2006 Motor City Comic Con Report

First off, I only went for the Saturday, but I did accomplish everything I wanted to do.

This was a great little convention to check out, and I may be back next year (depending on the date and guest list). This convention was definitely media-oriented, with the Batman TV series cast. Most of the people that attended, went for the media-guests. There were many for the comic guests, but not as many, compared to the Toronto conventions.

Well, driving from Toronto, we made it to the convention building (Rock Financial Showplace) right when the convention opened (10:30AM). Once we got in, first person to hit up was George Perez. MADE THE LIST!!! Sure, I was 14th on the list, but I was really happy to be on it. George Perez was top of my list to meet at this convention. Put myself down for a Hal Jordan Green Lantern (wait until the end to see it).

Next on my list, was Mike Deodato. He was with Will Conrad, at the Glasshouse Graphics booth. Definitely wanted a Mike Deodato sketch, and Will Conrad was doing sketchs at a really good price, so I put myself down for both of them.


Spider-Woman by Mike Deodato


She-Hulk by Will Conrad

Since my sketchbook was with Deodato and Conrad, I checked out the convention itself. Nice place, and a lot of great retailers (something that I haven't been able to check out in Toronto, as much as I did here). I was mainly looking for an Astonishing X-Men Emma Frost bust. Still haven't found that bust. Ended up buying a Spider-Man head mini-bust (designed by Alex Ross, based off of John Romita's artwork). Bought that for $15. Didn't really pick up much else. Wasn't sure if I was going to be stopped at the border or not. Would've picked up more stuff, if I knew the Canadian border guards were easy going (must be because I was born in North Bay).



After I got my sketchbook back, I went to see Tommy Castillo. I was surprised that he wasn't busy, so I was able to get a sick Green Arrow sketch from him. Since it was a slow day for him, he did more than a head sketch for me. Took up two pages in my sketchbook, but it's a wicked piece.


Green Arrow by Tommy Castillo

Spent this time getting signatures from many guests at this point. Went to see Billy Tucci, Mark Sparacio, David Petersen, Dan Mishkin, Steve Rude, and a couple others.

After all that, I went to see Chris Moreno. First he remarked my Monkey in a Wagon vs. Lemur in a Big Wheel issue.



Then, I got a sketch (paid) of the Monkey as Batman.


Monkey as Batman by Chris Moreno

While Chris was doing the sketch, I continued to walk to floor. Put myself down for a painting, from Andy Lee. He wasn't able to make it to Toronto last month, so I was able to get a painting done at this convention. He was working on a couple of them before mine, so I was on his list. Sucks that Andy wasn't advertised for this convention.


Green Lantern by Andy Lee

Another person that I found that wasn't listed to appear, was Sunder Raj. He's the colourist for some books by Devil's Due Publishing. I did get a quick sketch from him.


Storm Shadow by Sunder Raj

After that, really, it was just waiting for George Perez to return from his panel. More exhibitor roaming. Like I said, I didn't want to buy too many items, just in case I got stopped at the border. Lots of great stuff to buy, that I wanted to buy. Oh well.

Once George was back, I picked up my sketch that he did.


Hal Jordan Green Lantern by George Perez

After that, it was pretty much over for me. Drove back to Toronto.

To sum it all up, the convention was great. Not so much a three-day show (for comics), but it was still a great show.

- The dealers at this convention, had a lot more items that targeted my specific interest (cheap busts/statues, and cheaper action figures). I didn't really look through that many comic bins.

- The food at the concession stand was pretty decent (no after effects).

- Some US border guards are bastards, but not all (can only speak about the one we dealt with).

- Some Canadian border guards are really nice, and easy going (like I said, it's gotta be because I was born North Bay).

- Gas seems to be a lot cheaper in US, than Canada.

- The website could've been updated more. The convention could've had a floorplan, with where the guests were seated.

Still was a nice convention, first one for me out of Toronto.

That's about it for me.

Wicked! FCBD's FREE SCOTT PILGRIM!

Newsarama: FCBD's FREE SCOTT PILGRIM

For those of you that missed out on FCBD, or missed Free Scott Pilgrim, Newsarama has posted the free issue, in its entirety.

