Zubby Newsletter #111: Annual Adventures

Apr 29, 2025

With the legendary Frank Miller at this year’s Calgary Expo.

There have been 18 Calgary Comic Expos so far and I’ve been to 17 of them for good reason. Every year, it’s a fun celebration of pop culture and creators in a city that proves, time and time again, that they love comics and art…and getting to see old friends and former students is icing on top of a really wonderful cake.

This year’s show included a surreal surprise. On Friday night, our crew had dinner with Frank Miller and I ended up sitting next to the man himself. Over a couple hours we talked about all kinds of things, including Robert E. Howard, pulp stories, and legacy characters. We also talked about lyricism and poetry, and when I mentioned I’d written a poem in the new Savage Sword of Conan #3, Frank wanted to see it.

He carefully read it, line by line, and told me it “felt like Howard by way of Tennyson”, a massive compliment. I have a new poem arriving in Savage Sword of Conan #8, in stores this week, and he told me to send it to him once I got home.

The next morning, Frank came by to get a copy of the new Conan the Barbarian series and we chatted long enough that he was late for his first signing of the day. I know people were waiting, but it really did feel amazing to spend that extra time and go through parts of the book with him as he lavished praise on our team-

“When the story comes from somewhere real, you can feel it. I see the passion you guys are putting on the page. This looks great.”

It’s the kind of interaction you always hope for when it comes to industry legends, but not something you can ever expect or plan for, and it certainly made my weekend extra special.

A couple sketches from Calgary - Batman and Minsc + Boo.

Outside of that, panels and hangout time with other pros at the show was a delight. I lived in Calgary over 20 years ago, and seeing how the city has grown while still being able to recommend some old spots and shops makes it feel like it wasn’t all that long ago.

I’m seeing friends for a couple extra days, and then touching base back home long enough to check mail and do laundry before I zip over to Maryland for a big Free Comic Book Day signing at Third Eye Comics alongside my friend Ray Fawkes. If you live in the Annapolis, Baltimore, or Washington DC area, make sure you come on out to Third Eye – it’s going to be awesome!

On The Homestretch

*With Chris dela Torre from CBC Radio’s Homestretch show.*

I was interviewed by CBC Radio’s Homestretch show at the 11 minute mark of this section of their Calgary Expo live broadcast. Give it a listen!

At the Corner of Story & Games

It’s always a blast talking with Gerald at The Corner of Story & Games. This time we cover writing craft, navigating creative industries, working with existing IPs, and things I wish I’d known when I was starting out. Check it out!