ThunderBoom is a happy 1 year-old...
Where I talk about birthdays, cons, and anniversaries. Oh, and a new award nomination...
One year ago today, ThunderBoom was born, I mean, released. Now it didn’t change my life like a newborn would…no diapers to change with ThunderBoom!…but it did change my life in other ways. With this book being so personal, non-verbal Logan inspired by my son Lucas, it obviously meant a lot to me when it finally came out. And there was a lot of nervous excitement and anxiety over how the book will be received by its readers. I’m usually pretty laid back about reader reaction. You like the book. You don’t. I’m good with that…as long as you read the book! No, for this story, I really wanted it to be liked, okay loved, by all.
So, I must say I was happy with the reaction to the book. By fans, friends, and family alike. Maybe it wasn’t loved by ALL, but it has been received positively by many, so I’ll take it!
Lots of great recognition too, like what I just showed above. An Egghead nomination - the Doug Wright Award for Best Kids Book. Found out about that a few weeks back and I’m thrilled for all of us on Team ThunderBoom. Hoping for good news at the ceremonies the night of May 11th, but more than happy to have received this nomination. Here are the nominees for this award and all the others - at this link. And the ceremony will be streamed live on YouTube.
66 Years Ago…
…the Legion Of Super-Heroes was born in the pages of Adventure Comics #247. Let’s continue the theme of special days with this anniversary. April 1958 was a long time ago in publication years and there have been a lot of Legion stories since that issue was released. The characters unfortunately aren’t the most popular anymore, but I think it’s only a matter of time before they return front and centre again. I’m happy that I was a small part of Legion lore, writing a few issues of the cartoon series back when the Legion was set to celebrate its 50th anniversary!
Yeah, I’m old, you guys. Or at least, all this talk of years gone by makes me feel that way!!!
Calgary Expo…and a certain Todd…
Last week, I attended a 4 day show in Calgary. First time attending that Expo, and I’m glad I did. It was fun tabling next to creator-in-crime (and local Calgarian) Hugh Rookwood and new pal creator Shawn Daley. With Hugh there, we promoted our books we did together (stories in Flip and Dominion Jack stories in Exciting Comics) like a boss and it was great to see how well-loved he is. It was a pretty steady show with lots of traffic most of the days there. Regulars mentioned it felt like a lighter crowd than usual, but for a newbie like me there, it felt busy enough. And my luggage was light with books on the way home so…success!
Now, that’s not a very exciting pic above of the show, I know. And I’m nowhere in the pic either. I’m horrible at taking pics. I soak in the events of my life, forgetting that my phone is right there to immortalize everything. So I can tell you that I met comics legend Todd McFarlane at the show, but with no photos to back it up! He came to my table, making his rounds around the pro guest tables, and screamed melodramatically…ThunderBoom! Quite the entrance. He flipped through the book, then flipped through some of the Dominion Jack stories Hugh did. I really didn’t say much, other than thanking him for stopping by and taking a look at the books. Shook his hand and off he went. With no picture as proof he was there. Well, I’m writing this down. As non-fiction. And I’m telling you, it happened!
It was the first time meeting in person fellow comics creator, artist Julien Pilon. At least he had the smarts to take a pic of us.
See? Smart. And he also generously gave me this…
Character is hush hush for now…but it’s a character we’ve been pitching to pubs and with one pub taking some interest, I hope we can share some good news around him soon. Everyone…positive thoughts, people!
So there…two pictures I took over 4 days in Calgary to give you such a good sense of the show, right? Giulia is the photographer in the family, not me, so she should really tag along next time! :)
Upcoming Shows
What’s next? Here we go…
May 11 - Toronto - attending the Doug Wright Awards show (but not tabling at TCAF sadly this year)
May 26 - Ottawa - Capital Comic Book Convention - RA Centre
June 1-2 - Deep River Geekfest
Conflicts prevent me from attending Montreal Comic Con or Fan Expo Canada this year. But I will be attending Ottawa Comic Con in September…more dates to come when I have them.
That’s all for this month. So yeah, keep the positive thoughts coming and hopefully I’ll have some fun news to share next newsletter. Plus, time to find some more free comics to share! More than one page next time…