I’m back from another terrific Denver Comic Con and thoroughly exhausted. That’s a 16-hour drive from San Diego and somewhat foolhardy to attempt in one clip… let alone doing it again three days later! It’s too bad I missed last year (due to kidney stone situation) as I’d be able to claim an uninterrupted run of Denver shows, but alas. Once again, I’m amazed at how many attendees show their “colors”— either in full cosplay (matching the exact costume/appearance of a character), partial cosplay (carrying a comic prop/wearing zombie makeup but otherwise dressed normally) or just wearing comic/pop culture t-shirts, hats or other items.

Thanks to everyone who came by the table to buy some Cool Jerk stuff or just to check out my comics and say hi. And special thanks to the visually talented sibling team of Justin Orr and Hilary Orr (who I partnered with on securing tables this year) and to longtime friend Monica Mendoza, who filled in for Darlene as my table slave. Much appreciated! And now, onto the pix:

Staring things off with X-23 (the grown-up comics version of lil’ Laura from “Logan”) and Shaggy, I guess…?

Couple straight outta the Twilight Zone! (Specifically, the “Eye of the Beholder” episode.)

Cosplay team goals! Here are the Powerpuff Girls…

…and the Maitlands from “Beetlejuice.” Wish I got a better pic, but you’ll just barely see Barbara is holding the Handbook for the Recently Deceased.

No exaggeration, I saw probably 7-8 distinctly different couples cosplaying Beast Boy and Raven… but these two were the best.

Bill Cosby’s hung jury legal battle had just barely left the news cycle when HEY HEY HEY Fat Albert shows up.

New buddy Sarina Garcia (we have several mutual friends, at least one of whom told her to seek out Cool Jerk at DCC), wearing the latest in Joker/Duela Dent fashion.

Meet Jennifer Walters— part-time lawyer and full-time She-Hulk.

Not 100% certain, but I think the hulked-out She-Hulk (previous pic) also cosplayed Scarlet Witch the next day (seen here with comics husband Vision).

Denver Comic Con wouldn’t be the same without Isabelle and Alexx (and their hostage, far right). Isabelle usually comes as Firestorm but this year she changed it up and cosplayed Huntress Wizard from “Adventure Time.”

Behold… the Grandmaster! (At the time of this photo, I was the only one who ID’d this dude correctly.)

Not all cosplay is comics-, science fiction-, or fantasy-related… or even recent! Here’s Tippi Hedren from “The Birds.”

Here’s an obligatory Disney princess… Megara! (That hairdo is on point!)

Captain Britain and Queen Saturnyne (WOW that’s obscure!) came by the table. For their totally original, Alan Davis-inspired cosplay I comped them a Cool Jerk book. They returned a few minutes later and bought another one. (I initially thought she was Queen Meggan from a different timeline/dimension from that of Marvel’s 616 but hey, how about I get a little bit more geeky whaddyasay?)

And I figure I should end with a… I’m… I’m not even sure what I’m looking at. Yes, that’s the Riddler, but…

Monica shared my bewilderment at the 400% scale, hyperrealistic, bawling babyhead woman.

Being sidelined by a kidney stone this time last year has only strengthened my resolve to conquer this year’s Denver Comic Con, which is this weekend, Friday-Sunday (June 30-July 2). This marks Cool Jerk‘s fifth year of exhibiting at Denver Comic Con and I’m pretty thrilled to be back.

Like in 2015, I’m driving the Cool Jerk All-Terrain Assault Vehicle™ from San Diego and it’ll be loaded with a quarter-ton of Cool Jerk and Doc Splatter books, Canvas Panels and even original art! New to Denver crowds this year are the Jerkopædia and Darlene’s second comic, The Girl Who Kicked The Donut Habit. My sketches are always free so don’t forget your sketchbook!

My goal this year is to get as many Cool Jerk books into people’s hands as possible, and that means cutting stupid convention-only discounts. How does buy two, get one free sound? Should I revisit the Ten Dollar Table like I did in 2014? Maybe a FREE Cool Jerk Vol. 1: Hodabeast with every $10+ purchase will get some books into happy forever homes?

Here’s a map I whipped up. Come find me at N17 in Artists Valley!

Denver Comic Con consistently amazes me with its collective passion and enthusiasm for comics and pop culture. I hope to see you there!

So I bet you’re wondering: What about the second half of my Denver Comic Con road trip? Well, let me tell ya about it.

