Video Proof

While watching "City at TIFF" today, that Danny PVR'd, we managed to notice some familiar items.

We caught a clip of Ben Affleck signing our items. First picture shows Affleck signing Danny's "Jay & Silent Bob Strikes Back". The second photo, shows Affleck signing my Daredevil Vol. 1 HC.

Thought is was pretty cool to see.

Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network

Where I am

Thank You Cito! At the last Toronto Blue Jays home game of 2010!

Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network

Skullkickers #1 & Awesome Marcus Ninja Book 5 Launches

September 22nd, 2010 - Last Wednesday, saw the release of Skullkickers #1, written by Jim Zubkavich, artwork by Edwin Huang and Chris Stevens. Also, the launch party for Awesome Marcus Ninja Book 5 was later in that evening.

Skullkickers has been touted as being the next "Chew." Not a bad comparison, because Chew was one of the most sought after creator-owned books, in recent years. With that type of hype, I just had to have a copy of it (or two... of each cover...). I was already planning on picking up the book, before this hype even began, because it's a project that Jim Zubkavich seemed pretty enthusiastic about.

Now, with that hype, I actually went out earlier, than I normally would have, on a Wednesday, to pick up the weekly releases. I actually got my copies at Paradise Comics, where Jim was going to be signing later that day. Unfortunately, I couldn't make it to that signing, because I had to take my little siblings to their music lesson.

Figured I'd drop by the launch party Skullkickers, at The Central (next door to The Beguiling), since I was planning on going to the Awesome Marcus Ninja Book 5 Launch Party at Clinton's Tavern.

I didn't stay too long at the Skullkickers launch. Had a couple of conversations with a couple of creators, and had a beer, before heading over to Clinton's.

I actually arrived a little early, and got first crack at Shane Heron's original art from Awesome Marcus Ninja. Those pages can be viewed here.

Eventually, Brian, Frank, Myles, and Kathryn showed up, as the party was just getting started.

Drinking and chatting ensued, until the bands started playing. Fun Fax was the first band to play, then Apple Pi.

It was a fun night as a whole. Congrats to Jim Zubkavich, Joel Buxton, and Shane Heron, for their respective launches!

Jays/Yankees Game

Here is my view of tonight's Jays game. Thanks for the tickets, Peter!

Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network

In the mail...

Got this in the mail last week. Spider-Man by Pia Guerra!

About a year and a half ago, I read on Pia Guerra's website, that she was doing convention style sketches for free, provided that the request is a character that she has drawn previously, you send her the paper and a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope. And, when she had the time to do so. So what the heck, I sent one over. I'm sure a lot of other people did too. I actually forgot about it, so it was a nice surprise when I opened up the mail box, and saw the package.

Thanks Pia!

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators - September 21st, 2010

As Danny mentioned, we went to the first Leafs Pre-Season game, this past Tuesday. I scored a pair of tickets, through the Coke Zero Fans First contest. It's the second year that I won tickets to the game, but I couldn't make it to last year's game, so I gave those to my friend. This year, I had to go. It's been a while since I've been to a Leafs game.

Prior to the game, was the tailgate party. Lots of people around, and lots of free bottles of Coke Zero around. That day, I think I had anywhere from 5-7 bottles. Even snuck one into the ACC, so I had one for the game.

The tailgate seemed pretty fun. There was a small street hockey rink built, where some Leafs Alumni were playing street hockey with kids, two different stages with giveaways, The Trews eventually were playing live, and a signing/photo op with Johnny Bower.

Johnny Bower

I was in line for Johnny Bower, until Danny arrived, then headed over to Real Sports Bar and Grill, for a beer, before heading to the front of Union Station for a hot dog.

On the way...



The game itself was kind of a let down, with the Leafs losing 5-0 to the Ottawa Senators, but I still enjoyed being at the game. And the seats were great! All, but one Leafs game, we was in the standing room row, at the very top of the 300 level. The one game we had seats for, we were like three rows in front of the standing room section. I still like that area, cause you can see everything from up there, but seats in the Gold Section, 11 rows from the ice, is not bad!

And yes, we left early. After the 5th goal was scored on the Leafs, we took off.

Leafs/Senators Pre-Seaon Game

My view at the Leafs/Senators Pre-Season Game.

Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network

TIFF '10

TIFF started last Saturday for me (September 11th, 2010), when I was heading down for the premiere of The Town (Directed by Ben Affleck. Starring Ben Affleck, Jeremy Renner, Blake Lively, Jon Hamm, Rebecca Hall). I ended up arriving a little early, and with the premiere of Never Let Me Go (Directed by Mark Romanek. Starring Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley, Andrew Garfield), at Ryerson. I went to check that out, in hopes of seeing Keira Knightley (and getting her autograph).

She wasn't there, but I did end up with autographs from Clémence Poésy (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), Carey Mulligan (An Education), and Mark Romanek (One Hour Photo).

Carey Mulligan

Afterward, it was off to Roy Thomson Hall, for the premiere of The Town. It was quite busy there, and a little tough to get a spot. I was worried that no one would head to the area we were in, but it ended up being alright. Only two people made their way over to that area, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner. Jeremy Renner didn't appear to be at the premiere, and no one else made their way to that area. I was hoping for Blake Lively's autograph (had the Green Lantern promo poster, with her on it), but she didn't go too far over, from where she was dropped off. Also learned that posters are quite a pain in the ass to try and get signed at TIFF.

Since I was in a better position, I put down the camera, and grabbed Danny's items for signing, while he took the photos.


Ben Affleck (L), Jennifer Garner (R)

I managed to get Ben Affleck's autograph for myself and Danny, and Jennifer Garner's autograph for Danny (his second Garner autograph... I got him his first one last year).

As for what I had Ben Affleck sign, well, take a look for yourself.


Daredevil Vol. 1 (HC): Signed by Kevin Smith, Joe Quesada, Richard Isanove, J. Scott Campbell, John Romita, Kevin Nowlan, Dave Ross, and now BEN AFFLECK (Between Campbell and Romita)

This wasn't my first choice, or even second choice, item, to get signed, but still insanely happy to have gotten his autograph. I'd rather not explain the reasoning behind my choice, on the blog. If you're interested, ask me in person.

My next outing to TIFF was Monday evening. One goal in mind, get Natalie Portman's autograph at the premiere of Black Swan (Directed by Darren Aronofsky. Starring Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Winona Ryder, Vincent Cassel).

I left work early, and headed to Roy Thomson Hall, to plant myself. Got a very good spot, but not the best. Still, it was a better spot than at the premiere of The Town.

I was there early enough for the movie premiere before Black Swan, Potiche (Directed by François Ozon. Starring Catherine Deneuve, Gérard Depardieu). No autographs from this one.


Catherine Deneuve

I couldn't get many pictures, because some little troll of a teenage girl, managed to squeeze in her older friend (sugar daddy, maybe, cause he definitely wasn't her age), who just kept getting in my way. Though, most of the people that signed, signed closer to the red carpet.

However, Natalie Portman made her way down, to sign for as many fans as she could. I got mine! (See beginning of post).


Natalie Portman... uhh... blinking

After doing the signing, she went and did her red carpet photos and interviews, before coming back out, and signing for fans again. I have two Natalie Portman autographs!

After Black Swan, I went over to the Visa Screening Room at the Elgin Theatre, to see if Nicole Kidman had left the premiere of Rabbit Hole (Directed by John Cameron Mitchell. Starring Nicole Kidman, Aaron Eckhart).

Sadly, I was unsuccessful at getting Nicole Kidman's autograph, though had I been a foot or two over to my right, I might have been able to get it. Tough to be closer, with a crowd. Sadly, no photos either (focused on trying to get the autograph, before snapping photos).


Amber Heard

Since I was still around, I went over to Ryerson, for the Midnight Madness showing, John Carpenter's "The Ward" (Directed by John Carpenter. Starring Lyndsy Fonseca, Amber Heard, Danielle Panabaker, Mika Boorem). Got Lyndsy Fonseca and Amber Heard's autographs for Danny. Took only one photo above, since for the most part, it was tough to tell the celebrities, from random other girls dressed up for the premiere. I do regret no asking for my picture with Lindsy Fonseca, since I've grown to like her new show, Nikita.

