See me ride out of the sunset on your color TV screen; out for all that I can get, if you know what I mean

The unstoppable power that is Hench continues to steamroll into the conscious and subconscious minds of readers and observers of the scene. Hit Four Color Review for Britt Schramm's take on our latest.

Hench, Ursula, Planet of the Capes, and Demo were our best-sellers at the San Diego convention, which was really hoppin' over at our booth. Anyone who's down on comics because of that show spent too much time being over-stimulated and distracted and not enough time concentrating on the job. The only time I left our endcap (quaintly nestled at the front of the Independent Pavilion, and, as such, hard to miss) during open hours was to go to a meeting or the bathroom. The rest of my time was spent shaking hands, signing autographs, reviewing portfolios, and selling comics.

Like Chico Esquela would have said if he'd been Making Comics Better: "San Diego been beddy, beddy good to me." Fae and Dave and all the rest have another feather in their cap, as far as I'm concerned.

Speaking of Demo, over on The Comic Treadmill, H looks at issue seven and while finding it "outstanding" and "a solid, captivating tale," still wanted more from the story. This, I'm happy to say, is how I personally feel about every issue of Bri and Becky's work on this series. There's no doubt in my mind that every single one of these issues could be expanded into at least a 96 page graphic novel, a three act feature film... heck, issue two, "Emmy," could probably be made into an ongoing television show by somebody somewhere.

So when the one crticism that sticks about Demo is that each story is less than satisfying because they raise more questions than give answers, and the reader is left at the end of the issue wanting more...

... well, know that Brian and Becky and I lean back in our chairs and smile our secret smiles.

Got a little change in my pocket, goin' jingle-ling-a-ling; call you on the telephone, baby, give you a ring

Matt Maxwell's San Diego report:"Larry, as always, is a charming fellow to talk with in person and the table was always buzzing with activity."

Ryan Scurvy Dogs Yount's San Diego report:"Of course, we also 're-met' several fans who had picked up our first issues at last year's con. True-blue dudes and dudettes. We also met some folks who had sent us awesome emails, and being able to connect a face to cheerful or threatening emails is a plus. It was great to hear how much people have enjoyed the series, and how freaked out they were over our announced 'hiatus' after issue #5. Well, don't worry--there'll be plenty more stuff for you guys to buy from Andrew and me... which we'll announce shortly."

And thanks to everyone who came by to see us at the show.

Special cartridges: plastic blank with metal case; Finland: red, Germany: black, Egypt: white.

Interviewed by Terry Rodgers for the San Diego Union-Tribune about the Comic-Con in San Diego. My pals David Glanzer and Chip Zdarsky are also quoted, but I don't think either of them would begrudge me a small bit of pride were I to quote you this bit from the article: "Graphic novels are increasingly popular because they are quick and compelling reads similar to the story boards used by movie directors, said Young, 40, who is regarded as an industry guru."

Haven't even made a dent in my reading since returning from the show, so I'm sure I've missed a few mentions of our work. I know that Kirsten Baldock had an excellent interview about Smoke and Guns on CBR, because it was blogged all over the damn place, including Joan Jett's blog and The Sopranos official fansite, as well as www.tobacco.org. Dan Curtis Johnson also talked a bit about Moonshine, probably mere moments before he pitched me his next year's book. San Diego is getting to be quite the good luck charm for us both.

Very nice to finally meet Tom McLean of Variety at Preview Night. I know some publishers bemoan setting up a day early for a mere three hours of show, but Preview Night really is the way to go, if you ask me. Every single person there is jazzed to start the show, and we do as well in those three hours as we do all Thursday. That is to say: very well.

Laura Gjovaag had such a powerful reaction to Demo #8, she's disinclined to share it. I can't speak for Brian and Becky, but I love it when a story is so strongly, emotionally, received. Adore it or despise it, the Bs made you feel.

Ursula, on the other hand, engendered a reaction Laura was inclined to share: "Anyone with a bit of romance in the heart will enjoy it, whether they are a child or an adult. As for the artwork... WOW. This is fantastic! Clean art, very strong storytelling, good design. Everything I like in my art. So go snag a copy and take a look. Right now, if you have the time. Once you've read it, come back here and tell me what you think. This is one of those instant classics, in my opinion." And, if I'm not mistaken, that four-and-a-half starfish is the highest rating Laura's given any of our books so far.

This article, from Tim O'Neil, is a little on the long side, but if ever there was a spot-on analysis of our company free of my marketing spin or the writer's own bias, this is the one.

"At the end of the day it comes down to this: if you want to find the New Mainstream in comic book publishing, look to wherever Larry Young is. He publishes a lot of crap but he also publishes some real gems, with an entire spectrum of quality in between. He publishes something for everyone, and that is something I cannot say for anyone else in our entire industry. If there is any justice in this amoral business of ours, he will die a rich, rich man and it is not without a small smattering of professional jealousy that I say that."

Obviously, that one's my fave.

Still catching up with my post-San Diego work, but I can't let the day pass without pointing you to the San Francisco Bay Guardian's 2004 Best of the Bay Reader's Poll, where we've been named Best Local Publisher. This was a really flattering recognition, and Mimi and Ryan and I appreciate it very much.

Best Local Publisher
"When a company devoted to graphic novels wins best overall publisher, you know things have changed on the comix front. With titles such as Brian Wood and Brett Weldele's Couscous Express; Joe Casey and Charlie Adlard's Codeflesh; and Rick Remender, Kieron Dwyer, and Harper Jaten's Blackheart Billy on the roster, AiT/Planet Lar has gained the respect of our readers — and lots of other folks — for putting out works whose story lines are provocative and intelligent and whose illustrations are equally compelling."

Thanks to Graeme McMillan at Fanboy Rampage for pointing it out to us.

"Oh my God; I'm back. I'm... home."

Back from San Diego. Returning calls, emails. Gimme a week if you haven't heard from me or Mimi or Ryan right away.