Once Denver Comic Con wrapped up (Memorial Day evening), I loaded the car and headed due north up I-25… which is the exact opposite route to return to San Diego. WAS I CONFUSED? ROAD-WEARY? ADDLED? Nope, I had designs on going to Cheyenne that evening, specifically The Loft— Wyoming’s best comic book shop. I arrived right at dusk, met with The Loft crew (incl. David J., Eric W. and Chris C.) and sold them a sizable stack of Cool Jerk books. The Loft gets my highest recommendation; the shop is clean and kid-friendly, the staff is helpful and super-engaged, and the owners (who were also en route from Denver Comic Con at the time) were exceptionally gracious in stocking their shelves with my books. I’d like to have a book signing there sometime in the future. Maybe next year?

Speaking of having a book signing, I had a pre-planned engagement at Night Flight Comics in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, so I continued west on I-80 and spent the night in Laramie. The next morning I continued on to Salt Lake City and had dinner with Mimi Cruz, the co-owner/manager of Night Flight Comics’ two locations in SLC. After a good night’s rest, I had my signing the next morning. I tried something different: I offered a free copy of Cool Jerk Vol. 1: Hodabeast to the first 25 people who either Liked! my Cool Jerk Facebook page or signed onto my subscriber list. I got to meet a bunch of Night Flight’s regulars and introduce them to Cool Jerk (some folks went ahead and bought other copies and some canvas panels, too). I’m hoping these Cool Jerk newbies will be full-fledged Cool Jerk addicts by time I have a follow-up book signing. Thanks so much to Mimi and her crew for the hospitality, professionalism and adding a new stack of Cool Jerk books to Night Flight’s shelves.

I couldn’t stay more than 4 1/2 hours at Night Flight because I was driving back to San Diego that day… which is about 11 hours southwest on I-15. I barreled along for more than 700 miles and will say the trip was pleasant and largely uneventful, aside from a quick meet-up with James Burns (if the name sounds familiar to you Cool Jerk readers, he’s the one who scripted Dangerman’s dialogue in his first appearances). I’ve known Burns for 35 years (!) and a couple years ago he and his family moved to Las Vegas. I couldn’t stay for more than 15-20 minutes because it was getting late, but I needed to hand-deliver a copy of Cool Jerk Vol. 4: Thinkulus to my bro. That’s customer service, I tell you what!

(ADDENDUM: Here’s a map for you road-trip enthusiasts. I removed the alternate route through Phoenix and Albuquerque.)

Memorial Day weekend was Denver Comic Con’s fourth annual show and it keeps getting bigger each year (word is that attendance surpassed 100,000, up from 86,000 in 2014). That’s an incredible growth spurt… it’s now the third-largest comic convention in the U.S.!

Like last year, I had help from long-time friend (and new Denver citizen) Monica Mendoza, who acted as a guest member of Team Cool Jerk while Darlene stayed in San Diego. I’m not sure having a show right on Memorial Day was a good idea, especially when Denver had been gripped by several straight days of rain and gloom (and people were itchin’ to be outdoors). I think Monday sold out, but as of Sunday evening tickets were still available. In all, it was a decent show. Thanks, Denver!

And now, onto the photos!

This motley crew was the first batch of cosplayers I saw Saturday morning. I like the look of contempt that Mr. Fantastic is giving arch-nemesis Dr. Doom.

No comic-con is complete without a Batgirl.

Popular theme this year was Avengers crossplay; saw many gals dressed as Captain America and Iron Man. While Loki has appeared as a female on occasion (in the comics), this Thor has not.

Here’s a crossplayer of Winter Soldier. The costume was top-notch.

Magik of the New Mutants, in her modern outfit. I can never get enough of the New Mutants (they’re rarely cosplayed).

A couple years ago I took a pic of a terrific Jubilee. Here’s the vampire version.

Brock Samson and Molotov Cocktease (Venture Bros.) wandered by my table (posing with them is my table neighbor, Joe Becker).

Skrull version of Reed Richards and human version of Sue Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman. (I wonder if Sue is really a Skrull — they’re tricky!)

Where else but at a comic-con do you see Deadpool and Beetlejuice taking selfies together?

Straight from Westeros comes Queen Margaery Tyrell and Olenna Tyrell.

Fun candid of Dr. Strange fielding a call.

Thought I’d see more Flash cosplayers (especially since he’s got a successful series on the CW), but this one was hard to beat.

Another year, another appearance by the terrific Hawkgirl and Hawkman!

Here’s the Cartoon Network version of fan-favorite Teen Titan… Starfire!

One of the best cosplayers at the show… Ant-Man!

It isn’t a Denver Comic Con without my pal Isabelle Laursen as Firestorm. You’ll see her in each of my previous Denver Comic Con photo-recaps. How tall is that fiery plume of hair?

Here’s another pic, with me used for scale!

Well, this is just about adorable — Lil’ X-Man Rogue and Old Man Logan!