Enjoy!

More on Superman/Batman #26 (Sam's Story)

JEPH LOEB ON SUPERBOY & "SAM'S STORY"

So, there's two covers to this. I read about it before, I wasn't 100% sure (since I read it a while ago, and never saw it). Well, that changed today, when Newsarama and Jeph Loeb unveiled the second cover to Superman/Batman #26 (both covers are by Michael Turner).

The cover does spoil what happened at the end of Infinite Crisis #6. I'm sorry if I did spoil it, but the book (IC #6) has been out for a while now.

Please check out the link above for the full story.

That article did show a double-page spread by Jim Lee.

I'm so hoping that the covers are a 50/50 split, cause I'm definitely getting both if they are. Probably two of each, just because it's going to be that good.

It should be out on May 31st, 2006, so go buy it then.

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2006 REPORT

It's that time of year again. The time of the year that many comic shops gives away free comics. Yes, it's FREE COMIC BOOK DAY. Well, it's over now, so we'll have to wait until next year for the next FCBD.

I'll just cut right to the chase. I went to Silver Snail, for their FCBD signing, featuring: Stuart Immonen (Nextwave: Agents of H.A.T.E.), Cameron Stewart (Seven Soldiers: The Manhattan Guardian), Leonard Kirk (Detective Comics), Ty Templeton (Revolution on the Planet of the Apes), Kalman Andrasofszky (Ion: Guardian of the Universe covers), Ken Siu-Chong (writer of Street Fighter II), Erik Ko (editor of Udon Comics).



Worked my way down the tables. First, got Ken Siu-Chong to sign my copies of Street Fighter II (he was nice enough to sketch M. Bison for my little bro... first sketch for his collection). Next along the row of tables was Kalman Andrasofszky. Got a couple books signed, and he was nice enough to sketch Ion for me. I would honestly like to see him working more on interiors of books, in addition to covers. Hopefully in the future (yea, I know he worked on iCandy, but I want to see more). Also, please check out Transmission X. To be honest, I'm not too sure what it is, but many of the Toronto con regulars are involved.


Went to see Cameron Stewart (skipped over Ty Templeton and Leonard Kirk, since they were busy at that moment). I forgot to ask what he was working on next. He had samples of it at the table, but someone else was checking it out. He did sketch Batman for me. I wanted to see him at the con, last weekend, but with the R.A.I.D. living room setup, I really didn't feel comfortable going in there. It was just too nice. I am glad he made the appearance at Silver Snail. Great artist.







After Cameron, I noticed Leonard Kirk doing sketches (well, he finished one), so I asked him for one. He's usually booked for sketches at the Toronto conventions, so I jumped at the opportunity for one from him. Heck, he was doing them for free, unlike at the conventions, where he charges. Made my day even better.

While he was sketching (the Power Girl on the right), I got some books (mainly Nextwave: Agents of H.A.T.E.) signed by Stuart Immonen. He does about two conventions a year, and none are in Toronto, so this was a great opportunity for me to get Nextwave signed. Such a great title. Really, really funny. I keep telling you to go check it out. Why don't you check it out? Go... NOW!

The last thing I did there, was get a sketch for my little brother and sister. They came with me down to Silver Snail, but got hungry and they were a little too shy to go meet the rest of the guests there. Since they were waiting for me (with my older bro, not on their own), I asked Ty Templeton is he could do a little sketch for them. I'm thankful that he agreed to it, and my little siblings were very happy to see that I got them the sketch they wanted.


Robin & Starfire by Ty Templeton

It's the "Teen Titans GO!" version of the characters. I edited my little siblings names off the sketch, just to keep their identities unknown (for those that know me personally, you know their names). The original sketch has been framed, and is in my little siblings room.

Oh, as for the free comics that were offered, I did get X-Men/Runaways, Superman/Batman #1, Owly: Breakin' The Ice, and a few others. Didn't see any "World of Aspen" or many of the Silver Sponsored books. Oh well.

