Another Wrestlemania Passes

WWE's Wrestlemania XXIV was last night, and it was a great show.

But before getting to that, I do want to mention the night before Wrestlemania, the WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony. More specifically, the appearance by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

This performance is why I miss The Rock on WWE TV. Always a great performer, and a fun one to watch.



As for Wrestlemania XXIV itself, it was quite emotional. Well, emotional during the Shawn Michaels/Ric Flair match. The significance of this match, "If Ric Flair loses, he must retire." I've been following both wrestlers for a number of years, and have the utmost respect for them. So watching this match, I couldn't help but tear up as well at the ending of the match. It was blatantly obvious that this was going to be Ric Flair's last match, so I had to watch it, just for the love and respect these two performers have for each other. They stole the show.

Thank You for Everything, "Nature Boy" Ric Flair!

Raging Interview

Be sure to be on the look out for an online interview I did, talking about comic conventions and sketches. Sure, most of you already know of the stories, but this is to spread the word some more. I'll post a link, when it becomes available. I was told, it'd be up by next Thursday.

Leafs are out

For the third consecutive year, the Toronto Maple Leafs are once again, out of the playoffs. Being a Leafs fan, this is disappointing to me, for obvious reasons. But I am still a hockey fan, and will continue to watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs, routing for certain teams. When the season is over, and the brackets are decided, I will make my picks to win.

Boughts and Thoughts - March 26th, 2008

All-Star Superman #10 - Another enjoyable issue from Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely. Superman's Dead, but Clark Kent lives on?

Green Lantern #29 - Mainly a flashback issue of Hal Jordan's life. Enjoyable, but was hoping for more of the Blackest Night stuff, instead of the final page... which wasn't anything shocking. Just Abin Sur looking for more info on the Blackest Night... Well, Abin Sur, you will have to continue buying the Green Lantern title... sucker. Oh wait...

JSA Classified #36 - More of Ramon Perez drawing Wildcat and Catwoman. Next issue, they team up!

New Avengers #39 - Skrulls trying to infiltrate the New Avengers. Clint Barton is a man-whore.

Smashin' and Brawlin'

After just over a week of playing, I do have to say that Super Smash Bros. Brawl is a pretty damn good game, if you are a fan of the previous one. I have cleared the Subspace Emissary and all 41 events (on Easy... frankly, because I don't consider myself a hardcore gamer that has to beat games on harder levels). I have also unlocked all of the characters. So, I'll probably try to beat Classic mode with all of the characters, and see where I go from there.

The timing of me getting this was great, as I had just cleared, Bully: Scholarship Edition. I am a fan of the Grand Theft Auto series, so I had fun with this.

---

This past weekend at work, was an interesting one. First, I found out when I got to work on Friday, that another stabbing occurred Thursday night. Thankfully, no staff members were injured. I believe it was just plain stupidity.

I also had to train someone Friday night. This is something that I'm very vocal about at work, as it is busy on Fridays, and training someone is really retarded, because I don't have the time. I also don't like training, because I'm not really good at explaining how to do someone. I just know how to do it. And they ALWAYS make me do this. Whatever, it happened.

Sunday, I also had to train the same person (training is usually three shifts, and this was his third). It was busy at first, but then slowed down significantly when our minors' call was made.

This was the interesting part of the day.

Guest: Look, I need help with my game, and I don't have the time to track you down to fix it. What's going on with this place? So many games are broken, and games are running out of tickets.
Me (while fixing his game): Unfortunately, it's quite busy, as it is a long weekend, and games do run out of tickets. I can take care of the game for you. As for the games being broken, some games do go down throughout the day. As for other broken games, we are waiting on the parts to arrive, to fix them.
Guest: This is unacceptable. I shouldn't have to track you down to fix my game.
Me: Sorry you feel that way, sir. But as I said, it is quite busy. I answer the games calls I get in the order I get them. If I don't make my way to a specific game right away, it is in queue, and I will get there as soon as I finish any of the previous calls. I will not put your call over anyone else's, but at the same time, I won't put anyone else's calls over yours. I answer them in the order I receive them, cause that's the only fair way.
Guest: I don't have the time to wait for you to fix other calls.
Me: That's unfortunately, sir, but everyone else that needs help, has to wait as well.
Guest: I want to speak with your manager.
Me: Sure.

About ten minutes later.
Me (going to talk that manager): That guy I called you for, started complaining to me about many games being broken, and games running out of tickets. He started to say that he didn't have the time to wait for me to deal with other calls, before fixing his, even though I answer the calls in order. I explained to him that it's unfortunately that he has to wait, but I answer the calls in order, and that other guests do have to wait as well.
Manager: Yea, he brought up the games being broken, and the tickets being out, and I agree with you. My concern is with what he said about what you said.
Me: That being?
Manager: Well, he said that you said, "If you don't like coming here, then maybe you go somewhere else."
Me: WHAT?!?!?!? No, I didn't say that. I've been working here long enough to know what to say, and especially, what not to say. I have enough self-control to hold back any thoughts I may have for any guests.
Manager: Alright, but the rest of the time he's here, try to stay away from him, even though I'm sure he's leaving.
Me: That won't be a problem.

