Censor Monkey Have No Class: preview

For those unsure about my latest book, below is a lovely preview for it.



That video is the book's entire prologue.

Immediately below are the first three pages of the book when the story actually begins.

So there you have it.  You can order the book online at this link: https://createspace.com/4442899

You can also buy it on Kindle here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FND2VNS

Censor Monkeys Have No Class now available

That's right, my new comic book is finally available to the public.

Right now you can purchase it online at this link: https://createspace.com/4442899

Or you can run (not walk) to your local book store and demand that they carry my book.  Pour gasoline on yourself and threaten to light a match if you have to.  Whatever you do, go out and get it.  Frankly, I need the money.

Party people

Here's some fun party people looking for a good time.

Welcome to the world, Jody

As of September 8, 2013 at 6:45 p.m. Saskatchewan time, another soul has maneuvered his way among the living.  He is my new nephew named Jody Douglas Martin.  (The reason I'm rather late in posting this is because all week I was busy with my all too demanding job as well as finalizing my latest comic book).
He's named after our cousin Jody whose life was tragically cut short when he was only 21 years old.  He was part of a construction crew working on the highway when a big semi truck (whose driver was undoubtedly asleep) was just not being careful.  Needless to say we all miss him terribly.  My sister was roughly the same age as Jody so they were very good friends.  Her naming her first born child after him will most definitely help preserve his memory.

As a welcoming gift, I have very quickly scribbled down this little drawing for him.  Although I don't think his little baby eyes can make out shapes just yet, I hope he enjoys it anyway.

So there's that.

Ok, world.  Like I said, my new nephew is here.  It is now up to you to make sure that there are enough finances and resources for little Jody to live a nice comfortable life.  Let's all see to it that he grows up in a very positive environment so that he can become someone very very cool.  All greedy corporate fat cats should definitely stop grafting money away from the people just to pad their own savings.  Really, Donald Trump can go at least one day with out eating a solid gold omelette.

No I can't.

OK!  So Trump is being an unmovable knob on this.  But the rest of you out there with too much disposable income should absolutely help give Jody a fighting chance in this world (and any other babies too if there's time).

And for those of you seeing this post and asking, "who's that crazy man in the picture yelling at the baby?"  Well, that is just my attempt at drawing that legendary rock 'n' roller The Big Bopper.  Like I said up top, I drew this very quickly.  So, below is a clip of Mr. Bopper in all his glory.  Enjoy!

Datz Sho Bizniss

There's a movie about the life and trial of Lizzie Borden in the works.  Miss Lizzie will be played by Christina Ricci.  Much of the footage was shot here in Halifax and a few surrounding areas.  They even just finished shooting the last bit of scenes in Windsor just recently.  Very thankfully, I was lucky enough to have been chosen to play an extra in several scenes in this movie.  I was a gallery member in many scenes during the big trial.  I was a churchgoer that attended the same church as the Borden family (before and after the murders).  And lastly I was a nosy neighbour trying to catch a glimpse of the dead bodies in the Borden house followed by my portrayal of someone who watched the caskets being taken to the cemetery on a horse drawn carriage.  And I can honestly say that I performed each of those rolls with the ability of................ well let's just say I performed them.
Sadly, at this time, I'm very limited in what I can post about it up here for now.  I can't even show anyone what I looked like in my various costumes I had to wear.  We were definitely not allowed to take pictures while on the set.  So I guess all there is for me to do is to relay my own personal experience in being a part of this project without giving too much away.  So here it goes:

First off, I will just say that acting in movies is very fun but it is definitely not as easy as you might think.  For one thing, we had to repeat our performances 5 times or more.  Not always because our performances were bad either, but mostly because the director wanted to shoot the same thing from different angles.  Some of the less patient people on the set found that annoying and exhausting.
Of course, sometimes it was more exhausting to not be working.  There were days when most of our time was spent just standing around waiting for something to do.  But that was fine with us because we were still getting paid money to stand around anyway.  Basically we the extras were the equivalent of any bits of studio equipment they had lying around in big trucks that they were renting per day.  The main difference being of course is that we were much less expensive to replace if we got broken.

But I think everyone who's ever worked on a production has experienced that.  That's common for every movie, tv show, commercial, porn, etc. ever recorded on film.   I should talk about things that are unique only to this movie set.

