Zubby Newsletter #117: Ten Day Tornado
My luggage is packed and I’m finally ready to fly home after 10 days and 3 events that took me from Las Vegas to Columbus, Ohio, and back to Vegas again. It’s been a ridiculous and amazing time, but I’ve gotta get back to Toronto and slow this merry-go-round for a bit before the next crash of conventions hits in late July.
The Glass Cannon 10 year celebration in Vegas was an absolute blast. Around 100 fans stayed at the Linq Hotel and gamed up a storm with members of the Glass Cannon Network and cast members from various liveplays they’ve done over the past decade. I game mastered three sessions on the schedule and added a last minute pick up game when there was a ton of interest in the Mothership RPG.
In between those sessions and a killer blast of karaoke, I hung out a lot with Erik Mona and Josh Dinges, doing our best to avoid the absolute scorching heat that hit the Vegas strip that weekend.
On the Monday after that wrapped up, I had a day and a half of downtime where I did a bit of work and then wandered Vegas, people watching and rolling story ideas around in my head. I thought I was going to have a quiet night, but discovered that Zack Davisson (who newsletter readers will probably know from the cultural essays in Wayward or his current work on Ultimate X-Men) and his wife Miyuki were also in Vegas at the same time, celebrating their wedding anniversary. Ten minutes after I saw his “Wait, you’re in Vegas?!” message, we met up and had a great little visit that capped off Vegas Part 1 quite well.
From there I flew to Columbus for the Origins Game Fair, one of the biggest and longest running tabletop game conventions in North America (50 years and still going strong). Jim Demonakos (founder of Emerald City Comic Con and the Lightbox Expo) and I had business stuff there but managed to work in some gaming and social time as well, which was great.
When I went back to check my photos I was shocked to realize it had been literally 20 years since I’d last attended Origins. The show had been formative to me near the start of my comic + gaming career, solidifying my spot at the UDON studio when I met a bunch of art directors and editors and brought in a slew of extra TTRPG work for the UDON artists. Dizzying to think how quickly that time has gone by.
Also at Origins this year were Nareesa and Zeshan, two of my players from D&D in a Castle back in November! It was heartwarming seeing them again and waxing nostalgic about our time at the castle. They were instrumental in me quickly getting the lay of the land at Origins this year and their enthusiasm was infectious.
Finally, I ricocheted back to Vegas to check in at MagicCon, a huge Magic the Gathering event, and spend time with my dear friends Kandrix and Lindsay. They’re foodies and basketball fans, so we hit up quite a few of their favorite restaurants and took in a WNBA game before finally getting to NOW.
*whew*
These friendships, personal or professional, are at the heart of all these amazing experiences and opportunities, and I cannot believe how many there have been so far in 2025, only halfway through the year.
Good fun and great food, but I’m extra-ready to return to Toronto, hug Stacy tight, and hunker down at home for the next month.
The Scourge Begins in September!
Cimmerian September brings the busiest Conan month since we relaunched the series at Titan almost two years ago!
I have three new releases – CONAN: SCOURGE OF THE SERPENT #1, CONAN THE BARBARIAN #24, and SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN #10, plus a deluxe oversized hardcover collection of the first story arc in the relaunch, BOUND IN BLACK STONE. So many incredible covers and interior artwork that’s just as strong.
It’s a big bold release month jam-packed with the best action and adventure in the business and I hope you’re following along.
Talking at Titan HQ
Speaking of the Cimmerian, when I was at the Titan Books office last month, Chief Stride and I recorded a quick interview discussing the amazing Conan stuff coming up. Give it a watch for some more details on Scourge of the Serpent and our special 25th issue of Conan the Barbarian.
In Depth With NRI
I was a guest on the NRI Podcast, chatting at length about my career, writing comics, working on iconic characters, conventions and a whole lot more.
Current + Upcoming Releases
FCBD Conan: Scourge of the Serpent – Prelude – released May 3rd.
Conan the Barbarian #21 – released June 11th.
Savage Sword of Conan vol. 2 – released June 17th.
Street Fighter Masters: Elena one-shot – releases June 25th.
Conan the Barbarian #22 – releases July 9th.
Conan the Barbarian #23 – releases August 13th.
Conan the Barbarian vol. 5: Twisting Loyalties – releases August 20th.
Upcoming Appearances
A few eagle-eyed readers caught my name on the World Con panelist list. It’s true – Stacy and I are heading to Seattle in August for World Con, our first time attending one of the longest running science fiction and fantasy conventions! More details as we get closer to the dates.
Jun 28, 2025 Gotham Central – Signing Noon-2pm Toronto, ON, CANADA
Jul 23-27, 2025 San Diego Comic Con San Diego, CA, USA
Jul 31-Aug 3, 2025 Gen Con Indy – Booth 1349 Indianapolis, IN, USA
Aug 13-17, 2025 World Con Seattle, WA, USA
Sep 27-28, 2025 Chattanooga Comic Con Chattanooga, TN, USA
Oct 16-19, 2025 Gamehole Con XII Madison, WI, USA
Nov 3-14, 2025 D&D in a Castle Castle Lumley, Newcastle, UK
Howard Days Links
While I was bouncing between events, Robert E. Howard Days happened in Cross Plains, Texas. I wasn’t able to make it to the event this year, but it was heartwarming to see and hear how well it all went:
• Scholar Jeff Shanks did a tight 3-part series showing Howard Days highlights – Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3
• Stygian Dogs has a couple great Howard Days videos on his channel, including extensive interviews and a casual wind down.
• Lion from the Sword & Sorcery Book Club gives a rundown on Robert E. Howard Days 2025, including little interviews with visitors.
• Sean Korsgaard recorded the ‘What’s Up With REH?’ panel from the event and has uploaded it to YouTube.
Next year is the 40th anniversary of Howard Days, so I expect it’ll be the biggest one yet. Pencil it on your calendar and I hope to see you there!
Jim
Cool pics. Proof of enjoying the trip.