Who was there: Penny Arcade artist Mike Krahulik and writer Jerry Holkins, better know as Gabe and Tycho, respectively.

　　What they talked about: Hot off the heels of the opening keynote address, the men of hour took the stage amid thunderous applause and hundreds of cheering fans. The first question out of the gate got right down to business: How much does it cost to put on PAX? "You would be surprised to learn how little we know about what's going on," Holkins admitted, before sending out a text message to solve this mystery.

　　In the meantime, the next question was about overcoming writer's block. The duo agreed that often times one or both of them would be certain the comic was finished and that they had run out of ideas forever. In those dark times, they turned to each other, or to their friends, for creative support. "We just go though people until we burn them out," Holkins added, jokingly, "Like light bulbs."

　　The next few attendees offered up gifts of homemade chain mail lanyards and a stuffed penicillin toy, which the duo fought over using rock-paper-scissors. Another asked about what types of board games the two had been playing. Krahulik responded with an endorsement for Last Night on Earth and Mystery Express. Someone else asked if the two had ever been visited by the gods of gaming and, if so, what they were like--according to Holkins, "They're pretty cool."

　　After that, the two were led into a discussion about their relationship with the Penny Arcade readers and what makes it special. The two agreed that they were lucky to have such a broad reference point, video games, in common with their readers. The transition they've made over the years into the public eye has been a fluid one because both groups share a lot of the same background that would make them friends.

　　More offerings were then made, including candy bars, a half-pound bag of coffee, and the opportunity to kill one man's entire Dungeon's and Dragons party. One person in the audience asked how the duo had managed to make the subject matter of video games so accessible, and relevant, to a wide audience. Krahulik and Holkins responded that he was overthinking it. With the comic, we are really just trying to amuse each other, Holkins said. And we're just lucky that people happen to enjoy it.

　　At about this time, Holkins got a response to his message regarding how expensive it is to run this year's PAX East. It turns out, the convention's total costs run a staggering eight figures total.

　　On the topic of business, the next question lead to a discussion about the disastrous book deal the two had mistakenly signed onto. As a word of caution, they advised those in a similar situation to "capture a business person" and make sure they check any documents first before signing them. When someone comes up to you and says "You can pay for your rent making art," Holkins said, it's easy to lose yourself in excitement. Let the smart people handle it.

　　A gift of Scottish soda, Irn-Bru, was given next. The two then confirmed they were not watching the new My Little Pony cartoon, and a conversation was had about whether or not PAX should be on a cruise ship one year. The next person, who introduced himself as a non-Christian from Arkansas, asked Holkins about his life as an atheist. Holkins responded that the most trouble he has faced was explaining to his son that faith, or the lack thereof, isn't right or wrong--"they're just states of being."

　　How they came up with the design for their alter egos came up shortly after. Krahulik revealed that he just drew two guys and put no real effort or thought into it at all. I've since tried to evolve them into more unique characters, he said, but originally there was no thought at all.

　　The next question was for Holkins about his inspirations for writing, These included Mark Twain, H.P. Lovecraft, Neal Stephenson, and William Gibson. Switching gears, they were then asked what bending style they would want from the television series Avatar: The Last Airbender and why. Krahulik chose earth bending because Toph was his favorite character and fire bending for Holkins because "he is so mean."

　　In the final questions, the two revealed their desire to work on a Knights of the Old Republic comic; set down the official swear word for this year's convention; and confirmed that they are still working on The Trenches, a new comic centered around a group of game testers. Some more gifts of food were offered, and the two concluded by welcoming everyone to PAX East 2011.

　　Quote: "PAX Prime is a Den of Thieves"--Holkins responding to the rivalry between PAX East and PAX Prime.

　　Takeaway: Penny Arcade, the comic and the convention, wouldn't exist without the fans. Creators Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins are obviously very grateful for all their support and were more than happy to meet with their loyal readers and entertain their questions and requests (including hugs and high-fives).