I guess I should start with the main star Miss Christina Ricci herself.  I'm sure some of you reading this would like to me to dish out some dirt on her and possibly expose any undesirable traits that she's managed to keep hidden for so long.  Well, sorry to disappoint all of you out there who thrive on the misery of famous people, but I have no dirt on her for you.  That's because I saw no dirt.  It was always a pleasure to watch Christina work.  She is a consummate professional.  She shows up on set, does her job, and does it well.  There is not one ounce of diva bullshit in her.  Hell, some of the minimum wage slobs being extras displayed more bratty diva-like attitudes than anybody.  I even overheard one of them say "watch me pull a Mariah Carey".
There was one point between takes that Christina Ricci even displayed a very down to earth human side.  While shooting in Lunenberg, one citizen wandered onto the set accidentally while walking her dog.  At that point, Christina broke away from her station and went over to actually pet that dog.  That is definitely something I never thought I'd see.
No, I did not get to interact with her in any of the scenes, although I did almost knock her down once.  DOH!  My bad.  It's a good thing I was paying attention and stopped myself before that happened.  It's probably just as well that we didn't interact in any scenes because I think she considered me to be weird and creepy.  She's not entirely wrong.  She's not the first to come to that conclusion and she won't be the last.
Although, to be fair, I do think she held a similar attitude for all the extras.  I don't think she was too happy with all of us being recruited through Kijiji (I found out about this through Facebook myself).  All the while she was probably thinking "who or what lurks among those people?"  Some of the other actors felt this way as well I'm sure.  Fortunately for her most of us were well behaved.
I'm a little disappointed that she feels that way, but I definitely do respect her as an actress and as a professional.  I do think that she is destined to win an Irving Thalburg Lifetime Achievement Oscar and when she does I will be applauding quite loudly.

Below is a picture of her I quickly scribbled.  I was hoping to get it autographed by her but the opportunity never presented itself.  Oh well, here it is in all it's.............. majesty?

So that's that.  Oh, I should also give a special shout out to the director of this film, Nick Gomez.  He ran a very slick and well organized production.  The way his crew took down and set up equipment from one spot to another in record time was reminiscent of NASCAR pit crews.  But besides that, Nick himself seemed to have pretty much every detail of the movie figured out so all he had to do on set was orchestrate everything like a good symphony conductor.  I've read that Alfred Hitchcock liked to put 90% of his attention for his movies into the preproduction planning stage so that all the shooting and the editing would just fall in to place.  I have a feeling that Nick Gomez works in a similar way.  And, as if all of that weren't enough, he's got the task of looking at the footage with me in it over and over again.  If he makes it through that ordeal without peeling his scalp off then he should get some kind of award for that alone.

All in all, I would say that the entire thing was a very positive experience.  I learned alot about the art of making movies, I met some nice people, and I made some nice money.  I absolutely need to make lots and lots of that nice money right now.

Speaking of nice people.  One of them that I met on the set was James Vincent Walsh.  He is an artist who was brought in to do all the courtroom art during the trial scenes.  He draws court room scenes for a living as well.  You can see his work all the time on the local Halifax 6 o' clock news.  You can view his work on his website here.

Another person I met was a man named Gary Fontaine who has made his own film called Wendy and Wanda.  The trailer is embedded below.  It looks like it could be fun.

Well I guess that's about all I can say for now.  If anyone else who was on any of the various movie sets for this film, please chime in and share your experience.  I'm sure all of our observations combined could reveal the full picture of that entire movie shoot.

I'll end this blog with one of Christina Ricci's earliest performances.  She herself either might still be proud of this or would like to forget it ever happened.  But, if you can withstand Cher warbling through  a golden oldie (I can't) then you will enjoy the video below.

See you at the movies!!!

Valentines that might have been

Recently, I got involved with a project of sorts spearheaded by Tex Avery's daughter Nancy.  She was talking with Hallmark in the UK about releasing some Tex Avery inspired Valentines.  Sadly that deal went through.  But, just so all that hard work didn't go to waste, here are the Valentines cards I made:

I hope you found those enjoyable.  I certainly enjoyed making them and I wish I had the opportunity to make more.  If anyone out there does decide to create a line of Tex Avery inspired Valentines cards (or any other holiday that comes to mind) please include me.  I could use the money now more than ever.

