Happy summer, everyone!

Summertime, home of green grass, ducks in the pond, and warm weather! Home of sunshine, cool drinks and sand in between the toes! Summer, home of fireworks, picnics and amusement rides in parking lots!

Of course, it has to get above 70 here first. What the hey, it's only June.

My favorite ball team, the Chicago Cubs, are playing like it's March or something. Hard to get ahead in the National League when you're averaging three hits a game.

Unlike the Chicago Blackhawks, the city's NHL franchise. Zero to hero, just like that. Played hard right through the interminable playoffs, only to get creamed when the Detroit Red Wings stood up and were counted. Still, to get to the Conference Finals so soon after sucking wind brings a little hope.

For those so inclined, check out my blog at http://kcswordballoons.blogspot.com. I tend to write something new every couple of days - you never know about just what, however.

While it is summer here, in Americana's world it's still January - smack-dab in the middle of winter! Time moves differently in the ConTinuum, that's for sure.

First, check out the new artwork in Americana's Art Gallery #24! I literally have enough for at least another gallery, but I have to get caught up in the stories, yet.

And as for stories, this time I've kind of made a "jumping on" point, in the tradition of the major comics companies. All of Americana's family and friends (okay, Vice President Rockwood doesn't appear - she was busy, all right?) show up for Astrea's Graduation Day. Astrea finally graduates from Howard University and you're on the guest list! Astrea's life is changed forever (not that getting flying powers and strong enough to hurl a truck didn't change her life already!)!

Next, Americana faces off against the Marauders, a gang of European villains determined to pound her into the dirt. They do, when Enter: The Marauders!.

Then Americana finds herself in a New York State of Mind as she finds out that she has to accept that one of her acquaintences isn't exactly on the side she thought.

Oh! And in the Four Aces section, there's two artists' take on each character, featuring art from our own Ben Bellot! AND there's a page of comicbook art from the origin story! Woo!

All in all, a pretty good bunch of stuff!

Here's wishing everyone a safe and relaxing summer!

K.C.