Not sure if this qualifies as “best for last,” but here’s the first Zardoz cosplayer I’ve ever witnessed with my own two eyeballs.

Because they can’t keep me away, Cool Jerk will again be exhibiting at Denver Comic Con this weekend, Saturday-Memorial Day Monday (May 23-25). This marks the fourth year in a row for both Denver Comic Con and my exhibiting there!

I’m driving out this time, so the Cool Jerk All-Terrain Assault Vehicle™ will be loaded with things not normally seen in Denver, like Cool Jerk T-shirts and original art! Expect crowd-pleasers like my canvas panels, buttons, stickers and enough Cool Jerk and Doc Splatter books to prevent the usual sell-out. My sketches are always free so don’t forget your sketchbook!

Here’s a map I whipped up. Come find me at C25 in Artists Valley!

Denver Comic Con consistently amazes me with its collective passion and enthusiasm for comics and pop culture. I hope to see you there!

Denver Comic Con’s third convention was another one for the win column. Attendance grew yet again, cresting somewhere around 86,000 (up from 61,000 in 2013). That’s awesome and one of the reasons Denver is one of my favorite shows — you guys love your comics.

Due to scheduling conflicts, prior commitments and travel delays, I didn’t arrive until late in the day Friday, which double-sucked because Denver Comic Con made Friday a full day (previous years it was from 6-10pm). So I was only there for about a half-hour, but still managed to sell some stuff. On Saturday I had help from long-time friend Monica, who acted as a guest member of Team Cool Jerk in Darlene’s absence. Sunday went by too fast and I came pretty close to selling out of Hodabeast and Chickadoowa, and I would have if I hadn’t brought extra inventory. Thanks, Denver!

And now, onto the photos!

I guess I’ll start with Hawkman and Hawkgirl, who had the best Thanagarian costumes at the show.

This gal was a total Brainiac.

Selfie with Godzilla. He was actually several hundred feet tall; this was just a foreshortened angle. Swear!

Here’s my assistant Monica, one of the few times she was at the table and not buying a Brews Wayne beer for her blog.

That’s a hella-bitchin’ Hela and Loki I ran into outside the ‘con.

I’ve been to scores of comic conventions over the past 30 years, and I can’t ever recall seeing anyone cosplay the New Mutants, especially Mirage and Warpath. Bravo, you guys!

Also, this would be the first Invader Zim cosplayer I’ve ever encountered. Bonus points for the antennae.

Donna Troy aka Wonder Girl took some time away from her fellow Teen Titans to show off her guns.

I wish this was in better focus (damn iPhone), but here’s the cast to The Tick.

The ever-delightful Isabelle Laursen as Firestorm the Nuclear (Wo)man. My, how your corona has grown!

This giggly trio of Car2Go ambassadors were amazed that I had a Car2Go card in my wallet. I was amazed that they hand-made their costumes (the photo doesn’t do it justice, but the little cars they’re wearing are really well done)!

And I’ll end with Reed and Sue Richards (aka Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman). I don’t know how she did it, but her costume was mind-blowing!

As required by Colorado state law, Cool Jerk will again be exhibiting at Denver Comic Con this weekend, Friday-Sunday (June 13-15). This is both Denver Comic Con’s and Cool Jerk’s third year and I’m really happy to be a part of it!

Since last year’s DCC, I released Thinkulus (Cool Jerk Vol. 4) onto the world. I’ll also have more than 4 dozen varieties of my Cool Jerk Canvas Panels, a sure-fire crowd-pleaser! Beyond that, expect all my other books and some other cool odds and ends at the table. My sketches are always free so don’t forget your sketchbook!

Since I’m flying to this convention, I can only pack a modest amount of books. Last two years I had sell-outs by show’s end, so here’s a PRO TIP: Buy early!

Here’s a map I whipped up. Come find me at B17 in Artists Valley!

Denver Comic Con consistently amazes me with its collective passion and enthusiasm for comics and pop culture. I hope to see you there!

Despite a scorching case of “too big for its britches,” Denver Comic Con’s second convention was an unbridled success. I understand attendee population ballooned from 18,000 last year to 48,000 this year. Several thousand would-be walk-up convention-goers were turned away at the door once the hall hit capacity (among them our friend Monica, with whom we lucked out and had consolation dinner and beers on Sunday evening). I’m hoping that things get ironed out next year.

Team Cool Jerk was situated in Artists Valley again and we did brisk business. We sold out of some on-hand inventory: Cool Jerk Vol. 1: Hodabeast, the 2011 24-Hr. Comic, Pieces of Flair button packs and the remaining second printing of The Girl with the Donut Tattoo. A hearty thanks to everyone who came by the table, whether to chat about comics or buy some books and things. Hometowns of people who signed onto my emailer hail from Illinois, Georgia, California, Washington, Oklahoma and nearly every sizable town/city in Colorado. And probably every other person was in cosplay or wearing geek couture.

