The Mighty Bedbug

Did someone say NEW T-Shirts!!??

2011-02-17T19:23:00.001-08:00

Has it been only 4 years since I released a new Bedbug T-shirt?

Well, the new one is really good. Bedbug teaches you how to defeat a supervillain in 3 easy steps and lays the smackdown on fan-favorite Grave Robber!

Get them while they last right here!

Bedbug in Wizard!!!

2010-11-01T18:37:00.001-07:00

I'm finally back with some super exciting news! Wizard magazine #232 ran a story about Dave Ryan's War of the Independents... and guess who showed up in the article!?

THE MIGHTY BEDBUG!!!

Awesome sauce!

Bring a Bedbug into your home!

2010-08-21T23:32:00.000-07:00

Sure, New York City is crawling with Bedbugs this time of year, but nothing keeps the Bedbugs from biting than a nice clean T-shirt. It's great to wear to bed, to your favorite comic store or just laying around the house.

Why not order one from Cafe Press today?

http://www.cafepress.com/mightybedbug

You can make Bedbug toy a reality!

2010-05-19T22:44:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

I recently discovered a great site called Patch Together that lets artists submit their designs for toys. It's long been my dream to have Bedbug in plastic (or in this case vinyl) form. I submitted the above image (drawn by the super-talented Franco) as a contestant. It was accepted and is now in the running to become a real figure.

Here's where you come in, if I can get enough votes, Patch Together will make the first offiicial Bedbug vinyl figure and sell a limited number of them. All you have to do is go to the below link

http://www.patchtogether.com/designs/designs/view/id/3478

and vote (you want to vote a "5") for Bedbug!

Let's make this happen and thanks for your help in advance!

Not dead yet!

2010-01-17T20:36:00.001-08:00

So I've been playing around with this idea for a Bedbug toy for sometime now. It would be Bedbug on one of those suction cup "pop-up" toys (do they even have a name) that you sometimes see around Halloween.

The thing is, before I sink time and money into this, I need to know if there's any interest. It would be small - no more than a few inches tall and the goal would to keep it around a couple of bucks in price.

Let me know if you Bedbug fans want a little poppin' BB for your collections.

Mighty Bedbug custom action figure

2009-07-18T16:23:00.000-07:00

When I'm not creating comic books, making video games or board games, I'm customizing action figures. I made this Bedbug many years ago when I was publishing Shooting Star Comics.

Bedbug was made from a BTAS Nightwing figure, Toy Biz Marvel character's (I don't remember which) hands, a Dragon Ball Z character head and Buzz Lightyear boots. The belt, gauntlets, boot details and antennea were made from kneadatite and the clear googles are bits from a STAS Lex Luthor suit.

I think he turned out pretty good!

Secret Origin File #5: Jellyface

2008-09-12T14:19:00.000-07:00

Secret Origin File 005: JELLYFACE
Real Name: Doctor Julius Nox

Background:

A brilliant but mad scientist, Dr. Nox attempted to wrest 110% capacity from his brain when he used an experimental mind-expanding microwave emitter on himself. The device worked and Dr. Nox is now a "super-genius" but the process softened his skin and skull and left his skin permanently purpled. His head now resembles grape jelly with eyes and teeth floating in it. Ick. His liquefied head must always be kept in a bubble-helmet to keep from oozing all over the floor. He is very sensitive about his looks and any lab assistants he catches refering to him as "Jellyface" are liquefied on the spot.

Weapons and Abilities:
Jellyface has invented a wide range of scientfic weapons and gizmos that he uses in his crimes - from jetpacks to lightning guns to the bullet-proof fishbowl he uses to keep his head from gooshing off his shoulders. When not wearing battle-armor or manning the controls of a giant robot, he is, at best, a mediocre hand-to-hand combatant.

(illustration by Greg Ecklund)

Win Free Bedbug Comics!!

2008-08-13T11:43:00.000-07:00

Hey all! I know you're out there! I see that counter going up every day! I want you to sound off! To post your comments and feedback about the posts and comics! From now until August 31, everyone who posts a comment will be entered in a contest for a set of all EIGHT Shooting Star Comics and specials and I'll even throw in an original sketch of Bedbug for ya!

Bedbug by Franco!

2008-08-05T17:26:00.000-07:00

Franco is one of the two very talented guys working on DC's Tiny Titans comic. Both me and my kids love Tiny Titans and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get a drawing of Bedbug while at San Diego Comic Con. The best part is, this awesome color sketch only cost one dollar! Sorry Franco, but that was a steal!

Bedbug by Colleen Coover!

2008-08-05T17:21:00.000-07:00

I really like Colleen Coover's style. It's really fun and friendly and light-hearted, even if half her comics are about sex-crazed lesbians. You might know her work from "X-Men: First Class". I'm a fan of her work and couldn't resist getting a drawing while at San Diego Comic Con. I think it turned out very nice - Bedbug looks like he's going for a power-walk.

