One of the things that comes up in meditation (which I’m going to keep doing so I get exceedingly healthy and happy—even if it kills me) is the importance of feeling grateful. And what better time than Thanksgiving to mention some of the people I’m thankful for.

(Warning: If you’re looking for my usual sarcasm, this probably isn’t the post for you.)

Foremost, of course, I’m grateful for my wonderful wife Shelagh Lustig (if you’re going to have a wife, I strongly recommend having a wonderful one) and our amazing wonderkid Caitie Lustig. I’m not going to list my entire family, but I want to mention my sister Lisa Hernandez who has been there for me too many times and too many ways to mention.

I’m also grateful to my friends. But I’m doubly grateful that among those friends are some talented creators who continue to contribute to Last Kiss: Diego Jourdan Pereira, Mike Pascale, Allen Freeman, Kirsten Wilson and the newest member of the group Tony Isabella.

And I’m especially grateful for you readers. (Some of whom comment on GoComics and Facebook and others like “Fine Jams and Jellies since 1982” and Dave Dell, Rex, PKM and others who comment here—sometimes in ways that are funnier than my comics!)

I’m well aware that most people in the creative community say they’re grateful for their fans. But here’s the truth. Very few of us do this primarily for money. (Which is good because there often isn’t much–particularly in comics.) We do it because we love it and support from readers like you helps us keep going.

So Thanks & Happy Thanksgiving!

Art by Charles Nicholas & Sal Trapani from the story “Good Ole Joe” in FIRST KISS #1, 1957.

 

Transcript:

SCENE: Pilgrim man talking to a Native American woman.

PILGRIM: Thanksgiving? already?!! But I haven’t done my Christmas shopping yet!

NATIVE AMERICAN WOMAN (thinks): Wotta Turkey!

1957 Art: Charles Nicholas & Sal Trapani
Artful Alterations & Highbrow Hats: Mike Pascale
1.6.2.1

↓ Transcript
SCENE: Pilgrim man talking to a Native American woman.

PILGRIM: Thanksgiving? already?!! But I haven’t done my Christmas shopping yet!

NATIVE AMERICAN WOMAN (thinks): Wotta Turkey!

1957 Art: Charles Nicholas & Sal Trapani
Artful Alterations & Highbrow Hats: Mike Pascale
1.6.2.1