“How long have you been doing this?”

For a moment I had to ask myself the same question. I’ve been making comics for half my life. And it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.

“19 years,” I confessed while I signed a copy of Death to Pachuco. It didn’t feel real when I heard myself blurt it aloud. This exchanged occurred last weekend at Cape & Cowl Con in beautiful Oakland, CA. The fine folks invited me back for a second year in a row. I go where I’m wanted. I was in good company.

Last year, I was exchanging email addresses for this very newsletter and a promise to subscribe at Cape & Cowl for the black-and-white Death to Pachuco #1 ashcan (you can read for free if you haven’t already) with con goers. Eitan Manhoff, owner & founder of Eisner award-winning of Cape & Cowl, was kind enough to go along with the ploy to increase monthly readers.

And it worked! I signed many copies while selling a lot the of variants I brought with me. I already gave them a shout out on Instagram, but I want to make sure Juliette, Miles, Eitan, along with all the employees and volunteers know how much I appreciate them. They made sure I was taken care of—and sat me next to up-and-coming talent Morgan Hampton. To see him go from Hotdog Water to Green Lantern with Steel on the way is something special.

My friend/publicist, Crystal Calibur, sat with me behind the table. It’s rare I do these things with help, but it was good to have a witness. As I described above, I have been doing this for 19 years. The many fans, readers, and friends that came up to my table with kind words and support is heard and appreciated. I try not to let it get to my head, but it was good for someone to remind me that connection I have with the work and response is special.

Good cons will find ways to make sure the guests get a chance to chat and hang because there was absolutely no time to leave your table. Ryan Cody’s AZCAF show does this in spades. It was fabulous to catch up with Sina “What Are You Going To Do For me Now” Grace, Gonzo, Ryan, Ramon V, Tony, Tone, El Jefe, Jordan G, Jordan B, Kelly, GLY, Aztec Giants Pitcher Jesse Hernandez, The Matches Himself, katiesaurusrexx, HARVATH, Absolute Green Arrow himself, El Rey, Fancy Milk Chocolate Boy, DJ, Justin G, SPOONER, The Dotsons, Hannah & Spencer (and Rai), La Santos Hermanas, Hermanos, and soo many more. If didn’t mention you… don’t take it personally! I’m old, remember?

Quote me on this one: Cape & Cowl Con is the best show this side of the Mississippi. If you’re lucky enough to get invited, go.

Speaking of cons, I’ll be dead center of the country for Oklahoma Comic Arts Festival thanks to the Metro Library. The next show will be Comic Con LA during Halloween weekend. Use code ARTISTS for 10% off admission. Check out my new website for full details.

I’m trying to reduce spending so I’ve cut my Patreon contributions, chopped my Linktree, and started volunteering at American Cinematheque to watch free flicks at the movie theater. If you haven’t purchased any of the new books that hit this year, you can order directly from my store. Pretty much all of my work is available free or at your local library. I care more about folks reading my work than buying it.

TODAY’S GIL THORP:

WHAT I’M SEEING:

USPS mail ballot plan could hurt voters, whistleblower lawyer warns : NPR

A lawyer for an anonymous whistleblower says Postal Service plans for an unusual verification rule, combined with a hastily built online system, could delay mail ballots from reaching eligible voters.

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO:

WHAT I’M READING:

WHAT I’VE SEEN:

‎‘Coyote vs. Acme’ review by Henry • Letterboxd

If you love Looney Tunes, go see it. It’s self aware. It’s charming. Coyote is hilarious. But it’s movie for kids. I would argue this is better than Space Jam… except it doesn’t match the brilliance of a “WFRB?” Forte is the best at being the reluctant hero, and I would say this is his best performance in a while.

Until next time,

HB