Hobbystar Toronto ComiCON Fan Appreciation 2007 Report - April 13th-15th, 2007

Unlike the first two Hobbystar Toronto ComiCON Fan Appreciation shows, this show was a three-day show. The first day was on Friday April 13th, 2007. That's right, Friday the 13th... I'm Jason... Scary.

Friday April 13th, 2007 - Day One
My bro and I got to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre just before 3:30PM, for the convention that started at 5PM. By that time, there wasn't a set line-up, but there was about 10-20 people scattered around. I just stood near the ticket table.

Not too long after, Milo of Digital Kontent, showed up. While standing there and talking, people started lining up behind us. Once the line was figured out, we moved over to the line, and we began to sit and wait for the doors to open. This was the free admission day (with free pass which you receive at a participating comic book shop when you spend $10 or more, or admission is $10 and you receive a $10 coupon to spend at any dealer). The line up wrapped around the lobby of the 800 level of the convention centre.

As soon as the doors opened, we went searching for the Guests area. I ended up lining up for Ivan Reis. He wasn't there yet, but being my stubborn self, I stuck with the line.

While waiting, I did see Kevin Boyd, of Paradise Toronto Comicon (June 8th-10th, 2007 @ the Direct Energy Centre, Hall C). We had a little chat, while waiting at the table. People started to line up behind, so I didn't want to leave. The guests started to show. I'm not sure what order they arrived in. I think Carmine Infantino was first, then Dan Slott, Ron Garney, Dale Eaglesham, Kevin Nowlan. I could be wrong with the order.

Highlight of the day. While waiting at Ivan Reis' table, some guy came asking if Kevin Boyd knew where Justin Gray and Amanda Conner were seated. I just started laughing. Of all the people to ask where those two were, he asked Kevin, one of the promoters of the convention Justin Gray and Amanda Conner are appearing at. Kevin, being the nice guy that he is, explained that they are appearing at the June convention, at the Paradise Toronto Comicon. Funny scene, that you had to be there to see. And I guess, you'd need to know a little bit of Toronto Comic Convention history... over the previous 2+ years.

Unfortunately as of April 16th, 2007, Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti cancelled their appearance this year and rescheduled for 2008.

Ivan Reis (Green Lantern, Rann-Thanagar War) eventually arrived. He is one kick ass Brazilian comic book artist, who doesn't speak that much English. He did need a translator to help him communicate at times. This dude was one happy person. Just smiling throughout the show, and seemed really happy to meet his fans. I was able to get my books signed (good ol' Countdown to Infinite Crisis with one more signature). I was also able to get one kick ass sketch from him, of Green Lantern (Hal Jordan).


Green Lantern by Ivan Reis

After Ivan Reis, I noticed Michael Choi (X-23, Witchblade) just arrived, from the airport (or his hotel... either way, he just got to Toronto that day). Being part of the same message board, Jinxworld, I introduced myself. It was great to meet him, because I am a fan of his work. I was able to get one great X-23 sketch from him.


X-23 by Michael Choi

After Michael Choi, I went over to Carmine Infantino (The Flash). I got my two issues of Spider-Woman signed, and my set of DC Stamps that I ordered, which arrived the day before.

Many of the artist lines were pretty long, so I headed over to see Dan Slott (Avengers: The Initiative, She-Hulk). This man has lots of stories, and they were all great to listen to. Interesting stuff. I did get my books signed, with the key book in the small pile being Ren & Stimpy #1. That's right people, Ren & Stimpy #1! (I may scan that just for kicks).

After Dan Slott, I went to Aaron Lopresti (Ms. Marvel) to put down my commission piece that I was quite hesitant about getting, though I did agree upon through e-mail with him. Finally confirming it, I was just now worried about what I was spending on. This is something that you'll just have to wait and see. I also got my books signed by him.

