I'm still working on the Fan Expo Canada Convention report. This is when I usually get traffic on the blog, so for all of you people advertising on Project Wonderful, now is the best time to get your ads on that sidebar to the right. Yeah, shameless plug right now. :)
Call me excited. The floorplan was released, which is always pretty cool for me to see where everything is. The schedules have been released (Comics, Sci-Fi, Horror, Anime, Gaming, Marvel Booth).
There have been some podcasts going on, that are Fan Expo Canada related:
- Digital Kontent: The Fan Expo Preshow with Kevin Boyd
- Comic Geek Speak: Fan Expo with Tiziano DeSantis and Uncle Sal [Abbinanti] (Quite hilarious, though not safe for work)
- Comic Geek Speak: A Conversation with Francis Manapul
I'm pretty much all packed for the con. Just doing some last minute preps, before getting my backpack loaded with books and various other stuff, that'll make me end up at a chiropractor after this weekend (okay, it's not that bad... as I said, it's less than what I have brought in the past).
As Danny mentioned earlier this week, we are staying at a hotel for a night this weekend. This allows for drinking, partying, and drinking... with a side of drinking. I've never stayed at the Hyatt (formerly the Holiday Inn on King), but have been there a few times for cons and the Joe Shuster Awards, two years ago.
Anyways, I'm off to get some lunch, then finalize my prep. See you all tomorrow. Probably the last post on here, until sometime next week.
Batman and Robin #3 - I think I'm done with this title. It's been a good one, but it's one that I am cutting off, based on the amount of books I have been buying.
Batman: The Widening Gyre #1 - Gotta say, Walter Flanagan's artwork has gotten much better, since Batman: Cacophony. Not saying it was bad then, but I was quite shocked to see how good it was in this. Great Poison Ivy! Also, enjoying Kevin Smith's dialogue in this issue. This will be the last issue of this book I pick up, until the collected.
Detective Comics #856 - As always, this is visually stunning. That being said, I am also done with this book. Another book I'm just cutting.
Flash: Rebirth #4 - Here was a book that I was thinking about cutting after the first issue, but kept going. It's been good, and I guess I'm continuing for the rest of the series. Two issues left.
Gotham City Sirens #3 - Love the cover. Then I noticed, Scott Lobdell wrote this issue. WTF happened to Paul Dini? Anyways, this was a pretty good issue, though I don't care for The Riddler all that much. This also didn't really feature the Sirens, except for a brief appearance at the beginning.
Green Lantern #45 - More Black Lanterns... not too many Green Lanterns featured in this issue. Still an entertaining book.
New Avengers #56 - Wow, C- and D-Listers are taking down the Avengers Teams. Mockingbird kicking ass for the better part of this issue. I'm really getting tired of Norman Osborn being in everything.
I found this posted on Ty Buttar's The Pakistani Comic Reader. This is one (of the NINE!) pieces that Noel Tuazon has done for the 2009 Joe Shuster Awards Visions of an Icon: Wolverine Gallery.
This is pretty cool, I must say! :D
Photo from Bleeding Cool. Now it's just a matter if my shop will order enough books, to be able to order these rings. Justice League of America #39, Blackest Night #5 and Adventure Comics #4 shouldn't be a problem. Everything else will probably be.
Check out the breakdown of the ordering at Robot 6 @ Comic Book Resources.
Okay, now we can really reveal it. We teased it back in May, and if you didn't save the image back then, we took it away. However, it's now fully released, with all the info and sponsors, etc. To the right is the image of the 2009 Joe Shuster Awards poster, which was a collaboration piece by Agnes Garbowska and Francis Manapul.
Though I am happy that parents are taking their children to the comic shop, for the kids to pick up books with their money... must they allow the kids to pay using their piggy banks full of quarters, dimes, nickels, pennies, with some loonies and toonies? There went 15 minutes I wanted to waste elsewhere.
Adventure Comics #1 (#504 Variant) - It was available, so I picked it up.
Archie #600 - Seriously, this is going to drag for six issues? I still stick to my original prediction. If not that, then he proposes to no one. I don't want to spoil it, but if you read this issue, you'll see what I mean. But in the end of this, he does not marry Veronica (even though he'll probably "marry" her in one of the next two issues).
Power Girl #4 - I love the interaction between Terra and Power Girl. Highly enjoyed the beginning, where you see the two at the movies. Seems that Justin/Jimmy/Amanda/Paul are having fun with this series. I'm liking it.
Viking #3 - Ugh, I need golden age boards, just to put behind the issue, so I can put it in my longbox. Not too much happened in this issue, so I was quite bored with it.
