Here we have Chris Gore of G4TV, hanging out at the Cool Jerk table. He wrote the foreword to my third book, Doc Splatter Ominous Omnibus, which debuted at San Diego Comic-Con. He was really gracious to Tweet his location so his many stalkers followers could find him at my table. The banners behind me are brand new, thanks to my longtime friend and Cool Jerk ally Nikki at Instant Sign Center, Reno, NV.

And speaking of gore, here’s a “booth babe” for some “chicks with chainsaws” thing.

Here’s comics writer/blogger/gadfly Kevin Church (with drink) and Santa Barbara’s favorite pop culture pundits, Lance & Carla Hoffman. Every single photo I have of Kevin has him drinking something (see inset).

Here’s Eric again with a sketch of Doc Splatter chainsawing everyone’s favorite emo vampire Edward Cullen (his request). “Twilight” was this year’s favorite punching bag.

Spider-Woman and Magneto stopped by to pick up my Cool Jerk books Chickadoowa and Hodabeast. Then they zapped me with a combo venom blast/magnetic pulse and took off.

A drawing of Mr. Pinkle for a girl’s sketchbook.

You’ll remember my friend Shay from last year, dressed as Molotov Cocktease. This year she’s rocking the Dark Phoenix thing.

Yes, that’s Megan Rae in a Dalek dress. She’s holding a plunger and an eggbeater. Check out the shoes. HILARIOUS!! One of my favorite costumes!

That would be director John Landis giving me the thumbs up, because he asked me to sign his copy of Doc Splatter Ominous Omnibus. (It’s dedicated to him, after all)

Aw. One thing you can count on at Comic-Con are couples who want to pose for photos. Here’s Batgirl and Batman (circa 1960s TV), Orion Slave Girl and Captain Christopher Pike and Jean Grey as Phoenix with her mentor Professor X.

Here’s a funny moment: Mrs. The Narrator Darlene, our friends Superfro and BavarianErin and O.G. Poway Posse founding member Nathan eyeballing a 6’3″ walking bunny rabbit. No lie.

Did I lie?

I usually can’t get away from my table but for a minute or two, but luckily I was able to squeeze off pix of Dr. Mrs. The Monarch (from “Venture Brothers”), Magma from the New Mutants (I think) and old-school Black Canary (she was also dressed as Batgirl, above).

Speaking of “Venture Brothers,” here’s a squad of henchmen.

And before you know it, POW! Jay Garrick (the original Flash) kicked some ass!

Darlene was able to get shots of most of the “True Blood” cast! Michelle Forbes, Rutina Wesley, Deborah Ann Woll, Anna Paquin, Alexander Skarsgard and Stephen Moyer. There were more cast members but after Darlene got the pix of Stephen and Alexander the lens got all foggy (YOU know what I’m talkin’ about…!).

Here’s O.G. Poway Posse founding members Ben DiAnna modeling the brand-new Cool Jerk shirt, with his brother Joe in the background dropping a Photobomb.

The Poway Posse is ever-expanding! Here’s Dana, Robert, Ben and John, chillaxin’ at the Cool Jerk table before heading off to causing trouble.

More couples! Here’s Black Widow and Nick Fury, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., Scarlett and Snake Eyes from G.I. Joe, and a couple of reprehensible hooligans (barely) wearing matching outfits.

That’s me and Robert Englund! You’ll remember him as the benevolent visiting alien Willie in the acclaimed TV mini-series “V.” I gave him a copy of Doc Splatter Ominous Omnibus. (It’s dedicated to him, after all)

Here’s Darlene and me flanking our friend Robyn Bremner at the Marvel booth, where she was working that weekend. She gave us maple syrup from her native land (Canada).

Here’s Jodi Kurland and Nathan Pierce sharing in some morning waffles, with real maple syrup from Robyn.

No shortage of “Venture Brothers” characters getting cosplayed at the ‘Con. Here’s Dr. Mrs. The Monarch with her Pupa Twins.

