Why no WIZARD WORLD for me this year.

Got a few messages asking why I am not doing the show and I thought I would publically state it here for those that want to read it.

For the last 4 years I have attended WIZARD WORLD CHICAGO both as guest and fan alike. And I did have some great times. It was at that time, a nice size show with lots to do and see, with fingers firmly placed on the community of comics. However, this year shows the decline of WIZARD as a force in the comics' industry. It is with that in mind that I let the show go out the door with my plans. But here's the specific reasons why:

1-Lost my job in March. That put a financial strain on me to drop a show. WIZARD CHICAGO was the first to get the axe. Later followed by MOTOR CITY. But I added going to SAN DIEGO as a vacation for me, so it evened out.

2-WIZARD has declined. The bell is tolling and everyone knows it. MARVEL, DC and DARK HORSE are not even having booths there this year. Isn't that amazing? They've added a shit-ton of media guests to help circumvent the loss, but its the same 40 people you see everywhere else, so who cares?

3-Nothing good as far as job offers or searches will happen there. In this economy, companies are looking to sell, rather than hire artists. So why go?

4-Too busy with projects and commissions to go as an exhibitor or as a fan.

So, its with all that that I had to bow out this year. Although don't let me pursuade you from NOT going as a fan if you are in the area. Some of my close pals will be there and you should seek them out. People like Grant Gould, Katie Cook, Brett Pinson, Kevin Leen, Sean Forney, Jay Fosgitt and many others. If you go, check these folks out.

I'm saving my resources for PITTSBURGH CON, which is my last show for the year. And your last chance to score one of my sketchbooks before they are all gone. I got to re-order Pleasant Life tradebooks in time for the show as well.

So, I hope to see you all in Pittsburgh in September. Its a far better show. Hey, they got STAN LEE to come! Tell me that isn't the shit!?!?!? Plus my pals Tim Fischer and Brian Maze will be there. Cannot miss it!

T