Tuesday, was the next trip down for TIFF. Originally, I only planned to hit up Ryerson, to attempt for Ryan Reynolds' autograph. But then I found out the day before, that Sasha Grey (The Girlfriend Experience, Entourage, ... porn...) would be DJ-ing at the Drake Hotel Tuesday night, so I added her to the list of potential celebs to get autographs from.

I also found out from a photographer at the premiere of John Carpenter's The Ward, that InStyle Magazine was holding their TIFF party at the Windsor Arms Hotel (the last time they are holding it at that hotel). Wasn't too sure if I was going to head there.

Anyways, back to the day.

That day actually had me leaving work a lot earlier than I was anticipating. I got a call around 10am, from my mom, that our dog Noah, injured himself. He was walking on three legs, and holding the fourth leg up. My mom was terrified, but had to head to the restaurant (Lucky Bamboo, 3175 Rutherford Rd., Vaughan, ON), to open it and be there until the next employee arrived.

Thankfully, I have an animal sympathetic manager, who understood why I had to leave immediately.

Took Noah to the vet, and about an hour later, I picked him up. Was relieved to find out nothing was broken, but just a slight sprain). All they said was that he needed rest, and to be confined for three days.

Not that I was home, and several hours earlier than expected, I was contemplating heading down for the afternoon showing of Rabbit Hole, in hopes of trying for Nicole Kidman again, at the Elgin Theatre. Got lazy, so I didn't head down. I did drive past the Elgin around the time the movie ended, and there was a huge crowd there. I found out later, that Nicole Kidman was at that screening, so in a way, I'm kicking myself for not trying. Ya gotta pick your battles.

Got to Ryerson fairly early, and planted myself for Ryan Reynolds. Eventually, it got really busy. I did have an item for myself to get signed, and one for Danny. Danny's item was priority. Mine, although I would have loved for it to be signed, was a pain in the ass (Green Lantern promo poster, with Reynolds on it).

Now I really learned my lesson... no more friggin' posters...

While waiting those hours for Reynolds, I actually found out that Sasha Grey was throwing a party at Time Nightclub, at midnight. This had me wondering when she would be DJ-ing at the Drake Hotel.

So I went to the Drake a little after 10pm, had a beer, and found out on her Twitter, that was was DJ-ing around 2:30am... left Drake, headed to Time Nightclub. Since I found out while I was already downtown, I totally wasn't in any type of clubbing clothes, to meet their dress code (wasn't even going to attempt). Hung around the area, but it was so empty outside of that club (aside from the people that work there), that when I saw the one girl that looked like Sasha Grey, I felt wrong asking if it was her, just in case it wasn't her.

Eventually, I just left, and found myself at the Windsor Arms Hotel. Got several autographs here, Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), Ashton Holmes (Nikita), Missy Peregrym (Rookie Blue), Charlotte Sullivan (Rookie Blue), Malin Akerman (Watchmen), Monika Schnarre (BeastMaster), and Jenna Dewan (Step Up).

Also there, that I saw, Ryan Phillippe (Cruel Intentions), Abigail Breslin (Zombieland), Maggie Q (Mission: Impossible III), Shane West (A Walk to Remember), Aaron Stanford (X-Men 2), Whitney Able (Mercy), several others that I can't remember, and Sarah Silverman ("F*cking Matt Damon"... I just had to re-write this, to fit that in).


Sarah Silverman (L), Whitney Able (R)


Missy Peregrym (L), Malin Akerman (R... blurry picture)


Monika Schnarre

Left the Windsor Arms Hotel around 2am, and was considering heading back to the Drake Hotel, for Sasha Grey. That debate with myself was going on, even as I got on the highway, heading home. Ultimately, I chose not to, and made my way home

This was supposed to be my last TIFF outing, but throughout Thursday, with Danny considering not heading down for TIFF, and with people reminding me about the UDON 10th Anniversary Party, I decided to go in place for Danny.

I wasn't going to be able to make the evening premiere, Casino Jack (Directed by George Hickenlooper. Starring Kevin Spacey, Kelly Preston). but I could make it down for Monsters (Directed by Gareth Edwards. Starring Whitney Able, Scoot McNairy).

For me, it gave me an added reason to get off my tired and lazy ass, and head down for the UDON 10th Anniversary Party.


Whitney Able & I

So yeah, the crowd at the premiere, was me, and who ever happened to pass by, while Whitney and Scoot were walking across the red carpet. What the heck, eh? I was able to get an autograph for Danny, and my picture with her, with her jacket covering her beautiful dress.