By that time, I noticed that the Chris Sprouse (Midnighter) line was quite short. About 5 people in line, two of which being Digital Kontent members, Johnboy and Milo (Iby got to the line not too long after me). I figured it'd be a fun line, and probably quick. Each sketch took about 15-20 minutes, which was something I realized after the second person. I decided that with the under half an hour remaining, the show would've been over by the time I got to the table. I ended up leaving the line, just to chill with my bro and Kevin Boyd, before heading out.

Surprisingly, I had a blast during the first night. I was able to get a bunch of books signed, and two of the sketches I wanted from artists I wanted to meet. Had some nice conversations with fans at the con.

Home to prep for the next morning of the convention.

Saturday April 14th, 2007 - Day Two
Arrived at the con around 9AM, which didn't open until 10AM. There wasn't many people outside, lining up. Some people sitting on benches, other at random areas away from the line. Decided to just line up. Unlike the Friday, the line-up wasn't long.

Doors opened at 10AM. Picked up the $15 ticket, which covers both Saturday and Sunday. Headed straight to the Guests area, waited to see who was first. Noticed Chris Sprouse coming in, so I went to his table and started his line. Got my book signed by him, and got the sketch below.


Superman by Chris Sprouse

While getting that sketch, I noticed Ivan Reis arriving, and was back-and-forth from his table, getting set up. Once settled at the table, he noticed that his name card for the table was missing (which was just a Post-It note). Then he proceeded to sketch his name card for his table. It was an awesome self-portrait sketch, with the big smile on his face. Totally awesome.

After Chris Sprouse, I was looking for which line I was going to head into. The Whilce Portacio (Batman Confidential, Wetworks) line started, and looked long enough to stick in it. Then I noticed Kevin Nowlan arriving, as did a few others. So the line-up for him started. I was second or third. I was happy to get my Daredevil hardcover signed, as well as other books. I also got a quick sketch from him.


Batman by Kevin Nowlan

Went back to Whilce Portacio's line. While looking around, I saw Ron Garney (Amazing Spider-Man) walking in, so I just jumped over to his line, becoming first in line for him. Got a few books signed, and a really nice sketch.


Captain America by Ron Garney

After the Ron Garney line, I went back to the Whilce Portacio line, who arrived after getting himself some breakfast. I forget how far back I was, but it wasn't too long before I got up to him. One of the books I brought up was a copy of Alpha Flight #51, which he realized that Kevin Nowlan worked on the cover (with Hilary Barta). This issue was Jim Lee's first Marvel work (if I remember correctly), and Whilce Portacio inked Jim Lee on it. He then remembered a comment that Kevin Nowlan made to him before, stating they both got into the business around the same time, and was thinking about getting himself that issue, as more of a sentimental thing, I guess. Whilce's wife jokingly told me to hide the book, otherwise, Whilce will take it. After a laugh with his wife, I picked up the book, and put it away, while Whilce was starting on the sketch for me. =)


Wolverine by Whilce Portacio

Surprisingly, by this time, it was still early in the day. I decided to line up again for Ivan Reis. I had a few more books to get signed, as well as my brother's. I did manage to get another sketch from Ivan Reis, who was still so happy, smiling ear-to-ear.


Supergirl by Ivan Reis

I decided then, to walk around the convention floor, just to do a quick look around. Didn't see anything that caught my eye, but did see Darryl of Cyber City Comix, bored and playing games, while sitting behind his booth. Also, I did see Carlos of Shockwave Comics, going through Darryl's bins, looking for books for possible CGC Signature Series. Carlos was also filling me on some info for possible CGC SS requests, if I was ever interested in. I'll definitely keep those in mind.

I didn't really explore that much more, and went to Aaron Lopresti to see the status of the commission I put down with him. He didn't start, because sometime during Friday evening to Saturday morning, someone stole his art supplies, so he had to run out to buy some. That definitely does suck, cause theft is never cool. I did manage to get a quick sketch from him. Yes, I'm shameless. I put down a commission, and I get a sketch. Shameless, I tells ya!


Ms. Marvel by Aaron Lopresti

At this point, my bro and I decided to get something to eat. Not sure where to go, and thinking that the only food vendors would be around the North building of the MTCC, we realized that there was a Jays game going on. Therefore, hot dogs stands infront of the Skydome. Score! Less of a walk.

Back to the convention, I continued walking around, looking around, but not too hard. I eventually did notice that Alvin Lee of Udon Comics arrived. I quickly went to the Udon booth, and line-up for Alvin. Brought up the Gen 13 #7 issue, which he worked on, but hasn't seen yet. I'll just leave that, at that. I did pick up an Udon sketchbook, and got a sketch from Alvin.


Zatanna by Alvin Lee

Kick ass take on Zatanna.

At that time, my bro and I decided to leave the convention. It was about 4PM, and he was beat. I was still going strong, but he wasn't feeling well, as he states in detail over at his blog. Left just as the Jays game was finishing off, so we had to get onto the Gardiner, before the traffic hit us.

After the second day, I was pretty much done with everything. I was able to hit up everyone I wanted to, and get everything I wanted signed, signed. Also, got the sketches I wanted. Everything except for the commission with Aaron Lopresti. Since he still didn't get started on it, I was still worried how it was going to turn out. I had to make the trip on Sunday to pick it up and see it.

So, once again, home to prep myself for the next morning.

Sunday April 15th, 2007 - Day Three

Going solo this day. Bro backed out the night before, since he didn't really have anything else to do, other than getting a commission from Omar Dogan of Udon Comics, and a sketch from Alvin Lee. I agreed to help him out for those, if I could.

Got in earlier than expected, after a trip to Wal-Mart to pick up some items. Got there at about 10AM, con doors opened at 11AM. Just sat around, playing Sudoku on my PDA. Had a little chat with fellow convention-goer, Larry.

Later on, just before 10:30AM, another convention helper/CGC SS Authorized Witness, Tiziano, waved me over, and got me in early. There wasn't really anything to do at that point, but I definitely still appreciate the gesture. Thanks Tiz!

I eventually did a little walking around, when some dealers were set up. Picked up a trade for my bro, and was looking around for myself. I was over at Wes Hagen's booth, and he brought up a deal, which he says he's never done before. Normally, the bin books are $3/book. He was doing $2/book if you purchased 10 or more. I wasn't up to searching then, but later on in the day, I went back.

Just before the doors opened, noticed Chris Sprouse and his wife at Chris' table, dropping off their coats, then went looking around the convention. At that point, decided to line up for him again. He didn't show again until 11:45AM, after making some purchases.

Went over to Omar Dogan, and put down my bro's commission for him, and then back to chill in the Chris Sprouse line.

Aaron Lopresti arrived, and I went to check what prelims and thumbnails he had left, which he was selling at very decent prices. I also checked the status of the commission I put down. It was done, and the worrying I had about how it was going to turn out ended. It is friggin beautiful. See near the end.

Eventually, Chris Sprouse did return to his table, and I got another sketch from him (I told ya, I'm shameless). He's never drawn this character before... ever... but it still turned out fantastic!


Green Arrow by Chris Sprouse

I did bring reference material, of his current costume design. Bad thing is, I brought the issue with the coolest cover I have since the One Year Later, Green Arrow #60. I soon realized that Oliver Queen never appeared in costume in that issue. Hell, Oliver Queen didn't even appear until the final page. So, Chris just took a stab at it, and I think it came out great.

After seeing Chris Sprouse, I lined up for Michael Choi... again. Quite a line, but he was working away to get through the line, by 3PM, when he had to leave for his flight back home. While in line, another convention-goer, Brian B, joined the line, behind me. We took turns holding each others spots in line, so the other person could he out to get other stuff done. I held his spot so he could hit up Aaron Lopresti and Whilce Portacio. He held my spot, so I could see Ivan Reis once again.

