EMILY EDISON COLORING PAGES

Break out those crayons! La Reunion will be hosting a kid's coloring area at CAPE. If you can't wait until Saturday, feel free to print the pages from my site -- you can choose between EMILY (.pdf) and KOO (.pdf). As an added bonus, if you show me your colored masterpiece, I'll give you a 50% discount off any of my books.

WHO NEEDS EVITE?

My birthday is coming up. I'll be 31 on May 1st. To celebrate, I'm inviting everyone to attend CAPE's Live Art Show (click and scroll down) on FRIDAY MAY 2nd at 9 PM.

St. Pete's Dancing Marlin
2730 Commerce Street
Dallas, TX

That's all. Hope to see you there.

D MAGAZINE, FBR, ETC

The April '08 D Magazine is now available. This particular issue includes the latest installment of "Souvenir of Dallas" (written by me and illustrated by Paul Milligan), and an article "The Dallas Museum of Art Is Validating a Marginalized Art Form" also written by me. I could get used to this.

I'll be attending DenCon on Sunday (see yesterday's post). The day before, on Saturday, I will be giving a comic book presentation at the Ridglea Library in Fort Worth with Paul Milligan. 1 PM. Anyone in the DFW area -- feel free to come by and check it out.

The March Indie Show for Fanboy Radio is online. Scott Hinze and I interview Jim Mahfood and Mike Heronime. It's a great episode. I'm glad to have the Indie Show back in regular rotation.

And yes, LOVIE did win Quick DFW's Battle of the Bands. Congrats to Cari, Rebecca, Grace, and Cathleen. Well deserved.

STAPLE! NOT TO BE MISSED

My fantastic, beautiful girlfriend April said it best in a mass e-mail to her friends:

Kids, if you're looking for something to do on SATURDAY, maybe you should pretend to be awesome and head over to Austin's Indie comic book convention. I promise it's not geeky. All the cool hipster kids will be there. Namely, me. Oh, and David, who like, writes comics or something.

It is at the Monarch Events Center, off of I35 and 2222. Here is the link for the convention: http://www.staple-austin.org

And here is the link for the most fantastic comic book writer ever: www.antiherocomics.com

Hopefully I will see you there! As if you have anything better to do....

So there. She's not biased or anything. It's this weekend.

DALLAS COMIC CON RECAP

Having been to almost every Dallas Comic Con for the past five years, and being a guest at many of them, this event has a sentimental effect on me. My friend Wim and I attended Dallas Comic Con as our first convention after a ten year hiatus; I remember meeting Cal Slayton, Scott Kurtz, and Nick Derington at the Dallas Comic Con. My own aspirations to create comics was inspired/encouraged in part by them. I wanted to be where they were. I remember purchasing my first booth, with several copies of my own mini-comic displayed. I think I sold maybe five copies, if that. I remember my first invitation to be a guest -- getting excited to see my name in the program, and how cool it was to spend the day hanging out with Cal.

After awhile, the guests, the attendees, and the exhibitors become familiar. There are people I only see at these events, and it's cool to get updates on how everyone's doing. Sometimes my books sell like crazy, and sometimes they don't, but it's always about having a chance to meet somebody new and geek out about comics.

This past weekend was probably my favorite, even though I wasn't able to stay the entire time. My booth had a few more books on it than when I first started. The comics panel was fun. Overall, I was just kicking back and enjoying myself. Not to mention, it was nifty to see Missi Pyle, who I will always remember from Josie and the Pusscats (a most underrated movie).

Terry Moore's report | Randy Andrews' report

My interview for the Half Hour Wasted podcast (listen here)

COMIXOLOGY, ART CON, MISCELLANY

Brent and I were interviewed on Comixology's podcast. The link also includes some brand new preview pages of ASTRONAUT DAD. Comixology is a great website, lots of useful content and a clean design. I may be biased. They also made our book the featured item of the week.

Art Conspiracy was this past weekend. April and I went to Deep Ellum on Saturday afternoon to work on my art piece (shown below, photo by Sarah Jane Semrad). I'm happy with how it came together as a straightforward presentation of my work as a writer.


I was unable to make the actual event on Sunday night, but I received a voice message from Wim during my auction. I don't know what artist etiquette is... do I tell you how much it went for? I will say it sold for much more than I thought it would. All for charity, which is cool. Check out photos from the event on Sarah Jane's Flickr account, the event | the installation.

Other stuff: Jim Mahfood has a new blog. Also, Kazu Kibuishi's Amulet is now available in bookstores. I purchased my copy, and it exceeded all expectations. (And my expectations were ridiculously high!) This graphic novel might be the best thing I've read all year. Amulet has the scope of Jeff Smith's Bone with the imagination of Hayao Miyazaki. But in the end, it is uniquely Kazu.