Bedbug vs the Network

2008-07-18T12:04:00.000-07:00

The 7th and final published Bedbug adventure is from Shooting Star Comics Unconventional Special #1 featuring the menace of the Network! First published in 2005

Bedbug and the Super Battalion!

2008-07-18T11:58:00.000-07:00

Bedbug, the first appearance of the Super Battalion, an alien invasion and time travel! This adventure from Shooting Star Comics #6 has it all! First published in 2005.

Bedbug's Utility Belt

2008-07-18T11:52:00.000-07:00

Here's Bedbug's adventure from Shooting Star Comics #5 featuring Bedbug's daughter Elvira - "Bedbug's Utility Belt." First published in 2004

Bedbug in the world's first playable comic!

2008-07-18T11:44:00.000-07:00

"The Game of Death" is actually a "choose-your-own-adventure" style comic book story from Shooting Star Comics #4. Just look for the little numbered box in the corner of each panel and when you are given choice, find the panel with the corresponding number and continue reading from there! Good luck! First published in 2004.

Bedbug in Over the Edge

2008-07-18T11:32:00.000-07:00

Presenting Bedbug's 3rd appearance from Shooting Star Comics #3 - "Over the Edge." First published in 2004.

Bedbug vs Grave Robber

2008-07-18T11:20:00.000-07:00

Here's the second published Bedbug Adventure from Shooting Star Comics #2 - featuring the popular villain; Grave Robber. First published in 2003.

1st Bedbug adventure!

2008-07-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

Well, that took longer than I anticipated, but here's the first Bedbug story from Shooting Star Comics #1: "Bigger Things." First published in 2002.

Hey kids! FREE COMICS!

2008-04-10T16:45:00.000-07:00

It occurred to me that there might be people in the world who haven't read Bedbug yet and don't know what all the hub-bub is about.

Well, wonder no longer. Over the next two months, I'll be posting every published Bedbug story right here on this site! For free! No more hunting down back issues at your local comic store. Ain't the internet grand?

Bedbug by Cheeks!

2008-04-02T16:52:00.000-07:00

Today's Bedbug sketch is by none other than Sean "Cheeks-74" Galloway - super talented concept artist on Spectacular Spider-Man cartoon and Hellboy Animated DVDs!

Drawn a picture of Bedbug? Send it to me so I can post it here!

NEWSFLASH: Bedbug in "War of the Independents"!

2008-01-06T22:19:00.001-08:00

Not only is Bedbug one of the many independently created superheroes appearing in Dave Ryan's War of the Independents from Arcana Press, but he also appears on the promotional art! (top left hand corner) Stay tuned for more on Bedbug's involvement in the War of the Independents. Meanwhile, here's the official press release!

THE WAR IS COMING!!!

DC's 'Infinite Crisis' and Marvel's 'Civil War'...?? It's... SO LAST YEAR! PREPARE YOURSELVES FOR THE 'WAR OF THE INDEPENDENTS'

WAR OF THE INDEPENDENTS which pits nearly every indy characters from the comic book world (some known and lest known) to join forces to save the earth against KANE and ORCUS and their undead demonic minions from the gates of Hell!!!

Bedbug will be part of the upcoming milestone melee. WAR OF THE INDEPENDENTS due to launch in the summer of 2008 and co-publish by Arcana following a 4-issue 'lead-in' series Penance, by WOTI creator, Dave Ryan along with Scott Lobdell, Richard Kane Ferguson and Peter Palmiotm Gerti.

WAR OF THE INDEPENDENTS will feature an impressive list of contributors and characters who will be involved in the mega-project,including Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Mike Allred (Madman), Billy Tucci (Shi), Joe Linsner (Cry for Dawn), Jim Valentino (Shadowhawk) and Dave Sim (Cerebus).

For a full list of the incredible amount of Indy characters involved in this project head over to http://www.comicspace.com/daveryan

Random Bedbug Sketch #1

2008-01-06T22:10:00.000-08:00

"Daddy Daughter Time"

I've been drawing Bedbug for years (since 2001) and lots of sketches have stacked up. I'll start with one of my favorites - Bedbug and his daughter Elvira. See if you can't spot the Shooting Star Comic character cameos...

Secret Origin File #4: Scrapper

2008-01-06T21:47:00.000-08:00

Secret Origin File 003: SCRAPPER
Real Name: Billy Ray Slaughter

After years of tinkering in his father’s junkyard, Billy Ray Slaughter developed an uncanny knack for invention. Slaughter can take any object and turn it into a useful tool or a deadly weapon. Building a suit of strength-enhancing armor from found objects, Slaughter struck out to make his fortune in the big city. After finding crime to be more challenging to his talents than super-heroics, Slaughter adopted the identity of the Scrapper. Currently, Bedbug stands in Slaughter’s way of stealing the one million dollars he (thinks) he needs to impress his hoitey-toity fiancee' Olivia Van Haughten.

