New York Comic Con 2022

Taking the train into New York, I felt a mix of nostalgia and excitement. It had been nearly a decade since I last attended, and stepping into the convention again was like entering an entirely different world.

I brought a few of my books with me, hoping to share them with artists I admired. The energy was overwhelming—so many creators, so many opportunities, and a scale that was even larger than I had imagined. It was exciting, but at times, the distance between where I was and where I wanted to be felt vast.

One of the highlights was meeting Ben Bishop again. I had first met him years ago and was a big fan of his book The Aggregate, a split decision graphic novel that lets readers shape the story through their choices. Seeing his work continue to thrive was inspiring, and I picked up a shirt as a reminder of how independent creators keep pushing forward.

But the real moment that stuck with me was a conversation with Jean Louise O'Sullivan. As I reflected on how far I still had to go, she told me, "You deserve to be here too."

That simple statement carried weight. NYCC wasn’t just a fun event—it was a reminder that this industry isn’t out of reach. It’s just about putting in the work, building momentum, and carving out a space in it.

This trip wasn’t just about attending a convention. It was about seeing the path forward. And one day, I’ll be back, not just as a guest, but as someone standing among the creators I admire.