November 21, 2011: A Dark Matter sneak peek! My first Dark Matter interview! The Europeans are coming! The Europeans are coming!

A derelict ship floating in space. Its troubled crew awakened from stasis with no memories of who they are or how they got onboard. Their search for answers triggering the vessel's deadly security system, awakening a relentless android bent on their destruction. Facing threats at every turn, they will have to work together to survive a dangerous voyage charged with vengeance, redemption, betrayals, and, ultimately, hidden secrets best left unknown.

My first interview for my upcoming comic SF book series, Dark Matter, is now up at Newsarama.  I discuss the characters, the ship, what led us to develop the concept as a comic book series, and why it's called Dark Matter.  Head on over here (http://www.newsarama.com/comics/dark-matter-dark-horse-interview-111121.html) and check it out.

After checking out this sneak peek at the fist issue…

The comic launches January 11, 2012.  If you don't have access to a local comic store, you can order it online here: http://www.tfaw.com/. They ship overseas!  Thanks to my editor at Dark Horse, Patrick Thorpe, for the heads up.

Finally, at long last, Akemi and I got to play host to Alexander and Sarah, our good friends from (Berlin and) Paris via Toronto.  Meeting them was the best thing about my time in Toronto.  Of course, given my time in Toronto, that aint' sayin' much – but suffice it to say these two never failed to lift my spirits (and, occasionally, stop me from throwing something through a window).

They arrived late, under cover of darkness, and quickly settled in…

I made the mistake of telling Lulu that Alex and Sarah live in Paris. Being a French bulldog, she naturally, jumped at the chance to butter them up and swing a Paris invite.

Photo op ruined by Lulu's well-placed, pointing hind paw supporting all twenty five pounds of her.

Take 2. Much better.

Alexander worships at the Shrine of Dionysius.

Since they were on east coast time, I figured they would be up at the crack of dawn the next morning.  And so, I woke up at the crack of dawn(ish) – 7:00 a.m. – headed downstairs and waited to greet them. Three hours later, they came downstairs, well-rested and rarin' to go.

Bubba makes himself at home - on Alex making himself at home.

Alexander enjoying doggy-time with Lulu.

Following a leisurely morning's lounging, we headed to Refuel for a leisurely lunch – and lounging.

Sarah and Alex - all smiles!

Aint they the cutest?

Alex marvels over the lemon herb risotto.

Following a great meal (I did the pulled pork sandwich!), we headed off to Granville Island to load up on supplies.

Doing the tourist thing.

Among the necessities we picked up were these marzipan animals. Cute. And tasty!

After that, it was back home for some R&R.  Hey, they're on vacation, right?

Lulu checks out Alexander's anti-Apple gadget.

Jelly and Maximus enjoying the company.

Lulu already looking forward to her new place in Paris.

Bubba sleeps through it all.

For dinner, we headed over to Tojo's…

Sarah demonstrates her exceptional chopstick skills.

Hiro!

Dragon!

Sushi!

A deceptively exhausting Day #1.

On tap for Day #2: A grand brunch!  Downtown and about!  Dinner with the rest of the gang!  Doggies!  Jombies!