In 2022, after having created a printed-related video for an exhibition at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum at the Ohio State University, I flew out to Columbus to visit, and see their collection of original artwork and comics-related artifacts. I wasn’t sure what I’d find, and didn’t know then that I’d make three more trips over the next two years! What I discovered was a treasure trove of material that didn’t fall into most people’s areas of interest and expertise, including cartoons in plate forms, cartoon-sized and full-page newspaper printing molds (flongs), color guides made by cartoonists or assistants for the syndicate or engraver to follow for Sunday color strips, and a whole lot more. It hadn’t been overlooked or ignored, so much as biding its time, waiting for someone to have the obsession I did.

After some thought, I came up with the idea in 2023 of How Comics Were Made, a book that would be more image than word, and explain the whole scope of newspaper comics printing, from the 1890s to the present, and add in webcomics, too. After a year of work, I brought it to Kickstarter, and it was a rousing success. Designer Mark Kaufman and I worked closely and feverishly together for months to get the book on press, and I felt the results were magnificent. The book sold over 2,500 copies, and the rights for a second edition were acquired by Andrews McMeel Publishing, a sibling company to Andrews McMeel Syndication, one of the two big comics syndicators in America.

Under a new title, How Comics Are Made, the book hit stores in June 2025, making my title available worldwide in bricks-and-mortar locations and online. My publisher submitted their edition for consideration by judges for the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards—the Eisners. The awards organization announced the list of nominees, and How Comics Are Made was one of them, for Best Comics-Related Book. I’m thrilled to be nominated, and have stiff competition—the nomination is enough, for sure.

I texted designer Mark to let him know, and send an email off to foreword writer Michael Chabon, thanking him again for his moving contribution. This was my first foray into writing about comics, so what a treat to get a nomination. Thank you to everyone who supported the book, in any format and edition! You can find the book at bricks-and-mortar stores and online; if you’d like a signed and inscribed copy, you can order one directly from me.

I’m currently fundraising for another comics-related book, That One Matt Bors Comic, so the timing feels fortuitous!