I also picked up the Toyfare Exclusive - Superman as Shazam! figure. It's not on my wall, right inbetween the Superman figure, and the Shazam! figure, from the Superman/Batman Series 1: Public Enemies figures.

That's it for me on FCBD.

Paradise Comics Toronto Comicon Wrap-Up

Sorry for the small picture. If you want to see it bigger, click here.

Thirty-three signatures on that badboy. Here's a list of those who signed it:

Adrian Alphona, Amanda Conner, Arthur Suydam, Bart Sears, Bob Layton, Brian Azzarello, Dale Eaglesham, Dan Didio, Daniel Way, Danielle Corsetto, Darwyn Cooke, David Johnson, Dave Sim, David Lloyd, Francis Manapul, Frank Cho, Gail Simone, George Perez, Greg Rucka, J. Bone, J. Michael Straczynski, J.G. Jones, Jill Thompson, Jimmy Palmiotti, Kalman Andrasofszky, Ken Lashley, Michael Lark, Mike Mayhew, Nicola Scott, Pat Davidson, Patricia Mulvihill, Talent Caldwell, Valentine De Landro

What sucks is that I missed out on the cover colourist, Ramon Perez. Though the R.A.I.D./Butternut Squash set up was nice, I was a little intimidated to go in there to see all of them. It was nice to see Ramon Perez go around to many of the guests, and give them a copy of Butternut Squash. BNS is a great webcomic. Hoping to see the rest of it released in book form.

As for the rest of the convention, it was an exhausting, but successful one for me. I guess I can't really complain about how tired I am, because I know for sure the promoters and those that worked there are in much worse of a condition than I am. I can't even imagine the type of stress these conventions put onto the promoters.

Big Thanks goes out to Kevin Boyd, Peter Dixon, Peter Fisico, Doug Simpson and James Waley, for the convention, the Women of Comics Symposium, and the Joe Shuster Awards.

For those wondering about the convention itself, in comparison to last year, the room was a lot bigger. Everything was spaced out nicely, there was room to walk down every aisle. There seemed to be a lot more guests, but that was a little hard to tell, because of the bigger atmosphere, and all the panels (none of which, I attended).

The guests seemed pretty chilled in, though many were tired from the nights of drinking, partying, and lack of sleeping. But all of them were up and at 'em the next day, to please their fans. Big Thanks to all the guests that came. I hope all of them had (or will have) a safe trip home (or to their next destination).

This convention was byfar the best one I've attended, ever! Paradise Comics Toronto Comicon is definitely the best one in Toronto (I can't really compare it to other cities, because I've only been to the conventions in Toronto).

Paradise Comics Toronto Comicon 2006 - Day 3 Report

Alright, I'm finally getting to this. I know I said this before, but I should get some sleep. I was so exhausted at work, that I almost dropped about an hour into my shift.

Anyways, enough about that, back to the convention.

Got there a little earlier than expected (eastbound Gardiner Expressway was open, so it was smooth sailing to the con). Went straight to the Amanda Conner line, with no knowledge of when she'll be arriving (she showed up a couple hours into the show the day before, from what I'm told). The first four in line decided we'd take turns watching each others stuff, while the others were able to do other things. I think that turned out well, cause I got pretty much everything I wanted to get accomplished.

Put myself down on Michael Lark's sketch list, went around to get some books signed. Then I went to Bryan Lee O'Malley's table. Got myself a sketch from Bryan.


Scott Pilgrim by Bryan Lee O'Malley

With Bryan winning the Joe Shuster Award for Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Cartoonist, I asked for a sketch of Scott Pilgrim acknowledging the win. It's such a nice piece. I'll keep you all posted with when Scott Pilgrim vol. 3 gets released.

While still waiting in line, Jimmy Palmiotti arrived, letting everyone know that Amanda Conner wouldn't be showing up until 2pm. This was around noon, or just after. Being in line already, I decided to stick around.

J. Bone arrived, and I was able to get a sketch from him.


Zatanna by J. Bone

Sure... Zatanna in blonde here. I'm not complaining. I really like it.

