Tom Beland’s comic book, True Story, Swear to God is fantastic. I picked up the latest issue at Wondercon 2006 (signed by Tom, awesome) a few weeks ago and have read and re-read it many times. True Story, Swear to God is an autobiographical comic about Tom moving to Puerto Rico to be near Lily, the women he loves; and being a cartoonist.

In the latest issue (#16) Tom attends Wondercon 2001 in Oakland CA (it’s now held in San Francisco.) So many of the experiences in the comic I could relate to: Going to a con for the first time as an exhibitor, meeting one of your artist heroes (both Tom and I like the amazing Jeff Smith (Bone)), the encouragement of a loved one, the feeling of having someone care about your work.

the cover of issue #16 featuring Lily Garcia in cartoon form.
©2006 Tom Beland

One of the best things in this new issue is a guest appearance. Cartoonist Keith Knight (k-chronicles and (th)ink) appears in cartoon form and give us some of the best advice you could have about being an exhibiting artist at a convention. In fact this post was inspired by the fact that Keith is teaching a class I am going to at the CAM on Saturday March 11, 2006. Mr. Knight is someone that I trust when it comes to knowledge of being in the business of cartoons.

In fact Keith Knight helped me take a very big step. And I am sure it is going to sound silly. I was going to comic-con in San Diego for the first time (3+ years ago now) . Keith always recomended to stay in the hostel, but nooooo I was going to stay in a regular hotel. I ended up staying in a horrible place called the Pickwick. If you are going to San-Diego for comic-con, do not stay there unless it has been remodeled up the wazooo. Let’s just say my experience included insects, strange neighbors, a phone bill of call’s I never made, and a big hole in the wall.

So, my second year I asked Keith a bit more about staying at the Hostel. I somehow imagined it as scary a place as the Pickwick hotel. But I did wanted to save money and the location is only 5 blocks from the convention hall. Plus I was told the place would be filled with artist who did not have a lot of money either. So I took a chance and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I met tons of new people and made some art contacts too. I have stayed in the hostel ever since. Keith Knight help me take that step.

Ok, back on topic.

One of the best parts in the new book was where Tom (in comic book form that is) meets some of his comic book heroes. Including Jeff Smith, Gene Ha, and Frank Miller. It was during that same convention (or APE, i forget, any ideas?), portrayed in the book, that I also had a brief encounter with Jeff Smith and his lovely wife. Jeff’s work was being shown at the Cartoon Art Museum in their brand new location (where it is today). I had volunteered to help serve drinks and clean up at the opening. I remember everyone hanging out, and Jeff and wife were so kind and friendly. When I said “maybe I will do a comic,” there was a resounding ‘YES’ from them. That is one reason Beyond the Great Chimney came into being.

In this issue Tom captured that feeling of excitement and thrill that comes with being at a convention. So I will tell everyone to: check out True Story, Swear to God, local (serious) cartoonist to get a chance to talk to Keith Knight, and cartoonist to take the plunge and not just go to a con-but to be a true part of it.

OK, my ramblings are done.

tags: Tom Beland|True Story Swear to God|Jeff Smith|Bone|Comic-Con|Wondercon|APE|Cartoon Art Museum|