THANKS FOR GIVING DEAD DUCK WINGS TO FLY...

I want to thank all of you, my friends, family, fans and followers, for coming to my aid when I most needed it. After my last blog posting, asking for people to order Dead Duck like crazy, that's exactly what you did, and more. Those of you who spread the word about Dead Duck on your websites and blogs have provided just as significant an impact.

And my publisher has taken notice. Of course, Dead Duck isn't completely out of the woods yet, and I'm hoping pre-orders won't seize up anytime soon. But you guys have made a difference and continue to do so. Those who sent me addresses can count on Dead Duck sketches in their mail in the coming weeks. And I hope to repay the rest of you by releasing Dead Duck on November 25th, the most significant and beloved undertaking I've ever embarked upon since my marriage. If you've enjoyed the stories, gags and artwork in the handful of sneak peeks I've given you in the past year, let me tell you friends, you ain't seen nothin' yet.

And not to completely bore you with all this schmaltzy emotional stuff, I also come bearing some very cool news!

I was recently interviewed on the Comic Geek Speak podcast, which is one of the premiere comics discussion spots online. These guys are used to interviewing the likes of Stan Lee (co-creator of the entire silver age Marvel Universe) and David Petersen (creator of Mouseguard, which if you're a comics fan and aren't already reading it, then you're like the dorky, out of touch kid on the playground in 1989 without a Batman t-shirt). But thanks to a couple e-mails I sent and a very kind endorsement from my friend and fellow cartoonist Katie Cook (those Comic Geek Speak fellas ADORE her!), I was interviewed last Monday and that episode was put online just yesterday! I've done one other audio interview in my life, and it goes without saying that CGS surpassed it. You can listen to the episode in its entirety by clicking HERE (my segment is at the end of the episode). Thanks to Peter and Jamie for having me on their show and for being such fun, thorough and gracious hosts. And thanks to Katie for her continued support of my work. Us cartoony comic creators gotta stick together!

The online Dead Duck comic is still rolling along. I would like to keep it going right up 'til the day the book comes out, and there should be enough material to post without having to show the slew of stories I've kept ear marked exclusively for the graphic novel. You can see it HERE for now, and hopefully it'll whet your appetite for the graphic novel to come.

And lastly, I've started a Facebook group for friends and fans of Dead Duck, which you can view HERE. As far as I know, you need to be a Facebook member to participate, but honestly, anything I post on that page will most likely get posted here as well. I want Dead Duck news and updates available to everyone, and I'll always make sure there's such an outlet available to you guys.

Thank you again, friends. I'm genuinely touched that you've all been there for me. After college passes, you forget what it's like to have a community of friends at your disposal, to rely up and to be there for as well. But you've all proven to me the strength of such relationships doesn't have to disappear, and if anything, can be made stronger than ever. I promise to be there for you as you have for me, and to help you reach the dreams you've all held so dearly. One good turn deserves another…

Endless affection,

--Jay