We have just returned from the fourth installment of the ever-more-successful New York Comic-Con, and other than freezing our toes off and confirming that the city still makes the best pizza in the world, we are able to make an interesting observation of Dark Horse's (and by extension our entire industry's) place in the uncertain economic times we are all facing in 2009.

It is no secret that we are all feeling the pinch financially. However, we have a strong belief that our market is better able to withstand the vagaries of bad times better than most. Why? Because the material that Dark Horse brings forward, both as publisher and merchandiser, resonates strongly with the people who read and collect it. We are confident that because we only work with creators and properties that mean a lot to us, the projects created will mean a lot to you.

Sometimes we get it right, and sometimes we might miss the mark, but the effort always comes from the heart.

Unlike a lot of industries, we enjoy the ability to meet with our customers face to face at events like New York Comic-Con. This is really valuable for us. Not only does it give us a chance to say thank you, but also to share a sneak peek at forthcoming projects. We were very gratified to see that Umbrella Academy is gaining in popularity, that Buffy remains strong, that Hellboy is now firmly established in the pantheon of comics' greatest heroes . . . and that Eric Powell still hasn't paid his outstanding parking tickets or bar tab, which means that unlike most of the attendees who don a costume to come to the convention, Eric must disguise himself when he leaves the safety of his fans and ventures forth into the city. It is so the cops don't get him.

Attendance at New York Comic-Con hit a new record, with approximately seventy thousand humans and an alien or two passing through Jacob Javits Center over the weekend. I'd guess that most of them visited Dark Horse's stand, which was conveniently located near the front entrance. Most everyone stopped by to take a look or have a chat, and for that we are very grateful. It isn't cheap to attend these things, and with hard times upon us, it was likely a bit of a sacrifice for many attendees. But the strength of the bond between the material and the audience runs strong. We like to think that we help provide the link between them.

I asked our director of publicity, Jeremy Atkins, what he thought about it, and he responded, "Even in the face of economic decline, in the center of the country's financial and media universe, seventy thousand people came together to celebrate (relatively) new and exciting forms of art and design. The crowd was populated by everyone from fanboys in Green Lantern T-shirts to media darlings like Jon Stewart and Kurt Loder--each and every person there hungry to be a part of something exciting."

For me personally it is hard to pick out the highlights, as there are many. An event like this is kind of like being in a kaleidoscope on steroids. It was a thrill to meet Joe Simon, for example. Among Joe's many accomplishments, he is cocreator (with Jack Kirby) of Captain America. Joe is ninety-five years young, and still full of energy. It was interesting to hear Art Spiegelman's lecture on comics, have a chance encounter with top modern artist Ron English, look at Billy Tucci's fabulous original pencils for Sgt. Rock, host a dinner that brought together rising talents Camilla d'Errico and Alberto Ponticelli, brainstorm merchandise ideas tied to our new relaunch of Creepy and Eerie, and much more.

Perhaps the most memorable "Kodak moment" was the sight of Chewbacca hailing a cab on the busy New York street outside the convention center. You just can't rent this stuff on Netflix.

You cannot buy this type of interest, either. Thanks to all of you who made the trek to New York, and thanks to all of you who continue to support our efforts with your hard-earned dough. We do not take you for granted.