New York Comic Con has become, in terms of attendance, every bit as big as Comic-Con International: San Diego. Crowded aisles, row after row of publishers and vendors, and somewhere around 125,000 daily attendees — plus vendors and security and Javitz support staff.
Being New York City, of course, means more book publishers attend and fewer Hollywood studios are promoting; however, once Javitz completes their extension, that could change.
The biggest difference for artists, of course, is that NYCC offers a robust ARTISTS ALLEY, which all by itself is larger that most other comics conventions. Literally hundreds upon hundreds of artists are showing their wares, even and other superstars artists such as J. Scott Campbell are showcased on the main convention floor. A comics fan could spend their entire four days of the con in artists alley getting photos, prints, autographs, and original art from their favorite Bronze Age and present day artists — and have a great time!
While much of my time was tied into meeting with editors and art directors, I had my share of linking up with artists, writers, and others for a chat.
Mount Olympus Comics author/publisher Kickstarter maven RON ZABELA — creator of the sexy series Valkyrie Saviors and Samurai of Oz — was on hand of a quick meet-and-greet. I wish we’d have had more time to talk shop!
Artist CARLOS GRANDA showed me the best pencilling portfolio I saw at the show, and I look forward to him being a great addition to the Glass House Graphics roster! —
I got to spend a good half-hour catching up with Joseph Michael Linsner and his lovely wife Kristina Deak-Linsner. They both had terrific interviews in Comic Book Artist, by the way!
GHG artist Jon Lam recognized me right away and we grabbed a picture! He’s doing amazing work!
Author/artist Mark-Wayne Harris and I go way back — to the early ’80s. We practically broke in to the biz together!
Always a treat to connect up with my good friends Will Conrad and Felipe Cagno. Will’s doing breathtaking work at DC, while Felipe has carved a name for himself self-publishing multiple titles via Kickstarter. Such good stuff!
The amazing Alan Quah was there with his lovely wife Lavinia, whom I finally got to meet!
And what can I say about GHG’s practically perfect painter Monte Michael Moore, other than his newest style, a wildlife fantasy interpretation of animals, is his most exciting style yet!
The editors and publishers were there en masse. So good to see IDW editor-in-chief John Barber and finally put a face to the name!
Long-time Dark Horse editor Dave Marshall carved out a hunk of time for me, and he’s always a treat to chat with —
I also met with Peter Schiffer of — of course! — Schiffer Publishing Company and was impressed with their multiple lines of books.
And afterwards? The sticky wings at Dallas BBQ on W 42nd were so good they’re addictive!
See you there next year?
