I don't ask for Usagi drawings in these art trades. I take whatever is given to me. However, very often, they do draw Usagi, for which I am always grateful. I really enjoy seeing other creators' interpretations of my character.

Today I've got Usagi drawings from three of my Trilogy-mates. In 1997, Linda Medley, Jeff Smith, and Charles Vess pooled their resources and launched the Trilogy Tour. They hit the major US conventions in a united front garnering lots of publicity and increased sales. They doubled the number of creators in 1998 with Trilogy 2 by inviting Jill Thompson, Mark Crilley, and me to join them.

We met for the first time one humid summer day in an old warehouse in Virginia where we worked for a week on strategy, building 6 8'crates and 2 12' crates, props (including giant styrofoam standing stones), and a 16' aluminum and chicken wire framed tree. The tree became our centerpiece, and the interior was large enough for a meeting/storage room. There was also a ladder with which one could climb to the top for a very nice overview of any con. The entire display took 8 full hours to set up, and 8 to break down.

We kicked off the tour at Heroes Con, went on to Wizard Chicago, and San Diego, and finished off at Mid-Ohio. It was my most aggravating year in comics. It was also my most favorite year. I wish I had kept a journal of the entire experience as Mark did. Someday I'll have to write down what I do remember.


I ordered a copy of Bone the first time I saw it advertised in The Comics Journal. Jeff says I was the first comics professional he had contact with. This drawing was done at the 1992 San Diego Con--the first he ever attended.


I thought Mark was the most dedicated artist of all the Trilogy guys. He was constantly drawing, and filled sketchbook after sketchbook. He was also a very good friend. Unfortunately, I've lost touch with him since he had left comics to pursue prose writing. He has a few series for the growing teen market: Akiko, a continuation of his comic/graphic novel series; Billy Clikk, a sci-fi series; and Miko Falls, a 4 book graphic novel series. I do keep up with his career by buying all his books.


What can I say about Charles Vess, except he is one of the best fantasy artists around and he is a hell of a good guy.

Here are some links (with photos) of Trilogy 2. This year marks its 10th anniversary.
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/9205/trilogytour/tritour98/hconinterview.html
http://www.glasswings.com.au/comics/sdcc1998/
http://www.usagiyojimbo.com/conventions/sdcc-1998.html
http://www.usagiyojimbo.com/casl/letters/specials/trilogy2.html