Find me at Des Moines Con!
Plus: A brand-new interview and a call for questions
This past week, I’ve been slammed laying track for the many, many issues of Free Planet to come, talking cover ideas with Jed, writing issue #9, laying out future arcs, continuing my ongoing research and lining up some very special surprises. Turns out having a hit Image book entails a lot of work!
It’s joyous work though, a blessing, the only downside of which is: A somewhat shorter newsletter than usual. If you find yourself yearning for more yammering, why not catch up on my essays about Free Planet’s bibliography?
Des Moines Con
I attended the inaugural Des Moines Con back in 2022 and had an amazing time; like all NerdStreet-produced shows, it was incredibly professional and packed to the gills with people. However, what impressed me the most about Des Moines were the people themselves. Everyone I encountered in Des Moines was so incredibly kind, funny and eager to chitchat. What’s more, they all love comics; I sold all my Comic Book Story of Professional Wrestling copies distressingly quickly before burning through everything else I brought as well!
But in addition to good conversations, seeing local friends and putting a ton of books in people’s hands, there’s something else on which I’m outrageously stoked: This will be the first con I attend with copies of Free Planet. I absolutely can’t wait to get to the floor and not just tell people about the Shape of Comics to Come but actually show it to them. Des Moines Con is May 30 through June 1; come see me first so you can snag some of my very limited quantities of the Free Planet #1 first printing, variants and even our impossible-to-find ashcans!
Brand-new interview
I know what you’re thinking: “I’ve watched a million of these already and Aubrey couldn’t possibly have anything else to say.” Well, you’re mistaken, friend, as Michael Fitzgerald Troy has approached Free Planet with an astounding degree of insight. We dig deep into issue #1, discuss the influence of my Uncle Chaykin, and chat about dusting off older comics techniques and approaches. It’s a must-watch interview.
Submit your questions!
Future issues of Free Planet will include a letters page, written by Dr. Aldous Foyroushi, expert in Lutherian history; Free Planet’s historical captions and backmatter essays are all taken from his work. Have questions about the world of Free Planet? Email Dr. Foyroushi! Whether it’s the political, economic, military, or technological, the good doctor has the answers for which you seek and we’d love to include them in an upcoming issue.
Before I get out of here, some reminders:
Subscribe to Free Planet at your local comic shop
Pre-order signed sets of Free Planet #1-6
Snag a Free Planet #1 second printing on June 4, 2025
Get ready for Free Planet #2 on June 11, 2025
Thanks, as always, for your patience, interest, and support.
Aubrey