The funny thing is, this guy complained to me the previous Sunday, saying the same shit, just without the emphasis of him not having the time to wait. I fixed his game, and stated that games do run out of tickets, and quickly when it's busy.

He did complain to a manager later on that day. Not about me, but the quality of the business. I ended up seeing this manager, after the guy complained about me, and he smiles at me saying, "I hear someone complained about you today."

So I ask him if he remembered one guy complaining about all the games being out of tickets and broken, and him mentioning that this place has gone downhill? The manager knew who I was talking about, by saying, "Oh, that f*cking guy just wouldn't stop complaining last week..." and so on.

I mentioned that I had to train someone this weekend. He is getting the hang of the basics, so I didn't need to shadow him... just help him when he needed it. Also, I had another person working. And with the rest of the night was slow, I was able to get some work done, to try to get out early. Weird thing is, I got out later... damn, how that worked out. Oh well.

I have to train someone else today. Fun...

"Visions of an Icon"

To all Canadian comic book artists:

James Waley writes:

To celebrate the first publication of Joe Shuster’s groundbreaking co-creation, Superman, we thought it would be appropriate for us to organize an exhibit of artwork by Canadian comic book artists to salute this historic anniversary. With this in mind, we’re contacting over a hundred different and diverse creators all across Canada and the world with a request for their individual take on this renowned character to be shown in our Visions of an Icon art exhibit on June 14th (which we hope to follow up with a publication of these works and a longer exhibition of the works at another venue --- both of which are in the planning and negotiations stage now).

We’ve tried to keep the artwork specs quite basic to maintain a consistency of picture size for the exhibit so what we’re looking for is an image on a page of standard comic art paper (11” X 17” --- either one of those preprinted pages or 2 ply paper cut to that size) with a central 10” X 15” illo of Superman in pencil, ink or in colour … your choice. The sky’s the limit as to how an artist may decide to approach this artwork but as this is a tribute to Canadian-born co-creator Joe Shuster and to the 70th anniversary of this celebrated character our only request is that the illustration be in the spirit of that sentiment. While it’s certainly not surprising that we all have our own wide and varied opinions about the vast array of comic and graphic novel material in the marketplace it’s an indisputable fact that the monumental impact that Superman made at the dawn of comic books was, to a great extent, the impetus that launched sequential art as a viable segment of the publishing industry --- a fact, one can safely assume, that we’re all grateful for!

Also, keep in mind, that as a representative of one of our regular sponsors, CGC (COMICS GUARANTY, LCC), JSA Associate Director, Kevin Boyd will be attending many conventions on their behalf before June 14th and would available at any of these shows to take delivery of artwork then for this exhibit. Here’s a list of upcoming cons that he’ll be at ---

Toronto ComiCON April 12-13
New York Comicon April 18- 20
Pittsburgh Comicon April 25- 27
Motor City Con May 16-18
Wizard World Philadelphia May 28- June 1

… and he can be reached at Kevin.Boyd@cancercare.on.ca to make this arrangement if you’re planning to attend any of these shows.

Another one of our committee members, Peter Fisico, of the online comic shop, www.allnewcomics.com, has generously allowed us to use his mailing address for this production (as our JSA address in currently in transition) so this is where any shipped artwork would be directed to ---

JOE SHUSTER AWARDS / VISIONS OF AN ICON
c/o All New Comics,
7357 Woodbine Ave., Suite # 304,
Markham, Ontario , Canada.
L3R 6L3

Obviously, with our event happening on June 14th we would need receipt of all artwork by around the end of May, at the latest.

Thank you for giving me your time and attention to tell you about this exhibit and our appeal for donations of artwork for this cause. The Joe Shuster Awards were instituted to honour and celebrate the best comic book and graphic novel creators that Canada has produced over the years and we appreciate, greatly, any help you can give us in our endeavor to continue this tradition.

James Waley
Executive Director
Canadian Comic Book Creator Awards Association / The Joe Shuster Awards

Convention Report on Convention Reports of 2007

We're well into March 2008 right now, so I figured it'd be the best time to bring up the conventions (and one festival) I went to in 2007. Nothing really new to add to any of the reports. This is more to compile them all into one post, so you can read what I did and my rants on them. I have included short blurbs on them, so you know what you are reading.

Most of you probably have already read them, but if you got time to kill, read them again.