PHOTOS FROM WIZARD WORLD

I've posted photos from Wizard World Texas. The convention was good. I heard some grumbling about the media guests being rather weak this year. Although, the small press/artist alley section was the strongest I've ever seen. Traffic was steady in that area throughout the weekend. Apparently, Friday's Heroes4Heroes live art show and fund raiser went very well -- a good crowd of 300+ at the Diamond Club, and it raised more money than anticipated. I had to stay home with Kennedy, and couldn't make it.


Also from this weekend, Karma Incorporated was included in the Art Conspiracy's Periodic Table of Dallas -- element "KI" and listed as "Karma Inc." This mural is on the side of the former Gypsy Tea Room in Deep Ellum, where we had our release party a few years ago. Click for photos.

Great timing. Karma Incorporated Vol.1 "Poor Mr. Wilson" is scheduled to arrive in comic book stores on Wednesday.

NORMAN LOVES ME. I LOVE NORMAN.

Brent Schoonover and I drove to Norman, Oklahoma for our signing at Speeding Bullet Comics. We raised $70.69 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Wish we could've stayed longer.


Astronaut Dad hasn't shipped yet. It should arrive on my doorstep via FedEx, Friday morning, so we'll have them available for Wizard World Texas.

Speaking of, B.Clay Moore, writer of Hawaiian Dick and The Leading Man, said some nice things about our book: "Astronaut Dad is a loving reminder of America's investment in the space race, and how real people were at the heart of our quest for the stars. Well worth taking a look, and bound to hook you once you do."

Also, for people in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Kevin O'Neill (the artist for League of Extraordinary Gentleman) will be at Titan Comics tomorrow from 5 PM to 7 PM.

BOOK TOUR CONTINUES

Last Saturday, April, Kennedy, and I went to Denton for Pub Fest. We arrived at Dan's Silverleaf (nice venue, by the way) an hour late. We would've been there sooner, but a parade cut off our route. So instead, we parked the car and watched the parade briefly. We then asked for directions at some fancy fragrance soap and lotion type store. Apparently, the scent "grass" comes from combining "dirt" and "lettuce." Learn something new. At Pub Fest, we set up outside. Perfect warm weather. Rob King organized the event, and it's a cool idea, gathering together independent and small press writers working in a variety of media -- poetry, novels, short stories, comics, etc. -- and hosting the whole thing at a club with live bands performing later in the day. In hindsight, it would've been ideal for my friend A.C. Hall (sorry bud, next year?). Not so much with comics, but in the larger literary field, independent writers don't get much respect -- labeled as "vanity press" and such. Must be terribly discouraging to someone trying to find their voice outside of corporate publishing. If there's a way to encourage independent writers, it's probably with something like this.


It could've been a much bigger event with more guests, a calendar listing in the Observer, FW Weekly, Pegasus News, and KERA's community page, a website, and maybe some larger bands. Charge cover, etc. Maybe some other twist? I'm not on the inside planning, but I know they want to do this again next year. It was a decent start with a friendly vibe, but Pub Fest should grow from here.

My friend Tony showed, and it was good to talk with him. Met a guy named Marcus Blake. His book Sex Game is apparently being protested by the Parents for Christ organization, the Christian Coalition, American Family Association, Focus on the Family, and ironically, the Free Market Association. I had him autograph one of the fliers urging his book to be banned. It's pretty hip to be that disliked. I don't think any of my books would ever receive that kind of heat. Maybe I could submit my work to Parents for Christ for ban consideration? Also, met a guy publishing a quarterly journal, Farrago's Wainscot. "Articles on anything from wormholes to haberdashery!" Kennedy was in a good mood throughout, giving hi-fives to people, and reading her own books. We decided to leave early before that mood changed, and not surprisingly she fell asleep on the drive home.

SIGNING AT ZEUS AND PROFILE ON GOODREADS

The signing at Zeus went well. We raised $166.35 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

On Saturday (tomorrow), I'll be at Pub Fest in Denton. I'm not really sure what to expect, but I will have my books with me, looking forward to meeting some new people. Pub Fest starts at 1 PM, Dan's Silverleaf (103 Industrial). Later in the day, they'll have some bands performing. Anytime you combine local music with local writers and artists, in my opinion, you've got a worthwhile event.

I just set up an author profile on Goodreads (click here). If you have an account, make sure to add me. So far, I like the site. It is well-suited for the kinds of things I need to feature. I also like how it interfaces with Facebook.

THERE ARE POSTAL GODS AND

The postal gods were kind (and my publisher made some phone calls). Just confirmed that the Karma Incorporated TPBs arrived at Zeus for today's signing. Much relieved.

