Yes, this year is MUTTS’ 30th Anniversary(!), and one of the ways I’ll be celebrating is by being a special guest at San Diego Comic-Con from July 24 through July 28

It all starts on Thursday, when I’ll be giving an Author Spotlight presentation in discussion with my good friend Tom Gammill, writer for Seinfeld, The Simpsons, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. We’ll show a sneak preview of the Guard Dog book during the talk.

Overall, I’ll be participating in seven different talks during the convention. Here’s my schedule.

  • Thursday 1:00PM: Spotlight on Patrick McDonnell: The 30th anniversary of MUTTS, Freeing Guard Dog, Marvel Super Heroes, and the Dalai Lama (with book signing following the session)
  • Thursday 4:00PM: From Haunting Horrors to Magnanimous Memoirs: It’s the Abrams ComicArts Spotlight!  (This will include a preview of Abrams new line of books including Breaking the Chain: The Guard Dog Story, with a book signing following.)
  • Friday 2:00PM: My Creative Habits (A panel of cartoonists discussing their art processes)
  • Friday 4:30PM: Walt Kelly and Pogo (A panel centered on one the comic-strip greats)
  • Friday 6:30PM: The Super Hero’s Journey (a panel to discuss my book and the magic of the Marvel universe) 
  • Saturday 1:00PM: Will Eisner and Harvey Kurtzman Go to College (I was a student in Will Eisner’s class at SVA and will participate in a discussion of his life and art.)
  • Sunday 10:00AM: Jack Kirby Tribute: A fan favorite, annual event, paying homage to the greatest comic book artist (with book signing following)

I hope I can find some time to look at comics while I’m there! My three book signings will include a free, unique Guard Dog convention poster while supplies last.

My summer travel schedule has been off to an especially busy start. Last week I attended the opening of KirbyVision, a fine art exhibit at the Corey Helford Gallery in LA. Two of my Jack Kirby themed paintings are on view there until the end of July. If you are in that area, check out the show which includes over 50 comic art originals by the unparalleled Jack Kirby.


This summer has been crazy hot. Be sure to take care of the animals, both inside and outside. Putting out some water for wildlife will be greatly appreciated.

Sending all my best,

Patrick

Comments (30)

I have only just discovered Mutts. I am enchanted! Wishing you health, peace, prosperity—and 30 more years!!! Bless you for all you do for the Little Ones. 💖

Patti Vaticano

Ditto to wondering if those of us who live a thousand miles from San Diego might be able to get a guard dog poster.

Mary Ellen

Love Mutts. I’m up at 600 every day, and I am happy when the daily pops up at 603. Thanks. I wish you 30 more great years

Bill Hessberg

Congrats!
Unable to make Comic-Con… have a blast!

Ro

Will your presentations be posted on the web some where ?

Seth

Congratulations on 30 years! I was trying to figure out when I first saw this strip and I believe that it was short of 30 years. It has consistently brought joy to me. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in comics.

Brad Dunn

The first thing I do with my morning coffee is to read MUTTS. It starts my day with a smile. I love Sparky l. Thank you for freeing Guard Dog. Earl and Mooch make my day. Wish I lived closer and could meet you

Linnea Morrisey

Any way to get one of those Guard Dog posters? I’d love to have one!

Beatriz Fisher

Best wishes to Patrick, family, and friends for a safe and enjoyable summer. You’re an inspiration as an artist and as a human being.

Susan W

Happy 30th Patrick and the whole MUTTS Gang and team, who make this all come so alive! As I’ve said before my day begins with a cup of coffee, my kitty Puck and opening the newspaper to the comics. I love to start my day with a chuckle and a smile and a wink! And Mutts does it all❣️I’m relieved that you released Guard Dog and I’m still floating over it! Sparky is so very dear to all us Mutts diehards, seeing him for years always always tugged at our broken hearts 💔 beyond wonderful to see him free! I thank you each time I read your Mutts strip, bc it is so much more, it goes deep, yet the message is clear… it’s all about Love♥️…thank you for bringing love every day!

Valerie Jenkins