Hey everyone! I've been meaning to do an involved 'Welcome 2013' news story, but for a second Monday in a row I've run out of time! So let me do a really quick version.

Here's what I'm supposed to get done this month BESIDES the Comic:
1) Create the front end of a new store while Kim closes the books on the old store and transitions into the new store’s warehouse.
2) Get the Defenders the stuff I promised them! (Check the Blog!)
3) Another 'Super-Secret Project that will Probably Come to Naught™ '

Here's whats getting done WITHIN the Comic:
We are starting a new major chapter in the overall Sluggy Story. I actually have two distinct paths I can take. Both paths need to be explored before the endgame. I don't even want to HINT at who I think we'll be seeing soon. BUT either path requires some nose-to-the-grindstone scripting and planning. We'll just call this whole thing "4)".

So between 1), 2) 3) and 4) some of it may need to be bumped to February and/or require some filler-days.
Consider that a general head's up. And look for some more news on random stuff this week!

Meanwhile here's a handy link of available books:

Megatome 01 (Books 1-3) Megatome 02 (Books 4-6) And Book 9 Available in the new store when it opens in February	Book 7 A Very Big Bang available at IndyPlanet!	Book 8 Fire and Rain available at IndyPlanet!	Book 10 Ghosts in the Gastank available at IndyPlanet!
Book 11 The Holiday Wars available at IndyPlanet!	Book 12 Vampires & Demons available at IndyPlanet!	Book 13 Redemption available at IndyPlanet!	Years of Yarncraft Comic Book available at IndyPlanet!

Become a Defender! Help Support the Strip
This page has all the details but I also wanted to mention “The Sampire” Defenders-Only Comic Book! 37 Pages of Sampire!

Being a Defender isn't only about bonus content, it’s also about saying thanks for the years of entertainment this strip has provided you. And it gives me the gift of continuing to provide it for at least a few more years to come, for everyone! Just fill out the registration form, and you’ll be taken to a page where you can pay via Credit Card (link on the bottom left) or via Paypal. Your account should be activated almost immediately!* Checks and Money Orders can be sent to: Sluggy Freelance, LLC PO Box 453, Denville, NJ 07834 Please include a valid contact email with the check, and please allow 3 weeks* for account activation! (I can’t get out to my PO Box every day and personal checks take time to clear.)

Donate! When I started my last “New Defenders Drive” I was surprised how many people simply wanted to donate completely separate from Defenders Membership so I set one up! If you do go this route please donate at least $5 otherwise I' won't see much of the money due to processing fees.

*IMPORTANT: Once you’ve paid, (and waited the three weeks if paying by check or money order) if you can’t access Defenders content or log in for any reason contact me at defendersfix@sluggy.com and we’ll take care of you! We’ve noticed sometimes the Paypal payments and automatic membership activation don’t synch up, and I don’t want anybody left out!