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Sunday, September 7, 2025

Long Beach Comic Con 2025

Though I seriously considered exhibiting at this year's Long Beach Comic Con, held August 30–31, in Long Beach, California, I ultimately didn't. While the show was just 25 miles from my residence, which would not require the expense of an overnight stay at a hotel, the cost of a table was more than I could afford for a show that was still rebuilding after COVID. (I exhibited there in 2022, sharing space provided by the organizers to CAPS (Comics Art Professional Society), a professional society I belonged to.)

One of the reasons I seriously considered tabling, however, was due to the announcement of artist Howard Chaykin as a special guest, of whom I'm a longtime fan, dating back to his days on American Flagg (1983–89). Frankly, since I didn't expect big crowds at the show or for the event to be very busy, I thought it would be an opportunity to have more than a perfunctory conversation.  

This, in fact, turned out to be the case. Though I've briefly met him a few times, I never assume people will remember me—fortunately, he did. (One of the first things he told me that made me laugh was, "You present a lot younger on Facebook!" The first time we met, when he was introduced to me by a fellow artist, when I told him I was a big fan, he said, "Of course, we steal from the same people!") In any case, we had a great time chatting, particularly talking about Broadway productions we had seen, after I mentioned my trip there back in April.

So it was a great thrill to see Chaykin and become better acquainted! I purchased a recent American Flagg print he was selling at his table (see below), which he signed along with several items I brought along—including the back cover of Blackhawk #3 since, as I mentioned, I owned the art featured there!

Another memorable guest at the show was actor William Daniels (St. Elsewhere, 1776), now 98, whose wife of 74 years, Bonnie Bartlett, was also there as a guest. Since they were charging for photos and autographs, I assumed it wouldn't be proper for me to take a photo without paying. 

Click here to see the full photogallery of the show.










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