San Diego Comic Con has passed.

I know I have reflected on this event in the past many times. It never gets old for me. There is a Groundhog Day vibe to it. You go to the same place for the same amount of time… a lot it stays the exactly same and then it’s completely brand new, transformative experience.

I grew up at SDCC. I figured out what kind of person I wanted to be in those massive halls. I have made a lot of life-long friendships that coursed my adult life, and lost a few. It’s always a badge of honor to say I survived another SDCC. But I miss the actual Post Dead Dog Party badge Dennis Kitchen would hand out in the wee hours of the Monday morning.

Unbeknownst to me, I signed up for more panels than I realized. They all had to do with fascism and politics engulfing our lives. Our hour-long discussions tried to explain how the comics we make can reflect the times or help you escape the sinkhole that is growing beneath our feet. I got to share the stage with so many incredible talent. Hopefully, we offered some solace that you are not alone and we will get through this together using pictures and words.

This year was different in a lot of ways. I worked the Torpedo Comics booth by helping with lines and getting burritos for the staff from Vega Cafe. (I highly reccommend their 2-in-1 burrito. It’s a 15 minute walk if Petco Park is open. Worth the walk!) I had to alter my expectations this year because I know a lot of people that go there to “get work” and “meet editors.” I never have that kind of luck. But I tried to catch up with as many friends and found family as possible. I think that’s time worth spent.

But maybe next year I’ll have that magical meeting that will change my life?

My wallet hopes.

Most of you saw my Facebook post. I have not been invited back to Tucson Comic Con. I wish them the best, but it’s not my circus. I go where I’m wanted like the following signings, cities, and cons:

Wednesday, August 5^th: Gonzo and I will be sipping on Sex on The Beach (only Rachel will get this) cocktails while signing at Santa Monica Comics Company at noon and Collector’s Paradise NoHo at 6 p.m. Come and listen to us talk endlessly about wrestling and obscure superhero lore while forgetting to promote the ¡HUELGA! recollection from Good Trouble Comics we’re there to sell.

Saturday, August 30^th: Cape & Cowl Con in Oakland has graciously invited me (and Gonzo) back. Last year’s event was undoubtedly the most successful one-day show. I’ll be back with Death to Pachuco, ¡HUELGA!, and Green Hornet/Miss Fury trades! It’s a free con in the Bay, and there are so many talented creators that will be behind tables waiting for you to buy stuff. Totally worth the trip if you’re comics fan. Plus, it’s at a brewery!

Saturday, September 11^th & 12^th: I am going to be a special guest at the Oklahoma City Comic Arts Festival. My appearance is made possible in collaboration with the Metropolitan Library System, so I’ll be making school and library visits on 9/11 (never forget).

I’ll try to send another email blast sooner. Life has been rough, y’all.

So, let’s smoke 'em while we got 'em.

See you in the funny papers,

HB

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO:

I have always thought about these 80s and 90s songs by white musicians going to Africa and making the same kind of song. This guy did it in spades. Now, I can’t stop humming the diddly.

WHAT I’M WATCHING:

I am loving it. But I’m a SAC stan forever.

WHAT I’VE SEEN:

‎‘The Odyssey’ review by Henry • Letterboxd

Read the book first. Trust me.

WHAT I’M READING: