Recap: Cartoonists Draw Blood 2026

Yesterday the Washington, DC Chapter of National Cartoonists Society (NCS) continued our annual "Cartoonists Draw Blood" blood drive event with the American Red Cross. We have been drawing for blood donors since 2013 and this year was special because we got to do it on the actual Halloween holiday! NCS is represented by John Gallagher, Joe Sutliff, and Carolyn Belefski. Thanks to this year's venue Chinmaya Somnath for hosting the location and everyone who stopped by our fun table. The American Red Cross had a social media volunteer document the event, so when that content is avilable we will share with you. More photos are avilable on my Instagram. If you are in the Washington, DC area and want to host us at your blood drive, please connect with American Red Cross of the National Capital and Greater Chesapeake Region.

Cartoonists Draw Blood 2026 is on Halloween!

Cartoonists Draw Blood -- blood drive with the American Red Cross returns on Halloween -- Saturday, October 31, 2026 from 9AM-1:00PM at Chinmaya Somnath 4350 Blue Spring Drive, Chantilly, VA 20152. 

Blood donors meet local cartoonists and take home a complementary sketch from a Washington, DC National Cartoonists Society member after their appointment.

Creators scheduled to appear: John Gallagher, Joe Sutliff, Carolyn Belefski 

Schedule appointments to donate blood (search zip code 20152): www.redcrossblood.org 

Costumes encouraged, but also keep in mind you should be able to roll up your sleeves.

Eligibility requirements: https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements.html

Come to give and the American Red Cross will say thanks with up to $20 in Gift Cards! You’ll get a $10 Amazon Gift Card by email plus 500 bonus points, redeemable for a $10 e-gift card through Blood Donor Rewards.

Please consider sharing this event notice on the socials -- it's a great way to be thankful and give back this season even if you can't give blood at this time.

Lot Con Fall 2026 is this Sunday!

This Sunday join us at Comic Logic in Loudoun County and check out comic creators, artisan vendors, and enjoy some family-friendly trick-or-treat activities like the costume contest. See you soon in the Ashburn Village parking lot for Lot Con!

Book-or-Treat 2026

BOO-ks! I will return to Book-or-Treat this Friday, October 23 from 5 to 7PM. Start the Halloween fun at McKay Used Books in Manassas, VA by meeting local authors and vendors -- they will have bonus giveaways! 

RSVP to the event and learn more here: https://mckayusedbooks.com/events

New York Comic Con is October 8-11, 2026

The East Coast's largest pop culture convention, New York Comic Con returns October 8-11, 2026 at Javits Center located at 429 11th Avenue. Carolyn Belefski and Joe Carabeo (Curls Studio) will be at Booth #1947 all four days (same location as last year, area with the low ceiling). The location is on show floor level 3. 

We will also have the "This Ink Runs Cold" collaboration book -- Joe Carabeo wrote a story that Scott Morse (former Pixar story artist) illustrated.

We will have the convention exclusive limited edition Curls book and the revised Black Magic Tales 154 page omnibus comic book. We will have several of our hard enamel pins available for purchase. We will debut the Bell Peppers sticker sheet at this show and showcase other sticker sheets and larger individual stickers.

We will bring copies of Magic Bullet #25 comics newspaper. Hope to see you soon in the city that never sleeps!

Show Floor Hours 

Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM 

Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM 

Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM 

Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM 

Baltimore Comic-Con 2026

Visit Curls Studio at Table F1

Friday, September 25 -- 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Saturday, September 26 -- 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday, September 27 -- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Visit Curls Studio at Baltimore Comic-Con at Table F1 in Artist Alley. Click on the map image above to see a large map of where to find us. We have the latest edition of Magic Bullet, issue 25 for the first time published in full-color.

We are celebrating Savage Dragon by Erik Larsen in Baltimore Comic-Con's Yearbook this year. Get your Yearbook signed at Curls Studio at Table F1. The original will be auctioned off during the art auction Saturday at 2:00 PM in Room 339-342. 

Here are some "Curls Studio Visits..." Convention Films, produced by Astray Productions, to get you in the mood!

2008 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFyPIiWnZFA

2007 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDUL8zNv5FQ

As they say: I'll see you in Baltimore!

Small Press Expo 2026

This year's Small Press Expo will be held September 12-13, 2026. Visit Curls Studio at Table W63 near the front entrance at Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center (5701 Marinelli Road Rockville, Maryland 20852). 

Saturday, September 12 -- 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday, September 13 -- NOON - 6:00 PM

The latest issue of Magic Bullet (#25) will debut at SPX in full color -- look for a new Roxy and Dean story in it!