Fan Expo Canada 2012 Report

August 23rd-26th, 2012 - You know, I was debating on whether or not I was going to write a report for this con. I actually wrote this back in August, but never got around to posting it, because I was too lazy to get some pictures into this thing.

I enjoyed the con, quite a bit. However, I didn't know what I was going to say, that wasn't the usual "I got some sketches... I got books signed... I walked around..." stuff, I normally write.

The con was pretty much just that. I got 14 sketches (3 in hardcovers, 3 by one artist, 2 by another artist). I got books signed (most mine, some Danny's, some for others). I walked around a whole lot (because I didn't have many plans for the weekend).

Much like the past 2-3 years, I've helped with the set up for the All New Comics booth. That took place on the Wednesday (August 22nd). I actually enjoy being inside the convention, before the mayhem begins. Calm before the storm, as they say.

Thursday (Aug. 23), the con for me, started on the sour note. I went to pick up the priority tickets for the Jay & Silent Bob Get Old show. Following what it said on the print-out, I was supposed to pick up the tickets at the South Building main entrance. I see the kiosk that states "Jay & Silent Bob." I go there only to be told to go to the North Building. Are you f'n kidding me?!?

So, I end up going... or try to, at first. Told I wasn't able to access the North Building, from the South Building, through the walkway. I had to leave the building and walk around. Coming back, the line had moved. Long story short, there was some arguing with the security, and there was a whole lot of swearing, using my outdoor voice, when I got back in line. So much trouble, for a show I didn't even go see.

Once in the con, things got better. I got back to enjoying the weekend, and trying to forget the troubles from the incorrect information on my ticket print-out.

The first day of the con, I wasn't my usual self. Normally, I'd be around the con, getting on sketch lists, like the sketch-whore that I am... or was. I seemed to have shocked the heck out of a lot of people, when they heard I got no sketches, and wasn't on any sketch lists.

Aside from getting books signed, I was walking around, picking up a lot of free stuff. EB Games was giving out Halo 4 bags. Throughout the weekend, I grabbed a bunch (I won't state numbers, but if you have me on Facebook, I posted the number there, in my photo album for the con). Over the weekend, I gave away 5. I've also been giving the bags away at work.

There was a lot of other free stuff that I grabbed that day, and throughout the weekend. I don't even know what I'd personally do with the stuff I grabbed, so I have given a bunch of it away, much like the Halo 4 bags.

I also had my photo taken on the Iron Throne, from Game of Thrones. I did that picture on Thurs, Fri, and Sat. Sunday was just crazy there.



The highlight for me on Thursday, was being given a Golden Ticket for the Stan Lee signing at the Marvel booth! Major Thanks to Tiz, for hooking me up with that one! Only nice things to say. :)

Danny was already gone at the time. He went and got himself hurt, while gone from the con on Thursday, which is why you saw him with a pimpstick throughout the rest of the weekend.

Friday (Aug. 24th), the plan was to get on Adi Granov's sketch list. Big Thanks to Migs for that hook-up, holding a spot in line for me. I got 4 sketches that day. Two were by Kaare Andrews (one hardcover remark, one quick sketch on a blank cover). One sketch by Adi Granov. And, one sketch by J. Scott Campbell.

Aside from getting more books signed, and getting more freebies, I took in two of the sketch duels on Friday. Jim Cheung vs. Mike Choi, and Jason Fabok vs. Yanick Paquette vs. Kaare Andrews. I didn't win any of them.

Jay & Silent Bob Get Old Exclusive Autograph 8x10, signed by Kevin Smith & Jason Mewes.

At the end of the day, I also grabbed the signed Jay & Silent Bob photos, that came with the priority package tickets, before going home. Friday was also supposed to be the day that Danny and I got a hotel, so we could just relax downtown, and head to the Kick-Off Party. Unfortunately, with Danny's injury, it would have been us just lounging at the hotel, with me carrying everything upstairs, then back downstairs. Seemed like a waste of the hotel, so I cancelled it in the morning.

Saturday (Aug. 25th) was more of the same. Free stuff, getting books signed, more sketches. I also bought a page of artwork by Kaare Andrews (from Astonishing X-Men: Xenogenesis #1). His pages were pretty reasonably priced, and I love his work, so I bought one.

