I'm Going to India! And Iowa. Don't forget Iowa.

It only took twenty-eight years, but for the first time since I began doing comic-cons as a teen, I’ll be attending a show overseas, in Hyderabad, India! Famous for its Hitec City area and, more importantly, the best biryani in the country (or so I’m told).

I thought I’d hit a show in London or Italy, or Mexico City long before such a distant Asian destination, couldn’t be more hyped. If what the mighty John Layman of Chew fame tells me is true, it’s going to be a blast. He’s a four time veteran of Comic-Con India and couldn’t speak more highly of the organizers.

This is all very exciting, however one week before this, I’ll be hitting the ultimate, bespoke, amazingly well organized Assembly Required G.I. Joe fan convention in Des Moines, Iowa. November 8-9. Every year they bring together several hundred of the most die-hard G.I. Joe and ‘80s action figure collectors for a special event, with a different theme each time. Seriously, the co-founder Brian Sauer themes EVERYTHING out, from your badge to special merch, to the signage, to the panel programming. Last year was Dreadnok themed and they even brought out the Sunbow animation writer who wrote the “Cold Slither” episode.

If you’re a big ol’ NERD like me, you’ll instantly know tartan theme graphic below represents all things DESTRO, and his family clan, McCullen.

And if not, how dare you, “You buffoons!” as he’d say.

I’ll be there alongside the legend Larry Hama, rockin’ Ron Wagner, and one of the most instrumental G.I. Joe toy designers ever, Mark Pennington. Here’s hoping for some swanky after hours tiki drinks with Mr. Wagner, and hopefully I’ll have time to smuggle in some local Chicago Polish delicacies in for Uncle Larry. (Sure tabling at the con is great but these are the things that really motivate us, lol).

And look for something very special to be announced from me, available only at Assemble Required. Something that has not been seen by almost anyone, ever, that has been in my “vault” for 23 years. I don’t want to spoil it, so be sure to follow me on the socials, or follow the Codename Iowa group that runs Assembly Required.

And OF COURSE I’ll be promoting The Disavowed. What, did you think I lost my mind? Just for fun, peep this new fire from the upcoming comic (art by Pop Mhan and colors by Carlos Badilla)

Copies of the Comic-con Preview Special of The Disavowed are still available at Massive Publishing’s website. Get ‘em before they sell everything out at NYCC.

Speaking of shilling comics, you can now purchase products directly through TikTok on our shop! But if you prefer “the old ways”, the Devil Dealer is still here for you.

And since we’re shillin’, don’t forget that the same store that ships all of the Devil’s Due product is now the official store for Tim Seleey’s Hack/Slash ! There’s all kinds of super cool shit, from omnibus collections to T-shirts to enamel pins and stickers. Image Comics is (and probably always will be) the publisher for the series, but it’s nice to have Cassie come home in a small way. Don’t forget to pick up the fantastic crossover event coming out later this month, in comic shops everywhere, crossing over Hack/Slash with Body Bags! Yes, that Body Bags from ‘90s comic fame.

That’s all for now. I’ll try to do another update before I’m swept up in the comic-con whirlwind, but in case not, a happy, horrific Halloween to you all!

Josh Blaylock