Incidentally, if you're not sure where those characters in that last Valentine came from then watch the cartoon below and wonder no more:

Boiling Spaghetti Sauce

Here is some rough animation of the bubbles in boiling spaghetti sauce.  I think it turned out alright.  What do you think?

boiling_animation by Daffyduckandthedinosaur

A paper anniversary

This is a special (OMG) 10th anniversary celebration of the creation of my student film Hansel und Gretel: Sie Sind Innen Hasslich.  It was first shown at the graduation ceremony of my animation school around about 10 years ago today.  Since then it's been shown at a few other venues like:


The Empire Film Festival in New York

...in 2003, not 2009.

The Stuttgart International Trickfilm Festival in Stuttgart, Germany

The Eat My Shorts Film Festival at Just For Laughs in Montreal

The Yorkton Film Festival in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada (yes that place exists)

And it was featured on a CBC program called ZED.

This show featured independent short film both on TV and the internet before it was pretty much killed by Youtube.

CBC made another attempt at something like this with a show called Exposure.  My Hansel and Gretel film was on there too.

The show was much like ZED except there was a contest involved.  Sadly, my Hasnel and Gretel film was just a few votes shy of being in the running to even be considered.  But a fellow graduate of my school Kelly Morrison actually DID make it into the running with her animated opus Beatless Nick.



In those 10 years, my film has had a rather bi-polar range of reviews about it.  The response was either "THIS FILM COMPLETELY ROCKS!!!!!" all the way to "THIS IS A DISGUSTING PROMOTION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN!!!!!"  There were hardly any opinions in the middle of the road at all.  I'm guessing that to mean that I've done good.

Here's hoping I get a chance to make another film sometime within the next 10 years.  Who knows what the reactions will be then.

It's a matter of humour and DEATH!

The Hap-Hap-Happy Happenstance of Fanny Punongtiti - watch more funny videos      

As you can see, The Hap-Hap-Happy Happenstance of Fanny Punongtiti is now on the Funny or Die website.  Please go to that site and vote for this video.  If you don't, this guy with find you and punch you................. in the mouth!

Do you want to see how my next book is coming along?

Here's a rough panel from it.  I can't wait until it's finally done!

Guitar art

Recently my cousin asked me to put some art work onto a piece of his guitar.  Spoiler alert: I said yes.  Immediately below is the first preliminary sketch I made.

Sorry for the blurriness of this picture.  I took it with my iPhone.  Anyway, I showed that to my cousin and he approved of it.  So I went ahead and finished it off.  Here it is: 

I'm sure that will enhance his musical presence.

Speaking of which, I should give his band a shameless plug.  It is called Have (pronounced Ha-vey).  I tried to find some footage of them playing but with no such luck.  So you'll have to take my word for it that they completely and thoroughly rock the joint.  The best I can do right now is post one of their album covers:

I do have a photo of them performing:

If people could hear photographs, then they would know that we are completely and thoroughly rocking this joint.

It would be a good idea to post a link to their Facebook page right here too.  Go there and give that page 500 million likes.

Drawn ducks

Recently, a very very very VERY VERY VERY close and dear friend of mine named Janet Alaan gave me a drawing challenge.  She asked me to draw a duck with just one stroke.  Challenge accepted!!!  The result is the picture below.  You tell me how I did.

After that I was still feeling creative.  So, I also drew a duck HAVING a stroke.  Poor guy.

Should I issue an apology to any real stroke victims, ducks or otherwise?  NAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!

Add: here's Janet's drawing of a duck done in one stroke, with wings even.  (Although I think the eye makes it 2 strokes).

She's an artist too.  If you know Janet Alaan, let her know you've seen this.

A good Christmas idea

Well, the holidays are nearly upon us.  The infamous "cyber monday" is approaching.  I would like to suggest a copy of my book Jesus Needs Help as a stocking stuffer.  Are you're worried about your finances in this rough global economy, so am I.  Therefore, I have an arrangement that should satisfy both of us.  Order Jesus Needs Help from this address: www.createspace.com/3491765 and type in this discount code: 737LEV5X

It will give you a 50% discount on my book.  That should make things easier for you to put it in many people's stockings.  Plus it would give me a nice financial book this holiday season which is definitely something I need right now.

Ok then.  Merry Holidays and Happy Christmas.  Something like that.

Hal Con 2

As of 6:00 p.m. on October 28, Hal Con 2012 is now a piece of history that I am proud to have been a part of.  I blogged about my experience at Hal Con last year.  This year was just as exciting, memorable and profitable.  I sold so many books that at the end I only had one left.  Thanks to all who stopped by my table and made a purchase.

You can see my display table on the left over there.  That poster I have that reads "IF THIS BOOK ACTUALLY CONVERTS YOU TO CHRISTIANITY YOU GET A FULL REFUND (baptismal certificate required)" got just as much of a positive response as it did last year.  That poster was a good idea.  Of course, it only works on people with an intelligent and well-developed sense of humour, which leaves out flea markets.

I'd also like to give a nice big thanks to anyone who took a free copy of my mini comic The Hap-Hap-Happy Happenstance of Fanny Punongtiti and showed it around to everyone.  Any publicity helps.

Speaking of which, no I was NOT asked to leave this convention at any time just like I talked about at the Zine Fair the week before.  In fact, I received absolutely no complaints about the contents whatsoever.  Most people either said "this is awesome" or "this is hilarious".  Comic Con people are good people.  The only complaint I got (if you can even call it that) was when one guy looked at my Jesus Needs Help comic and remarked, "$7.50 for that???"  I think the common credo is there's no haggling at Hal Con.  That's true no matter what this guy says:

Of course, besides the comics and other various merchandise to buy, the other main attraction of comic cons is people's costumes.  I certainly saw plenty of those, of all various kinds.  I couldn't get around to see much because I had to stay at my table the whole time.  I was table 17 in the Artist's Alley over flow:

But, from my little space of the convention, I took as many pictures of people's costumes as I could.  Looking at all of them, I came to notice that girls' costumes tend to fall into 3 categories:

1. Sexy

2. Dorky and proud of it

3. Think they're sexy but they're not.

Of course, #2 easy overlaps into either #1 or #3.  You can look through the pictures below and decide for yourselves which category each costume falls into.  I couldn't quite pinpoint the categories of costumes that guy's wear.  I'm sure it's somewhat similar but not quite.  Maybe some members of the female gender reading this could offer any observations from their perspective.  That would be most helpful.  (Please forgive me if I don't give the right name to some of the costumes.  Not all of them are as familiar to me as should be I'm sure.  Keep that in mind as you scroll through this.)  Anyway, let the costume parade begin:

Day 1: Friday

Did you know that Liberace had a secret affair with an elf sometime in the 1980's before he died?  Here's proof of that.

The girl's costume is pretty clever.  She's one of the 'red shirts' who gets killed on Start Trek and has arisen as a zombie. The other two guys are Mario.  That's-a fine.

Here's 3 neat costumes.  That one guy is covering his face so noone will know he was ever here.  Smart guy.

And now for some colourful girls.  The one in the middle seems really impressed with my work.   Maybe she's uncomfortable with the Feminist Monkey holding up the little boy by his penis.  She didn't say.

This guy told me that I was the 500th person to take his picture at that Con.  I asked what my prize was for that.  he didn't have an answer.  I feel ripped off.

Here we have Boba Fete and someone else who worked on the Death Star.  At first I thought maybe Boba was sent to Hal Con by the person who had me kicked out of Zine Fair and that he was there to finish the job.  Thankfully it was just a costume and the good people at Hal Con have strict rules about bringing in weapons that really fire projectiles (even water is a nono).  Whew!  I live another day.

This is a girl with cat ears.  I saw alot of girls with cat ears here.  What is it with girls and cat ears?  Well, there's an obvious crude answer but I don't think I need to print it here.  Anyway, meow!

Here's a nice couple who looks like they come from the magical world of magic.  They didn't know any cards tricks though.  What a gyp.

Here's a cool looking couple who look like they're from a futuristic motorcycle gang.  Very neat.

And now for a dapper couple.  Both look like they could kick ass in most  hand-to-hand combat.  With people like this around it almost makes the event security seem redundant.

I'm not entirely sure who or what this couple was supposed to be.  But, they looked rather handsome.