Took in only one of the sketch duels, which was entertaining. Jill Thompson vs. Chrissie Zullo vs. Sara Richard vs. Agnes Garbowska. I didn't win anything, again.

I also found some time, and got lucky with a near empty line for Rose McGowan. I believe she was just coming back from somewhere, but I don't know. Point is, there was barely a line when I got there, and one formed after I was in line. Score!

And the end of the con, Danny was away at a birthday party, and I was solo. I was considering going to the Revolution Q&A, but I wanted to get home to my dog, Noah. Our family went on vacation, so I didn't want Noah to be alone for long. Little guy was happy to see me, but sad that the family went away on vacation.

Interesting situation happened on the subway ride to Wilson Station, for me to pick up my car and go home. I'm just copying this from one of my Facebook status update (with minor changes).

"So, [I] took the subway to my car, [Saturday] night. Burrito in hand, from Burrito Boyz. Was eating it on the subway, across from a homeless guy. Noticing [him], I still didn't care. He gets off at St. George [station]. Lady near me asks, "Wasn't that inconsiderate of you eating that, infront of the homeless man?" My reply, "Nope, because if he was hungry, he wouldn't have a bottle of booze in that brown paper bag.""


Sunday (Aug. 26th), final day of the con. I didn't have any books to get signed, but I helped out others. I didn't have any plans for Sunday, other than checking out sketch duels. I had to miss the first one (Campbell vs. Quitely), because I was in line for Greg Capullo.

I was once again hooked up with another signing ticket, thanks again to Tiz. This time, for the ARROW signing.

Arrow Poster signed by Stephen Amell (Oliver Queen/Green Arrow), Katie Cassidy (Dinah 'Laurel' Lance), Willa Holland (Thea Queen), Colin Donnell (Tommy Merlyn)

I did get a couple more sketches (both by Mike Choi), and I also bought a Mike Choi page, from X-23: Target X #6.

I checked out the Darwyn Cooke vs. Amanda Conner sketch duel, which was the last sketch duel of the year, for me. It was quite an entertaining sketch duel to be at. Loved both pieces that were done. I even went as far as trying to buy the piece done by Darwyn Cooke, off the winner. He didn't want to sell, because he went to all of the sketch duels this year, and actually won one. I just had to try.

After con traditional meal, at Smoke's Poutinerie, with Danny, Marv, and Migs, before heading home from another year at Fan Expo Canada.

Big Thanks to Tiz, Peter, Kevin, Deb, Carlos, Raph, Ben, and several others, for an enjoyable weekend.

Niagara Falls Comic Con, George A. Romero, & Hero Initiative Event @ Stadium Comics

Earlier this month, Danny and I traveled down to Niagara Falls, for the 2nd Annual Niagara Falls Comic Con (June 9th, 2012). It's been a while since I've been down in Niagara Falls, and since the con took place on a Saturday, this didn't require me to take a day off from work (usually off on Saturdays, but I work Sundays).

We didn't really take in the city, since Danny had plans after the con. However, we did arrive a little early, and Fallsview Casino wasn't too far away, so we popped into there.

The table games had pretty high minimum bets, and I didn't have a lot of money for the con, so we skipped out on those. Instead, just played some slots. Holy crap, did Fallsview have a lot of penny, 2-cent slots, and nickel slots. The only casino I really play the slots at, is Woodbine. Everywhere else, I try to do table games... because Woodbine is mainly slots. And, I don't recall that many cheaper slots. I like to at least keep my minimum in slots, at the quarter slots.

We found machines to play at... long story short, after paying for parking at Fallsview, I was up $2.75!

WINNING!

Got to the con about 30 minutes before it opened. Seemed like a decent crowd. I wasn't sure what to expect here, since it was my first time at the con. Ultimately, I was taken by surprised, how busy it was at this con. The bulk of the crowd seemed to be there for Bret Hart and Burt Ward, because those lines extended quite a bit.

I didn't have much planned for this con, other than to get some sketches. The Ty Templeton Chibi-Spidey sketch above (w/ J. Jonah Jameson) was one (pictured above). The Ken Lashley Wonder Woman to the left, was another. Anything else, was playing it by ear.

