The Baltimore Comicon is always a treat for us. It’s one of what used to be two smaller shows that have now become two big shows we never miss. Both Baltimore and Emerald City have blown up from their humble beginnings, but they never forgot the spirit or the people that got them where they are. So it’s always a fun weekend in both cities.

But this year, Baltimore was very special because I was honored to be Master of Ceremonies for the Harvey Awards. To say I was nervous about this is an understatement. I’ve never prepared more for a public speaking event. Even my SCAD lecture with Dave, which included an keynote presentation, didn’t get as much prep as this.

Kris reminded me right before the show that I’ve played to bigger rooms. That my PAX panel had twice as many people in it and I did fine. The problem is that the audience at my PAX panel didn’t include Joe Kubert, Neal Adams, Chris Claremont and George Perez.

Well, my nervousness was misplaced because we all had a great time. I am proud to report that the comic book industry still retains it’s sense of humor and has no problem poking fun at itself for the night (especially if it makes an award ceremony pass by faster). All the presenters had a great time and rolled with my “soft-roast” introductions.

I introduced Chris Claremont as “The man who looked at Jack Kirby and Stan Lee’s classic book, X-men, and said ‘You know what this needs? More words.’” Chris took the podium, called me a “sodding young punk” and then proceeded to remove his “notes” which were this giant notepad. Greatness.

I want to thank Marc Nathan, Brad Tree, the entire Baltimore Comicon volunteer staff and especially Paul McSpadden who administrates the Harvey’s and was so kind and dear and complimentary of me.

It was an honor, it was a blast, and hopefully it will not be the last time I’m asked to do it.

So as you know, I’ve been critical of Zuda Comics in the past. I’ve never liked the idea of a large company like DC treating new talent like American Idol contestants but that seems to be a new direction the industry is heading. Not something I want to get behind. Not something I would ever do myself.

But this weekend I had a chance to witness first hand a couple things about Zuda Comics and it stopped to make me rethink my position a little bit. And I feel it’s only fair that I be as vocal about this thought as I have have been in the past about my critical thoughts. If I’m gonna to jerk my knee around like this, it’s only fair to report when it jerks in the other direction as well.

This weekend, three Zuda Comics were nominated for Harvey Awards. One of them, HIGH MOON, not only debuted a new print version of their book at the show, but won the Harvey for best online comic strip.

I witnessed the Zuda crew at their table at the awards ceremonies. They were all excited, having a good time, and most importantly, brothers in arms. Its the same camaraderie that I’m blessed to experience with my buddies at Halfpixel.

Ron Perazza has always been a really gracious and level headed guy, even when I’ve been really critical and snarky of him. He was a real sweetheart during the ceremonies and looked back at us when he was presenting to confess that he was so nervous to be up there his hands were shaking. This is after I introduced him to the crowd by announcing “Our next presenter was chosen from an online contest where he competed against 9 other talented presenters for the opportunity to be here tonight.” The Zuda table erupted with laughs and cheers. After the show they all took time to tell me I had done a great job and to remind me that even though we fight online, they understand that my heart’s in the right place.

So, passing the High Moon booth on Sunday on the way to my own table, I had to ask myself a very pointed question: if David, Steve and Scott had taken MY advice and gone it alone with HIGH MOON, would they be here a year later with a full color graphic novel, their own booth at the Baltimore Comicon and a Harvey Award? Possibly. But can I say probably? I don’t think I can in all fairness.

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