I’ve been in Japan for the last three weeks on a Top Secret Mission, but I was able to stop by the International Manga Museum in Kyoto. There was apparently also a comics museum in Tokyo, but I ran out of free time trying to find a mystical Harley Davidson location for a friend who wanted a T-shirt. I got lost past Harajuku Street, and got a beer instead. I met a Japanese bartender who grew up in the States, and talked with him for a while.
The Manga Museum was incredible! They had a lot of great history about the influence of Russian and Chinese communist propaganda. They also had an enormous collection – tens of thousands – of books that you could hang out and read for free. Here’s a few shots:
I also found this fine establishment in Pontocho Alley, the Hello Dolly Jazz and Whisky Bar. This was the first time I had Yamazaki Whisky, and I highly recommend it.
I’m back in the States now, and furiously working on a new story while The Core is with my brand new editor. I’m hoping for a release sometime before ComicCon in October. Talk later!
jackrobuck 