Dealers, there wasn't too many comic dealers, with that many deals. I was looking for cheap books, that I would want. Found a copy of Fables # 1 for $8. Not much else, in terms of books.

We were out of the con by 4:30pm, as Danny had to head elsewhere. I went home.

Had to work the next day, only to find that my shift was cut short, without them telling me. In a way, it worked out for me, because I wanted to head down for the Lollipop Chainsaw Event, down at the Yonge/Dundas EB Games. George A. Romero and Jessica Nigri were at the event. This event was supposed to feature the early release of the Lollipop Chainsaw game, but apparently, they loss the rights to release the game early, so it was just a photo op with Romero and Nigri.

Jessica Nigri, George A. Romero and Me (June 10th, 2012)

At the event, I also received a $30-off coupon, for the game, that could be used during the week of its release, so I bought the game on the 12th. Since then, I've cleared the game. Not bad, but not one that I think I could play over and over.

On June 23rd, there was the Hero Initiative Event at Stadium Comics. Guests included, Ken Lashley, Leonard Kirk, Agnes Garbowska, and Richard Zajac.

Danny and I went down for that.

We arrived pretty early. Shortly after the mall opened. Everything was still being set up, so we walked around the mall a bit.

Pretty surprised that the mall has a huge GameStop, a decent size EB Games, and another game store in there (selling mainly used games). I didn't buy games, but was definitely looking for something I felt like playing, and for cheap.

I got two sketches during the event. The Batgirl by Ken Lashley, and X-23 by Agnes Garbowska.

Danny and I had plans in the early afternoon, so we weren't planning on staying that long. Plans changed, and we ended up staying until 3:30-4pm.

The mall was also having specials in their food court. Had lunch at New York Fries, because it was buy one, get one free. Poutine is awesome!

I guess that's it for now.

Toronto Comic Arts Festival 2012 & Free Comic Book Day

I'm going to start this off by saying, I hate that the first day of the Toronto Comic Arts Festival (TCAF) falls on the same day as Free Comic Book Day. I know I am not the only one that feels this way. Frankly, there are so many great events that take place around the city, that I missed out on. I know I am not forced to go to TCAF, or stay for the entire duration. I know that I can freely leave, to check out other events around the city. I know that TCAF is two days, and I probably could have done everything I wanted to do, during the second day.

Still, none of that changes the way I feel. I hate that the first day of TCAF falls on the same day at FCBD.

Now, don't get me wrong, I think TCAF is a fantastic event, and I do enjoy going to that every chance I get.

The FCBD events that took place around the city:
- The Comic Book Lounge + Gallery - Guests: Ty Templeton, Stuart Immonen, Kathryn Immonen, Mike Del Mundo, Marco Rudy, Karly MacDonald, Raffaele Ienco, David Cutler, Gibson Quarter, Richard Evans, Rachael Wells
- Gotham Central Comics and Collectibles (Mississauga) - Guests: David Finch, Jay Fabok, Johnny Desjardins, Ken Lashley, Spent Pencil Comics, & More.
- Silver Snail - Guests: Phil Noto, Spent Pencil Comics
- Paradise Comics - Guest: Marvin Law
- Little Island Comics - Guests: Fabio Moon & Andy Runton

Before I get into TCAF and the FCBD event I was able to check out (Silver Snail), I did get to check out The Avengers movie... twice.

Danny and I went to the midnight screening. We were both disappointed that the theatre didn't have any of the special Avengers 3-D glasses.











I want them... All of them!

We saw the movie in the UltraAVX theatre. That movie was F'N amazing! Without getting into details, I think Joss Whedon did a great job mixing action and comedic moments in the movie. I can also say that I added to the increase in shawarma sales in Toronto, this weekend.

Friday, just before leaving work, one of my co-workers could not get anyone to take his shift, and had already purchased tickets for the movie, with D-Box seating (motion seating). I bought his ticket, and went to see the movie again, with my other co-workers (that had the night off). Watching the movie in D-Box, was well worth it. Don't expect it to be one of those motion rides, with constant jerking movements. D-Box was done really well, and for the right movie, can be very enjoyable. Avengers was a perfect choice for my D-Box experience.

