That’s right true believers! Stan, The Man, Lee, turned 90 today! The man responsible for creating such long-lasting characters as Spider-Man, The Hulk, Reed Richards, Sue Storm, the ever loving Ben Grimm, Johnny Storm, The X-men, and so many, many more. And so, in appreciation for all of his work, MTV and Stan Lee himself invited a handful of artists to help him celebrate this milestone birthday, by drawing him and some of his characters. And I had the unbelievable honor of being asked to participate, and to include the Peanizles gang in this birthday wish.

So head on over to the MTV website and check out my contribution, and tip of the hat to Stan Lee. And don’t forget to check out the work of Marc Silvestri, Dan Panosian, Camilla D’Errico, Ozzie Martin, Kieth Brown, and Sajad Shah.

Going on thirty years now, Stan Sakai has shown us the epic saga of Miyamoto Usagi, a samurai rabbit, living in the feudal Japan. It has always been a favorite comic book of mine. Perfectly blending cartoon style animals handled with serious emotion and feeling, in the drama that unfolds in each issues 24 pages. IF you’re a comics fan, or a fan of Samurai films you owe it to yourself to search out and find these amazing stories.

In celebration of Usagi Yojimbo’s Thirtieth Anniversary, CAPS (The Comic Artists Professional Society) and Dark Horse Comic’s have gathered together a collection of comic industry professionals to help with the celebration, and pay tribute to Stan’s most beloved creation, Usagi, and in a time of need for Stan and his family. All proceeds from the book will be donated to Stan and his wife, Sharon. As well, as all original artwork will be auctioned off, and proceeds going to Stan and Sharon.

Each artist involved is too bring their unique style and interpret the subject in their own distinct way. Making this book a one of kind treasure for comic, cartoon and art fans alike. Some of the artists and creators involved include: Adam Hughes, Alex Maleev, Arthur Adams, Batton Lash, Brian Michael Bendis, Carlos D’Anda and GAbe El Taeb, Dan Panosian, Dave Gibbons, David Mack, Doug Wheatley, Eric Powell, Geof Darrow, Howard Chaykin, Jeff Smith, Matt Groening Matt Wagner, Michael Allred, Michael Avon Oeming, Michael Golden, Mike Kunkel, Mike Mignola, Richard Corben, Scott Shaw, Sergio Aragones, Tim Sale, Tom Mandrake, Tom Richmond, Walter Simonson, William Stout.

I was humbly amazed when I was invited to be a part of such a milestone event, and to help out one of the comic industry great’s

So, enjoy my little tribute to Stan Sakai, and Usagi Yojimbo, and I can’t wait to see what the next thirty years have in store for my favorite Samurai rabbit.

-Don

In case you missed it, but this Saturday, May 3rd, is Free Comic Book Day.

What does that mean? It means exactly what it sounds like: Free Comic Books!

All across North America, participating comic book shops will be giving away special edition comic books for free, just for stopping by their store. For more information regarding which comic shops are taking part, or to find one in you are just click here: http://www.freecomicbookday.com/storelocator.

And every year I take the whole Peanizles gang with me to a special comic book store. This year I’ll be at Harrison’s Comics in Woburn, Massachusetts. And starting at 10 in the morning I’ll be signing books, drawing original sketches, and giving away a variety of high fives to everybody that stops by.

This year I’m pleased to announce that I’ll also be joined by fellow Hound Comics creator and writerBob Salley, who’s comic book The Salvagers has been quickly becoming a hit with a powerful story that was spawned from the idea of, ” when he thought to himself how much value there would be in salvaging the Star Wars universe. Imperial Destroyers, countless Tie Fighters and X-Wings and of course the priceless ruins of the Death Star… Twice!”

And then at noon, we’ll be joined by Katie Cook, the writer of IDW’s, bestselling comic book, My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic.

So stop whatever you were planning on doing this Saturday, and stop on by!