Hobbystar's Toronto ComiCON - February 4th, 2007 - First con of the year, featuring Udon as the guests (Omar Dogan, Joe Ng). I really just went bin-diving here.

Toronto Comic Book Fan Supershow - March 25th, 2007 - Lots of great guests, which featured Karl Kerschl at his first convention in Toronto, since moving back (though, he's moved away again).

Hobbystar's Toronto ComiCON Fan Appreciation Event - April 13th-15th, 2007 - Highly enjoyable convention, though the attendance seemed to have dropped throughout the weekend. Worked out for a sketch-whore like me, and I was able to get a bunch of sketches.

Motor City Comic Con - May 19th, 2007 - ROAD TRIP! Fun convention, where I met (and got sketches from) Stan Sakai and Sergio Aragones. Also, this contains evidence of me speeding... significantly.

Paradise Toronto Comicon Day One - June 8th, 2007 - Another great show this year, split into three reports (many photos, and sketches).

Paradise Toronto Comicon Day Two - June 9th, 2007 - I still have that Silver Sharpie, used by Georges Jeanty (artist of Buffy: The Vampire Slayer Season Eight). All you Buffy fans, you can still purchase that from me! Read how I got his Sharpie!

Paradise Toronto Comicon Day Three - June 10th, 2007 - The start of my Fallen Son blank cover collection.

Paradise Cottage Con - August 5th, 2007 - Small convention, in cottage country. Only got one sketch, and spent the bulk of the morning/early afternoon bin-diving.

Toronto Comic Arts Festival - August 18th-19th, 2007 - Definitely a highlight of 2007. I had a blast at TCAF. So much happening, so little time. Can't wait until 2009!

Fan Expo Canada - August 24th-26th, 2007 - Michael Turner sketch, John Romita sketch, John Romita Jr. sketch, Olivier Coipel sketch, the list goes on. When it comes down to it, I really just missed getting a sketch from Steve McNiven. Aside from that, I did really enjoy the convention. Personally, I still hate signing limits, but what can you do. I'll have to assess the conventions this year, and possibly limit my books. We'll see if I actually do or not.

Hobbystar's Toronto ComiCON - October 21st, 2007 - It was a small, but fun convention. Matthew Clark was the Special Guest. Cliff Chiang had a family emergency, which prevented him from appearing. Digital Kontent got their first table at a con, and rocked!

Nine conventions for me in 2007. There will be less in 2008, since this is the off year for TCAF, and Paradise Conventions looks to be sticking to one convention this year.

Thanks to everyone who made the 2007 convention year for me awesome!

Boughts and Thoughts - March 19th, 2008

Guess I was a little more tired than I thought I was. After getting up before 8am, to see my little siblings off to school, I decided to take a nap, and wake up at 10am. Well, when 10am hit, my alarm went off, and woke up once again, but stayed in bed (uh oh...). I ended up falling asleep again, and didn't wake up until 11:55am... five minutes before Cyber City Comix opened... a time I'm usually outside of the door.

I got up, changed, and hauled ass over there. Not that there was anything that I couldn't wait for. I just like to get my books early, and get back home to read them.

Later in the day, I went to the Paradise Comics store signing, featuring J. Bone! Got some stuff signed, and got me one kick-ass sketch of Stargirl. Thanks J! Nice seeing you again!

Captain America #36 - The people now know... some weirdo is dressing up like Captain America. With the cover for issue #39, kinda up wondered how that was going to occur. I guess we now know how, with the ending of this issue.

Dark Ivory #1 - Not a bad book.

Fables #71 - Cinderella, Willingham made you bad ass! So love the cover by James Jean.

Grimm Fairy Tales #25 - They made Ursula hot, compared to what Disney made her look like.

Grimm Fairy Tales: The Piper #1 - Not bad, but I doubt I'll continue with this series.

Invincible #49 - Don't know much of the Invincible/Image universe, but something is going to happen in the next issue.

Justice League Of America #19 - Justice League get beat, except for Hawkgirl... who then got beat, but managed to save the JLA.

Locke & Key #2 - Didn't get it last week, cause bro forgot. This series is pretty good.

Super Friends #1 - I kinda want to buy the toys now.

J. Bone Signing This Wednesday! Also, Toronto AnimeCON?

This Wednesday, March 19th, 2008, J. Bone will be doing a signing at Paradise Comics, from 4pm-7pm. This signing is to promote the release of Super Friends #1, which features a cover by J. Bone.

Also, if you haven't already, pick up a copy of Justice League: The New Frontier Special, which is one of my favourite books in 2008! I got me two copies!

Super Friends #1 should be one of the books that fall into DC Comics new Canadian Pricing Policy, and is one of the books part of DC's child-oriented books, so I'm sure many of you can pull out $2.25 for a copy of it, and get it signed by J. Bone.

---

This past Saturday, me, my older bro, and two little siblings, made the trip down to Hobbystar's Toronto animeCON.

Why?

Well, I never really wanted to go, but it was more for the little sibs to check out the costumes and atmosphere. We stayed for roughly two hours, and picked up some little toys for the sibs.

I was tired, and bored (anime isn't my thing). I worked the night before, and didn't get home until 3:30am, and didn't get to sleep until 4:30am. Then older bro came into my room around 8am, and with him being sick, his coughing woke me up then. I couldn't get back to sleep.

Saturday night, was take two, for my little brother's birthday party. We tried the previous weekend, but that nasty snowstorm ruined those plans (and my plans on going to see Roman Dirge at Silver Snail, which I wanted to do after the animeCON.

The party was quite fun, cause I finally got to play Halo 3, and Gears of War for X-Box 360 (Gears of War was really fun). The party lasted until 2-3am, and I didn't get to sleep around 4am (nice to be up for 20-hours with little sleep).

Sick Bro once again appears in my room fairly early in the morning, coughing once again. It did wake me up at times, but unlike the day before, I was able to sleep again, though not for long. I did feel like I was catching his cold (you ass!), and felt it even more after I got home from work Sunday night/Monday morning. I popped some pills, and fell asleep.

I did wake up this morning, feeling like crap, but it seems to be going away. My throat isn't the greatest right now, but I'll see how it goes tonight and tomorrow.

DC Finally Changes Canadian Cover Prices!

Newsarama: DC Updates Canadian Pricing Policy

It's been a long time coming, but DC Comics will finally drop the Canadian cover price on their periodicals (starting March 19th, 2008), and will just be running off of one price... the US cover price. It's about time they did that, even though many Canadian retailers have been doing that already.

Sadly, my local shop, Cyber City Comix, was charging Canadian cover prices, though I did get my membership discount, which worked out to less than US cover price (seven cents less, but still less, nonetheless). Because of the membership discount, I didn't care too much about being charged Canadian cover price (most DC books were $3.65CDN). Cyber City Comix is still a great shop, and I will continue to shop there (no offense to any other shops).

Starting next week, I will be getting DC books much cheaper than before. Instead of $2.99 (on most books), I will be getting them for $2.39 (with membership discount). Cheaper books = the possibility of buying more books published by DC Comics (and their imprints).

That being said, I haven't been buying too many DC books, mainly because I don't like the direction the DCU has been going (Countdown to Final Crisis... terrible). I'll stick with the few books that I have been picking up, but as it stands, it's doubtful that I add any DCU titles. I may start picking up Fables (published under the Vertigo imprint), because I enjoyed the last issue. And the cover to the next issue looks absolutely stunning (Fables #71 cover by James Jean... take out the logo, and I would love to have a print of that).

Now, if I'm not mistaken, the price change is only for the single issues (aka, the floppies). Not sure on how this affects the trades and hardcovers. Hopefully, those get reduced, even if it isn't to US cover price. We'll just have to see.

Boughts and Thoughts - March 12th, 2008

Apologies for the late post. I didn't get to head out to pick up the books this week, because of March Break, and I'm taking care of my little siblings. So, older bro picked them up for me, and I couldn't read them until after he got home. Then the hockey game came on, and I was watching that (of course). The Leafs won again, with Kubina once again winning the game for them. Still a slim chance for the Leafs to make the playoffs. Oh well... "There's always next year."

Astounding Wolf-Man #5 - Not bad. I enjoyed it, but really have nothing to say about it.

Grimm Fairy Tales #24 - Interesting way to end this issue. Definitely looking forward to see where this leads. Issue #25... The Little Mermaid!

Serenity: Better Days #1 - Reading this issue, makes me want to watch Firefly all over again. Great show.

The Walking Dead #47 - Another death... that I didn't care for... looking forward to seeing where the ending leads to.

Bro forgot to pick up Locke & Key #2 for me, so I'll probably head out to grab a copy. Also, NOTHING from the big two this week, for me.

Pimping out Steve Murray

If the National Post is doing it, then it must be right to do so.

You rock, Chip!

Captain America Sketches - Through The Years

This is going to be my final "... Sketches - Through The Years" post, for quite a while. Until I get a decent-sized collection of another character. This one was quite intimidating to write about, because of the amount of Captain America sketches I have. Most of them are on Fallen Son: The Death of Captain America #3 Blank Sketch Cover, that I purchased from All New Comics. Also, most of the Captain America sketches were obtained AFTER his "death."

But, I got to start this off with the ones I got before the "death." The first Captain America sketch was done by Adrian Alphona, at the Canadian National Comic Book Expo 2004, on the third day of the convention (Sunday August 29th, 2004). This was back when Adrian was apart of the art studio, Bright Anvil Studios. I had also just started collecting Runaways at the time, though, near the end of the first volume.

