I’m still running late on the joyful stuff, but I’m hoping to be caught up by the time my garage sales launch in June. I’ll have more information on those sales and other appearances/events soon. In the meantime, with apologies for these continued delays and my general lack of blogging in recent months, let’s get right to the happy stuff.
April 1: This Godzilla TUBBZ (Giant XL Edition) was a gift from two of my dearest friends. I’d never heard of these “cosplaying collectible ducks” before this. I love it and it’ll have a place of honor in my office.
April 2: DC Pride: The Heart Wants. I’m over the moon thrilled my autobiographical “Master Planner: is in this wondrous volume. With a back cover mention and my correct Black Lightning credit. DC scored major points with me here.
April 3: Globetrotters: Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland’s World Tour by Julian Voloj & Julie Rocheleau. Bly has long been a hero of mine, but until this book, I never knew she had a rival on her Verne-inspired trip. An amazing story of exceptional women. Highly recommended.
April 4: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is arguably the best late-night talk show of all time. I’m going to miss Antichrist Superstar, The Pope’s Diss Track and the other brilliant shorts that open each show. They are works of satirical art.
April 5: Yesterday was the second anniversary of my starting HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) as part of my transition. Then and now, the treatment brings me significant trans joy on my journey to me. I love science.
April 6: Wheel of Fortune is running "Spring Forward" games and giveaways, a four-week special event. It allows daily winners to return the next day as long as they keep winning. I’m a fan of this format and hope it continues beyond the event.
April 7: Rooster. Barb and I watched the debut of the HBO series starring Steve Carell as a thriller novelist and Charlie Clive as his college professor daughter. It’s more than a little out there, but we enjoyed it and will continue watching.
April 8. Rooster. John C. McGinley is hilarious as Walter Mann, the president of the show’s Ludlow College. His every scene is a master class in quirky comedy. When he talked of releasing the brown fat, I laughed so hard I got hiccups. 4-8-26.
April 9: Tini Howard. The comics writer was a contestant on the April 17 episode of Jeopardy, going up against the juggernaut who is Jamie Ding. She came in third but acquitted herself well. I need to read her work.
April 10: Live with Kelly and Mark. Barb and I like to watch the “Stump Mark” segment. Players give Mark one true and one false statement. He has to pick the true one. On a recent episode, the true one was the player had a comic signed by Stan Lee.
April 11: I had an amazing night out with LGBTQ+ friends. Though circumstances made it necessary for me to present in boy mode, I was correctly gendered everywhere we went. That means the world to someone like me.
April 12: The Bourbon Street Barrel Room. Located in Cleveland’s historic Tremont neighborhood, it features authentic New Orleans cuisine in a fun setting. I had a delicious Canal Street Chicken Wrap, Gator Bites (more breading than gator), at least one Lemon Drop and a Mardi Gras Grenade Don’t judge me.
April 13: Mitchell’s Ice Cream. The main store and kitchen is in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood. I had a scoop of the White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle and it was among the best ice cream I’ve ever had.
April 14: The Atlas Creator Collection No. 3: Bill Everett: “One Head Too Many” and Other Stories. The best team-up in comics is between Fantagraphics and Marvel. Handsome volumes reprinting so many amazing tales by so many incredible creators.
April 15: The W. Cleveland’s first and only women’s sports bar. It’s a clean neighborhood bar where everyone is welcome. I had a Root for Women, their signature drink. It’s bourbon, root beer, a dash of orange bitters. Quite tasty.
ADDENDUM: Sadly, the W has closed. Its owners says it’ll reopen in a new location closer to the action. They have not announced a date or location for the reopening.
April 16: Asumi-chan is Interested in Lesbian Brothels Volume 1 by Kuro Itsuki. An awkward college student is trying to reunite with her first love. This manga is fun and heart-warming with erotic scenes that are sexy and sweet. Recommended for mature readers.
April 17: DC Finest: Western: The Hangman Never Loses. This one makes me happy even before I start reading it. Nearly 600 pages of frontier thrills featuring favorites like Tomahawk, El Diablo and more. Classic tales, writers and artists. 4-17-26.
April 18: My cure for anger or depression is writing. One of my latest works is a pitch for a series (comics or TV) combining cool characters, drama, humor, suspense and even some adventure. Interested publishers should contact me.
