Comics don’t need Hollywood. Hollywood needs comics.

Plus, Billy Dogma & Jane Legit!

As reported and witnessed, San Diego Comicon 2023 was more about actual comic books than it has been the last decade (or two) due to the writers/actors strike in Hollywood. A fresh reminder and focus on the creators who often make what Hollywood adapts, performs, and breathes new life into cinematic blockbusters. And while it might sound farfetched, some said comics don’t need Hollywood. Hollywood needs comics. I think the truth lies somewhere in the middle (as most things do).

I book-ended my SDCC trip with an LA stay where I got to eat dinner at Musso & Franks, dessert at the Alcove Cafe, evening drinks at Ye Rustic Inn, and lunch at Swingers Diner where I met actor Rufus Sewell of "Dark City" movie fame and got to tell him that he was in my mother's favorite new TV show, "The Diplomat." He laughed and shared an anecdote that ever since he was 25-years old, he's only been able to attract the attention of mothers. I reminded him that moms are a great, robust and steady demographic!

SDCC 2023 wouldn't have been made possible without my posse: Larry O'Neil, Michael Rodrick, Peter Rostovsky, and Matt Champagne. Big Ups to Russ Kazmierczak, Bad Idea, Danny Fingeroth, Rik Offenberger, Bryce Gold, Alex Hudson and the Kickstarter crew. And my LA pals Swifty Lang, Bob Fingerman and Dave Johnson. It was great to hang out with friends, fans, peers, and meet new supporters of my "Deep Cuts" comix.

Dean Haspiel, Denys Cowan and Larry O’Neil

Michael Rodrick, Bill Sienkiewicz (my first comix mentor) and Dean Haspiel

Dean Haspiel and JG Jones

Dean Haspiel and Brian David-Marshall, my first publisher (The Verdict)

Mark Zaid, Steven Grant and Dean Haspiel on the JFK Assassination comics panel

Russ Kazmierczak, Dean Haspiel and Larry O’Neil at the BAD IDEA party

Matt Champagne, Dean Haspiel, Michael Rodrick & Peter Rostovsky at SDCC 2023

And if you haven't backed my BILLY DOGMA & JANE LEGIT Kickstarter, an erotic comix noir, please take a quick look at the campaign and pledge what you can. All your support and cheer means a lot.

Click HERE

I had a good time talking with Kyler Bingham on the Salt Lake Dirt podcast about the movie SLC Punk! and the promotional comic book I drew for it years ago. Plus, comix & comic-cons, self-publishing, crowdfunding, Covid Cop and Billy Dogma.

Listen HERE and/or HERE.

I'm honored and proud to be part of an Arts Gowanus mural construction fence that represents and features Brooklyn artists. You can read about the installation and controversy HERE.

My girlfriend, artist & teacher Jen Ferguson is pleased to announce that she will be accepting new students for the fall 2023 session! She teaches both adults and children. Lesson slots are flexible, so please check with her if you are interested. For your convenience, Jen will be offering both in studio and online instruction. She really looks forward to making art with you! Click HERE

And don’t forget to check out Charlie McElvy’s comix Kickstarter for The Spider-Squirrel & Trash Panda Titan-sized Special, featuring the debut of my new character, CHEST FACE (right after you back my BILLY DOGMA Kickstarter, naturally).

Thank you!

love, Dean

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