When I found out that Adrian was there, sketching, I jumped in line to get one. Unfortunately for me, this is in my brother's sketchbook (the sketch is made out to me). I wasn't really a sketch collector at the time, and this was my first convention since I started collecting comics again, so I didn't own a sketchbook then.

The next Captain America sketch came at Paradise Toronto Comicon 2005, which was the first time I had ever attended a Paradise show. I got the Dale Keown sketch on the final day of the convention (Sunday May 1st, 2005).

I originally was hoping to get a Hulk sketch from Dale, but with many of the people infront getting one (including my brother), I ended up changing my mind. Seeing one of those pamphlets for A.C.T.O.R. (now the Hero Initiative), with Captain America on it, I decided to go with Cap.

This sketch, by Michael Lark, was done at Paradise Toronto Comicon 2006, on the last day of the con (Sunday April 30th, 2006). My original sketch choice was Daredevil, since Michael Lark was a few issue into his run on Daredevil, with Ed Brubaker.

Seeing a lot of Daredevil requests on Michael Lark's list, I decided on Captain America, since he worked on a couple issues of Captain America. I was quite glad I made the switch, because I like the Captain America character, more than I do Daredevil.

And this is the end of the Captain America sketches, before the "death." Three sketches. One each year, from 2004-2006.

I got the Ron Garney Captain America sketch at the Hobbystar Fan Appreciation Event 2007, on the second day of the convention (Saturday April 14th, 2007). This was also Ron Garney's last day at that convention.

I was actually in Whilce Portacio's line, because Ron Garney had not arrived. But while in line for Whilce, I was just looking around, and noticed Ron Garney coming in, so I moved over to his table, and became first in line for him.

Seen too many Spider-Man sketches from Ron Garney, so I went with Captain America. I think it was after I got the sketch, that I realized he worked on the Captain America title, prior to the Brubaker series.

The next Captain America sketch is by Michael Cho, that I got on Free Comic Book Day 2007, May 5th, 2007. I was on the final leg of the gauntlet, with The Beguiling as my last stop of the day.

Lucky for me, Mike was nice enough to make it the last sketch of the day for him, after sketching away for the attendees, throughout the long and hot day. It was actually the last sketch I got that day too.

The gauntlet was complete for me, and it was a pretty amazing trip. Looking forward to this year's FCBD.

The next Captain America sketch was done at Paradise Toronto Comicon 2007, on the second day (June 9th, 2007).

Mike Perkins was doing a signing for the Hero Initiative. I was third in line for him. Original sketch choice was Captain America, but the first two people got Cap.

I ended up switching to the Ultimate World War II Captain America, and I think it turned out fantastically amazing! I have this sketch framed and hanging right under my Michael Turner Wonder Woman sketch, on the side of my bookshelf.

The next Captain America sketch come on the same day, at Paradise Toronto Comicon 2007.

Stephen Colbert's Tek Jansen was soon to be released, and Stephen Colbert did receive Captain America's shield on The Colbert Report, so I figured getting Stephen Colbert as Captain America was a great choice. The sketch is done by Stephen Colbert's Tek Jansen artist, Scott Chantler (current artist of Hawaiian Dick).

Who am I kidding? I stole the idea from my brother, changed it around, and came up with something better. Check out my brother's sketch, by Scott Chantler.

And the Fallen Son Blank covers begin! I don't know why I picked them up, but I did. I bought about eight of them on the final day of Paradise Toronto Comicon 2007, Sunday June 10th, 2007.

The first sketch on a Fallen Son Blank cover I got was by one of the Guest of Honour, Matt Wagner.

I was in line for Kaare Andrews, who had yet to arrive, when I noticed Matt Wagner just sitting at his table, not doing anything at the time. So I asked him for a sketch, which was my third one from him that weekend.

Another one on the final day of Paradise Toronto Comicon 2007. Kaare Andrews eventually arrived, after partying it up at the Joe Shuster Awards After-Party.

My brother and I were at the front of the line at the start of the show. This was the second sketch I got from Kaare at the show. The first one, I got at the Hero Initiative signing, the day before.

This Captain America sketch came out really well, IMO. Look, dead man standing in the clouds.

Also on the final day of Paradise Toronto Comicon 2007, I was able to get a quick sketch from Joseph Michael Linsner, after picking up the Zatanna sketch from him the day before. It was my second Captain America sketch on a Fallen Son Blank cover.

It looked like he was done for the convention, in terms of completing all his sketch list, so I thought that would be the perfect time to ask. I was actually quite shocked that he was willing to do this.

I was extremely happy getting this, since Joseph Michael Linsner was one of my "Must Haves," with the Zatanna sketch, and I was able to get a second sketch.