Now, to TCAF. Sketches at the end... or just go to my CAF gallery, to see them.

Saturday, Danny and I arrived a little after 9am. He went to Joe Bluhm, I went to see if either Gabriel Ba, Fabio Moon, or Adam Warren had arrived. They all were there, but Ba and Moon were still setting up, so I went to see Adam Warren.

Books signed, and got a quick sketch. Wanted a full sketch, but just out of my price range.

Then I went to see Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon, and same deal. Books signed, quick sketches.

At this point, there was a lull in the action, at this point. After heading to the car to drop off books, Danny and I headed down to Silver Snail.

I haven't been to the Snail in a few years, for FCBD. I never expected to see a line down the street, for free books. Although I didn't really want to pick up the free books (received a nice stack from Peter of All New Comics), I figured I might as well stay in the line to get some to share, and then head up to see Phil Noto.

Gotta say, it was a nice set up for Phil Noto. Giant TV behind him, showing his work and process of his work. A huge printer, that was printing out free X-Force prints (I didn't get one, as I didn't want to wait for it). Free trial copy of Autodesk Sketchbook Pro, free Autodesk Sketchbook Pro t-shirts with Phil's artwork on it, free Silver Snail anniversary posters, Free Sketches!

I made my way back to TCAF, in hopes of jumping into Pendleton Ward's line (Adventure Time with Finn & Jake creator). I got to the line around 12:40pm, for the 12:30pm signing. Pendleton Ward had yet to arrive, and the line wrapped around the basement of the library, up to the computers on the main floor. I decided to leave the line, figuring I wouldn't get to see him that day.

The rest of Saturday was spent getting a few more sketches, and picking up a commission from Agnes Garbowska, that was started at the Wizard World Toronto Comic Con show. Totally love the finished piece, and it's hanging on my wall now.

At some point during that afternoon, I went out and got a shawarma, across the street, on the way to the parking lot.

Danny and I left just before the library closed for the day, so he could get ready for a BBQ/Birthday. I opted to stay home, and just relax.

Sunday, we got down a little before the library opened. It's the first time I got to TCAF before it opened, and had to wait in line (a long line), to get in. Based on what I saw, a good chunk of those people made a beeline it to Kate Beaton's line. That line got cut, pretty quickly.

I walked around for a bit, before heading to get in line for Pendleton Ward. I was 3rd, followed by Milo and K-Song.

I'm not gonna lie, I've never seen any episode of Adventure Time with Finn & Jake, nor have I read the comic. It's the popularity of it, that attracted me to line up for Pendleton Ward. I'm sure I'll find some time to check out the show, and see what all the fuss is about.

There wasn't much for me going on during Sunday. I just played it by ear. Got another shawarma, from another place (just south of Yonge/Bloor).

I picked up Foster #1 & #2, from Noel Tuazon, to which he drew a pretty awesome piece, over both back covers. Features me, Danny, Ty Buttars, Matt Allen, Catwoman, Elektra, Batgirl, and Zatanna.

The only other book purchase I made during the weekend, was a copy of Becky Cloonan's The Mire.

Aside from sketches, I did pick up another page of artwork, by Adrian Alphona, from Runaways v2. It's a page that contains Molly, Wolverine, Iron Man, and Captain America. It seemed like a page I should buy, but didn't want to spend the money on it. I left it on Saturday, in hopes that someone else might snag it, and save me some money, but no one did, so I bought it.

The day (and my time at TCAF) came to an end, just after the library closed, when I picked up my piece from Kagan McLeod.

Here is my haul (art-wise).

 

L-R: Zatanna by Adam Warren, The Boy by Gabriel Ba, Rumor by Gabriel Ba, River Tam by Fabio Moon

 

L-R: Zatanna by Phil Noto, Jamie McJack as Catwoman by Danielle Corsetto, Me by Steve Manale, Michonne by Agnes Garbowska

 

L-R: Finn by Pendleton Ward, Runaways v2 #12 Page 4 by Adrian Alphona, Zatanna by Kagan McLeod

Next con, I guess, is Fan Expo Canada.