Click here and here to get Darlene’s take on the show.

And now, on to the photo gallery!

The DCC mascot, actual size!

Luke Cage, Stargirl and Jareth the Goblin King from “Labyrinth,” all tilted for your convenience!

Kids, if you’re gonna cosplay in Denver… go big or go home. Here’s She-Hulk, who towered over me at about 6′ 4″.

Fifth Element family. It takes a whole lot of self-confidence for a dude to pull this off.

First Falcon I’ve seen at a comic convention. The wings worked, too!

Most obscure character cosplayed at Denver Comic Con would have to be Aleta from the Guardians of the Galaxy. I nearly walked past her but stopped in mid-step and said, “Aleta?” (as if this was someone I hadn’t seen in 10 years). I was the only person up to that point who ID’d her properly.

Enemies Dr. Doom and Invisible Woman apparently put aside their differences to enjoy the ‘con.

Saturday’s highlight— a visit by our dear friend Monica Mendoza, who was one of the thousands turned away after the ‘con hit capacity.

Line to visit George Pérez. See if you can find Isabelle Laursen crossplaying as Firestorm the Nuclear Woman!

Darlene and George Pérez. George learned two things about us that weekend: I likely got into comics because of his covers of Fantastic Four #197 and Avengers #174 (the first two comics I ever bought), and Darlene got into comics largely because of his run on The New Teen Titans in the early 1980s. And our common appreciation of George Pérez was discovered early in our relationship. DAWWWW!!

That’s right, Mountain-Timers! Team Cool Jerk will be in Artists Valley at the second-annual Denver Comic Con, Friday-Sunday (May 31-June 2). I did the show last year and I really enjoyed it. The enthusiasm of the attendees and my fellow exhibitors proved to everyone — especially the organizers of the convention — that Denver embraces comics and pop culture with a passion. I think one of every two attendees last year came in costume (or at least sported apparel adorned with comics, cartoon, fantasy or sci-fi regalia).

The Comic Con is still held in the Colorado Convention Center, but they moved it from Hall A to Hall F. Maybe next year or in 2015 they’ll open it up to both halls!

Like last year, I’ll have all Cool Jerk and Doc Splatter books for sale, along with buttons, stickers and Cool Jerk Canvas Panels. Darlene will be on hand to sign copies of our collaborative comic, The Girl with the Donut Tattoo. I’ll also have a blue-line copy of Thinkulus to whet your appetite (and take advance orders)! Since we’re flying to this convention, we’ll only able to pack along a modest amount of books. Last year I had sell-outs by show’s end, so here’s a PRO TIP: Buy early!

If you happen to live within a two-state radius of Denver, please come to the ’con and show Colorado that you support comics culture and their creators (especially independent, self-publishing wackjobs like myself)! We’d love to meet you and sell you some comics and stuff.

Denver held its first comic convention last weekend, and I’m so glad I went!

I set up camp in Artist Alley at an 8′ table (two feet longer than a typical comic-con table). Knowing this before-hand gave me time to get myself a brand-new Cool Jerk table throw. I sold out of some inventory and met hundreds of enthusiastic comics fans and professionals. And my voice didn’t even give out! The only bummer about the show was that Darlene had to stay in San Diego. But I was able to keep her — and whoever was following my Twitter feed — in the loop.

Thanks to everyone who came by the table, got a crash course in Cool Jerk and Doc Splatter and bought some of my books, buttons, canvas panels and other stuff!

And now, on with the show!

Three favorite Avengers — Ms. Marvel, Wonder Man and Captain America!

Another Avenger, Thor, and a female Asgardian warrior.

Speaking of gods and goddesses, wouldja believe there were two Snowbird cosplayers??

If I just say “SPOOOOON!” will that be enough of a caption? (It’s the cast from The Tick)

By the winds of Watoomb, it’s Doctor Strange!

EXTERMINATE! Doctor Who (the 11th Doctor) and a Dalek.

Let me display my geek cred by identifying Troia (left) and the Cassie Sandsmark version of Wonder Girl.

Here’s Giane Morris as Jubilee, complete with snapping bubble gum action! Excellent costume!

A popular theme in Denver was the “crossplay,” evidenced by these versions of Thor and Loki…

…and this version of The Creeper…

…and probably the best and most original costume of the whole weekend, I give you Firestorm, The Nuclear (Wo)Man (and Wonder Girl)!

Sorry, Blue Bear — You need an attendee badge just like everyone else!