This was one that I got randomly. I was roaming around after the silent auction ended, on the final day of Paradise Toronto Comicon 2007 (Sunday June 10th, 2007), when I noticed Ty Templeton talking to the guys at Mr. Comics. I had some books to get signed, but asked if he was sketching.

He said he was, back at his table, so we went over. I was actually debating between Captain America and Wonder Woman, and let Ty choose which one he wanted to do. He picked Cap, and it came out great. It's on a Fallen Son cover. This is one that I wished I got slabbed and CGC SS certified.

This would've been a great one slabbed and graded. Oh well.

Another one I got on the final day of Paradise Toronto Comicon 2007 (Sunday June 10th, 2007).

I was going around to quite a few people with those Fallen Son blank covers. This one is by Michael Avon Oeming

I notice him at his table, talking with Jeff (Boss Hogg), when I went over. I asked if he had time for a quick sketch on the Fallen Son blank cover, and he sketched one really quickly.

I did get a Beta Ray Bill sketch from him the day before. Really didn't know why I got a Beta Ray Bill sketch, that's why I went again for Captain America. The Fallen Son blank covers gave me a reason for going back.

That being said, I can't really explain this one. I'm happy with it. The current Wonder Woman writer, drawing one of these covers.

Well, at the time, the Birds of Prey writer. I don't remember how it came about, but Gail Simone did a stick figure Captain America. I really wanted to put those covers to use, and have fun while doing it.

It might've been when I brought up the Birds of Prey #101 Page 14 page that I won at the silent auction (Sunday June 10th, 2007), to get signed. I honestly can't remember how, or why I did it.

My original plan after getting that, was to try and get other writers to draw on that, but just never got around to bringing it to around for that.

Another Mike Perkins Captain America sketch, on a Fallen Son blank cover. It was near closing on the final day at Paradise Toronto Comicon 2007 (Sunday June 10th, 2007), and Mike was just about to start packing up, when I came to the table.

Now, prior to the convention, I was actually contacted by someone through ComicArtFans, asking me if I could get a Captain America sketch from Mike Perkins, as well as a few others. I thought about it, and did say I'll try.

So when I went back to Mike Perkins on the final day, I actually brought up two Fallen Son blank covers (one for myself), and Mike agreed to sketch two of them.

Before I continue, Mike Perkins is one amazing individual!

Continuing on, I ended up backing out on the deal, in favour of my brother getting a Captain America sketch, since he got a Winter Soldier sketch at the Hero Initiative signing the day before.

Family first, Friends next, Random People somewhere down the line.

Another Stephen Colbert as Captain America, by Scott Chantler!

I got this at The Beguiling Store Signing, with special guest, Scott Chantler, on July 11th, 2007.

The signing coincided with the release of Stephen Colbert's Tek Jansen #1, published by Oni Press. I really wonder what's going on with the book, because issue 2 has yet to be released, and it's been five months.

Sadly, on the same day of the signing, "Honest" Ed Mirvish passed away. Lots of media coverage around the area, since The Beguiling is right in the same complex as Honest Ed's. Global TV was also filming their "News From The Neighbourhood" at the opposite corner of Honest Ed's.

August 1st, 2007, IRON DAY! In celebration of the release of Aspen Comics' first creator-owned series, Iron and the Maiden, the first Wednesday of the months from August-December was dubbed, "IRON DAY."

In celebration of the release of Iron and the Maiden #1, Francis Manapul and Agnes Garbowska both appeared at Paradise Spa... wait, no... Paradise Comics for a store signing. The "confusion" comes from the fact that it was a sauna in the store that day, which was a mix of a hot summer day, lots of people in the store, and an air conditioner at the front of the store, instead of the back. Still a great store.

In addition, the guys at Paradise Comics gave me a copy of the Iron and the Maiden #0 Wizard World Philly Jam Cover, which features a cover by both Francis Manapul and Michael Turner!

Anyways, I was able to get a sketch from both guests. The really cute Fallen Son Captain America is by Agnes Garbowska.

Another Captain America by Adrian Alphona? Well, it's on a Fallen Son cover. And, since the first Captain America sketch I got from Adrian was in my brother's sketchbook, I figured it was time for one of my own, on a Fallen Son blank cover.

This was done on the first day of the Toronto Comic Arts Festival 2007, August 18th, 2007.

Adrian was also there to promote his new sketchbook, Sweet Bizarre.

The Fallen Son Captain America sketch is the first of two sketches I got from Adrian that weekend. The second one was Spider-Man. This was about a week before Adrian was announced as the new artist of Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane, with writer, Terry Moore!

In the spirit of seeing other characters either as Captain America, or with Captain America's shield, I got this from Bryan Lee O'Malley on the first day of TCAF 2007, August 18th, 2007.

Scott Pilgrim is the title character of the Scott Pilgrim series, published by Oni Press, and created by Bryan Lee O'Malley.