Wizard World Toronto Comic Con 2012 Report

Wizard World Toronto Comic Con was this past weekend (April 14th-15th, 2012). I was there for both days. I got sketches. I walked around... a lot... Report over.

 ...

 ...

 ...

Okay, so the report isn't over, but you get the gist of it...

I didn't have many plans for the convention, in regards to sketches. At the same time, I wasn't sure how much I was going to be able to get done in one day at the con, despite not having many plans. I ended up buying a ticket for second day (both were the student ticket, for $20/day).

The only one that I truly was going for, was the Supergirl by Kagan McLeod. I had a few others sketches that I was thinking of getting, from other artists, but most didn't happen. I was playing it by ear, at this convention, for sketches. As for comics to get signed, I didn't have that many.

Saturday started off in line at the MTCC North Building. I was still debating as to who I would be seeing first. I didn't decide that until I walked onto the convention floor. I ended up at Kagan's table... followed by Danny, Migs, and Brendan.

After, I noticed that John McCrea arrived. I had some books to get signed (Hero Initiative 100 Project hardcovers), that I wanted to get into the car ASAP. After asking about his sketch prices, I decided to get one.

Once done, I went get onto Adrian Alphona's and Tyler Kirkham's sketch lists. I also picked up a page of original artwork, from each of them (Runaways page by Alphona, X-Men: Phoenix Warsong page by Kirkham... all of those, shown later).

The day wasn't even half over, and I was coming to the realization, the second day at the con, probably wasn't needed (though, something good started from that second day... more on that later).

I spent the rest of the day, just waiting for the sketches by Adrian Alphona and Tyler Kirkham.

Danny did mention to me, a day or two before, that there was an artist, Samantha Leriche-Gionet, that does little drawings of you, for cheap. Why not, eh?

I actually like it quite a bit. Kinda makes me feel like a character in Disney's The Weekenders.

I picked up my sketch from Adrian Alphona part way through the afternoon, but had to wait near the end of the day, to get my sketch from Tyler Kirkham.

- Batgirl by Adrian Alphona
- Runaways v2 #11 Page 13 by Adrian Alphona and Craig Yeung
- Zatanna by Tyler Kirkham
- X-Men: Phoenix Warsong #4 Page 10 by Tyler Kirkham and Sal Regla

Oh, and this happened.

Me & WWE Hall of Famer, Edge!

I am quite happy I got to meet (and get my photo with) Edge. Photo was taken by Danny.

That was the end of the first day. Second day, I went solo.

The start of the second day, didn't go exactly as planned. I was considering lining up for Phil Ortiz, to get "Simpsonized." I wasn't sure if I was getting it for me, or getting it for Danny (he wanted it more than I did). By the time I got in, his line was 15 people long. At roughly 15 minutes per sketch, I decided to pass, entirely.

The plan was to also get another piece done by Kagan McLeod for myself, and one for Danny. Both got done. The X-23 on the right, is mine. Danny got Black Widow.

One piece I have been kicking around for a bit, and is in the process of being done in time for TCAF. I got on the list late, but from what I saw, Agnes Garbowska is knocking this one outta the park! I am really excited to see the finished piece! Until then, I am looking at the photos of the process. Pencils, Inks. The smile on my face is ear to ear.

This piece, I got throughout the day. She was sitting next to Samantha Leriche-Gionet, and I was liking the prints that she had for sale. More, her artwork on the prints, as I'm not big on prints. The Zatanna is done by Genevieve Farley-Tremblay.

This piece is not exactly the same as the style as the prints, but I am assuming the prints were done digitally. Still, I find it cute.

Once the con was over, I took off, and went home for dinner. And, the after con clean-up.

Reflecting back, Saturday was pretty busy at the con. Not Fan Expo Canada busy. Or even as busy at Hobbystar's Toronto ComiCON, last month. But this is the busiest I've seen a WW TO show. Keep in mind, this is the third year, and I only went on Friday and Saturday, last year.

Sunday was pretty slow, and progressively got emptier as the day progressed.

I didn't pick up too much, around the dealers. I bought a few single issues, and a butterfly-knife-like bottle opener

It was nice to see many of the familiar faces at the con. Many, I'm sure I'll see at TCAF, in a few weeks.