Weapons and abilities:
Scrapper's armor gives him enhanced strength and endurance - he is strong enough to lift a car over his head and rip an ATM machine out of a brick wall. Other than the armor, Scrapper doesn't favor one weapon as he prefers the challenge that impromptu item creation provides.

(illustration by Scott Rogers)

Secret Origin File #3: Player One

2008-01-06T21:26:00.000-08:00

Secret Origin File 003: PLAYER ONE
Real Name: Reginald Elizabeth Sloots

A sore loser and an even poorer winner, Player One is video-game themed villain who squandered his trust fund to finance his game-themed crimes. His compulsion to “collect them all” drives him to stealing entire holiday shipments of the latest game system to sell on ebay to robbing game show contestants of their winnings (including the home versions!) He has to be the first to own the newest gadget, gizmo and software on the market, and if he can’t have it first, he’ll steal it first.

Weapons and abilities:

His primary weapon is a "power glove" that creates and controls robotic minions and hard-light holograms avatars as well as fires a deadly "photonic blast" of energy.

(illustration by Brian Wanamaker)

Secret Origin File #2: Grave Robber

2007-11-29T19:12:00.000-08:00

Secret Origin File 002: GRAVE ROBBER
Real Name: William Craven

Inspired by Silicon City’s colorful superheroes and villains, Billy Craven donned a skull-faced mask and Halloween skeleton costume to become… the Headstone!

Wait a second? I thought his name was Grave Robber? Well, read on!!

Background:
After a successful spree of fast-food and convenience store robberies, Headstone ran afoul of the hero Bedbug. Mortified by his lame super-villain name, Bedbug re-christened him the Grave Robber. Craven liked the name and has used it ever since.

Since in jail, Craven has dedicated himself to bettering himself in the hopes of taking his rightful place as Bedbug’s archenemy.

Weapons and Abilities:
During his robberies, Grave Robber carried his prized possession, a six-shooter owned by the 50’s mystery man; Quickdraw. He also carries a Sonic Shovel that creates vibrations strong enough to cut through metal or release a reverberating shock wave when slammed onto the ground. He is, at best, a mediocre hand-to-hand combatant.

(illustration by Sam Ellis)

Who is the MIGHTY BEDBUG?

2007-11-29T18:17:00.000-08:00

Secret Origin File 001: BEDBUG

Real Name: Buddy Sprang

Growing up, young Buddy Sprang dreamt of being a superhero: a dream that was shattered along with his spine in a tragic accident. Confined to leg braces and crutches, seemingly to never walk again, he turned to the newly emerging Internet and made a fortune creating and selling one of the first search engines. Having to never work again, Buddy got a second chance at life when he and his physiatrist brother, Terry, created the Jumpin' Boots that allowed him to not only walk but jump up to a quarter of a mile! Realizing his childhood dream was within his grasp, Bud became a super-hero! As all the other "good" superhero names were taken, Buddy became the Mighty Bedbug and armed with an arsenal of gadgets, the Bedbug fights crime no matter where it hides! “Sleep Tight or the Bedbug will bite!”

Background:
Bedbug has two loves: his young daughter, Elvira, and being a superhero. He protects his home town of Silicon City from crime and a variety of costumed villains including Grave Robber, Player One, Scrapper, Jellyface, Meerkat and the Network.

Trained by the Vampire Bat; the costumed hero of the 60’s, Bedbug occasionally assists the Justice Battalion and while he has participated in several of their adventures, he has never been in outer space and has no desire to do so. Bedbug possesses greater than normal athletic skill, and is a moderate hand-to-hand combatant. He is an inventor and high proficient computer programmer. He often uses his smart mouth to quips his way through battles. He will always ask the villain to surrender before fighting and never gives up despite the odds against him.

Weapons and Abilities:

His search engine, Fetchit, was purchased by the Cassandra Corporation. Now independently wealthy, Buddy used his fortune to fund the creation of his Jumpin' Boots. The boots run a current up through his legs to a metal plate in his back - hyper-stimulating his leg muscles and nerves, allowing him to walk, run and jump as long as the boots are worn. The boots cannot work with any one else due to it being plugged into and attuned to Buddy’s nervous system. The Jumpin' Boots kick with the force of a hydraulic jack, shattering stone and denting steel. In his civilian ID, Buddy walks with the help of Loftstrand crutches. Due to his years on crutches, Buddy has excellent upper-body strength

In addition to his boots, Bedbug carries several gadgets on his person:

Headgear - His antennea shaped headgear holds a GPS, police scanner and mobile phone. His goggles have infra-red capability.

Bug-Bite Blaster - mounted in his gauntlet that fires a powerful electrical bursts that can stun an opponent.

Flexi-Steel Cable - mounted in his gauntlet. A gas powered cartridge fires the swingline and grapnel.

Utility Belt - This belt houses the following items: exploding pellets, "Nighty Night" sleeping gas pellets, a "bug-light" flashlight, and snacks.

(Illustration by Scott Rogers)