Just prior to Amanda arriving, the line was told that she would be participating in the sketch-off a little later in the day, with the proceeds of the sketches, going to the Joe Shuster Awards. She then arrived, to sign books for all those in line, then to take off again for the sketch-off.

After getting my books signed, I decided I'd still wait. Same with the three people behind me. Once again, we did the same thing as before. Take turns watching each others stuff. I'll be honest, I never really did that before, but I see these people at the cons, so I wasn't gonna say no. Especially since they're cool with looking after my stuff.

During the waiting and the taking turns stuff, I went to Tom Grummett to get a sketch of Green Lantern (something I wanted the previous year, but he was unable to do last year). Unfortunately, he did it in blue pencil, so my scanner didn't pick it up. It just blends in with the page when being scanned. I wish I could show it, because it's nice.

I also went to the Bright Anvil Studios booth, to see Craig Yeung. I was hoping to get a sketch inside my Runaways hardcover, but he didn't have a silver Sharpie, so I was outta luck with that. However, I did get a sketch from him, just not in the Runaways theme (I'll try to save that for another time, I guess).


Wonder Woman by Craig Yeung

After that, I went to Michael Lark's table to pick up my sketch.


Captain America by Michael Lark

Amanda did come back to start sketching. Unfortunately, you can't see it. Don't ask, cause I won't tell. Her sketchbook is nice. It came with the sketch.

Moving on, I noticed that David Lloyd's line was quite short, so I went straight to that. Waited for probably 30 minutes, but I finally got my V For Vendetta trade signed by him, and got a quick sketch of V.


V by David Lloyd

This was basically it for me at that point. As I starting to leave, the people at The Comics Review starting shouting "Free!" I turned around to see they were giving away "The Dark Knight Returns" action figures. I picked up the Batman and Superman figures. Big Thanks to them for those figures.

I also managed to snap a picture of Peter Dixon (owner of Paradise Comics, and Co-Promoter of the convention), with his newly shaved head. I'm not gonna post it here, cause I think he'll kill me for that. Maybe not, but I'd still rather not, outta respect.

This is when I left the convention. Pretty much everything I wanted to do, I got done that weekend. I'm looking forward to seeing other reviews of the conventions. Especially, from Heidi MacDonald of The Beat. She seems to have a case of food poisoning, so I wish her a speedy recovery on that.

Joe Shuster Awards Report

I can't really go too in-depth with this. I will say that it was a great show, and I was happy to be apart of it. Everything didn't really sink in until I was in the room, and I picked up the program to see my name on there (back page, under the 2006 CCBCAA Nominating Committee, last name on that list). It was just nice to see that, and to be there.

Thanks to Kevin Boyd and James Waley for making me part of this. It truly was an honour to be apart of all this.

Here are a few highlights from the show.

- Rick Green and Rob Salem were hilarious at the MCs.
- Liana K (as Power Girl) and Ed The Sock (as Jay Garrick) were even more funnier than Rick Green and Rob Salem.
- Dave Sim decided to sing Paul Anka's "My Way" a capella.
- Jill Thompson speaks better french than some of us Canadians.
- And James Waley sending his well-wishes to Franciso Rosa (one of the Nominating Committee members who was fun to work with on the Committee), for a speedy recovery with his current health problems.

Here are a list of the winners:

Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Artist: Pia Guerra
Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Publisher: Drawn & Quarterly
The Harry Kremer Award for Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Artist: Strange Adventures (Halifax)
Outstanding International Comic Book Creator: Brian K. Vaughan
Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Writer: J. Torres
Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Cartoonist: Bryan Lee O'Malley

Here are the Hall of Fame inductees:

- Owen McCarron
- Jon St. Ables
- Win Mortimer
- Dave Sim

Here are a few photos right after the show.


Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Writer Winner, J. Torres


Adrian Alphona who accepted the Outstanding International Comic Book Creator Award oh behave of Brian K. Vaughan


Hope Larson (left) with Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Cartoonist Winner, Bryan Lee O'Malley (right)

Check back on here soon, for the Day 3 con report.

Paradise Comics Toronto Comicon 2006 - Day 2 Report

Sorry for not putting this up sooner. Saturday was a long day, and a long night, that I just had to crash and not write anything. Hell, I'm tired now, but I do want to get this up.

