It's the annual Fan Expo Canada!
To be honest, I've heard a lot of negatives towards this year's guest list. Moreso, than positives. My opinion, I thought it was pretty good. Sure, last year, we got to see Jim Lee, Geoff Johns, Brian Michael Bendis, Mike Mignola (well, I didn't), Ethan Van Sciver, and several others. Hard to top names like that, but like I said, I thought it was pretty good. I was happy.
I was a little disappointed with all of the cancellations, but I knew in advance, so no worries there.
Now, onwards on my journey!
Friday August 24th, 2007Started off the day, leaving the house around 12:10pm. Normally, the drive would take about 30 minutes to the
Metro Toronto Convention Centre. This drive, about an hour. Stupid traffic, and that car that blocked the right lane on Spadina, just before the light at Bremner Blvd.
My brother and I got inside to see the line for the Advance Tickets. We got in the line, but then I realized there was another line for Premium Passes. Score! Out of one line, now into the VIP Entrance line.
Quite disappointed that the VIP Entrance was at the opposite corner of the Comics Autograph Area.
Plus side, the doors opened for the Special 2pm Preview at about 2:04pm. That's like a record! Only 4 minutes after the scheduled time.
Once in, I rushed myself over to the
Aspen Comics booth, where Big Saif was already at, looking for Michael Turner.
Micah Gunnell (Shrugged, Heroes) was at the booth, already working on sketches. He broke the news to the first few people at the table that Michael Turner would probably not make it to the show on the Friday, because of cancellations, and delayed flights, from Chicago.
I did drop my book down with Micah Gunnell, for a sketch, and ended up starting the line for Greg Pak. Now, this was like 2:15pm, and Greg Pak's signing was at 4:30pm, so I planted myself. My brother dropped down his stuff, and went off to explore the Expo floor, since it was still quite early in the preview period.
We ended up taking turns watching each other's stuff at the Greg Pak line. I went exploring, and eventually, found that
Joe Pekar was set-up. I put myself and my brother down for a commission each, but it'd be a while before he was done.
Before the show officially opened, I picked up my sketch from Micah Gunnell. It's Wnder Woman. To be honest, that was a spontaneous decision, and I'm really happy with how it came out. Thanks to
Micah Gunnell for this sketch!
Fast forward to the Greg Pak signing. He arrived shortly before 4:30pm, but left with someone. He ended up coming back just after 4:30pm, and started signing. Unfortunately, he enforced the 5 book/item limit, which was quite disappointing for me, because I wanted to get all my books signed, so I didn't have to carry them back and line up again sometime during the weekend.
Once out, I went to line up for
Simone Bianchi. He arrived before 4:30pm, but went to find out where his table was. I ended up going over to his table to see his sketch rate, and to try to get my few books signed, just to avoid staying in the line in the Autograph Area, so that I could explore the convention a little, before jumping into another line. Unfortunately, his sketch prices were out of my range, and he wasn't going to sign any books at his table, citing he would "get in trouble," because he was told not to sign anything at his booth. So, I just went back to my spot in Simone Bianchi's line in the Autograph Area.
Right before I actually got to Bianchi's table, I did see
Marcus To at the Aspen Comics booth, and I dropped off one of the Fallen Son blank covers for him to sketch on, while I went to Simone Bianchi's table inquiring about the sketch price, and trying to get my books signed. On the return trip from Simone Bianchi's table, Marcus To was already finished with the sketch. Thanks to
Marcus To for this sketch!
Hmm... back to Bianchi's Autograph Area line. Well, I got my books signed there. Simone Bianchi was cool with signing all my books. Once done, I just jumped into the Romitas line (John Romita and John Romita Jr.). The line was filling up quite nicely. Got the spots for myself and my brother. Since we were pretty far back, I decided to head over to
Steve McNiven's table, to check out the sketch rate, and hopefully get my books signed there. He wasn't doing any sketches on Friday, but he was signing books at his table, which was great. I'd just have to try again throughout the weekend.
I went back to the Romitas' line, to relax for a while. The Romitas' arrive, and the line got started. It was a somewhat slow moving line. Unsure of how the line-up was going to be, my brother decided against lining up for Paul Dini, which he regretted, because he could've gone in and been done with that line before the Romitas'.
Once done, I just went to the back, to get into the Frank Quitely line. When my brother got there, I went to Joe Pekar to check on the status of the sketch. He was in the process of it, but was working on another one, for someone who was only there on the Friday.
I went back to the Quitely line, and my brother told me to try to get into Olivier Coipel's line, since it was approaching the end. I was just behind the last person in line guy with the sign, but since it was near the end, the sign was taken away and the signing continued for a few extra people.
Back to the Quitely line, which isn't much to write about. Got books signed, but because of the signing limit, I didn't get all my books signed.
