During our stay in Pittsburgh, Chris and I saw this in the hotel elevator, making it clear that a comic convention was in town.

As Chris and I travel doing these conventions we search for the best wings out there! Currently the best wings we have ever had are from Moriarty’s in Philadelphia.

When we were in Pittsburgh we tried the wings at Quaker Steak and Lube. Quaker Steak is a chain that has locations in about 13 states so far. The menu looked to be packed with goodies, but their claim to fame is “Best Wings USA.”

Sorry to say, but they do not have the best wings in the USA. When we try the wings in these places, we try the standard with a few sauces on the side. Quaker’s standard wings were WAY too buttery. It seems they may have reversed the amounts of Frank’s Red Hot and butter when making them. The other sauces we had on the side were quite tastey. I don’t remember what sauces we had, but I remember we liked them better than the standard. I’ll have to take “eating notes” from now on for future posts. 

While the wings weren’t the best, Quaker Steak and Lube is a pretty cool restaurant. It’s got a classic racecar/gas station/ pitt crew atmosphere. I would definitely revist a Quaker for the wacky dish I saw called the “Ontenna.” It’s onion rings and pretzels served on an antenna with a bunch of other stuff. 
Here’s the description straight from Quaker’s website:
Ontenna® of onion rings and baked soft pretzels stacked high on a baby moon hubcap. The fun doesn’t stop here! Choose from Cajun Bleu Cheese Chips, loaded Magna Fries, Chicken Fenders, Mozzarella Stick Shifters or Pick-up Pickles.
Now that can’t be bad!

visit www.quakersteakandlube.com to find a location near you.

April 23rd through the 25th was the Pittsburgh Comic Con. This year’s convention was slower than 2009. I think that might be because Stan Lee wasn’t there this year, but we still had fun talking with our old creator friends and making new ones.

The Pittsburgh Comic Con show floor remained safe thanks to the vigilant watch of our good buddies Steelman and Red Glare!

Steeldog said Happyloo was “woof woof woof!”

It was an amazing feeling to see some fans that purchased Happyloo last year come back to check up on me. Unfortunately, Flabbergast wasn’t done yet, but I did some fun commission art for those fans. Pittsburgh is a convention where I do well selling commission art. My favorite piece was the one I did for My Pal John Graham. He has a delightful Children’s Picture Book entitled “No Sweets For Santa.” He asked for art based on the book and this is what I did.

Several months later John contacted me with the proposition to be the artist for a new version of his “no Sweets For Santa” book. I gladly accepted. How can I turn down a guy who brings his family to the convention dressed as Super Mario 2?

Bronx, New York was very good to my brother Chris and I earlier this year. We took Happyloo, The O>Matics in Comic, and all our other merch to two fun filled Comic Conventions. The My Pal Mark Team started our convention season in April at the Kids Comic Con. KCC is always a blast. The kids and their families really admire all the cartoonists and creators. I always enjoy answering the questions of young artists and readers. It was nice being set up across the way from Buzzboy creator, John Gallagher. His comics feature top notch art and plenty of eye-popping action. Learn more about John Gallagher and his awesome comics at buzzboy.com Below is my version of his character, Roboy Red.

My favorite Art Card commission from KCC was this Dragon:

In May, we returned to the Bronx for our first visit to the Bronx Heroes Con. As with every convention, we didn’t know what to expect. The show was a ton of fun and to our surprise, our shirts were a big hit! I had the chance to talk with a lot of great creators and fans in my own backyard, We’ll definitely be back in the Bronx for the conventions next year!

I understand it has been a while since I’ve posted a new blog update, but this is a good thing… Sorta… I’ve been so busy with completing the Flabbergast book and conventions, that this blog has been put on the back burner. Once I do start it up again, I’ll have plenty to show you from all the conventions! Stay TOONED!