Ah, FanExpo Portland. A fun show, three years in a row. I love the people. I love the vibe. I love Portland. Quite a few of the cast of Avatar: The Last Airbender were there. Since it is one of me and Allison’s favorite shows, I did something I’ve never done – I booked one of those expensive con-photo shoots. Three of the voice actors were in costume. Grey DeLisle – Azula, Greg Baldwin – Uncle Iroh (rest in peace, Mako), and Michaela Murphy. Allison and I did A:tLA cosplay and wore it all day Saturday in preparation for our 4:40 PM photoshoot. We got tons of complements and folks wanting to take pics of us, it was a good time. The shoot itself was done and over in less than 60 seconds. Though I’m glad we did this, paying to take a photo with someone is not something I will do again. Grey DeLisle was in-character trash talking me the whole time, and I loved it. Overall it was a fun, if rushed experience.

I had a good time chatting with other writers and artists, my neighbors were great. Kevin of Scary Tales Publishing and I are perpetual booth neighbors at any con we’re at. Since he is good company, I don’t mind. His work is fantastic, check it out at the link above!

Over the course of the weekend I drew a tentacle-skull and a couple pics of Magik. I’d always wanted to draw Ilyana Rasputin!

As much as I enjoy FanExpo Portland, I did not take advantage of the re-booking discount for 2026. At this point I don’t think I’ll do FanExpo Portland again, at least not for a while. With hotel, food, parking, and booth fees, the weekend cost me well over a grand. It’s been a loss for me each year. The margin of loss in 2025 is significant enough that it’s time for me to skip this one for now. Maybe I’ll revisit it in a few years if we still have a country and a democracy. Things are pretty uncertain right now. We’re only just starting week 2 of 1461 days, and the future is terrifying. I don’t want to get political here, but I fear the stoking of fires to foment uprising. Then comes the invocation of the Insurrection Act. The US military will be deployed domestically to put down protesters and dissidents. The ultimate goal is the destruction of the United States as we know it.

I hope I’m wrong.

On a lighter note – here’s a gallery of some other fun stuff from the weekend –

To be a bender you have to let go of fear. Until next time, stay safe.
– Ken