Crypticon was a bit different this year. Absent were the usual coterie of cohorts from Crypticons past. I didn’t even party it up on the 13th floor this year! While different, Crypticon is still one of my favorite cons, so let’s dive into a recap of CRYPTICON 2025!
On the drive up I saw a yellow rectangular sign high on a pole adjacent to I5. It said “JESUS SAVES,” and without hesitation I said “… and takes half damage.” Though I’d heard the saying before, I’d never pictured it like the picture that formed in my head at that moment. I told the Dick Tracy watch to remind me to draw the picture at 5 o’clock. After setup at Crypticon was complete, I got the reminder and drew my variant of “Jesus Saves… and takes half damage.” While the original sold on Sunday, a print is coming soon. I also put a digitally inked version up on TeePublic for anyone that wants to sport the freshest ill gear in the land – https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/75002540-jesus-saves-and-takes-half-damage?store_id=821290
Get you T-shirts, here! https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/75002540-jesus-saves-and-takes-half-damage?store_id=821290
About a month before Crypticon, my wonderful wife tells me that her favorite band (and subsequently one of my favorite bands) Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers are playing in Tacoma Saturday May 3rd. She says it’s unfortunate that I won’t be able to go. I say TO HELL WITH THAT, I’M GOING! So she got us tix, and Saturday after Crypticon I met her in Tacoma and we went to see Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers play the Spanish Ballroom at the McMenamins Elk Temple. While making our way down the stairs, we stumbled across three strangers on the third floor chatting outside a doorway. I instantly recognized Roger Clyne and before I knew it I said “Look who it is!” and shook his hand. My wife told him we were there to see him, and he told us about the secret speakeasy. It was a fun night and a great show! I’m hopeful that one day we’ll get back down to Puerto Penasco Mexico to attend Roger Clyne’s Circus Mexicus again!
Highlights –
Tabling next to the incomparable Mark Monlux was a delight, and his “This Island Earth” print inspired me to draw another sci-fi favorite with a large brain. Behold – ACK ACK ACK!!!
Even though many of my usual compatriots weren’t present, I still had the opportunity to chat with plenty of fellow creatives and I can’t wait to be back at Crypticon again next year! Take care, – Ken
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