USAToday Pop Candy’s Whitney Matheson with her copy of Doc Splatter Ominous Omnibus. OMG! She’s so awesome! *swoon*

Probably the most-photographed person at Comic-Con, here’s my dear friend Jessica Nigri as Pikachu. Once she heard that her male twin Pokéyman was a recurring character in Cool Jerk, she jumped onto the sign-up sheet and joined the ever-growing army of Cool Jerk subscribers!

Another one of the most-photographed people at Comic-Con (proof: look behind my right arm), here’s The Lollipop King from “South Park.” I actually know his secret identity and he’s a good pal. I have to confess, I lost a little bit of my innocence that day — I saw things I can’t unsee (and neither can YOU!).

Cool Jerk subscriber Wren as Zatanna. I might be mistaken, but I think she was working for Stark Industries a couple days later. (Wren, if I’m wrong, pls. correct me!)

Vermont’s ambassador of keen fashion style (and new Cool Jerk subscriber) Gina D’Angelo with a copy of Hodabeast to read on her long flight home. She was dressed in Dr Girlfriend’s mall outfit.

As always, here’s a little somethin’ somethin’ for the ladies. That’s Nightwing, evidently on his day off from patrolling the alleys of Blüdhaven.

I’ll start of with some Wil Wheaton action. He’s got a great blog and is a nice guy in person. Those be his devil horns, tho.

Bear with a gun. That’s all I know.

That’s the Owlship. You may be confused now, but come May 2009 you’ll thank me.

Here’s Kevin Pereira and Olivia Munn (G4’s Attack of the Show) interviewing a Catwoman.

My tablemate to the north was — once again — the lovely and hilarious Jose Cabrera of Crying Macho Man.

Across the main hall you could find Phoenix’ own Daniel and Dawna Davis of Steamcrow. They’re good friends and wicked(ly) talented.

Here’s my friend Shay with both Cool Jerk books! She’s dressed as a character from “Venture Brothers” whose first name is “Molotov” and the last name isn’t “Cocktail.”

Here’s consumer whore Eric Kocol with a terrific t-shirt. He had to swing by to get Chickadoowa.

There’s Robert Culp (white hair, seated) and William Katt (foreground) from “The Greatest American Hero.”

Here’s the XY chromosome variant of Power Girl. My friend Earthdog calls this “crossplay.” Power Girl was really nice and fun to talk to.

Another example of “crossplay,” here’s the XX chromosome variant of Booster Gold (holding Skeets for good measure).

“Wonder Twin powers… ACTIVATE!” Where’s that damn monkey with the bucket?

Hamster! This pocketful of cute was created by Jodi Kurland.

Trianna. “Venture Brothers” is exceptionally popular this year. Pretty much every recurring character was memorialized in costume.

Now this was one of the most-unexpected costumed couples I’d seen at the show. Bravo, guys. Very Professional.

Hello, Kitty! Hello, Kitty Pryde! Hello Cat(woman)!

Black Cat & Punisher looking to open up a can of vigilante whoop-ass.

Here I am personalizing a copy of Chickadoowa for someone. And by “someone” I mean “a lucky bastard who bought this book!”

Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., making the streets safe for Americans, dammit!

Nick Fury giving the “V for Victory” sign after blowing away a bunch of Hydra operatives.

That’s me and James Sime at the USAToday Pop Candy Meetup. He’s a gent. His comic shop Isotope is the crown jewel of San Francisco.

And here’s the hostess with the mostess, Whitney Matheson. She invited me (and nine other cartoonists) to participate in the first-ever Pop Candy Twitter mini-comic!

Can you find Shrek in the crowd?

“So what’re you going to dress up as for Comic-Con?” “Oh, I don’t know… I was thinking TETRIS.”

And here’s Plastic Man. Dude! What’s with the reach-around?!?

Darlene blogging here for Mr. Paul Horn, creator and mastermind behind Cool Jerk.

