I’ve been “Counting The Days” and now I’m a guest on the Generation GC podcast — episode 78! Take a listen as we discuss the band Good Charlotte and a bit about my art career.
Curls Studio visited New York Comic Con last week and had a swell time. I didn’t get to break away from the table too often, but I saw a drawing demo by Dan Parent (he drew Jughead and Betty) and glanced at Adam Cole and Tony Schiavone at the AEW booth. I also got to visit the NASA booth to give them Curls “I Need Space” buttons, sample some Kung Fu Tea, and admire Art Baltazar and Franco work (Tiny Titans) in Artist Alley.
I had a signing at National Cartoonists Society booth on Thursday and Friday. It was fun to be able to see some of the great cartoonists there and catch up after so long.
One crazy thing that happened actually happened at the Curls Studio table was out of nowhere I saw a man walking the aisle in front of me. He was dressed in black tones. Definitely cool and rock-and-roll casual, but nothing too shimmery. He could have been anyone, but then I said to Joe through my mask, “Is that Mikey Way?” Since everyone is wearing masks it can be hard to recognize, but I had a good feeling it was magically him. He walked by since he was on the move and right after he passed I said, “Hey, Mikey!” He stopped and turned around. Imagine someone in one of your favorite bands suddenly face-to-face with you. I told him how much his band is super influential and he mentioned how he it was nice to hear some positivity. Mikey gave us fist bumps and I got a photo with him (with my glasses foggy from wearing mask). I’m happy because I already had photos with all the other members of My Chemical Romance and the only one left to meet was Mikey. Now I have photos with all of MCR!
Of course we enjoyed being in the city as well. We ate lots of pizza in the hotel room and saw Times Square. I got to see the Vessel structure at Hudson Yards for the first time, however it was closed to go up. I also got to visit Coney Island once again and have an authentic Nathan’s hot dog and creamy orange shake.
We hope to be back at NYCC in the future. Big thanks to Francis Bonnet, Sammi Messina, Joe Carabeo, NYCC staff, NYCC volunteers, NCS, and everyone who stopped by the booth.
Our next tour stop for 2021 is Baltimore Comic-Con this coming Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
We’re raising funds to produce limited edition hard enamel pins with an original illustrated Santa Turtle character design. The pins will be produced at 1.5″ wide with a real jingle bell attachment. Other features include gold plating and backstamp. Each pin will be fixed with a green rubber clutch and come with a backing card on soft touch paper to evoke the warm and fuzzy mood of the season.
The campaign will end on November 4, 2021 so I can have time to produce, package, and ship out the pins in a timely manner for the holiday season. Santa Turtle is a jolly turtle who lives in the North Pole with Santa Claus providing encouragement to the working elves by ringing a bell to cheer the Christmas crew. The character first appeared in my comic strip, Curls.
I’m happy to pull out all the bells (and whistles?) with design features that challenge what a pin can be as wearable art or fashion accessory. The Santa Turtle pin makes a great gift for any fan of the holiday season — it is a conversation starter and will also resonate with anyone who enjoys turtles, storytelling, fantasy, music, or nature.
Please consider a pledge to this Kickstarter and pass the limited edition opportunity on to your friends to spread the holiday jingle jangle! Thank you.
New York Comic Con returns this week (October 7-10, 2021) at Javits Center located at 429 11th Avenue in NYC. New York Comic Con is the East Coast’s largest pop culture convention and the only one that takes place in the comic book, publishing, media, and licensing capital of the world — Gotham City.
I’m proud to be selected to be a part of Cartoon Crossroads Columbus (CXC) for the first time, even if it’s a virtual appearance this year.
CXC is based in Columbus, Ohio and is all about making connections between people with a passion for the art of cartoons — a comics, art, and animation festival. The event is founded by curator of The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Lucy Shelton Caswell — along with the husband and wife team behind Cartoon Books, Columbus native Jeff Smith (Bone) and his wife Vijaya Iyer.