After that, off to Revival, for the UDON 10th Anniversary Party. Nice turnout for the party, 100-200 people, around the time I was there. There was some sketching going on, by Matt Moylan, Omar Dogan, Jeffrey "Chamba" Cruz, and Leo Lingas. Didn't really expect any sketching to go on, though I had my sketchpad in the car (was using it as a flat surface for TIFF autographs). Considered getting the sketchpad, cause I likes them sketches, but I had a beer in hand, and it was a party. Opted not to.

Night ended just after midnight, after dropping of Kevin Boyd and his girlfriend, Debra, off, before I headed home.

Fun times, and yes, TIFF is over for me now. Until next year.

WWE Raw Live in Toronto - September 10th, 2010

Last Friday, Danny and I were able to finally bring our little siblings to a live WWE event. We've had many opportunities to bring them to live tapings of Raw, or Smackdown tapings, but those always fell on school nights for them.

So, when we heard about a Friday evening show in Toronto, we jumped at the opportunity for them to finally go to one.

Here are some of the photos taken at that show:

TIFF '10 - Photos of the Autographs

I was too lazy to scan the pages, so I just took photos of the first three autographs I got at TIFF '10.

From Top to Bottom, Clemence Poesy, Carey Mulligan, Nark Romanek (Affleck to come at a later time).

Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network

TIFF '10 Autographs (Sat. Sept. 11, 2010)

Quick blogging while waiting for the Midnight Madness showing of Bunraku.

Got the main signature I wanted, Ben Affleck! Got one for my bro as well, while he was snapping pics (I had a better spot for sigs). Also, got him his second Jennifer Garner sig (first one was last year, when I got one for myself). Unsuccessful with Blake Lively, and Jeremy Renner seems to have not gone to the premiere. Also, got myself sigs from Carey Mulligan, Clemence Poesy, and Mark Romanek, at the premiere of Never Let Me Go. Wasn't anticipating on going to that one, but had the time for it.

That's all for now. No TIFF-ing tomorrow. Back on Monday and Tuesday.

Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network

New York Comic Con?

Last night, Danny tossed around the idea of going to New York Comic Con next month. Today, I really considered it, and I still am really considering it.

Lots of great guests, that I haven't seen, and that I have books I would like to get signed by... not that I'd be bringing a whole lot.

Cost, is the main factor. Hotel, travel, food, etc. That stuff all adds up, as everyone knows. I probably won't drop down on any commissions, though, I haven't thought that far ahead. I really just want to experience one of these big US conventions (I'm still coming for you, SDCC... one year...)

Not sure when a decision will be made, on whether we go or not.

Anyone feel like sponsoring our trip (hotel, travel, admission, some spending cash)? If you do, my NYCC report will be sponsored by your company or you, and if you have a company t-shirt (with a front logo, since I'll most likely have my backpack on), I'll wear it throughout the con (will need three, one for each day... preferably a dark coloured shirt... *shrug*).

Think about the advertisement!

Ha! Thought I'd throw that up here.

More Stuff from Fan Expo Canada 2010

I didn't really get the chance to clean up all the stuff I got from Fan Expo. Still have a whole bunch of comics on the floor in my room, getting ready to put everything away. Trying to get to it, but procrastination has been kicking my ass over the past couple of days (I'm blogging, instead of cleaning!).

Meh... whatever, I'll get to it eventually...

I was supposed to get the Fubar II backing, not The Last Exorcism. The beers are a dead giveaway for Fubar II... or Piranha 3D... But, The Last Exorcism? Well, it makes it funnier.

Now here are some photos of the free stuff I picked up throughout Fan Expo Canada 2010.


Green Lantern Promo Posters


More Promo Posters. Thor and Captain America concept posters, Shadowland, Family Guy, etc.


Comics and Random Other Stuff

That's it.

Another New Piece to the Zatanna Collection

This is one by Tom Beland. I got this through Facebook, when he was doing sketches for $15. He did it fairly quickly, but kept forgetting to mail out the package (ordered over 2 months ago, he finished in the first week, I got it today). The price has gone up, since then, for his sketches ($20, I believe). Not a bad price, and I really do like what I got.