Once done there, I moved over to the end of the
David Finch line, who was sketching for one of the volunteers, then was cool with signing the books for the few people that came after the signing.
After the signings, I went back to
Joe Pekar, to check the status of the sketch. He was done mine, but still had to work on my brother's. So, I paid for mine, and left my book with him, until the next day.
I'm really happy with the Power Girl sketch, but it's too bad my scanner doesn't pick it up too well, so I had to adjust some things in Photoshop, to make the sketch visible. Thanks to Joe Pekar for this sketch!
Next to Joe Pekar, but sadly, hidden in the corner, was
Michael Gaydos. I got my books signed by him, and flipped through his pre-done sketches. He said that there would be more throughout the weekend. I requested a Captain America, if he was doing more, and if he could hold it for me it he did do one. He said he'll think about it.
I tried to get a sketch from
Karl Kerschl, but the day was coming to a close, and he told me to check back tomorrow, and he'll fit in one for me. That was cool with me!
This is pretty much were I ended day one.
I was quite disappointed with how tight the signings at the Expo have become, with the limits and refusal to sign at the guests table. Also, with the really short signing times, which did carry over to the next scheduled signing. I did feel a little better about the Expo, when I was able to get Olivier Coipel and David Finch, to sign my books, near the end of their signings.
The sketches I got on the Friday were fantastic, but being the "Sketch Whore" that I am, it's truly not the amount that I'd normally get.
Saturday August 25th, 2007This day started off early. Left the house around 7:30am (for the 10am opening), got to the MTCC around 8am. Got inside, and headed for the elevator, and went down. Went over to the VIP Entrance line, to see no one down there. Before going down the elevator, my bro and I noticed a short line forming at the escalator, but still took the elevator.
At this point, two hours of waiting until the doors open for the Expo...
Went in, and again, went straight for the Aspen Comics booth. There was already a line up forming before the doors opened. Saif and Brian eventually made their way to the area, where I held spots in line for them, whenever they arrived (both of which, I owe many, many Thanks too... Thanks Guys!).
Bro went to Tricia Helfer, and started the line there, for her 12pm signing.
I went over to see Peter and Brian (of
All New Comics), to grab their John Romita books to get signed at the Hero Initiative. I wanted to line up, but wasn't sure how long it was going to take, and didn't want to risk leaving the Michael Turner line too long. I regret not lining up, cause soon after my pondering, the line quickly filled up, and the sketch cut-off was in place for John Romita. I did get Peter and Brian's books signed, and dropped them back off to them.
I also dropped off my sketchbook with Peter Steigerwald, which I picked up later in the day, and got Kiani.
Michael Turner arrive just before 11:30am, and rested while doing some private signings at the back of the Aspen booth. His signing started shortly after 11:30am, which, Thanks to Saif, I was able to get all my Michael Turner books signed (well, all that I brought).
After the signing, I rushed into the Frank Quitely line, and tried calling my brother to let him know. Phone reception sucks in the South Building at the MTCC, so I was pretty unsuccessful at calling him, but he eventually made his way to the signing. After the Frank Quitely signing, I jumped into the Paul Dini line, allowing my brother to go to Yanick Paquette.
I was near the end of the Paul Dini line, which moved really slow. Paul Dini was also enforcing the signing limit of five, which sucked, because with my stuff and my brother's, there was ten. My brother never made it to the Paul Dini line, but luckily, Thanks to Ken, who was able to take on two more items, got two of the items signed for me.
When I finally got up, with the line already cut-off, Paul Dini was nice enough to take on some extra items, so I did get the remainder of the items signed.
Rushed to the Romitas' line, which was forming outside of the Autograph Area, because of Maile Flanagan's signing (Anime guest). Bro made his way back from Yanick Paquette. Once the line was let into the Autograph Area, we ended up in the third row. I thought about lining up for Greg Pak again, since his signing was at 3:30pm, and I was sure I'd get through that line before I got through the Romitas', so I did, around 3:10pm.
Around then, John Romita Jr. showed up, without father, John Romita. The line compressed, and I ended up leaving Greg Pak's line, and back to the Romitas. I ended up lining back up for Greg Pak around 3:30pm, and stayed until I got my stuff signed, constantly looking back at the line for the Romitas. I did cut it close, being like a few spots back in the Romitas' line, once done at Greg Pak. Just got back in time. Remaining books for Romita Jr, signed.
I went back over to Michael Gaydos, to see if he worked on a Captain America sketch, which he did, and saved for me.
I also went to see Karl Kerschl again, and got on his list, as the last one on the list, to be completed Sunday.
