Five pages this time -- click the image to start from the beginning of the update.

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I'm back from MoCCA, where I had a really nice time, and had a blast during my very first visit to New York. The Armory was a terrific venue and the quality of the art at the show was astonishing. I was really blown away by all the exhibitors, and came home feeling all inspired to hit the desk and make more comics. I only got to see about half the show, sadly, but I did manage to swap cards and minis with a bunch of new artists I'd never met before, so I'm looking forward to sitting down with my stack of postcards and minis to explore some new comics. I introduced myself to a bunch of artists whose work I admired: Sarah Becan, Evan Dahm, Yuko Ota and Ananth Panagariya, and Aaron Diaz, then hung out and ate fantastic curry with old friends Dirk Tiede, Rich Watson, and Carol Burrell and saw -- though way too briefly! -- Spike Trotman and Neil Kleid. I seriously wish I had a clone (and a million dollars) that I could've sent to walk the floor buying stuff and meeting people. But alas, I had neither. Which means I'll have to go back next year!

I also have to thank Jonathan Lung for pointing me to the best Pho I've ever eaten. Guys, you have no idea how much I miss living around the corner from Dalat in Ypsi, and the food I got at Pho Bang was so good I could hardly stand it. I also finally tried beef tendon, which I have to say is absolutely amazing (sorry vegetarians, but it is), and is now officially a staple in my pho bowls. Forever.

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This week, I'm starting something I hope to continue as often as I can: The Signal Boost of the Week, my chance to let you know about awesome things that friends of mine are doing. Because I have a lot of awesome friends! And they do awesome stuff!

Case in point, the inaugural Boost goes to my buddy Sumana Harihareswara, who's trying her hand at Geeky Standup Comedy. I'm willing to bet that a few of my readers will find a standup routine on everything from Agile to Science Fiction completely awesome, and if any of you are in New York City -- like all of you wonderful folks I met at MoCCA this last weekend -- you can see her on Thursday, April 21st, at 7pm at Seaburn Bookstore, 33-18 Broadway, in Astoria, Queens. Having known Sumana for a couple of years now, I can vouch that she's really sharp and has a great sense of humor. I've seen her destroy convention panels with laughter using only a single spontaneous comment, so I can only imagine how funny a half-hour of her well-honed material will be. Wish I could be there, Sumana! Send video if you take it!