The Scott Pilgrim series is also one of my favourite indie series, so to see the main character with Captain America's shield just totally rocks! Scott recently got it together, so could this be a sign of things to come?

Got this on the first day of Fan Expo Canada 2007, August 24th, 2007.

I dropped off the Fallen Son blank cover for Marcus To, at the Aspen Comics booth.

I was actually on my way over to Simone Bianchi table, in hopes of getting some books signed, and inquiring about his sketch prices. I dropped off the book for Marcus before going to Simone's table, and Marcus was finished before I got back from Simone's table. That was quick!

I wasn't able to get any books signed by Simone at his table, but I did get them signed a little later on, during his signing in the Autograph Area. Also, sketch price for even a head sketch was more than I was willing to pay for, and it was only in pencil.

I was extremely happy to see Michael Gaydos' name, when he was added to the Guest List for Fan Expo Canada 2007. Sadly, he was seated tucked into a corner, being covered by signs and displays for Joe Pekar, which Joe brought for himself.

I was flipping through Michael Gaydos' pre-done sketches, but I was looking for a Captain America, which he didn't have, but he did say he'll probably be working on more throughout the weekend. So, I requested a Captain America, and if he could hold it for me, if he did do one.

I picked up this sketch on the second day of Fan Expo Canada 2007, August 25th, 2007. The sketch looks really great on blue paper.

He also had original art for sale, and at very reasonable prices. However, I didn't really look through them, since I wanted to conserve my money for the con, before looking for original art. I just forgot to go back to his table on Sunday, to check out the artwork, which I really regret now.

This is the first sketch I got on the final day of Fan Expo Canada 2007, August 26th, 2007, by Chris Sprouse, on a Fallen Son blank cover.

Chris was making his second appearance in Toronto in 2007. His first appearance came at Hobbystar's Fan Appreciation Event in April.

I was actually in line for Steve McNiven, before getting this sketch, in hopes of getting a sketch from him, but he was busy working on the list he had from the day before. He also said that the chances of him adding to the list was slim, but to check again later.

Checking back later on, Steve pretty much confirmed he wasn't going to be able to add more to it.

I got the next two on the final day of Fan Expo Canada 2007, August 26th, 2007. John Romita and John Romita Jr. were signing and sketching at Hero Initiative booth, and I just had to be there for that. I got in line pretty early, and my brother and I took turns holding spots in line.

While in that line, I was able to get a few more sketches done, and grabbed some food... that was some expensive pizza slices. The sketches I got done were, Wolverine by Olivier Coipel, Stargirl by Francis Manapul, Wonder Woman by Michael Turner, and a Captain America sketch on a Fallen Son blank cover for my brother.

Yea, that was a pretty good day... and it's not over.

Another one on the final day of Fan Expo Canada 2007, August 26th, 2007. I was continuing my Captain America theme, whether on a Fallen Son blank cover or not.

Found Cameron Stewart available at the time, so I got a Captain America sketch from him on the Fallen Son blank cover.

Definitely was something that I was planning on getting, and I'm happy to have received it, to add to my Captain America sketch collection of those Fallen Son blank covers.

This was the final one at Fan Expo Canada 2007, August 26th, 2007. I got on Karl Kerschl's list on the Saturday, and picked it up near the end of the final day. I think I might've been the annoying pest, going back pretty often to check on the status.

Not sure why I did that, and I truly apologize for that.

Karl was doing more finished sketches, than I've seen or gotten in the past, which was really cool to see and get. I saw so many awesome sketches throughout all of those times I went to check on the status of mine.

After picking up this sketch, I was pretty much done at the Expo. I just did some shopping around the Expo floor, and then took off.

This Fallen Son blank cover sketch was obtained at Hobbystar's Fall Toronto ComiCON 2007, on October 21st, 2007. Matthew Clark was one of the Special Guests, who then became the only Special Guest, when Cliff Chiang unfortunately had to cancel.

Matthew Clark was sketching away for all the fans, and selling a bunch of original art at such reasonable prices.

So reasonable, that I picked up a page of original art, from Outsiders #32 Page 22. Such a very nice half splash page. I would've picked up more, if I was able to get to them in time. So many people bought pages that day.

The next Fallen Son blank cover sketch I got was from Richard Zajac, at Hobbystar's Fall Toronto ComiCON 2007, on October 21st, 2007. Richard was seated between Agnes Garbowska and Digital Kontent & Shane Heron.

I saw him working on a pretty nice Cobra Commander, which I later found out was for my brother. It was also the perfect time for my first sketch from Richard Zajac.

Richard and his wife Nancy are members of the Hero Initiative Regional Advisory Board. Support the Hero Initiative!

