Jack Kirby Way

Dad + Marilyn, Harvey Pekar + more!

98% of the ANTIMATTER #1 digital and physical rewards have been emailed and shipped. I have a few more commissions to draw and a couple of addresses to accrue before this campaign is officially closed (and prepare for ANTIMATTER #2).

Here’s what J Kevin Carrier had to say about ANTIMATTER #1:

“The themes of love, sex, and relationships are never far from Dino’s mind, and most of these strips broach those topics, whether through the lens of superheroes, sci-fi, or dystopian thrillers. The stories echo and overlap each other, and there’s no doubt that this is the singular vision of a unique creative powerhouse. Love, Dean assures us, is the ultimate act of rebellion, and the ultimate expression of our humanity. That’s a message we need now more than ever.”

That’s mighty kind of ya, JKC — thanks, man! For now, folks can write me directly for details of how to get your signed copy of ANTIMATTER #1.

Apparently, Kickstarter (and creator-driven spaces like Patreon) is making it harder to campaign Mature/Adult-oriented fare and creators are justifiably having a fit. You’d think these corporations would wanna take the money and run but their payment processor (Stripe) is enforcing puritanical policies and that’s not fair. Especially since it was respectful smut and outlier content mainstream publishers don’t produce that helped grow Kickstarter and spawn what is arguably the third biggest publisher of comix — if not THE biggest publisher of independent comix.

Maybe not for long.

Me - my shabby hoodie - and Josh Neufeld at BICS 2026

“When you’re a kid you want to be a cartoonist and you become one and it’s the dream, but then it slowly becomes a job,” Haspiel said. “So I changed course in 2023 to become my own publisher so I could reinvent what comics meant to me and access the joy of making them again.”

Reporter Jack Whitman talked to me, Josh Neufeld, Tony Wolf, and BICS director/co-founder Aynsley Leonardis about the Brooklyn Independent Comics Showcase 2026 for The Red Hook Star-Revue.

On May 11, 2026, I had the privilege of witnessing the street naming of JACK KIRBY WAY on the corner of Delancey and Essex streets NYC, one block away from 147 Essex where the late/great groundbreaking comix creator Jack Kirby was born and raised. Spearheaded by Roy Schwartz, Karen Green and a cabal of movers & shakers, the event was flanked by a who’s who of veteran & rookie comix makers and fans alike, including Jack’s three grandchildren.

Jack Kirby Way not only honors a lower east side kid who grew up to change comic books forever, but helps inspire imaginations of all people who stumble upon “Yancy Street” and beyond.

My father/writer/Hollywood historian, James Haspiel, is in PEOPLE magazine (twice) talking about his late friend/legendary actress/icon Marilyn Monroe for her 100th birthday to journalist KC Baker.

"The Private Marilyn Monroe Was ‘a Gentle Soul’, Recalls Fan-Turned-Trusted Friend"

and

"Why Marilyn Monroe Hated Wearing a Girdle: ‘She Was Real’ Says Longtime Friend"

In May of 1976, 50 years ago, Harvey Pekar self-published AMERICAN SPLENDOR #1. And comics were changed forever. You can listen to a series of podcasts I did with Josh Neufeld that covers a lot of Pekar's comics career and the feature film. Plus our collaborations with Harvey and his influence on our work. And guests. Lots of great guests. Now if only there was a proper library of his work made available for sale and study.

Viva Jack Kirby and Harvey Pekar!

—Dean

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