*Note* This is a little long, with lots of pictures. You dial-up peeps are screwed.

Got to the convention, went straight for George Perez. First, to get some books signed. Second, to pick up the sketch I got my name down for.


Zatanna by George Perez

I just fell in love with that. It's beautiful. Gotta pick up a frame for that.

Next, I went to Dale Eaglesham. His wife (who's name I don't know) remembered me from August. Heck, she remembered my name, which caught me by surprise. She's a very nice lady, with a great memory. I'm just sorry I don't know her name (Wikipedia didn't help me there). Dale is also a very nice person, who's constantly working on sketches. The couple was nice enough to squeeze in a quick head sketch for me.


Stargirl by Dale Eaglesham

Next, I went to meet someone I wanted to meet, prior to her being announced to the convention. Someone who's not as popular as some of the other names on the guest list, but she was one of the top five names on my list who I wanted to meet. I went to meet Nicola Scott. I gotta say, she's beautiful. Had a quick chat with her, and dropped off my sketchbook.

I headed off to see Adrian Alphona. I forget the charity he was accepting donations for, but I was more than happy to donate to a charity of his choice. Got this in my Runaways volume 1 hardcover.


Karolina by Adrian Alphona

After that, I went to pick up my sketchbook from Nicola Scott. Got her to do this piece for me.


Wonder Woman by Nicola Scott

Right after that, I went to see Valentine De Landro. I believe his next work for Marvel will be a fill-in issue (or arc) on "Spider-Man Love Mary Jane." Although to teenage-girly for my liking, I still recommend this for anyone with kids. It'll be a great read. Anyways, Valentine sketched this piece for me.


The Thing by Valentine De Landro

After Valentine (who's work you should be checking out), I went over to the Darwyn Cooke line. It was actually quite busy, and with his ACTOR signing approaching about an hour later, I figured I'd just go to that prior to the time. In the meantime, Ken Lashley arrived at the Draxhall Jump booth. The line-up was short when I got there, but picked up soon after people realized who he was. Ken is working on the relaunch of The Flash, which starts back up in June. Naturally, I got a sketch of The Flash.


The Flash by Ken Lashley

Next up for me was the Darwyn Cooke signing at the ACTOR booth. With his line-up being so long for sketches at his table, I figured I'd just donate money, to save myself a couple hours. He was one of the guests, with a consistant line-up at his table. What can I say, he's a great artist, and people love his work, and so do I. Keep an eye out for the Darwyn Cooke designed, JLA: The New Frontier figures, coming out this summer. Got this beautiful sketch from him.


Wonder Woman by Darwyn Cooke

Decided to quickly hit up the Mr. Comics booth, to meet Ty Templeton. Picked up the new issue of Revolution on the Planet of the Apes (issue 4, not out in stores yet), and Big Max. Also, got a sketch from Ty Templeton.


Harley Quinn by Ty Templeton

After that, I went to see Frank Cho, Daniel Way and Dave Sim (just to get signatures). Not much to report on that.

Once I finished off with Dave Sim, I went to pick up my commission from J.G. Jones.


Wonder Woman by J.G. Jones

That was a beautiful piece. It's another one that I gotta pick up a frame for. That's the third Wonder Woman of the day.

Once I dropped off that piece in my car, I just roamed the floor. Saw Liana K. at the "Ed & Red" booth, in her Power Girl costume. Decided to pick up the comic Ed and Liana K. released (with artwork done by some guests at the convention), the Liana K. calender, and the Ed The Sock sock-puppet.


Liana K. as Power Girl


George Perez & Liana K.

After that photo, I noticed Danielle Corsetto at her table. Her table is the one with McPedro.


McPedro

Noticed there wasn't any wait for her sketch list, so I jumped at that opportunity. I'm so glad I did, because Danielle Corsetto is such a talented artist. Got this from her.


Zatanna by Danielle Corsetto

That was it for the convention, but I still had the Joe Shuster Awards ahead.

But since I'm tired, this will be a "To Be Continued..."