Here's a sweet little geisha girl.  She didn't walk on my back or give me a sponge bath or anything.  I WANT MY MONEY BACK!!!  Oh wait, I didn't pay her anything.  Nevermind.

Wait, I think I know this costume.  She's a nudist with injured genitals and he's her physiotherapist.  Now THAT'S a clever costume.

The girl in the middle is Loki, I believe.  The other two are.............. something purple.  Along with cat ears, alot of girls wore purple things too.  I found that an odd coincidence.  You'll certainly see more of what I mean later on in this post. 

Uh oh!  The grim reaper came for me at Hal Con this year.  He appeared to me in girl form thinking I'd be more tempted to follow him into the afterlife.  But, I looked him square in the face, pounded my fist on the table and said, "It's not my time yet."  Then he created a puff of smoke and disappeared................ for now.

Here's somebody with orange pants and a gun.  FABULOOOOOOOOOOOOOUS!!!!!

Harlequin took time out of her busy schedule of trying to kill Batman to visit my table.  That was nice of her.

Good ol' Thomas Jefferson appeared before me at the Con this year.  I asked him what he thinks about the Tea Party in America misinterpreting his Declaration of Independence.  He just said, "Dude!  I'm here to buy comic books, not talk politics."  Good for you, sir.  Everyone needs to just relax sometimes.

Ooooooh yeah!  This lovely feminine creature.  MMMMMM!  What a fox.  Curves in all the right places.  I can't help but he hypnotized.  I hope all of our children look like her.  My heart and loins are just aching.  Of course, the absolute sexiest part of this beguiling siren is that very noticeable lump in her throat. I invited her over for a nice intimate swaree which will happen a few days from now.   I hope I don't get any unpleasant surprises.  

Some of these guys are members of the Men in Black (I think).  The Mickey Mouse looking dude is holding up my Fanny Punongtiti book.  I hope he enjoyed it.

Here's a minute lady.  If the British red coats had invaded the Con, she was ready.

Here's mommy and baby Pickachu.  Everyone saw AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!

One girl flashes a peace sign while the other looks on in bemusement.

The girl is Pickachu and the guy is a scary looking rabbit.  He'll get some Trix cereal for sure.

Remember what I said before about girls in purple?  Here's another one in purple.  What's that about?

Here's another purple girl.  Oh well, let your purple freak flags fly, ladies.

Next we have a female Robin Hood and some kind of cat-faced girl.  They rob the rich of their catnip and give it to......... somebody.  I don't think they had their plans quite worked out fully.

Here we have Thor and Loki.  Bitter enemies in the movie and in the comics.  But here they were the best of friends.  However, if these two ever like the same guy, it's on, bitch!!  (I wasn't that guy sadly).

This is a lady dressed in yellow.  However, my camera makes it look like a dingy pink.  Sorry, yellow lady, whoever you are.

Also, on Friday, a man stopped by my table promoting his heavy metal band.  It's called Skipp Purgatory.  I do believe he even bought a copy my book Jesus Needs Help thinking that it would go good with his band's atmosphere.  And it does.  You can check them out online right here.  True to their word, they rock!

Day #2: Saturday

3 elven girls for 3 eligible elven guys.  Unless these girls like to "party with themselves".  If so, can we watch?

Here's 3 girls in 3 costumes.  Very lovely.  By the way, that costume behind them is not a Klansman with a piece of poo on its head.  That person is dressed like a banana.  I thought it was a clever idea too.

Ah!  Young Anakin Skywalker and Han Solo.  This is what they would look like if they shared an apartment together.

Here's a couple dressed like an astronaut of some sort and the Mad Hatter.  A very merry unbirthday to us all.

Both Bain and Cat Woman made a stop at my table.  Batman came along and tried to beat them up.  But, I took off his utility belt and used all the gadgets I found in there against him.  After Batman was defeated, they both thanked me.  Then Bain placed some cool looking device with blinking lights that made a beeping noise.  "Watch what happens to this place in a few days," he said and then he and Cat Woman walked away.  I hope that device does something fun.

Beat on the brat!  Beat on the brat!  Beat on the brat with a baseball bat!  Oh yeah!

Beer axes!  Dude knows how to chop up the party.

I asked this lady if she was dressed up as the main character in Pixar's movie Brave.  She said no.  It's too bad.  she's got the red hair and everything.

