Happy 4th of July weekend!

2026 is halfway over now. I usually start feeling anxious toward the end of the year, but somehow this year I’ve experienced a more pronounced midyear crisis. At some point during June I started to worry that I actually don’t have that much work to show from this year so far.

The feeling caught me to surprise because I’ve been decently productive on a day-to-day basis. And this feeling is probably, hopefully, at least partially an irrational product of general creative anxiety.

Objectively, I have been writing and even releasing stuff. I posted 3 chapters of My Internet Friends this year, and that alone is arguably “good enough” for half a year’s creative output.

I also had my first direct market credit in Cruel Universe #9 in April, and that was definitely a huge milestone, but since that’s just an 8-page short, it doesn’t move the needle as much when it comes to feeling or saying that I did a lot.

I’m working on some new projects too. I guess right now I’m just at an awkward lull with my various projects where I’m working on things, but when I table at a convention, I don’t have anything new to share, and that’s where the anxiety creeps in.

These feelings will probably pass. I think they just inevitably pop up now and then for creatives. But it’s interesting to me how weirdly easy it is to hit a lull in releasing new stuff even if you are working constantly.

It really is worth celebrating when anything gets made. I have so much respect for everyone else out there trying to be creative, and to tell stories and make art while struggling to survive and hold things together.

So those are my thoughts for the month, and I just have a couple quick updates on upcoming stuff.

Speaking of My Internet Friends, June 15 was the series’ first anniversary. Running an ongoing series like this, and releasing 8 chapters in this year has been challenging, but very fulfilling too.

I also have a story coming out in Oni Press’ Catacomb of Torment #13 on July 15. It’s a short comic inspired by a certain Asian superstition!

Finally, I’ll be heading to San Diego Comic Con this year for the first time! For the past few years, I’ve always said “maybe next year,” but this year I’m taking the plunge!

Very excited to check out this legendary event and hang out with old and new friends!