After cleaning up a bit and dropping stuff off at the car, I went to see the Charisma Carpenter signing, really only to take pictures, and not wait in line for an autograph. After taking a few pictures, one of the convention volunteers or possibly staff, who was not in one of them spiffy hockey jerseys, starting getting everyone out of the area which they allowed for picture taken.
Well, this pissed me off, because in trying to get people out, he ended up nudging me out of the area. Not to the extent of pushing me out, but there was force in getting me out. I don't mind a tap on the shoulder or something. But when this person extended his arms out to the side, and basically walked forward, with his hand and arm now on me, and continuing his forward motion, that bothers me a helluva lot. I'll admit, he was try to get everyone out, but it was me that was the closest to him when he started to get everyone out.
Stand infront of the camera, blocking my stop, that's fine, you get your message across. Tap me on the shoulder, and tell me to leave the area personally, that's fine. Forcing me out like that, I'm not cool with.
To Hobbystar Marketing, let whoever you get helping out with your conventions know, to keep their hands off the fans in attendance, especially ones that cause no harm or damage. Like I said, it was
NOT one of the guys in the hockey jerseys. From my experience this weekend, the guys in the hockey jerseys, have done nothing wrong to me.
After this, I decided to check out the Olivier Coipel vs. Michael Turner sketch-off. As much as these sketch-offs are awesome for the fans, I was disappointed with the winner of the Michael Turner piece, being the lady that just went up near the end, to get TWO tickets, while taking close-up photos.
I didn't care that I didn't win, because I enjoyed the sketch-off itself, but there should really be a cut-off for the raffle tickets when it comes to the sketch-offs, for those that actually waited in line to enter, and not someone who comes in the middle to the end of the sketch-off, to grab a ticket.
But then again, it was the security people, and not those that ran the convention, that let the line in, cause that threw off how the tickets were to be given out. Also, a bigger box for those tickets to actually mix around in, would be nice. That little pencil case is too small.
With an hour left in the convention, I went down, to walk around a little, tried to see if I could get some more sketches done. I ended up seeing Ty Templeton, but he was too busy working on other sketches, so I knew I was gonna get cut-off, and just got my Ultimate Spider-Man 100 Project signed by him, and Dave Ross (I got everyone else at the convention during the Friday).
Dropped by Chris Sprouse's table before leaving, to get a couple of books signed, then headed home.
This was the end of Day Two. Still disappointed with how the convention felt like a waste, waiting in line, after line, after line, etc., rushing from one to another, to another. That jackass that put his hands on me while removing me from near Charisma Carpenter, didn't really help with my enjoyment of the convention.
Sunday August 26th, 2007The goal was to see Steve McNiven, to try to get a sketch from him. All my books were signed, except the ones for C.B. Cebulski, so I had those, to bring back, and some Fallen Son blank covers.
Left for the MTCC before 8:30am, got there around 9am. This time, MTCC staff and security, stopped people from going down the escalator and elevator. Everyone except staff. So, bro and I just sat upstairs.
When they started letting exhibitors down, we somehow managed to be with them while going down, and ended up infront of the VIP Entrance line, again.
Doors opened like a couple minutes after 11am.
Went straight for Steve McNiven's table. He was already there, working on sketches from his list he took on Saturday. He said to check back later, but the chances of him adding more to it was very slim.
I was able to get in for Chris Sprouse, who just arrived and was setting up. I ended up planting myself for Michael Turner, while Chris Sprouse was working on the sketch.
I also went over to see
C.B. Cebulski, to get my books signed by him, which made it a complete weekend for signings. Every book I brought to get signed, was now signed.
I dropped my sketchpad down for
Agnes Garbowska, for one of her cute mini-commissions, of the famous Jim Lee Uncanny X-Men #268 cover. I love how it came out. Thanks again, Agnes!
I also dropped off my sketchpad to Karl Kerschl, or was still working his way through the list.
I ended up heading back to the Michael Turner line, and stuck around for the signing, getting my brother's books signed (since Saif helped me out large, when he got my books signed for me).
I went to the Celebs area, since Charisma Carpenter decided to do another signing for Sunday, which was a surprise. I ended up taking some more photos, with no conflicts. I dropped off all the books that were signed, into the car, and proceeded back in, into the Romitas'
Hero Initiative line.
At this point, Michael Turner returned to the Aspen booth, and Brian was there chatting with Michael Turner. I noticed Brian getting a sketch from Michael Turner, and I'm thinking to myself, "How does he do it?"
I head back to the Aspen booth, in hopes of to get a glimpse of the sketch Brian is getting. Then I see him pulling out a hardcover, which is getting a sketch in it too!
So there I am, hoping maybe I could possibly get behind the booth, to talk to Michael Turner, and possibly getting the sketch that I've been trying to get since 2004.
Thanks again, to Brian, for hooking me up large there!