Here's Captain America all beat up and covered in blood.  I think that political statement pretty much speaks for itself.

Here's some furry kitty cats.  Graciously, the WTCC put some sand boxes in all the bathrooms just for them.  That was a nice gesture I thought.

This guy had a really cool looking Chinese suit on.  He looked like he could be any villain from any Bruce Lee movie.  I bow.

STOP!  Hammer time!

Here's a cute couple.  The guy has very sharp things all over his shoulders and chest.  If anyone needs a drill bit, he's ready.

One girl is an elven warrior and the other is a fighting robot.  Very nice.

The guy had a hard time reading my book because of his eye piece.  The girl I believe is the lady villain from the show Reboot, Hexadecimal.

She was some kind of ghost in a squiggley black leotard.  I'll need help with this one.

Here's a girl with a melty face.  The lesson for today, kids, is don't stare too close at your microwave when reheating a burrito. 

Death came for me again once again disguised as a girl.  This time she brought her secretary along.  They both kept pointing to a list insisting that my name was on it.  I told her what she and her secretary can do with that sickle.  The creepy part is, they actually did it.  Right in front of everybody too.  I was both disgusted and mesmerized at the same time.  I hope death comes for me in this form again when it really is my time to go.

Here's a guy with a hammer and a girl dressed in leather.  I'll bet their Saturday night was fun.

This is lady Thor, Star Trek girl, and a guy with marionettes.  This Con has everything.

Gee, that's one horney smurf.  HA!

Here's a 19th century lady with an elf and Super Girl.  Girls from opposing universes all getting along.  That's what Comic Cons are all about.

Luigi saves the Princess.  And yet, in the game, Mario still gets the booty call.  Life is unfair.

Here's another girl dressed like a mad hatter.  Either that or Tom Petty.

Here's a girl dressed like a mouse.  She should be careful of all the girls dressed like cats.

Here's my good friend Nicole dressed like a character from Diablo 3.  She has said that people always asked her where she bought her corset.  The thing is, she's not wearing one.  So that's a nice boost to the ego I'd say.

Now here's a girl in a clever costume holding up a peace sign.  Either that or Winston Churchill's victory sign.  Both hand gestures would make Hitler shit bricks so it's all good.

Here's a nice girl with pink hair.  As I recall, she couldn't decide if she was offended by my comic or not.  I hope she's made a decision by now.

This girl is dressed like Poison Ivy.  Strangely enough, I didn't get itchy around her.  She must have been clean.

Here's a guy dressed as a red ninja trying to influence me with his cleavage.  Dude, it's not working.

Here's a girl with a costume full of ruffles.  She might be some saloon prostitute from a steam punk comic.  She's definitely not one in real life no matter how many 50 dollar bills you offer her.  Plus she's got powerful knees so watch out everybody.

There's that scary rabbit again.  This time he's with an Egyptian.  Mr Pharoh, just give him all the Trix cereal he asks for.  There's no telling what he might do if that doesn't happen.

Ah ha!  Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.  But they couldn't solve the case of who tickled my bum on Friday night.  Maybe that's because they didn't want to.  Dusting my ass for prints just didn't appeal to them somehow.

Well well!  Beam me up, Scotty.  (And then run along like a good lad).

Here's a cool looking steam punk guy.  I'm sure even his cel phone is run by tiny ants shovelling coal all the time. 

The girl is Totoro and the guy is the main character from Adventure Time I believe.  What a cute couple they make.

Speaking of cute couples, my good friend and fellow artist Stephanie had a table just 5 spots down from me.  You can see her art on her blog right here.  Go there and give her some traffic.  Leave a comment or two even.  She shared that table with her good friend Tony who also has a blog full of art work looking at over here.  Here they are as they looked selling their wares at Hal Con:

And for just 2 dollars, I purchased this great art piece from Stephanie. 

It's a drawing of Poison Ivy doing some kind of jazzy dance.  She autographed it even.  Thank you to everyone who went to their table and bought something.

Day #3: Sunday

Here we have 2 girls just hanging out and being cool.  Life is a sweet fruit.

Attention everyone!  There are 4 people in this picture.  I repeat, there are exactly 4 people.  The little girl insisted that her doll be counted as a person.  Not being one to discriminate, I said ok.  So there you have it.  It's a picture with exactly 4 people.  The entire universe can sleep good tonight knowing that.