This one was purchased at Paradise Comics, on November 17th, 2007. This was purchased at the sale for variants, which were 60% off. I saw a quite a few Fallen Son blank cover sketches, but this one by Christine Norrie was one I wanted, when I saw it.

I picked up quite a few books at day, after going to three shops. The best purchase for me was a copy of Birds of Prey #8, also from Paradise Comics.

Thursday December 28th, 2007... the day after my birthday. New comics were released on Thursday, because of Diamond's holiday shipping (Christmas). After going back to Cyber City Comix earlier in the day to pick up my weekly haul (and more stuff from the Boxing Day sale), I headed down to Paradise Comics, for the store signing, featuring Francis Manapul and Agnes Garbowska. This was to celebrate/promote the release of Francis' first issue of Legion of Super-Heroes (issue #37).

This was the final Fallen Son Blank Cover that I had, and I really wanted to use it up. I also didn't have a Captain America sketch by Francis yet, so this was the perfect opportunity for me.

My only obstacle, work. I was scheduled to start work at 5pm, and I believe the signing started at 5pm. The only person that I was able to switch shifts with (for a later shift that night), was a guy that missed several shifts over the past week, because of the flu. Two of those shifts he missed, he was supposed to work with me.

So, about five days before the shift, while calling to check how he was doing (cause he was supposed to be at work), I asked if it was possible to switch shifts, and whether he thinks he'll be able to work that Friday, at an earlier time. He said it was alright, and he thought he'd be able to make it in. Had the managers sign off on the shift-change, and my shift was changed to a start time at 7pm.

This was done on February 3rd, 2008, at Hobbystar's Winter Toronto ComiCON. Mitchell Breitweiser was one of the Special Guests, who had just had the final issue of Captain America: The Chosen released earlier in the week.

I did kind of figure that Mitch would be sketching a whole bunch of Captain America's, so I wanted to slightly change it up, by getting the Ultimate World War II Captain America. Quite happy with this piece, but after seeing the commissions he did prior to the con, I do regret not getting one done, but I didn't have the funds for one. Seriously, these are gorgeous. Barbara Gordon (Batgirl) by Mitchell Breitweiser, Captain America by Mitchell Breitweiser.

So, currently, these are the Captain America sketches I've gotten through the years. Three sketches prior to Captain America's "death." Another twenty-seven sketches after his "death." Twenty-seven sketches from April 2007-February 2008. It was a fun run for this theme.

I don't think my Captain America theme will go away, but I'm thinking about holding off on more Captain America sketches for the time being. I do have some people that I would like to get a Captain America sketch from, so I'll just have to wait and see.

This is it for "... Sketches - Through The Years" posts for a long while. I don't have enough sketches of other characters to go through this at the moment. Also, doing this one was quite a task on its own for me (I started this post at the beginning of December 2007, and it's March 2008 now).

Thirty Captain America sketches. Thanks to all of the artists (and writer) that contributed to my collection. I'm truly thankful for your time and work on these sketches. Thanks to all others that helped make this happen.

Thanks for reading.

Boughts and Thoughts - March 5th, 2008

Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season Eight #12 - Okay, that Buffy bedroom scene had my laughing pretty much the entire way through. Kinda was hoping for a different ending... something that involved the character played by the voice of Chris Griffin (of Family Guy fame)... Cloverfield writer, Drew Goddard, takes over with an arc on this series.

Cable #1 - Quick read... too quick... should've looked through this at the store. Would've passed on it if I did.

Echo #1 - Interesting start to this new series, by Terry Moore.

Green Lantern #28 - Red Lantern has now been introduced!

Grimm Fairy Tales #23 - I liked the cover. Didn't care for the story itself, sadly.

Justice League: The New Frontier Special - Fucking awesome! Yea, I said it. It was so good, it needed swearing to emphasize how good it was! Three great stories by Darwyn Cooke, J. Bone, David Bullock, and all. Great intro to the book as well. Loved that splash page of the Trinity by Darwyn Cooke. Just absolutely beautiful!

Logan #1 - Not bad, but I'm not too sure why I picked it up, as I was just planning on getting it collected.

Teen Titans Year One #3 - One of my favourite covers of the series. I do find it odd that Amy Wolfram didn't get the credit on the cover. Highly enjoyable issue, with the Teen Titans taking on the JLA. Well, their respective mentors.

X-Force #2 - I like seeing X-23 like that. That fighting attitude. As for the issue... it's leading to something.

Young Liars #1 - Interesting series. Not gonna go too into it here, but I may keep reading.

This Upcoming Week

J. Bone - "Wonder Woman Wednesday!": The release of Justice League: The New Frontier Special, which celebrates the release of Justice League: The New Frontier on DVD, featuring new stories by Darwyn Cooke, drawn by Cooke, J. Bone, David Bullock (with Michael Cho).

Can you say, "Awesomesauce!"?