Start of 24-Hour Comic Day for Paul

[20 Oct 2007 | Saturday]
24-Hour Comics — 8 a.m. The Beginning

For the next 24 hours, Mr. Horn will be participating in 24-Hour Comics in the privacy of his home. The idea behind 24-Hour Comic Day is to create 24 pages of a comic in 24 straight hours of work. It’s an annual event recognized around the world with the original idea from Scott McCloud this year on October 20.

Paul’s idea for his 24 pages? A mini comic based on his alter ego Doc Splatter, and incorporating 11 movies into his comic. I don’t know how its going to play out but here are the movies to be watched during the next few hours.

– – – – – – – –

[20 Oct 2007 | Saturday]
24-Hour Comics — 8:45 a.m.

This segment is sponsored by Lysol brand toilet cleaner.

It’s going to be a regular Saturday for me while Mr. Horn will be involved in this project. Last time I checked, he was creating the panels to be used for his comic, scanning it in, making copies and planning out the imposition for the book.

As I’m cleaning the bathrooms, I hear the familiar sounds of John Carpenter’s “Halloween.” It’s the only VHS tape in the stack and Paul has chosen to get it out of the way first.

For those of you unfamiliar to “Halloween,” it stars a young Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode going against Michael Myers. One of Paul’s favorite movies and might I dare say, a defining movie in his appreciation of horror classics.

– – – – – – – – – –

[20 Oct 2007 | Saturday]
24 Hour Comics – 9:55 a.m.

Paul is finally eating breakfast. I predict during the day while I’m running errands and he’s trapped in the condo that I’ll be picking up some Red Bull or Rockstar for him. Man cannot live on a Spam frittata alone.

– – – – – – – –

[20 Oct 2007 | Saturday]
24 Hour Comics – 10 a.m.

“The last time I saw “Halloween” was probably the first time you saw it. It’s a classic. It’s never not scary. I’ve seen it at least a dozen times.”- Mr. Horn

The first hour of “Halloween” was spent writing out the script. Much like Paul does with his weekly strip, Cool Jerk, he writes out the script in a FreeHand template, prints it out and draws on it. The project for 24-Hour Comics will be much like that process.

– – – – – – – – – –

[20 Oct 2007 | Saturday]
24-Hour Comics – 10:45 a.m.

“I’m using Sharpie markers — that’s how desperate I am. Good thing these panels will have a lot of black. Maybe I should have six pages of dark panels.” – Mr. Horn

Nearly three hours down and only one page is complete.

It’s too soon to say whether Paul’s strategy of 11 movies devoted to two pages in 24 hours will work out. Twenty three pages to go…

– – – – – – – – – – –

[20 Oct 2007 | Saturday]
24 Hour Comics – 11:10 a.m.

“Still my favorite splatter movie. It’s the best splatter movie ever made.” – Mr. Horn

Next up for viewing: “The Evil Dead” by Sam Raimi, starring Bruce Campbell. Both Michiganders, a state which Paul spent the first few years of his life before moving to Nevada followed by California.

As for the book progress, Paul has somehow managed to finish a second page — minus a blank panel — under my radar.

He blames the slowdown to “Halloween” being on VHS.

– – – – – – – – –

[20 Oct 2007 | Saturday]
24 Hour Comics – 12:16 p.m.

In a strategy that might define the look of the entire book, Paul has switched from watching the movies on TV to his computer. This allows him to take screenshots of specific scenes in “The Evil Dead.”

Paul then lays the screenshots on a panel, prints them out and redraws the shape to his style. It has been done on two panels to help emphasize the story. It’s one tool of many in his toolbox he plans to use during the next few hours.

This is definitely not a new thing in the comic industry. One example is Greg Land, a talented artist in his own right. His work has appeared both Marvel and DC books, cues some his work from screenshots.

– – – – – – – –

[20 Oct 2007 | Saturday]
24 Hour Comics – 5:29 p.m.

“It’s like when Godzilla meets King Kong but with more blood.” – Mr. Horn

Darlene here again. Took some time off to be with a friend in need.

