Right. So last time you heard from me, it was several weeks ago and I was planning a garage sale. Although you might or might not care (particularly since Graeme and Hibbs have been so on top of things), I thought it'd be nice to let you know what's been up since then. First, the garage sale. Honestly, it was great. I knew all would be well when the sale's patron saints, Joe Keatinge and Chris French, showed up early and hit those longboxes like they wanted 'em to bleed. (You can find a terrifying inventory of Joe's purchases here and a more concise summation of Chris' stuff here.) Joe and Chris were the first guys at my garage sale last year, and impressed the hell out of Edi both years with how friendly, sharp and normal they are. Thanks, guys!

But also big, big thanks to everyone else who showed up: Dave Robson, Peter Wong, Sam Phillips, Ian Brill, Steve Byrne, that guy Mark, that guy Shannon, that surly dude with the mohawk who bought well over a hundred comics, and tons of others my rusty memory can't remember at the moment. It's always great seeing stuff I like go to people who are really going to appreciate it, and to be able to clear out a ton of space, get some extra money to the Bernal Heights Seniors Center, and hang with great people all at the same time? It's the closest I'm ever going to get to owning my own comic shop (because I'd run my own shop out of business in about eight weeks) and it was great. Again, thanks.

As for why I haven't posted since--well, I don't know if you remember me mentioning Secret Writing Project X, but I actually got the gig and have been up to my eyes in it ever since. I can't give you any details at the moment (and can't even say for sure when I can) but it looks like I'm not going to be able to contribute much here until the end of September. But I'm really excited by SWPX and hope, when I'm finally able to tell you about it, you will be, too. Those of you who like my humor column for the newsletter will be pleased, I think.

Okay. Back into hiding for now. I was going to do very, very fast reviews on some good recent manga (Beck Vol. 5, Monster Vol. 4, Drifting Classroom Vol. 1) but that's not going to happen at the moment. Maybe if I end up with a few spare minutes between now and Monday...

Anyway, I'm well. Hope you are, too. Real reviews from Graeme are right below if you haven't read 'em.