I recently returned from Windycon 52 in Rosemont, IL and had a decent time selling comics and chatting with peers.

In sync with other notable Illinois conventions, Windycon was held at the Hyatt Regency OHarr. I’ve been to Windycon for several years at this point, even hosting a panel or too. The show shared a hotel space with a Midwest fraternity holding a reunion event, along with a Pokemon card convention in the Donald E. Stephens center proper. Besides touching base with old friends, there wasn’t much activity of note from me.

More world-building stuff for Blackmask talking about the various animal kingdom’s internal affairs. As there aren’t humans in Blackmask, “Breeds” are more a social construct of various kingdoms, countries, and cultures, than specific birth stuff. And through that have wacky conflicts and mindsets that clash with one another. Dogs don’t like wolves for being barbarians, and little cats don’t respect the authority of big cats for being tyrants.

Saturday has a majority of my sales the entire weekend, so I spent more time sketching and writing to pass the time. I regret not submitting anything to the art show, but I can hit up a different event.

Blackmask Manual Drawing

Between sales, worked on writing a preliminary paper manual for Blackmask, my indie game. If I can explain the important stuff in a small booklet, that’s all I need to focus on, and not get held up by perfecting all the extra details.

The biggest roadblock slowing down my progress on the art side of Blackmask, my incessant need to make the story perfect with a concrete knowledge of all the lore and predict any pedantic questions.

Much of this stuff isn’t hindering the game proper as my programmer is making the most progress, adding function to the playable demo. With the fierce competitor of indie games out there, we feel a pressure to make a big first impression and entice people.

Wrap Up

My next few shows are Lodgecon on November 6th, 7th, and 8th! then Orland Park Public Library Con on November 14th with a new printing of comics and a potential new zine! I have a full year packed with cool conventions and events! Take a look through my Convention Schedule to see where I’ll be next!