During that time, Paul completed 8 pages and viewed James Cameron’s “Aliens” starring Sigourney Weaver as the main lead. The pages featuring “Aliens” are still uncompleted and according to Paul, the script didn’t come as easily. I’m starting to hear fear and doubt that he can finish 24 pages in the allotted time.

Paul quickly changes the pace with “Freddy vs. Jason” back on the TV. It may be the most-recent of the splatter films that he decided to view and comment on in his comic. It’s also been viewed the least amount of times compared to the rest of the movies in his queue.

Paul is hoping that this movie will reignite his creative spark.

– – – – – – – – –

[20 Oct 2007 | Saturday]
24-Hour Comics — 8 p.m.

“It’s the halfway mark. I seriously need to consider using more silhouettes and cut down on drawing the details. I’m just surprised my hand hasn’t cramped up yet from all the drawing.” – Mr. Horn

Twelve pages down and 12 more pages to finish. Paul is looking hopeful after meeting the 12th hour with 12 completed pages. He’s on mark. Already one black Sharpie has been put to rest and another one is on the way to the garbage can.

Up next in the movie lineup is the 1986 version of “The Fly” — a movie I haven’t seen. Paul assures me that this movie will want to make me throw up the nice dinner of potatoes and prime rib we just had. Frankly, I think just the sight of Jeff Goldblum will work just as well.

It’s also one of four movies not owned by Mr. Horn. It was obtained at one of two video stores in our neighborhood last night in a frenzy to complete his viewing queue.

– – – – – – –

[21 Oct 2007 | Sunday]
24 Hour Comics – 24 hours later

“There were moments last night around 2 a.m. that I didn’t know what I was doing. Time seemed to come together.” – Mr. Horn

Rewind back several hours. I woke up several times during the night, what seemed like increments of two hours, to check up on Paul. Each time he was either at his drawing board or on his computer drafting up a script.

At 7:00 this morning, he was on his last two pages, sketching up the last few scenes (primarily the introduction to his book). Paul was in good spirits, his voice a bit hoarse and looking forward to getting some rest. Most of all happy that it was over and that he has something to show for his effort.

The casualties during the 24 hours were:
2 two-liter bottles of Dr. Pepper and ginger ale
5 cups of coffee
6 Sharpie markers
Over 100 sheets of paper
And his sanity but only temporarily(?)

– – – – – – –

[22 Oct 2007 | Monday]
Doc Splatter’s “Splatterday” aka “24-Hour Comic Bloodbath” Aftermath

Horn here again. I did it — I survived Doctober Splatterday!

It’s the next day.

I got a few hours of mid-day sleep yesterday (Sunday) but that kinda fucked me up for the rest of the day (I was wandering around with a bad case of bed head and “drowsybrain”). But after a regular-night’s sleep I’m back in tip-top form. Just in time to watch San Diego County burn. Again.

The comic itself is embedded in Cool Jerk continuity. It literally takes place inbetween two panels from a strip I did in 1999. And if I do another 24-hour comic next year, I know what to do, what NOT to do and might survive THAT one, too!

Thanks to Darlene for the support and blog updates. Thanks to Ryan, Josep, Nathan and Erin (and ‘Fro, fo sho’) for the cheerleading. Thanks to Sam Raimi, John Carpenter, Tobe Hooper, David Cronenberg, James Cameron, Francis Ford Coppola, Lucio Fulci, Wes Craven, Sean Cunningham, Dan O’Bannon and the asshat who directed “Species.” Without you, my 24 pages of Doc Splatter wouldn’t have been possible.

I went ahead and made a .pdf of my comic. I’m wondering if I should make it available to people for download, or if I should keep it under wraps so’s I can sell mini-comics of them at comic-cons.

Maybe both?

What do YOU think? Let me know!

OK. So I was off to a bad start. I thought I could do a “pre-comic-con” before the big show but I realized that I would reach more potential buyers IN the San Diego Convention Center.

