Q & A with Scott Rogers (Bedbug)

I enjoyed reading Bedbug # 1 a lot, so decided to do a short interview with its creator, Scott Rogers...

1. Tell us what Bedbug is about?
Bedbug sprung from the brain of Scott Rogers - veteran video game designer (God of War, Maximo series, Pac-Man World among others) and author (Level Up! The Guide to Great Game Design, Swipe This! The Guide to Great Touchscreen Design) - when he found modern superheroes to be violent, depressing and not relatable. Taking inspiration from his young children, Scott created Bedbug for Shooting Star Comics Anthology (2002-2005). He wanted to launch the single-father superhero into his own title and finally got the opportunity after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2013. Scott used his recovery to write, draw and publish Bedbug #1 - with the help of a few friends; including Erik Burnham (IDW’s Ghostbusters) and Chad Jones (Bluewater’s Wrath of the Titans). Bedbug is ready to battle the forces of evil in Silicon City… when he’s not taking care of his young daughter, Elvira. He's a hero who balances fighting crime with family time!

2. To readers of what comics will it appeal?

Bedbug is a superhero adventure suitable for all-ages - especially Dads with kids who are starting to get into superhero comics!

3. Where can we find it?

Bedbug #1 is available at select comic stores around Los Angeles or by mail-order at http://www.mightybedbug.com

4. Is his secret identity named after Batman artist Dick Sprang?

Very observant of you! Dick Sprang is my all-time favorite Batman artist. My favorite story by him is "The Joker's Utility Belt" from Batman 73. Check it out.

5. Who is your favorite comic book hero and who your favorite creator?

Well, it might be obvious that my favorite is Batman, but I have a fondness for Spider-Man, Blue Beetle and Jack Knight Starman. I have many favorite creators but apart from Dick Sprang, I really like John Byrne, Steve Ditko and Marshall Rogers.

6. What is it about superheroes that appeals to people so much and why are there so many comic book movies now?

Why there are so many superhero movies, I think modern moviegoers want the escapism the fantasy/superhero genre provides - the modern world has a lot of scary things in it and fantasizing that we are one of these heroes who can overcome these things gives us hope. The best superheroes are the ones we want to be like.We might not have super-strength, heat-vision or be able to fly, but still superheroes can inspire us to be the best we can be. A good super hero is someone we can look up to, someone who inspires us to do what is right and help others when in need. These are the traits I try to give to Bedbug and I hope he inspires his readers as much as the superheroes I grew up with inspired me.