Why Bugs??

Many people have looked at me quizzically when I explain to them that my comic book series is based on insects of all sorts. Why Paul? Why do you draw them if you are too scared to touch many of them? Ladies and gentlemen of the jury it does not make sense...or does it?

I first started looking at bugs under the 'superhero' light when on vacation in Murray City, Ohio ten years ago. There are three factors that I feel really made my mind up for me.

1. Pretty colours. Superheroes come in many shapes and sizes. Insects also come in many shapes and sizes. It's really easy to design a character that nature has already created. If you've ever taken a serious, close look at an insect you'll see what I mean. Their vibrant shells, their piercing mandibles, they were quite simply meant to be heroes.
2. Culture. Again, if you spend any time looking into the lives and culture of insects you will start to notice a very tangled 'web' of story options. Insects are generally creatures of habit, but their habits tell an interesting story indeed. I will continue to mix true insect facts into the story, allowing for a deeper universe, and more diverse characters.
3. Scenery. Take a moment to look at the tangled roots of a dead tree. How about an extreme close-up of a children's toy. Better yet, watch 'Honey I Shrunk The Kids'. How awesome was it to see the scale of a lego, or an oreo cookie? Again this adds to the layers of the universe, and one more point of interest.
All in all, I believe that the key to a successful story line is consistency, and depth. I'm creating a universe here, a tangible universe. I can only hope that people find it as interesting as I do, and allow themselves to get lost within it from time to time.