The dedication of the Bill Mauldin stamp today. And, yeah, I was there (for a bit), pretty great, honoring this guy who was able to communicate so much with so little. Got my souvenirs.

Started out as a Lost fan, strayed, dropped it, picked it up again last season with renewed interest. Final season's been good, last week's Sawyer episode a standout. And last night? OK, it made some important points, maybe even cleared up a few things — but the pacing? Refer to this Mark Waid essay from Kung Fu Monkey: start the scene as late as possible. Did we really need to see Ricardo tying up his horse — twice? His story was so cliché (and clichés are not always a bad thing), couldn't we have taken some things as read? It did make for some great moments, some parts were important to set up, but I felt it was about 40 minutes until we got past the setup and into stuff actually happening, and we don't have that kind of time now.

But then again, I just watched Fly Girls, so clearly my judgment cannot be trusted.

P.S.: That Waid essay is a bit weird — I remember reading it a couple times to get the point. But once you do …

P.P.S. Yes, I'm probably guilty, too. But I'm working on it.

Found at STAPLE! and added to the weekly webcomic reading: Mohagen. Mostly for the expressions, but the sea monkey storyline is highly recommended.

A shout-out to the gang of Dallas cartoonists who were such great dinner companions at the post-STAPLE! gathering: Nate of Hermit Hill, Mike of Dorm Dorks, Grant of Greetings from Wonderland, and Jose of Reinhardt District. Also to Franklin Barbecue for the awesome smoked meat — and espresso barbecue sauce.

Just finalized travel plans for Denver ComicFest, April 16-18. And I happen to know that there's a new cover in the works for RBS volume 1 right now … so we should be restocked, as well as having plenty of stuff from 7000 BC.

A bit surprised when Diamond recently solicited the first Codename: Knockout TPB; it was a total guilty pleasure from the early aughts, but I had the feeling we were the only ones reading it. Hauled out the individual floppies (incl. a few Connor/Palmiotti-signed ones) for a re-read. It's fun to discover a bunch of talent (artists, inkers, and colorists) who've gone on to success — and the stories are holding up much better than I remembered. And what's the author been up to? Puppy!

Still coming off another great time at STAPLE!. Too busy for much documentation, but a few photos at 7000 BC's Flickr, including the pre-party at Austin Books and Comics and the post-dinner at Franklin Barbecue. And thanks to François for being such a great neighbor.

Not much posting on, busy with preparations for our appearance this weekend at STAPLE! in Austin. Once again, we'll be representing 7000 BC with books from the group — and we'll be premiering the latest from Panel Press, the long-in-the-making New West. Find us at table 16 in the auditorium, a few spots down from our friend Rob Stikmanz.

Update: some nice words about our comics from Rob.