These guys are dressed like characters from a rather obscure movie called 9 which starred googley eyed creatures who looked like they were made out of potato sacks. 

She had an interesting black dress on.  She must be from Doctor Who because she has an electronic wand thingy like he has. 

Meet the Blonde Assassin!  If you need someone taken out, she's your girl.  She lurks about in the darkness and strikes without warning.  She does a clean thorough job and leaves no trace.  No man can tame her.  No woman either.  Not even a hoard of rabid wolverines throwing chainsaws around would even make her break a sweat.  She's the Blonde Assassin!  When you hire her, make sure she is completely 100% on your side.  If not, the results could be DEADLY! 

Here's another girl with cat ears.  I have no idea what the other girl is supposed to be (some kind of floppy haired killer bee I guess).

There was a combat demo at 3:15 that day and I missed it.

Here we have Mr. and Mrs. Joker both plotting their nefarious schemes.  Whoopie cushions at the front desk maybe?  Who knows.

These were some interesting costumes.  I'm not sure what they were though.  The girl looks like a ninja of some sort and the guy looks like a starving Renaissance painter.  What an interesting pair they make.

During the very brief period I got to wander about I spotted a dalek.    This will excite my nephew very much.

Speaking of daleks, here's somebody dressed as the original Dr. Who.

Uh oh!  Girls with guns.  Sexy but deadly.  Duck and cover, everybody.

Hey hey!  The Hal Con mascot stopped by to say hello to everyone.  He's designed to look like the clock tower on Brunswick street.  But really, only the pinchy claws are accurate.

Here's a joker trying to cut his face.  That or he's taking extreme measure just to pop a pimple.  Either way it's pretty psychotic.

Here's a little girl with a mask.  Although I don't think it was make up.  Her father is a racoon and her mother is an eccentric lady with a fetish for............. nobody talks about that family. 

The girl is pickachu and the guy is a hippy in a pancho.  I think he's still hiding up here in Canada so that he won't have to fight in Viet Nam.

Here's a guy proudly wearing a pink box with a happy face.  Does this impress the ladies?  You bet.

Another girl with pink hair.  Besides the purple and the cat ears, alot of girls also had pink hair too.

Either he's a psychotic killer or he's a very dedicated athlete ready to play any game anywhere.

Captain to bridge!  Captain to bridge!  Can you hear me?  Come oooooooooooon!  Answer me bridge!  Bridge!  Hello! Bridgebridgebridgebridgebridgebridgebridge.... (bridge):WHAT??!!!

Hi

And here's another Star Trek lady.  Is that a tribble in my pants?

Now this guy had a very excellent costume.  He did not move around with his legs at all.  He used a wheeled chair that was powered by a very silent motor.  It was very smooth.  I'm sure he did quite well in the costume contest.

Here we have another Doctor Who costume and a girl in a very well crafted stone angel costume.

And now here's a girl with a crazy looking eye.  It's staring right at you.  You can't look away.  It looks right into your soul and laughs heartily at it.  What a mean eye.

Well, that's all of the costumes I managed to photograph while I was there.  There were many others worth a look.  if you want to see these and more, you'll have to come next year.

Oh, before I end this post, I'd like to promote some of the businesses whose cards I obtained at the Con.

I sat beside the Brass Anchor and managed to get one of their cards.  If you're in Halifax and you want a tattoo done, go to their business.  They'll do good work for you.  I also sat beside ChiZine Publications.  They didn't have any cards to give out so I'll have to post a link to their website.

Chozen Studios.  They will rock your world with their greatness.

Apparently, the Darkside Expo had fallen onto some rough times due to reasons beyond anyone's control.  But, they are now up and running again.  So, definitely check them out.

And also, I bought a wonder book called Kill Shakespeare.  

It's a graphic novel inwhich various artists and writers take many of Shakespeare's plays and put their own creative spin on them.  It's a very inspired concept really.  I had the good fortune of sitting beside their table at the Montreal Comic Con last year.  One of the guys even autographed it for me when I bought it.  Check it out:

So that's cool.  Anyway, I had a very fun time selling my book at Hal Con this year and I look forward to selling my next book at Hal Con 2013.  See you there.