ESSEN, in Germany, was an amazing experience. I have to thank my hosts at Feder & Schwert, who looked after me so very well. The lines for all of my signings were amazing, and if you haven't seen them yet, check them out on the brand-new Photo Section of dorktower.com (http://www.gamespy.com/comics/dorktower/page.asp?id=15)! I even caught up with some friends from my LAST German con, Hannnover Spiel.

I was only there for three days, but I had an absolute blast! Between the beer and the putinschnitzel, I can't wait to return! With luck, that will mean another trip next October, if I can possibly fit it into my schedule. The readers there were great, and I really CAN'T thank everyone enough for what a great time I had.

I was also invited to a convention in Cologne (Koln) next month that I just couldn't make. Dang. I really developed a taste for that putinpeffersteak. I promise to try and make SURE it's not two years until I return to Germany again!