2022 Recap: I wrote a Batman comic, I was on NPR, and I'm writing a syndicated comic strip...
...and I lost a friend.
¡Hola Amigas!
The last time I sent a newsletter was a year ago this month. This time last year, I was recovering from the COVID-19 virus—and preparing for my NPR All Things Considered interview.
That was the start of my killer (professional) year. I had listened to NPR since I started driving in 2004 when George W. Bush caught Sadam because 9/11. It was surreal to see La Voz De M.A.Y.O. & Helm Greycastle sit among the top 10 best-selling Image Comics graphic novels overnight.
If you missed the interview, click here or listen below:
Hank! You wrote a Batman?!
Yes. I wrote a Batman short story while I wrote that Avengers COVID comic in the fall of 2021. I am a huge Batman fan for those of you who know me. He’s my personal Jesus. I know the scripture by heart. Working with DC editors Dave and Jess to make my dream come true was a serious honor.
You can find our Etrigan The Demon team-up story in Batman: Urban Legends #18. Batman has made a positive impact on my life. I hope our story does the same.
I do want to recognize Jack Kirby for a second. His art has blessed me and paid my bills. I thanked him personally over the holiday break with my co-captain, Alexa.
2. I got to present at the Eisners
I have been going to the Eisners since 2008. It’s the longest awards show on earth. But some of the best moments of my comics life took place in the Hilton Bayfront Indigo Ballroom every Friday night of SDCC. But I was a special guest—and by the generosity of Jackie Estrada—I got to present the kid’s awards after Neil Gaiman and Frank Miller.
Bonus: I got to chill with Phill Lamar and Thomas Lennon.
3. I’m the new writer of Gil Thorp
I never thought I’d weasel my way back into the funny papers, but dreams do come true. My former boss and good friend Alex Segura referred me to Tribue Agency to take over writing duties for Gil Thorp. I can’t emphasize this enough: writing Gil Thorp is the best job I’ve ever had. He has a cult following and an essential place in the comic strip world. This opportunity has granted me semi-pro status over at The National Cartooning Society—and I got to write a Peanuts strip in honor of Sparky’s centennial.
Click here to read Gil Thorp Monday through Saturday. Every click helps!
P.S. If you want to sign up for the Gil Thorp newsletter, I would click this link!
4. I lost a friend.
All the great things that happened to me this year will be eclipsed by losing my friend, Linda. The last time I called her was on Christmas to tell her I named a character after her in my Batman story. Tell the people in your life that you love them—and please reach out to me or call/text 988 for help.
5. Pre-order Beyondtopia: Legends #2!
I have been working with Bryan Valenza and FairSquare Comics to create a series of short stories in a three-issue anthology titled Beyondtopia Legends. The second installment hits your local comic shop’s spinner rack on February 15th. Click here to let your fine retailer know that you want it added to your pull!
6. We’re moving to Substack from Mailchimp.
Lastly, I have made the jump from Mailchimp to Substack. The comic book industry has settled on this as a place to keep in touch and learn from each other. But it’s always good to have a backup plan with the volatile social media landscape and struggling economy only to worsen.
I hope you’re alright with this switch, but feel free to unsubscribe. I hope you don’t because I will start writing my half memoir, half how to (not) make comics guide here. That will be a paid tier, so keep an eye out for that.
Until next time!
P.S. There were more highs and lows that I will talk about in future newsletters. But I’m going to take a page out of JINXWORLD’s playbook and leave you something positive. I consider this the best sketch comedy of all time.