I had a wonderful time at the 20th Anniversary Baltimore Comic-Con. Show organizers Marc, Shelly, Brad, Randy, and the rest of the team are magicians. I may not be a Baltimore local but this convention always feels like my home-town show.

This year, The Middle Age was everywhere. From the cover of the program book, to the official convention t-shirt, to the entrance hall graphics.  There were people wearing t-shirts featuring Sir Quimp and Maledicta and Lord Waddlebottom and they had no idea they were characters from a comic. :) 

I met so many new readers and also saw quite a few Patreon supporters. I swore off doing convention sketches at this event (I knew I'd be constantly distracted with signing the program books) but I was sure to make time for my patrons. Here's one sketch (it was a really slick cover so I was forced to draw with a Sharpie):

As I have in previous years, I shared a corner of the convention with Marty Baumann (amazing Pixar/Disney artist and one of my dearest friends since we worked at USA TODAY ages ago), Thom Zahler (of Love and Capes and Cupid's Arrows fame), Paul Storrie (writer of The Viking Queen, Robyn of Sherwood, and many other titles). This year, we welcomed new addition Emily Whitten (co-writer of The Underfoot). Big thanks to Tracy for her friendship and kind support all weekend! We had a great time!

The Ringo Awards were Saturday night. While I didn't win the award for 'Best Colorist' (that honor very deservedly went to Tamra Bonvillain), the Kickstarter did unlock its third stretch goal during the ceremony and I did get to have a crabcake. That very much felt like a win! :) 

It was a profound weekend for me and it left me feeling changed. I'm not sure - as I'm still processing it - but  I think it's that I've finally found my place in comics.  It's not where I imagined I'd be 25 years ago but I'm not at all disappointed.  More of The Middle Age mirroring life I suspect.

It was fantastic seeing so many of you. And I can't thank you all enough for your continued kindness and support.

On with the story!

-- Steve