Ivan Reis once again, sketched a self-portrait as his name card for his table. Infront of me, getting his sketch done, was Milo of Digital Kontent, and his girlfriend, Kathryn.


Me (Left), Milo (Right), Respective Websites (Above), Kathryn (Taking the picture... sorry).

My turn with Ivan Reis. This man just doesn't stop smiling. He has to be one of the happiest people I've met. Got a third sketch from him.


Wonder Woman by Ivan Reis

After the sketch, I just had to get a picture with him.


Me (Left), Ivan Reis (Right)

Back to the Michael Choi line, Brian now off to the Ivan Reis line. Got up to Michael Choi, and presented him with a present. Something that was discussed over at Jinxworld, Coffee Crisp.

Yes, Coffee Crisp chocolate bars are not as available in the US market, as they are in Canada. Many chocolate bars aren't (Aero, Bounty, Mr. Big, Smarties). They're getting screwed in the US. Check that out here.

Now getting a little gift for a guest is something I've never done before, but it was for kicks, so I got him a four pack of Coffee Crisp. I was also able to get another quick sketch from him.


Zatanna by Michael Choi

And, the picture of us.


Michael Choi (Left), Me (Right)

I picked up the commission from Omar Dogan, for my bro. Alvin Lee still had not showed up, and this was around 2:30PM. After that, I went to Dale Eaglesham for a sketch. Unfortunately for him, his weekend wasn't too busy. His sketches are fantastic, but not too many people shelled out for them. The sketch he did for me was awesome, and the sketch he did for my bro on Friday was so much better.


Hawkman by Dale Eaglesham

By this time, I had nothing left to do. Alvin Lee still hadn't shown, and with a couple hours left in the show, I didn't think he would. So I just checked with the dealers.

Back to Wes Hagen's booth, to rummage through his bins. Managed to get some good pick ups. Nothing major, couple are Omega Flight related. Here's part of the haul.

- Avengers #263 (1st Appearance of X-Factor)
- Captain America #323 (1st Appearance of USAgent)
- Incredible Hulk #367 (1st Dale Keown Marvel work)
- Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #1 (just for the hell of it), and #6 (1st Appearance of Julia Carpenter).

Continued walking around, checking out the dealers, but didn't find anything I was really looking wanted. I didn't really search through the bins either.

Just before 4PM, I went to check over at the Udon booth, and saw that Alvin Lee was at the table, working away on some sketches. Unfortunately, he had a line-up, and I knew I couldn't get to him in time (with an hour left in the show), so I ended up leaving.

I got home, and put the Aaron Lopresti commission into a frame (one I had lying around, but not really a frame I want to hang on my wall, so I'm going to go pick one up soon).

And here it is, the piece I spent all weekend worrying about how it was going to turn out.


Wonder Woman by Aaron Lopresti

It's friggin beautiful. I'm really happy with how it turned out.

In the end, as a fan going to the convention to get my books signed, and for some sketches, it was really good. Less hectic than the previous years, with the obvious reason being this was a three-day show. The guests were definitely there to show their appreciation for their fans.

Dealers probably had the opposite feeling, since many aisles were empty. Not sure how their sales were, whether it was worth their time and effort to set up.

There was a late cancellation, which occured Friday, Mark Texeira (Ghost Rider, Wolverine). I heard there were problems with his flight, so he couldn't make it to Toronto for this convention. Also, it seems that many announced local guests didn't make it to the convention. Guys like Ramon Perez, Rob Coughler, and Dave Ross, didn't show. I was told Ty Templeton did show up late Saturday, but that appeared to be his only time. No worries, I'll just see them in June.

Now that this is over, I turn my attention to both the Motor City Comic Con (going probably for just May 19th, 2007), and then Paradise Toronto Comicon (June 8th-10th, 2007).