Quick DFW featured an article about my book tour. (click here)

Also, my friend Catherine Cuellar spoke to my Creative Writing class. She is the managing editor for Pegasus News, which should be required reading for anyone living in DFW.

UPDATE: Photos from the signing posted on Flickr.

SIGNING AT HASTINGS

Thank you to the Hastings in Round Rock, their super cool manager David Reamer who organized the signing, and all my friends (and all April's friends) who showed up to lend their support. We raised $103.50 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. My next signing will be at Zeus Comics on October 24th from 4 PM until close.


I should've taken more photos. The ones of the table were a little blurry, but they had this crazy blue banner hanging from the ceiling and going down to the floor. It was quite a set up. Lots of people brought their kiddos and picked up copies of Emily Edison. Score. (Karma Incorporated and Astronaut Dad trade paperbacks coming soon!) Brock, who recently moved to Austin, was also there for the signing. We hung out at Mugshots on 7th afterwards.

PR FOR BOOK RELEASE


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (8/30):
BOOK TOUR TO BENEFIT CYSTIC FIBROSIS FOUNDATION

From September through December, comic book writer David Hopkins will be on tour to promote the release of his graphic novels Karma Incorporated and Astronaut Dad. Proceeds from the tour benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The tour spans the Fall season, weekends and Wednesdays throughout. Various signings will be at conventions and book stores, starting with the Free State Free Con in Lawrence, Kansas on September 15-16. Other dates include Hastings Bookstore in Round Rock, Texas on October 6th, Zeus Comics in Dallas, Texas on October 24th, Pub Fest at Dan's Silverleaf in Denton, Texas on October 27th, Speeding Bullet Comics in Norman, Oklahoma on November 14th, Wizard World Texas on November 16th-18th, and Star Clipper in St. Louis, Missouri on December 1st. Other dates will be added as they are available. More information on the website -- http://antiherocomics.com/tour

During the tour, David Hopkins will sell original art and sketches donated by comic book creators. In addition to book sales, all the money raised from the artwork goes directly to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Already, Ryan Dunlavey (Action Philosophers), Lea Hernandez (Killer Princesses, Rumble Girls, and Texas Steampunk), Jamar Nicholas (Detective Boogaloo), and Mike Hawthorne (Hysteria, Umbra, and Queen & Country) have agreed to donate art. More artists and sponsors are needed.

Karma Incorporated, Vol. 1, published by Viper Comics, and Astronaut Dad, Vol. 1, published by Silent Devil Productions, will be released within a month of each other. David Hopkins wrote both graphic novels, with Karma Incorporated illustrated by Tom Kurzanski (Antigone) and Astronaut Dad illustrated by Brent Schoonover (Horrorwood). The second volume of Karma Incorporated follows later in 2007. "I didn't plan for everything I've been working on for the past few years to come out all at once. It's a little nerve wracking," Hopkins admits. "But hello, here I am. It's a good opportunity to make some noise and raise awareness for something more important than comics."

David Hopkins became interested in Cystic Fibrosis research from meeting a fan with CF at a comic book convention. The idea of doing the tour as a fund raiser started through a friendship with organizers of the Dallas-based Ultraviolet Rock Show, which also benefits CF research.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a devastating genetic disease that affects tens of thousands of children and young adults in the United States. Research and care supported by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is making a huge difference in extending the quality of life for those with CF. However, lives continue to be lost to CF every day. To learn more about CF and the CF Foundation, visit -- http://cff.org

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Some upcoming conventions/store signings for the release of the Karma Incorporated and Astronaut Dad graphic novels:

September 15th - 16th
Free State FreeCon Comic Book & Toy Convention in Lawrence, Kansas (website)

October 6th at 6 PM
Hastings in Round Rock, Texas (website)

October 24th
Zeus Comics and Toys in Dallas, Texas (website)

October 27th
Pub Fest at Dan's Silverleaf in Denton, Texas (website)

November 14th
Speeding Bullet Comics in Norman, Oklahoma (website)

November 16th - 18th
Wizard World Texas in Arlington, Texas (website)

It's shaping into a nice little book tour. I'd like to do more out of state, but it's difficult to take off during the school year. Anybody at Strange Adventures want to fly me, plus a friend, to Nova Scotia Canada? How about Rocketship in Brooklyn? Star Clipper in St. Louis?

ARTLOVEMAGIC

This Saturday, ArtLoveMagic is hosting an all-day event at Titan Comics *map* to celebrate our local comic book scene. (Hey, I think we've earned "scene" status.) I've been invited to sign comics, starting at 1 PM and throughout much of the day. While the next graphic novel doesn't ship until September, if you haven't picked up any of my earlier work, it'll all be available at half price. I'm also giving away an eight page preview of Bolivar. Hope to see you there. Thanks to Mike Lagocki and ArtLoveMagic for organizing everything.