Show note: After we recorded this show, Emerald City Comicon announced they are cancelling the show originally scheduled to run March 12-15, 2020. Scroll down for more information.

Today’s show is brought to you by Wacom — makers of the versatile Wacom One! With fears of a coronavirus outbreak in Seattle causing scores of cancellations at this week’s Emerald City Comicon, Dave Kellett reaches for his master’s thesis on cartooning during WWII to discuss the role of comics in times of crisis.

Questions asked and topics covered…

• What role do cartoonists play in times of crisis?
• Dave Kellett explains his decision to cancel his appearance at ECCC
• “Sunk cost” bias
• How important is a short story, if all you wanna do is write long?

Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the editor of Webcomics.com Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.

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Emerald City Comicon

ECCC has announced it’s cancelling their show and rescheduling it for the summer. From their press release:

We’re writing today with some updated information on Emerald City Comic Con. After additional internal and external consultation, and based on recommendations from local public health officials, we have made the difficult decision to postpone next week’s event. We recognize that this has been a frustrating and difficult time for all of our customers, but we feel that it is necessary to move the event. The situation is moving quickly and we are working with our partners to find solutions to logistical and operational issues that will arise. We are here to help but ask for your patience as we try to take care of all of you. With that in mind, please make sure to cancel hotels, flights and any other arrangements. All amounts paid for exhibit space or media to date for next week’s ECCC will be credited and can be used as follows:

• Towards participation in ECCC 2020 this Summer;
• Towards participation in ECCC 2021 (March 4 – 7, 2021)
• Towards participation in any other Reedpop event on or before April 1, 2021, subject to availability and acceptance of your application,