I hope that you feel well soon, and get the rest that you need! Can’t wait until January 4, but I think that your health is more important than our entertainment xD
Thanks everyone! I appreciate the kind words — the best medicine by far!
@Tom — Enya, huh? Why not, I’ll try anything at this point?
@Og — You’re one of the few artists of the interwebs that’s always worth waiting for!
@Joshua — Thanks very much, but seriously, entertainment IS more important than health. Sheeesh, get your priorities straight!
All wise words above, Eddie. Take a breathe, take some time …and relax. The strip will post when you are ready. And we’ll be here when you do.
Best,
–JMc
I’ve suffered form HBP issues since I was 17. The one thing my family has given me that I can’t seem to unload on anyone else.
At 35 with 2 kids and a full time job I understand all too well how life can sneak up on ya and knock your feet out from under ya if you don’t take care of your self. We’re definitely all eager to see your work and to experience it, but we also know life is life and will be patiently waiting for 2010 to get here. Good luck with everything, and I hope you are able to find the proper combination of meds and rest to get you feeling semi like your old self again (no pun intended on “old” 
).
Take care and I’ll be following you on twitter.
at least you got to see PONG playing on your heart monitor…
Hang in there Eddie. Hope you feel better quick. Hey, we’re all getting old. Look at the big name guys throughout time: Waterson, Schulz, Even jeff Smith….they all just did one thing- they’re comic/strip. Most didn’t have families or ignored them. Remember what you got, that’s what’s important. Take your time being a famous comic book artist, it’ll happen it it’s meant to. I’m talking to myself too.
Hope all is well Eddie with your health..I pray for you and your family. My 2010 be all you hope for and more, but more importntly a year showered by God’s Grace and Mercy. Looking forward to the launch tomorrow, I hope. But if not no worries. Be safe and God Bless.