So, I went back to the Romitas' line, and my brother asked me to get a Yanick Paquette sketch on the Fallen Son blank cover, for him. Sure, why not? It's his money, and his book. I also carried my sketchbook with me, for
Francis Manapul, but he still wasn't there, so I had it in hand. I'm really glad I did, after Yanick Paquette finished the sketch cover, I saw Saif, and
Shane Heron, over by Olivier Coipel, who was chatting with Chris Sprouse's wife.
Olivier Coipel was doing a quick sketch in Saif's sketchbook, and when he was done, I asked if Olivier had the time for a quick sketch in my sketchpad. He agreed to do a quick one, which was something I wanted to get about a year and a half ago, when Olivier appeared at the second Fan Appreciation Day for Hobbystar. Thanks again, Olivier!
Sunday was already making up for the other two days.
Dropped off my stuff, back at the Romita line, and went to drop off my sketchbook for Francis Manapul.
I went to go get some pizza for myself and my bro, ate it, and went back to check on the sketch from Francis.
I also Congratulated him on the Legion of Super-Heroes run that he has coming up. Legion will be a new title that I'll be picking up, whether in trade format, or singles. Thanks again, Francis!
Back to the Romitas' Hero Initiative line, where I now planted myself until the Romitas arrived. They were both doing sketches there, mixed with some signings. This is where people started bringing up the huge stacks to get signed.
Eventually, I got up there, and decided on Captain America from both Romitas. First, John Romita Sr., then John Romita Jr. I was happy to receive both of them. Thanks again to John Romita and John Romita Jr!
With two hours left in the show, I decided to walk around for a bit. I had a little chat with Joe Pekar about his weekend in Toronto, and Thanked him again for the Power Girl sketch.
I went over to Cameron Stewart, to see how his weekend has been, as well as for the Captain America sketch on the blank cover. Thanks again, Cameron!
Karl Kerschl, at this point (like 4pm), still hadn't gotten to my sketch yet, so I had more time to explore the convention floor.
To be honest, there wasn't really anything I was looking for, just whatever would catch my eye, and if it was cheap enough. I still want to get one of those Mario Mushroom plush, but they seem too expensive, especially for something that was probably made in a sweatshop. But, they sell well, and I'd probably just give it to my little siblings, like I did with the Owly plush I picked up at TCAF (but forgot to mention).
I went over to the Celeb autograph area, and Malcolm McDowell was still signing and posing with fans. Same with Robert Beltran. I took some pictures of Malcolm McDowell, cause I already had some of Beltran from the previous day.
I continued walking around, until near the end, when Karl Kerschl was putting the finishing touches on the sketch for me. I picked up some Teen Titans GO! comics for my little siblings, from
J. Torres, just before he started to pack his stuff up, and after
Scott Chantler packed up. Found out that J. Torres lives not too far from me.
While talking with J. Torres, Karl finished off the sketch of Captain America for me. I was quite happy how it turned out. I saw a couple of other ones he did this weekend, and they are fantastic. This is no different! Thanks again, Karl!
Before leaving the convention, my bro and I decided to pick up some t-shirts at the
Stylin' booth. There's so much to choose from, and I never know what to pick out. Being overwhelmed with t-shirts, I decided to choose one, while my bro chose another one. I ended up with the one below, and I'll have to keep an eye on this website, the next time I'm going to be around this booth.
And for those that thing that I left a story unfinished... I did. Since 2004, when I got back into comics, I was hoping to get
this. Well, now I got it, and I couldn't be happier!
I got a Wonder Woman sketch by Michael Turner!!!! Last year, it was Jim Lee. This year,
Michael Turner!Once again, Thanks to Brian for hooking me up large here, and the motivation to get it done! Also, Thanks to Saif as well, also, for the motivation, and helping me out with getting my books signed, and catching Olivier Coipel at the right time. Need any help at the next conventions, lemme know, and I'll see what I can do to help you out.
Thanks to the
Aspen Comics group: Micah, Marcus, Peter, Frank, Chris, and of course, Michael Turner.
Thanks to everyone that signed my books, and sketched for me.
Some constructive criticism.
- Signing times too short
- Up the signing limit, or just don't have one, like previous years
- Anime guests deserves their own Autograph area
- OR, additional lines, like Autograph Area EE & FF
Sunday was definitely better than the other two days.
And now, I leave you with some photos of the weekend.
Me & Frank Quitely (L); Simone Bianchi (R)
Simone Bianchi & Greg Pak (L); Micah Gunnell & Talent Caldwell (R)
John Romita, Me, John Romita Jr. (L); Jonathan Frakes (R)
Tricia Helfer (L); Charisma Carpenter (R)
Sketch-off: Olivier Coipel (L) vs. Michael Turner (R)
John Romita (L); Malcolm McDowell (R)
Michael Turner & Me
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