And voila! My T-shirt says, “You promised to buy one!” Each buyer of Hodabeast sold at Comic-Con got an exclusive Paul Horn sketchbook ashcan FOR FREE!!!111oneone

Things were just smoking at the ‘Con, let me tell you! Here I am being interviewed by Access Hollywood. No, that’s actually David Malki!, the creator of the brilliant Wondermark.

Here’s what I was forced to look at for 36 continuous hours. (L to R – moi, Darlene, ghost writer David Poller, Kim the Catgirl and comics gadfly/illuminati John Layman)

John Layman, apoplectic that he’s getting his Hodabeast signed by yours truly IN THE FLESH!

Sweet baby Jesus! That’s actually Daniel Davis of Steam Crow Press, holding an awesome KlawBerry plushie. Do yourself a favor and buy his stuff. He’s got more talent in his pumpkinhead than most people have in their entire lower abdominal area!

I… I’m really not sure what this gal’s bag is. The hat makes me think “Hogan’s Heroes” and the rest of the outfit makes me think I’ve been a naughty, naughty boy.

“‘ssup, dog! Get some MF’ing Junior Whoppers at my crib, yo!”

It continues to haunt my dreams.

Ghost Rider and one of about a thousand pleather-clad Catwomen seen on the exhibitor floor.

Dr. Girlfriend smoking some Camel unfiltereds. You know… for the voice.

Just about creepy, seeing the “Saw” dude waving to you from the steps of the convention center.

Mary Marvel vs Black Adam.

Ms. Marvel is one of my favorite characters from Marvel Comics, and I’ve never seen anyone even remotely be able to pull off the proper look. She came pretty close (last year, she was Power Girl).

Eisner Award-nominees Sam and Max! I dunno if Steve Purcell was in the Sam costume or not.

Fun little sketch I whipped up for a fan.

…and one of Puppy.

Jonathan Solomon (remember last year’s “Sexy Velma” sketch?) asked for another sketch of another of his fetishes, Harley Quinn.

And a sketch of me by Arthur Baltazar, the artist of Patrick the Wolf Boy. I’ve never met him; Joe and Ben of the “Poway Posse” took my photo with their cell and showed it to Arthur… and 30 seconds later, instant sketch! Thanks, guys!

I don’t know what they were promoting, except Depression-era gangster violence.

Incredibles indeed.

Darlene managed to sneak a shot of Marina Sirtis (Counselor Deanna Troi on “Star Trek TNG”). I have to say, she still looks pretty damn good.

Not a costume, just comedy.

Jon Favreau’s shiny forehead and Robert Downey Jr. discuss how next year’s “Iron Man” movie will possibly be a mild success in the indy film circuit.

OK. Pretend you haven’t already seen the Iron Man mark I armor already on a quarter-million Web sites. Now bow before its awesomeosity.

Enchantress and Loki. I’ve been seeing this female model in various costumes since WonderCon in February, and the guy is at least a three-year veteran of SDCCI.

Another typical view from the Cool Jerk table (L to R: Adam West-style Batman, Loki and Wonder Woman). Hey, ladies… I don’t want to hear it! I’m just giving equal time for that Flash photo in 2005! Trivia: Guy in Loki and Flash costumes? Same person.

Neighbors to the north Jose Cabrera and his make-peepee-in-your-pants-funny “Crying Macho Man” comics. Behind him is his wife Naomi and “El Gato’s” certifiable Michael Aushenker (in blue).

That’s me and Whitney Matheson, from USA Today’s Pop Candy blog.

Here’s where I camped for five days of Comic-Con International. On Saturday I wheeled out the heavy artillery: the extend-o-matic Cool Jerk banner in the background (now visible from 1/4 mile away), and the “ASK ME ABOUT MY FUNBAGS” t-shirt. A lot of people did ask me about my funbags. Others just stared at my funbags. I even let some people gently touch my funbags.

Supergirl, Robin, Batman and Batgirl stopped by to administer some justice.

I don’t know why Hawkgirl and Poison Ivy joined the Dynamic Duo… but I’d let Batgirl slap the Batcuffs on me any day.

