This Isn't About Me

Sep 14, 2022

Look, I spend a lot of time using this newsletter to talk about myself. I hate doing it! Who wants to hear about ME?? So, this edition of my award-considered newsletter will focus on others, people more deserving of the spotlight that comes with my dozens of readers.

MATTHEW ROSENBERG

Matthew is a kind creature with strong principles and a stunning collection of hoodies. Like me, he also hates the spotlight, which is why when you google him you get a journalist instead of a comic book writer.

This week he’s launched his paid Substack where he’ll be putting out a ton of cool comics illustrated by a wild assortment of talent. When he asked me what he should do for his Substack I told him, “Put out a ton of cool comics illustrated by a wild assortment of talent.” Look, this isn’t about me, but I’m glad he listened. Go sign up.

JOSHUA WILLIAMSON

Like Matthew, Josh has launched his paid Substack this week as well. You probably know him from his extensive DC work and his acclaimed spooky series NAILBITER. I actually did a cover for it back in the day:

When I did it, Josh said to me, “I think your cover is going to put me on the map and I’ll eventually write a giant DC event book called CRISIS.” I remember saying, “Maybe it should be a DARK CRISIS since you’re so good at writing dark stuff.”

“Yeah! I’ll call it DARK CRISIS ON EARTH!”

“Hm. Maybe you should call it DARK CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS?”

Anyway, this isn’t about me. Go subscribe and learn more about Mr. Joshua Williamson and his wonderful offerings.

KATE BEATON

Kate is the funniest cartoonist in the world, so frankly it’s rude that she’s also the best graphic memoirist in the world. DUCKS is finally out in the world, and I’m actually leaving the forest tomorrow to go into town and buy a copy, the first physical book I’ve purchased in months. You should go buy one too! Don’t believe me? Check out the New York Times, WIRED and Vulture.

Kate once drew a nice portrait of us, but, again, this isn’t about me.

GERRY DUGGAN

Gerry has long been Marvel’s secret weapon. Whenever we would have our big Marvel Summits, where writers and editors and execs would hash out future storylines, Gerry was always the calm voice who would surprise everyone with the best ideas. That calmness and surprise also feeds into his photography, where he can both be in the action while also blending into the background while capturing key moments.

His new book, TIMING/LUCK, is a collection of photos, mostly from from the world of entertainment. Hollywood and comics, the behind-the-scenes faces concocting plans and enjoying years of friendship. There are also some truly stunning street scenes, beautifully captured environments of neon and rain.

It’s a great book and you should check it out on Kickstarter to get it to its goal. Inside you’ll see the world’s worst boy band, MARVEL BOYS. Though now, these days, I’m part of an adult contemporary band called DC DREAMIN’. But, again, this isn’t about me.

COREY MINTZ

Back when I worked for the newspaper, I met a food writer named Corey Mintz. He had a Toronto Star column where he hosted interesting people for a dinner and I was lucky enough to be invited to a couple of them over the years. I even illustrated his first book, HOW TO HOST A DINNER PARTY. But this isn’t about me.

Since then he’s been the Canadian go-to writer about the food and restaurant industries, and his latest book THE NEXT SUPPER, is an amazing dive into the broken restaurant industry and what the future holds. It’s pretty eye-opening, especially when dealing with agricultural labour practices and the insatiable need for continuous growth. And, because, Corey’s a comic fan, there are of course references to Galactus.

Also, being a comic fan, Corey once wrote about the launch of a new comic called Sex Criminals at a Toronto sex club, where he tried to feed myself and Matt Fraction lobster muffins on a sex bed. The article still has my favourite photo of us.

But this isn’t about me.

Corey’s work is always an inspiration. Much like myself, he wasn’t trained as a writer, but he’s managed to write some of the best articles and books I’ve ever read. He inspires me so much I once did an oil portrait of him: