Real Life (Well, a Commercial) Imitates Our Graphic Novel!

When I was writing the Oregon Trail graphic novel, I decided that Col. McCarty, the leader of the fictional wagon train in Road to Destiny, would be "played" by the likable actor Jeff Bridges. This suggestion, which artist David Lasky embraced, brought a certain character to McCarty that helped the reader accept--and, I hoped, like--the character.

(pardon the cell phone photos)

Well, Lyft, that kinder, gentler alternative to Uber, must have seen our graphic novel, or gotten the same general idea...

Their new ad campaign stars Jeff Bridges, and can be seen here. The ad makers have the darned wagons being driven by horses, which continues the Hollywood myth that horses were capable of being such sturdy beasts of burden. Oxen aren't sexy, for sure, but... oh, pardon me. Don't get me started on that horse vs. ox business!

Anyhow, we got a kick out of seeing Mr. Bridges on an Oregon-bound wagon train. And in my next post, I'm going to finally get off my keester and visit the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, whose great Heidi Hollister was such a huge and kind help to David and I when we created this graphic novel.

Frank Will Be Signing in Salem on the 7th! (of December, that is!)

Hi friends! Just an advance notice that Frank Young will be in Salem, Oregon on Wednesday, December 7th. As part of the Holiday Open House at the Oregon State Capitol, I'll be one of around 20 authors signing Oregon-themed books.

As The Road To Destiny ends in Salem, Oregon, it's an apt place for the signing. The three-hour Open House will also feature a 27 ft.tall Noble Fir tree, surrounded by a replica village of historic Salem, and an A.C. Gilbert train. There'll also be live music and a food tasting.

The event takes place on 12/7 from 4 to 7 PM. The State Capitol is located at 900 Court St. NE in Salem, Oregon. I hope to see you there! Bring your copy of The Road To Destiny and I'll be happy to autograph it for you!

In a vaguely related photo-op, here's a shot of David Lasky, as he inked one of the final pages of the graphic novel, in a sequence that takes place in the Salem of the late 1860s...

Here is the finished, published version of that page--one of the most nicely-drawn parts of the book!