That’s where you’ll find us in the new issue of Previews — page 339! Not exactly sure how “River City” became “a river city” in our blurb, or why our black and white comic isn’t labeled “B+W” like just about every other book on the page… but does any of that really matter? Hell, Silent Devil’s first press release about us had the name of the comic wrong. It’s water under the bridge. What doesn’t kill this comic only makes it stronger. Cart before the horse! Counting chickens!! Cliche!!!

Sorry… just got a little excited there.

My point: Mascots, Furries, and thugs in costumes have been clamoring for proper representation in the comic book world for ages (haven’t they?), and now they have it! Tell a friend. Tell an enemy. Division 18: The Union of Novelty Costumed Performers #1 is ready for order!

AUG07 3960 DIVISION 18 UNION OF COSTUMED PERFORMERS #1 (Of 3)

Instead of an advanced review of our comic, Comic Book Resources has posted the equivalent of an attack ad against us! Their latest edition of Publishing Follies is a precautionary tale against the practice of hiring costumed convention models! How could they?!

We’re disappointed that the Union was not consulted for this article, but we’re not surprised. Though we only skimmed the piece while surfing the Web for porn, we can only assume that it is meant as an attack on our livelihood and is designed to deter convention exhibitors from seeking the services of costumed performers… and, thus, taking money out of our pockets. Therefore, we are outraged.

Outraged!

The author of this piece of so-called journalism, going by the ridiculous pseudonym “Todd Allen,” claims to be some sort of “professor” at a ”Columbia College” in “Chicago” of all places. Ha! This Mr. Allen uses a lot of fancy terminology, like consistency of character and trained actors. Had Mr. Allen interviewed one of our representative, he’d have realized that such lofty ideals have no place in the Union of Novelty Costumed Performers and would have immediately given up his crusade against us.

This is almost as upsetting as that unsanctioned Anthrocon 2007 that we got wind of recently. Friggin Furries.

We know you’ve already ordered several dozen copies of Division 18 #1 (due to stores in October), but are you as excited as we are for Division 18 #2? We won’t even talk about the awesomeness that is going to be Division 18 #3 yet…

Check out the Division 18 page at ComicSpace.com, a neat little networking community for people in and around the comic book industry. It’s like MySpace, but without the spam and pedophiles!

 …well, the spam for sure.

Jen Contino’s interview with Division 18 writer and co-creator, Matt Bergin (ie, me!) is up at The Pulse. Check it out and leave a comment to show your support for the Union.

Now all we need is for me to get busted on a DUI or for Jeremy to flash his vagina to the paparazzi, and this comic will be HUGE! We’re going to make dozens of dollars from this!!!

While some folks like to think the D18 crew is nothing but a bunch of villains, those close to the Union can take comfort in knowing that Division 18 looks out for the people who look out for Division 18.

Take Adam Beranek, one half (with Christian) of the Brothers Beranek, and thus one of the driving forces behind our publisher Silent Devil. But nepotism alone won’t get you into this crew. Adam also satisfies the first rule of UNCP membership by rocking this sweet mascot gear to promote his own Silent Devil graphic novel, Silent Forest! 

These days, Wunderwulf is rich off of the royalties from his comics, and enjoys kicking back with the occasional spirits, crashing a good party, and bumpin furs. Meanwhile, Adam is working on adapting his story Beast of Burden for film.

So hold your head high, Adam, knowing that Snake and the crew will be on call to help you out of any pinch, brass knuckles and baseball bats at the ready. (Sorry, Christian… better dust off that King Arthur gettup.) 

Thanks to The Beat for alerting us to this gross violation of UNCP mandates. Looks like Boss Tony’s gonna have to make a few calls to Division 4 in Atlanta.

We’re within weeks (week?) of the release of issue #1, but let’s take a moment to celebrate another “new release” — Alexa Sky Bergin, heir to one half of the inevitable Division 18 fortune! Only 8 days old and the kid is already trying out for a spot in the Union…

Jeremy is in Italy and we’re still at least one Wednesday away from the release of issue #1. A tired new father has to fill his time somehow, right?

“Who the hell is Matt Bergin?!”

That’s what 90% of readers will be asking when they check out the latest Pro Roundtable at The Pulse, where I answer this month’s pressing question: What is your favorite horror movie of all time?

Click through for my answer (I’m sandwiched between Tom Beland and Ian Carney), but here’s a hint: