In 21 years of exhibiting at Comic-Cons, I’ve never once cancelled on a show. But today, my friends, I have to break that streak. I won’t be at next week’s Emerald City Comicon in Seattle.

This breaks my heart.

I’ve been going to this show every year since 2007. It keeps calling me back. There’s a joy I get from meeting and laughing with you all that carries me through the year.

But here’s the bottom line: I’m an asthmatic whose lungs like to pretend they’re an old, tired basset hound. Sometimes they just lay down and give up (and put me in the hospital). In fact, at the moment I’m still on inhaled steroids from a respiratory soirée my lungs and I had in early February. These are details I wouldn’t normally bother you with, but…you’re owed an explanation for my first-ever cancellation.

Basically, it’s not smart of me to bring my lil’ comorbidity to Seattle at the moment. COVID-19 will get down here to Los Angeles soon enough, and I’m doing my damndest to get my lungs in the best shape they can be before it does.

So! Until I see you again, Seattle friends: Be well, and be safe, and be kind to each other. I will miss seeing your wonderful faces!