April 19: The (Medina) Gazette ran my letter on immigration and ICE. As I do with all my current work, I signed it “Jenny Blake Isabella.” Here’s that letter:
I’m 74 years old and have lived in Medina for over forty years. I love our charming city, especially because it has shown it can move forward without losing that charm. That is a rare precious quality.
There are two things Medina doesn’t need. It doesn’t need to be a sanctuary city and it most definitely doesn’t need to have an ICE presence, much less welcome that presence.
If Medina has any immigrant problem, it’s that we clearly don’t have enough immigrants to fill all those jobs we see advertised on street signs and elsewhere. Our country was built on willing immigrants to our nation and slaves kidnapped and brought here against their will. Both of these groups have made innumerable contributions to the United States and our lives would be poorer without their genius and hard work. Sadly, the historical truth of those who came here, willingly or unwilling, are downplayed by too many. Indeed, some seek to erase that history.
As for ICE, why would anyone who has witnessed its brutal, cruel and lawless conduct elsewhere want to bring that madness to our city? In its present form, ICE should not be welcome anywhere in the United States.
If our council needs to enact any legislation concerning ICE, it should be to require them to follow the same high standards as our terrific Medina police force. No masks. Wearing name tags. No seizures without real judicial authorization. No absurd shows of force to intimidate people. Being held accountable when they break the law. What is proper for our police force should be the standard for any law enforcement that comes to our city.
April 20: Riva the Neuriva commercial elephant, voiced by Tamara Joel. Am I the only viewer who thinks she’s kind of hot? Don’t judge me.
April 21: Alter Ego. Roy Thomas’ magnificent magazine of comics history is closing in on issue #200. I haven’t read every page of every issue but what I’ve read has educated and entertained me. Someday I will read/reread them all cover to cover.
April 22: The Daily Show. Comedian Mo Amer absolutely killed his “In My Opinion” segment with a brutal yet hilarious takedown of Islamophobia. Look for it on YouTube. I plan to watch whatever comedy specials he has online.
April 23: Enemy of my Enemy: A Daredevil Marvel Crime Novel by Alex Segura. The Kingpin has been murdered and a troubled Matt Murdock is defending accused killer Frank Castle. An intriguing mix of genres with plenty of guest stars and twists. I enjoyed it and recommend it to you.
April 24: Mad Cave’s The Phantom #1-5 by Ray Fawkes and Russell Olsen got off to a shaky start, but it steadily improved to give readers an exciting story filled with grit and delivered a most satisfying ending. I’m eager to read future issues.
April 25: Cosplayer! Versus Shark by Pat Jankiewicz and Shaunh “Sparky” Piela is an Antarctic Press One-Shot. It’s essentially a very silly shark movie in comic-book form. Fortunately, I love very silly shark movies so it was a hit with me.
April 26: Boss Wife by Mayu Sakuri. A debt-ridden illustrator reunites with her high school crush, now a member of the Yakuza and much more than he appears. With relatable characters and lovely art, it’s a fun fast-paced romance. Recommended.
April 27: Wild Animals #1 by Ed Brisson and Andy Kuhn. I make no secret of it. In these cruel days of Trump and GOP evil, a good revenge thriller speaks to me. This is a great revenge thriller. I’m looking forward to reading the whole series.
April 28: Whatever Happened to the Crimson Justice? by Frank Tieri and Inaki Miranda. I’m two issues into this Mad Cave title about presumed dead heroes and villains. Gritty storytelling and surprising twists. I recommend it.
April 29: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Godzilla by Tim Seeley and Fero Pi is more than a typical franchise crossover. It has a spiritual core and some of the best kaiju art I’ve seen in comic books. A wonderful story with considerable heart.
April 30: House Hunters: Not a Full-Time Grandma. A woman moves back to New Jersey to be near her daughters and grandchildren. She’s no free babysitter and cook. She gets a smaller place and buys it without consulting them. I love this feisty lady. She’s my new HGTV hero. 4-30-26.
Here are the “best of show” winners.
BEST COMIC BOOK: Globetrotters: Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland’s World Tour by Julian Voloj & Julie Rocheleau.
BEST BOOK: Enemy of my Enemy: A Daredevil Marvel Crime Novel by Alex Segura.
BEST MOVIE OR TV SHOW: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
BEST PERSON: Stephen Colbert
BEST OTHER THING: Godzilla TUBBZ (Giant XL Edition)
I’ll be back soon with more stuff.
© 2026 Tony Isabella
