Mm. I just finished a brand new book. It was a grueling process to get through 20 pages, written, pencilled, inked and hand-lettered. And it was heavy subject matter. I spent weeks putting it off, and then I found a way to reach the end. And that ending was MoCCA.

I went to New York this weekend for the MoCCA festival, the indie-comics convention that the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art puts on. Thanks again to my tablemate Pranas. We had too much fun meeting and interacting with New York comics lovers, and eating Shake Shack burgers (You’re the best, Amy!)!! I met talented cartoonists, talked about The Village Voice article that came out that weekend, exchanged copies of “Luke Holds Off”, and enjoyed the comics culture that I most identify with. The comics blogs are all talking about how the show is all about the cartoonists, and it is. People making handmade printed books. Stapling sheets of paper together and saying “I did this”. That what comics are. It’s so simple, so basic. And when you’re in it, you forget that there’s a world that doesn’t know this kind of art and expression exists.

I’m always scared to travel to new places and stay in unknown neighborhoods. Who isn’t!? I stayed in Brooklyn with my good friend Andy Mai, and we had too much fun making fun of Asian people. We hit up a stand-up show in Williamsburg at the Knitting Factory that I’ve been dying to see ever since I found out who Hannibal Burress is. And the comedians made so many jokes about Asians. Wyatt Cenac brought up Asian people and he looked right at Andy and me to see us approve. Btw, Andy is hilarious and super talented. I am glad to see him with the success he has. Thanks so much for hosting me this weekend, man!

Next up is FLUKE in Athens. I was just there a couple weeks ago chatting with Patrick and Robert, and they are so excited for this year’s event. I saw Patton Oswalt perform at the 40 Watt club, which will be the exact same venue for the FLUKE festivities. I’ll be bringing more copies of “Luke Holds Off”, because nothing beats feeling proud of the work you’ve done. Come see me at my table, because I want to tell you “I did this”.

At first, we were concerned with our placement, unsure if people would be able to see us at all and make it behind some of the bigger booths. Luckily for us, we had nothing to be afraid of.

The “we” that I’m referring to includes me and fellow artist, former course mate, and SCAD soon-to-be graduate, Guthrie Ensor. I had planned on going alone to Asheville, but thankfully Guthrie found out I was going. We put two minds together and carpooled up, and it was the most perfect decision I made for this weekend. We had a blast sharing a a car ride up, accommodations, and mostly a table. We got to share the same experiences, talk to a lot of the same great people, and riff off each other when we recorded an interview for a podcast, and when customers came up to peruse our wares. We saw tons of people and got to talk with lots of “new fans”. And luckily for Guthrie, he will be moving back up to Asheville (he had lived here previous to Savannah), and the new-found connections he and I made will benefit him, with some possible future appearances and signings.

I sold out of my latest comic, “Stand-up Comic Book” #1 in both the Limited Black Book Edition, as well as the standard blue book run. I also ran out of stock in Jimbo Maneuver books. Both books were quite a hit at the show, so I was glad not to have to haul them back to the hotel. I was able to get away from the table and meet with Hope Larson. She was completely pleasant and both her books Chiggers and Mercury looked immaculate! I was seeing people throughout the convention clinging their copies lovingly and it made me miss my copies at home. But meeting her was definitely a highlight, and I can’t wait until the next time I see her. NOTE: Had it not been for Hope Larson and her Twitter, and the tweet she sent out about the Fanaticon organizers treating her so well 4 months in advance to the convention, I wouldn’t have signed up. So thanks!

(more…)

After 2 months of absences at the Sentient Bean, I’ll be appearing tonight to make more people aware that I am able to stand on a stage and speak. Laughs are secondary, optional, not required, but highly appreciated so thank you for your donation! Filmmaker Dan Fine will be shooting scenes for his documentary which he also stars in, performing comedy as a comedian usually does. He’s my dude, so come out and add your laughter onto his audio recordings.

I’m emceeing an event on Friday from 12:00 to 3:00 called “Your Future Looks Bright” at Arnold Hall. You want a career int he arts? You gotta get yourself to this, because it’s going to be poppin’ off with tons of bright minds who want to let you know how you can EMPOWER yourself with the business attitude of a successful artist. Get it son!

I will in Asheville that evening, tabling Saturday morning at Fanaticon, held at the Asheville Art Museum. I’ll be selling mini-comics, prints, and posters between the hours of 10:00 – 6:00pm. If you’re in the area and you want some comics, I am providing them!

It’s been a good week, got my future in my hands. My path is laid down and I’m ready to walk the line. Say hello to ya motha for me!

photo by Luis Echavarria

This Fluke far surpassed last year’s. Instead of doing the 4 hour drive the day of the convention and only attending Fluke for three hours, we went a day early. We made it to Athens Friday evening. I had the pleasure of traveling with my friends and colleagues Nate Marsh, Alex Mejias and her fiance Derek, and Luis Echaverria. All of them are magnificent artists, wonderful people, and a pleasure to lodge with.

My notes on Fluke

~Fluke is all mini-comics. The best things that sell are comics under $10. Comics around $5 are usually the most purchased. The usual con merchandise was sold, but amongst browsers, comics were king.

~The room at the Cine was a little smaller than Tasty World, which meant less exhibition space and lots of traffic jams. But with higher ceilings and brighter lights, it felt busier, and the all-around attitude was positive and could be seen and felt every which way you looked. Rumor has it that the venue may change, and “wildly imaginative” events will take place for the 10th Anniversary of Fluke in 2011.

(more…)

Man, you would be expecting me to be collapsed and dead by now. I wrapped up my APE trip earlier today, flying into Savannah at 9:30. It was a brilliant trip and much needed for me to get refreshed and relaxed to tackle this last half of the quarter. I had basically been nonstop since early this year, only taking a mini-cation to get lobster in Maine. Most people can’t wait for our month and a half break that’s coming up, and so do I. After being at APE, I really want the time to work on personal stuff. You can read my report at SEQALab.com, complete with photos.

Jarrett and Kevin tabled, and I would stop by and bother them a ton!

This is what I grabbed this year. Minis and collections!

I will be performing alongside The Conquerors of Comedy at the Laughing Skull in Atlanta, October 21 at 9PM. I’ve never had to drive to a gig that far just to perform, so this will be an adventure of comedy! I’m very excited to have come home from SF and immediately head out to do a show in the ATL. If you are in the area stop by and join us for an evening, especially if you haven’t caught us in Savannah.

(more…)