And speaking of Batgirl, meet Yvonne Craig! She’s adorable and was really tolerant of folks like me coming by and posing for photos with her. Woof!

Just as adorable is this sketch of my gal Darlene by Arthur Baltazar, the artist of Patrick the Wolf Boy.

Ming the Merciless, Martian Girl and Barbarella popped by the concession area for some pretzels.

Meet Jen Prescott. um… I guess she’s dressed as Robin and her stuffed tiger is wearing a Batman mask. And Charlos Gary, close personal friend and cartoonist (“Working it Out”)

Wonder Woman about three seconds from kicking my ass.

Kirk Alyn-style Superman and Green Lantern (the dude dressed as GL is a pro; last year he was Flash, Hulk, Electro, Vision and Mr. Fantastic. I also saw him as Angel this year).

My neighbor to the right, Phil Foglio. Name sound familiar? It’d better; Holmes has probably been doing the indy comics thing since before you were born!

Mystique, as she should’ve looked in the movie. Anyone in Hollywood who says “costumes in the comics just won’t translate to the silver screen” needs to come to SDCCI.

Beast…. or maybe he shoud be called “Sweaty Yeti.” OK, Hollywood doesn’t need to see this guy; they did fine with Kelsey Grammer’s makeup.

Brandon Routh should’ve been wearing hornrim glasses and a fedora with a PRESS sign tucked into the band.

Power Girl. Woof. With Martian Girl and Mystique, among the best costumes at Comic-Con this year (at least that I saw).

Woof. Once again. I have no idea who they are or where they came from… but their FREAKING MOUTHS MOVED WHEN THEY TALKED!

Catwoman checking to see if the photo made her butt look too big.

Meet Zachary Simon. And meet Armpit Beachhead (hair courtesy of Photoshop). And did you see Charlos Gary a few photos back? Say hello to Manhattan. I’m holding open auditions for Puppy Fizgig, by the way. I’m dead serious. Must be a Cool Jerk fan. E-mail me.

Jonathan Solomon — a long-time ‘Jerk addict — handed me his sketchbook and said, “Can you draw me a sexy Velma? You know, from Scooby-Doo?” I had 5 minutes to spare, so voila!

She’s a Supergirl, all right. She had all the poses down pat. Last year she was Hawkgirl.

This will be somebody’s birthday gift in 2007, methinks. Me heart Adam Hughes (the artist whose designs this sculpture is based on).

Again, the Puppy thong was a sure-fire crowd-pleaser. Say hello to Camilla d’Errico, a brand-new ‘Jerk and FREAKING INCREDIBLE ARTIST! She should have gone through the brainwashing and mind-control chip implantation by now….

Half of the “Poway Posse” — Nathan Pierce, Joseph & Ben DiAnna — dropped off another monetary memento. Remember a couple years back when they trashed that Five Spot? Well, at least they’re using foreign currency nowadays. Thanks, guys!

My veal pen for 2005. T-Shirts, collectible business cards, buttons, stickers, sampler books, hats, Jones soda and a thong. Even MORE crap for all!

David Poller, yours truly and Jason Childs at the table.

If Gotham’s defenders are here… who’s protecting the city?

I guess that leaves Batgirl, whose shift begins in an hour.

And here’s the movie version of Nightwing.

Two candy-powered ‘Jerk fans, Kim the Cat and Ian.

The source of the aforementioned candy. He looks more like Elton John than Johnny Depp, tho.

“How much do you like Cool Jerk?” “THIS much!”
Other days they were dressed as Hulk and She-Hulk, Flash (below) and Catwoman, two members of the Green Lantern Corps and Vision and Scarlet Witch.
The dude was commando. Swear.

Sweet Jesus. This guy makes Jack Nicholson look like an old woman. And (seriously) he’s a Cool Jerk subscriber!

The ass of the Fastest Man Alive! (this one’s for all the ladies)

The Sentinel of Liberty better not skimp on the relish.

