The Overdue Indie Comics News

Okay - first things first - I have very recently recommended Packrat Comics for a Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award. Between community events that help Mid Ohio Food Bank and the Hilliard Schools system to supporting the local indie groups, Packrat absolutely deserves it. Yes, I know it may be a complete shot in the dark - but I wish them the best of luck anyway.

Second things second - Genghis Con was a huge success. Especially for a first year show. Derf took on local Cleveland hero status and seemed to have a small pleasant cult following. I am always taking applications for cultists, so as long as you can be somewhat civil and non-threating you are more than welcome to join. Also, I had the pleasure of sitting next to Mr. Gary Dumm (one of the artists on American Splendor) who was very friendly, warm and sincere. It was a pleasure to meet him.

Sitting on the other side of me was Neil Brideau who was not only an interesting person to talk to -- the man has speech bubble tattoos. That is some serious dedication to sequential art -- but also he had traveled all the way from Chicago for this tiny show in Cleveland. I decided to take the bold move to ask him if he knew Rickey Gonzales, who also lives in Chicago. Turns out that he does - the small press world got a little smaller - but that is awesome.

I apologize for all the name dropping, but that is part of the fun of a comic book convention. It becomes somewhat of a dysfunctional family reunion after awhile, you are never sure who you might see. Honestly what made me the most happy wasn't making the small stack of chump change that I earned, although, I am not complaining - but the trades I got from Dave Arhar. He handed over some beautiful prints that I am looking forward to hanging up in my office next to the Zonetrooper and Nightmare World posters. Here is a big public thank you for the cool prints Dave! Good luck with your latest superhero project!

Peace Out!

New Small Press Comics

This silliness is dedicated to Erika Deem and Linda Chute:

Genghis Con - Here I come!

Thank you so much for everyone who volunteered to kick me in the teeth, punch me in the gut or pillow fight me or otherwise give me a stern talking to if I didn't sign up. Turns out it was not that easy to get in to this convention - there are only 50 tables available. However, the organizer likes my work so I am now good to go.

Again thank you, thak you and thank you!

More details about the convention can be found over here:

genghisconcleveland.blogspot.com

I hope to see a lot of small press friends there. I'm working on a new not-so-top-secret project as I need a 4 page comic for this convention. (All the creators attending need to make one). I'll give you some hints though:

Cows.

Crop Circles.

Aliens.

Robots.

Hunter S. Thompson.

Drag Queens.

See you at the loony bin - I mean artist's tables!

Genghis Con

I need volunteers to kick me in the teeth if I don't sign up for Genghis Con. There is no reason not to do it, but I find myself becoming nervous for no reason.

It has promised to be a "do-it-yourself zine-scene" show. I know the PANEL boys are going and I already said, "hell yeah, I'll do it." But have I emailed the coordinator? No. I'd rather write a paragraph describing how nervous I am then send a quick shot in the dark email. It is ridiculous.

Anyway...any volunteers for the kicking? You only get to do it if I chicken out. I'm trying to motivate myself here peoples. Work with me.