Okay, got through prom, graduations, out of town visitors and the complications of real life that prevent me from blogging. If this was a personal blog, I suppose all of that would be grist for the mill. As it is, my blogging tends to diminish when exciting stuff is happening...THAT I CAN'T SHOW YOU.
Fact of production life: it's not enough to get fans excited, you have to get them excited at the right time. Definition of right time - right before San Diego Comicon, our big public launch, right before the Fall premiere on Cartoon Network and right before the DVD goes on sale - repeat that for as many movies as we make. So let's say that I have on my desktop jpegs of ... oh, a second sculpture from Dark Horse, a sculpted scene from the first movie, the rough clay model of an action figure, a diamond engagement/wedding ring set that forms the BPRD symbol, full color scenes from the movie, T-shirt images, an apparent tintype of Mike Mignola with President Lincoln, an exclusive poster to be given out exclusively at somewhere exclusive, the pencil roughs of the DVD covers, a picture of Hellboy in a tutu, a "sizzle" piece and the new website address...I'm not saying I have all that stuff but if I did... I couldn't post it here. At least not yet.
You'll see all sorts of stuff after San Diego on our soon-to-be-launched official website. Even if you can't make it to San Diego that site will keep you up to date with all sorts of news and goodies. Also check Dark Horse Comics around that time because they'll have some big announcements. Plus I'll be shooting my mouth off at various podcasts that will have reps at the convention. Toyfare magazine will have an article soon that will feature some character art and merchandise plans.
Meanwhile, what's going on here? I've seen actual color animated footage from Madhouse and it looks awesome. Sure there's tweaking to do but I'm absolutely astounded at the level of work their animators have done.
I'm constantly working with the marketing and publicity people and continue to be impressed with the level of support they're giving these releases. You'd think they were planning a theatrical film release. I try to give them as much help as I can to keep things true to the spirit of Hellboy. Most of the art stuff gets run by Mike Mignola too. I think he takes pleasure in having input but being able to direct irate fans to me. I'm hoping there aren't too many of you. Irate ones, that is.
The last of the art crew departed Friday. There's only four of us left and I'm the only one who's fulltime on Hellboy. Post production will start with a vengeance even before San Diego so I'm going to squeeze in a quick vacation.
I'll try to blog once more before I go. -- Tad
Jeez! Glad to now there is much on the way in terms of stuff...
* long whistle of wonder *
Well I guess after San Diego is when things are going to really heat up, so irate fans or not, we'll have to just continue waiting. And btw I've posted on many Hellboy related boards. I don't think I've ever come across any hardcore Nay-sayers, not once. IN that fashion it is ironic that such a title as HELLboy draws such well mannered fans...
once again Tad thanks for keeping this up and I for one will keep a vigilante eye for your next post :) and any possible image of Hellboy in a tutu. ha ha
Posted by: hb | June 21, 2006 at 11:11 AM
P.S I immediately saw the evil eye with the jagged nose, the hoof, HBs distinguished hand and forehead, a gun being fired, and some nasty looking teeth...
But can anybody tell me what in the heck is that gold bubble thing?!
I say an explosion of some sort but who knows ( oh wait. Tad knows..:P)
Posted by: hb | June 21, 2006 at 11:15 AM
haha..jeez posting like crazy but I just recently came upon THIS
http://ps3.ign.com/articles/706/706357p1.html
Hellboy video game video and screenshots!!!
Personal Opinion: Disapointed...
I had hoped HB would take after the comics much much more...I.e like the french comic based game XIII
And movement doesnt seem up to par...too cartoonish.
Either way. Its beautifully rendered and gameplay will ultimately determine whether ill consider it or not
Posted by: hb | June 21, 2006 at 02:36 PM
I'm a big Hellboy fan, and have been looking forward to these animated movies for awhile, hearing that Madhouse is doing the animation made me giggle with glee. I've seen some of their past work and it was top notch, and definately worthy of theatrical release. (which would be awsome, I know I'd see all 3 in theaters ^_^ )
Posted by: Neila | June 21, 2006 at 05:12 PM
consider me teased
Posted by: David Petersen | June 22, 2006 at 10:18 AM
Another...intrest peaking entry, Tad. Looking forward to more inside info once SDCC comes and goes. Can you give us any hints as to the Animated Hellboy presence at San Diego this year? I won't be there but it would give me one more reason to hate my job.
Have a great vacation!
Posted by: kirk | June 22, 2006 at 03:09 PM
Really lookin good now cant wait to see and own these!
Posted by: Jack Downs (Jack Ups) | July 15, 2006 at 12:58 PM
Hellboy the animated series should be on adult swim since it is a cartoon and probaly only pg-13 rated.
Posted by: wasyu | August 03, 2006 at 08:40 PM