Another Black Canary, Catwoman, Batman (in back) and Harley Quinn.

Doc Splatter’s colleague, straight from London — Shawn (of the Dead)!

Hey, zombie! Watch out for Shawn!!

Spider-Man nemesis Electro! The fingertips really shot electricity, I think.

Dark Phoenix stopped by to annihilate the hemisphere.

Jack Black was hangin’ around, talking smack and promoting “King Kong.”

Gene Simmons looking skeezier than ever.

One of the best costumes at the ‘Con…

…and one of the worst (hint: Dr. Doom doesn’t have “dirty pillows”).

Another celeb. I always dug his song “Rock You Like a Hurricane.”

Scarlet Witch and Vision. Homeboy’s mask was too high so you can see his chin bulging out of the costume’s neck… among other bulges.

He’s got a Question for you: what’s the matter with the dude over his right shoulder?!?

“So, what’re you gonna wear to the ‘Con today?”
“Oh, I was thinking my denim short-shorts, striped leggings and my Sidewinder missile bra.”

She’s actually quite shy, I’m told.

Plenty of crap for all!

Young minds forever corrupted… by Cool Jerk!

My arch-nemesis after the freak accident that grafted four prehensile tentacles to his body!

That’d be me (second from left) surrounded by Ghostbusters and She-Hulk. Those Ghostbuster uniforms were freakin’ sweet! And She-Hulk was best-lookin’ 7-foot-tall green gal in Nike underwear at the ‘Con. Swear.

Dr. Octopus kicks Cool Jerk’s pasty-white ass! (Doc Ock is Nathan Pierce, a ‘Jerk subscriber from last year’s Comic-Con, btw!)

Nightcrawler after some hormone therapy, an overdose of estrogen and a trip to Kinney Shoes. Love the fanny pack, you fuzzy blue elf!

Doc Ock drops his guard and gets laid out!

Ugly doll, cute doll, ugly doll.

Long-time ‘Jerk subscribers examining an ashcan and… the thong!

Even dainty, mythological forest creatures enjoy a good laugh now and then!

Suffocation hazard! Keep Cool Jerk stickers away from children!

“Soda sense tingling…!” After a day beating the living crap out of criminals, Spidey likes to throw back a special Cool Jerk Root Beer Jones Soda! (That’s Will Bento behind the mask)

Aqua Teen Hunger Force takes a breather.

No cuts in line! No slashes, either!

AWESOME Wolff and Byrd – Supernatural Attorneys at Law!

Bruce lives on!

That Monaghan Hobbit dude looking at some cool comics or something!

Best Superman at the ‘Con, hands down.

Remember that swell movie “It’s Alive?” I did (hence the smile)!

Ruining some gal’s sketchbook with my chicken scratches.

Another Nightcrawler. Well, I guess we all know why his tail was sticking straight up…!

A comic-con isn’t a comic-con without Buddy Christ. He was probably wondering why everyone was blowing off church to hang out with society’s seedy underbelly.

BEST COSTUME EVER! Actually, it’s an upcoming Bowen sculpture of Galactus. I made a joke about this two years ago, kinda. Wish it were actual size!

BEST FANS EVER! Since it was the last day, I decided to give them the Puppy thong. Of course, I personalized it for them by wearing it every day of the convention… even in the mornings when I was doing lots of yard work. Gosh it was a humid weekend! Anyway, I peeled it off and now it’s theirs.

In exchange for the thong, the crew above gave me this lovely work of fan art. I think it’s illegal to do that to money… but it’s probably illegal to sell used underwear, too. Thanks, chums! (note the anatomically correct illustration of the thong)

Incredibly hot! uh, I’m talking about the costume. It must’ve been incredibly hot in there.

The awesome Ms. Erin Gray. I regret to say that this is the first year in about four years that I didn’t get to take a photo with her. I went up there (autograph “veal pens” in the Sails Pavilion) but she’d gone home for the day I guess. >sigh<

Sweet jumping prunes! Day three is in the can!

