And so it begins...

Awaiting me upon my return to NYC last week were advance-reader-copies of VIETNAMERICA! My publisher Villard is releasing them into the wild, and so begins a completely new phase of the book's road to publication: trying to drum up press and publicity.



Although it's a full color book, I think the b/w galleys do a good job of reproducing the tonal artwork. Specific color palettes are threaded throughout to help distinguish characters, plots, and time periods (as hinted in this earlier post) so it'll be interesting what readers will think without color to aid in their preview (i.e. I hope it still makes sense!). Villard is considering including a small full color chapter excerpt with each galley they send out, so crossing my fingers that happens.

If you spot one of these in the wild, please don't make any sudden noises as it scares easily. Approach slowly and if it doesn't run away, please give it a good home. All it needs to flourish are occasional sunlight and kind words.

Road-trip wrap up:

After a absolutely phenomenal 4,000 mile trip along the Left Coast, we're back in NYC in one piece! Aside from the obligatory family vacations, I've never taken a "real" road-trip and to finally get to do so for an entire month with my wife along such a beautiful stretch of the country was amazing. We are so fortunate and grateful to have so many wonderful family and friends who welcomed us into their homes and created memories we'll cherish for a lifetime! Definitely didn't take as many pics as I should of, but here's some randomness:



A cable car view of the Wanderlust village in Squaw Valley. My wife was teaching at the 4-day event so I was her +1. Apparently, marriage does have its perks--who knew?!



Our typical breakfast: fresh sauteed vegetables, dal, and brown rice for her; waffles soaked in sugar, topped with sugar, with a side of sugar for me.



This is the view from morning meditation held on a mountain side with live upright bass music by this friend. Best. Alarm. Clock. EVER.



There's always room for Mediterranean food. ALWAYS.



The world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium! Star Trek IV, anyone?



Check out the bravado on this dude! He's wearing a chef's hat, fish apron, AND spinning two pies simultaneously. Thank goodness he's wearing shades or else he'd look silly.



Having missed its one month engagement in NYC earlier this year, I had another opportunity to catch Crumb's GENESIS show while in Portland. Just like at home, except with no crowds [yay!] and not free [boo!].



Donuts and anime porn are a perfect match. You stay classy, Portland!



My pastries came with two babes! Too bad my wife and sis-in-law aren't always carrying a box of Voodoo donuts.



Seattle puts its best face forward.



Assorted deli sandwiches crossing the Golden Gate Bridge only to be devoured by an enormous shark? The perfect metaphor for life.



You know it's been a great road-trip when you've let yourself go and this is what you look like to a kid.

Have brush pen and sketchbook: will travel.

We're still on the road and currently find ourselves in Portland. Despite a lot of the friends we've visited being art directors, graphic designers, illustrators, and cartoonists, it's taken me this long to finally find one who owns a scanner (thanks, Leland!).