I intended to come back and blog immediately on finishing the panel… It’s 2-1/2 hours later now. So it goes.

My lethargy was fairly well dispersed by the crowd at the panel this afternoon. It was loads of fun, and I’m still riding the wave of energy I got from our little talk. It was a lively crowd, interested and willing to laugh at my unintended gaffs, and I’m truly grateful for that. Having the rest of the Del Rey staff to fill in my awkward pauses was also much appreciated.

I’d expected that the biggest reaction to our new announcements would have been to Fairy Tail, given the success of the mangaka’s previous work, Rave Master. And people were excited, to be sure. But the strongest reactions came for two other announcements - Hell Girl and Phoenix Wright. In fact, there was a really strong cheer to Phoenix Wright, which bodes well for its release next spring. Great news for the first manga we purchased from a company - videogame giant Capcom - other than Kodansha.

I really, really enjoy doing panels. So much so that were there an opportunity for me to somehow teach a manga class, I’d love to do it someday. When you get a good group, the energy is fantastic. I walked in there completely exhausted - fifth day in San Diego, fourth day of the con, second day with a head cold - and walked out completely jazzed and upbeat. Like I said, a great crowd.

If I keep at this blogging thing, someday I will tell you stories about my own con experiences that started back in 1985, and how cool it is to be on this side of the microphone.

Ed Chavez: April told me you have a pin with my face on it. I want one. Or at least a picture - you better stop by the booth tomorrow.