Notables: I autographed a shoe, chatted with the Scotts (McCloud and Kurtz), actaully sold some ‘Jerk merch and signed up dozens more ‘Jerks to the weekly mailer! I was at the table most of the day, but managed to slip away to catch the FOX panels on August’s “Alien vs. Predator” and next year’s “Fantastic Four” movies. No shock to anyone that I’m a huge FF fan. A lot of my concerns were alleviated by what was said. But heck… there’s plenty of room to screw things up, since principal shooting hasn’t even started yet. Darlene and I missed the Masquerade this year but that’s fine because we’re VERY LOUD hecklers. As it is, my voice is gonna be shredded tomorrow.

Thanks to Sean McDade — fellow cartoonist and artist from waaay back (like when Cool Jerk was running in the Reno and Palm Springs newspapers) — for blowing a few hours and dollars over dinner!

Remember to check my CafePress shop to get merch that I have on display at the ‘Con.

The 34th San Diego Comic-Con International is over, and now I have to give you a recap.

It was great. Totally worth losing my voice for.

I met scores of new and future ‘Jerks, including a gaggle of enthusiastic kids from Poway, Calif., some really cool folks from Las Vegas (who love Pat & Oscar’s breadsticks as much as we San Diegans), a couple from Austria, a Lara Croft from Illinois and some dudes from Reno who remember “Cool Jerk” when it was in the Reno newspaper in the early 1990s. There were many more, too… including a lot of pros. And, of course, no ‘con would be complete without an Erin Gray update. She’s doing well and I gave her a Cool Jerk sampler book. Any moment now she’ll visit my site and discover the strip where I mentioned her.

And the best part — no one said that I sucked. At least to my face. Thank you!

I’m still in the afterglow, but there’s a lot of work to do around the mansion, so I’d better bail. More later and thanks for the online visit! Here’s a photo-recap! (NOTE: these are from previous SD comic-cons, as my photo archive from 2003 vaporized when my Mac’s hard drive had a heavy head crash. If any of you readers have Cool Jerk pics, please send some my way and I’ll add ’em to the blog!)

Sweet baby Jesus. It’s Erin “Wilma Deering” Gray, who can’t keep her paws offa me! “Where can I get a shirt just like yours, Paul?” she asked me, eyes moist with tears of excitement….

Here’s Elektra administering a bad, bad boy some punishment. NINJA punishment!

Even the ruler of a tiny postcard nation in the Balkans couldn’t resist getting a Cool Jerk shirt! “Such apparel is usually ill-suited for the monarch of Latveria… but Doom was intrigued by the clever design. Richards may have trapped me in this girl’s body… but he’ll NEVER steal my Cool Jerk shirt!”

Riddle me this! That’s me with Frank Gorshin. (Frank passed away on May 17, 2005)

Richard Hatch (Apollo from “Battlestar Galactica”), Darlene and me in the autograph “veal pens” on the roof of the convention center. Darlene’s grinning because her right hand is kinda on Hatch’s butt. I kid you not.

What do Aquaman and Flash (and Atom, if you look closely) have to do with getting a Cool Jerk shirt? Absolutely nothing! But maybe someday I’ll make Cool Jerk underwear, so these boys won’t have to fight crime ‘commando-style.’ And getta load of the hottie in the middle! Woo-hoo!

A family of Klingons while a B-list sci-fi celebrity looks on.

One of many Lara Croft cosplayers, plus a Princess Leia in the foreground. These folks were lining up for the Masquerade.

Harley Quinn on her way to causing Gotham City some mayhem.

Darlene goes gangsta against The Baroness, who actually seems unimpressed in the face of danger. Well, what do you expect from a super-villainess?

“Hey, Phil – what’re you gonna wear tonight?”

“I dunno – I was thinking my red shirt, Levis and THE FREAKIN’ DEATH STAR.”

For the love of all that’s holy, don’t end up like these permanently celibate yahoos! Get yourself a Cool Jerk shirt!