NEW YORK, May 17 – What’s the difference between American and Canadian comic book fans?

None really.

They’re all pretty fucking nice. In fact, if only our world leaders could learn to behave like your average comics fan, we would soon enter and age of unprecedented peace and unity.

Aside from the occasional border skirmish regarding the who would win in a fist fight Superman or The Hulk? debate.

My personal experience amongst the comicerati north of the border was nothing less than pure pleasure.

Sure Air Canada kept me cooling my heels for a few hours, but that was quickly remedied upon touchdown when I was snatched up by an odd combination of the Three Musketeers and the Three Stooges who go by the obviously falsified names of Chris, Tim and Tiz. They hustled to the nearest hotel bar for amaretto sours. I declined said beverages, observing the time honored never drink anything in a hurricane glass unless you’re in the Caribbean rule, but I did find my way to the bottom of a couple rather comfortable Cutty and sodas.

Soon I was bathed in the legendary warmth and camaraderie of Canadian brotherhood, and answering age old questions that have long plagued the minds of greater men than I: Who would win in a fist fight, Superman or The Hulk?

My evening ended in relative peace and sobriety. No so fortunate was MOON KNIGHT artist David Finch, who showed a definite pallor at lunch the following day.

Nonetheless, he endured and, indeed, flourished during our appearance at One Million Comix, where he played an excellent main attraction to my well-rehearsed second banana.

Appearances like these serve several purposes.

For the writers and artists they are a chance to reach out and make contact with their audience. This not only makes good business sense, it’s also a lot of fun.

For the retailer it creates foot traffic in the store, creates good will with the customers, and can increase the value of any stock the visiting creators slap a signature on. It’s also a lot of fun.

For the readers it’s a chance to meet the folks behind some of their favorite titles and shoot the shit, maybe snag a sketch, increase the value of their personal collections with an autograph or two, and ask a couple questions: Who would win in a fist fight, Superman or The Hulk? Also, in case I failed to mention it, it’s a lot of fun.

Despite all these excellent incitements, One Million Comixs has never before in its 16 years of business hosted an in-store signing. And I couldn’t be happier. Because of that delay, I now have the honor of saying I was one of the first two comic book creators invited to come in a meet some fans and take advantage of OMC’s remarkable courtesy and hospitality.

My thanks to everyone at the store, especially the fans. And particular thanks to Chris, Tim and Tiz. The homemade wine cleared customs without a hitch.

Rooting for Superman,
Charlie

Our Nation’s Capital

I will be at Book Expo America at the Washington D.C. convention center on Friday, May 19th. You can find me at the Mystery Writers of America booth (#1749) at 1:30pm and at the Marvel Comics booth (#4143) at 3pm. I will have free copies of one of my novels to give away at both booths. Limited supplies.

#2 and Counting!

Issue #2 of MOON KNIGHT is on the shelves today. It’s pretty gross. You’ve been warned.

Finch Speaks

MOON KNIGHT artist David Finch runs himself down in an interview with Newsarama.

No Guest Spot for You, James

James A. Owen, one of my cohorts on Free Comic Book Day, has posted his journal of the experience. Go read it at ComicConPulse.

Hard Luck is Good Luck

Hardluckstories is giving you free hardboiled fiction online. Go read some.

PS: Who Would Win in a Fight, Moon Knight or Wolverine?

A David Finch charity sketch.