A Note From Patrick: July 2024

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

— Publishing Resources Inc.

Comments (30)

I am so thrilled about the Guard Dog book! It always hurt so much to see him chained up and now he is free!
Thank you,
Claudia

Claudia Kenney Carey

Oh exciting! I’m glad you’ll be at Comic Con! I’m sure there will be so many fans waiting to meet you! Tell us how it was! (I’m closer to Chicago.)

Laura Robles

Any chance to buy a Guard Dog poster, especially since I bought the book?

Christine Rupp

First thing every morning———-the “go to” is MUTTS Love the art, and the “human language” is so heart warming
and excellent every day. Just the best!!!!!!!!

Purple Tweety

thanks for all of the good work from YOU and staff, exp the Mutts, themselves, give the reason to get up and go
and blessing for a good safe and rewarding trip – nice agenda that you have shared with us – and yep, can’t wait for the Guard Dog book – am eager for it’s arrival ..
- from Janie, Hadassah the poodle, Katzrin the Siamezzer, and Enoch the stray cat
that just came and stayed ~

jane H.

I can’t wait to hear what Tom Gammill has to say at Comic Con!

Tom Gammill

I too would love to hear the Walt Kelly presentation. I have all my mom’s Pogo books. Loved those guys as a kid.
Of course I was clueless about the politics.

Louise Glogau

I wish I could get a Guard Dog poster since I pre-ordered the book!

Alyson McNulty

How I wish I could be there!

Lorelei

Would love to hear about the Walt Kelly portion.

Bob Remonte