To start, NO! There was no gerbils in any asses. Just keep reading, though this may be a story that you had to be there for.
It was one of the few highlights from my evening on Saturday. I was at a potluck party out in Oakville. There were a bunch of us around, and we all ended up playing an electronic game made by Hasbro, Catch Phrase. Never played it before, but it's like Taboo.
Here is the description of the game from the Wikipedia entry:
"The game is played in two teams. The goal for each player is to get their team to say the word or word phrase displayed in the disc. One member of a team starts the timer and tries to get his or her team to guess the displayed word or phrase. A clue-giver can make any physical gesture and give almost any verbal clue. However, one may not say a word that rhymes with any of the words, give the first letter of a word, say the number of syllables, or say part of any word in the clue (e.g., "worry" for "worry wart"). When the team guesses correctly, the other team takes its turn. Play continues until the timer runs out. The team not holding the disc when time runs out scores a point. They also have one chance to guess the word or phrase (only one guess is allowed, and can be discussed amongst the team members); a correct answer earns a bonus point. The first team to seven points wins."
You get your tickets yet? I got mine! (Well, I ordered mine, and will have to pick it up, like most people, at the show). Premium pass again this year, cause let's face it, I'll be using that VIP pass at the rest of the comic shows put on by Hobbystar Marketing, throughout the next year. I'm definitely quite excited for this year's Fan Expo Canada, though I'm quite excited for most conventions I go to.
The books are pulled, though I am bringing a lot less books to get signed, than I did in previous years. I'm going through my sketch list, budgeting myself this year, and will see where that leads me (my budget last year was significantly more, though I spent so much less than what I had available).
I'm anxiously waiting for the schedules to be released (Fan Expo signing times, and publishers' booth signing times), and do my usual planning, which ultimately gets ignored. It's just nice to know when and where everything is, so that I can get my stuff done.
So many people to see, for either sketches, or just to get books signed. Going through my list, here are some of the people I want to see (and why).
JOE QUESADA - This is purely to get books signed. Pretty much all of them, hardcovers (sonuva...). If it wasn't for the fact that most of the items I have for him to sign, are signed by several other people, I wouldn't bother. I skipped him the last time he was here (the line took too long to move, which I'm assuming he was doing portfolio reviews, when I just wanted to get books signed... so I left).
TERRY DODSON - If the price is right, sketch! :)
DALE EAGLESHAM - Sketch! :)
CHRIS BACHALO - Got a few books I'd like to get signed. Much like with Joe Quesada, it's because these are books that are signed by several other people, so it's adding to the autograph collection.
IVAN REIS - He's becoming a bigger name in the industry, with his work on Blackest Night. I do have books I'd like to get signed. Whether or not I pull them back out, will be determined on how many of the books for others, that I'm able to get signed early on. Or, I'll just pull them out anyways, for later during the weekend.
DARWYN COOKE - I think I have made it clear in the past, that I'm a big fan of his, so seeing him again is always awesome.
MIKE CHOI - Another person that I'm a fan of, so it'd be nice to see him again.
KENAN THOMPSON - What? I loved the Mighty Ducks movies. Good Burger was also a movie I enjoyed (way back in the day). "Zut alors!"
BRUCE CAMPBELL - Another pricing factor. I may just go over to see a celebrity. Or, like always, just take pictures from far. Haven't decided yet.
Alright, there are just too many list of names for me to go through here. I'm sure everyone has other people they want to see and other things they want to do. If you are going, and would like to list the people you want to see, there's always the comment section.
Reminder to all, Rufus Dayglo will be signing at Silver Snail (Toronto) today, from 4pm-8pm.
Also, Danielle Corsetto (Girls With Slingshots) will be signing at The Beguiling today, from 6pm-8pm.
Two great events, that I won't be attending. I saw Rufus Dayglo last week (great man, great artist), and I have nothing new for Danielle Corsetto to sign, since I saw her earlier in the year. I also have to work tonight. Took off several days in the next two weeks, so I really can't miss work tonight.
Adventure Comics #1 - Fantastic start to the new series. I enjoyed the interaction between Conner, Krypto, and Ma Kent. Just the family interaction, made me enjoy this book quite a bit.
Blackest Night #2 - Too much Aquaman in this issue. I never really cared for Aquaman or the supporting characters. Things still don't look good for the alive-and-well.
Hero Comics #1 - Always like books like these. Gave it a quick look through, but I haven't read everything yet. Support the Hero Initiative.
Street Fighter II Turbo #8 - The tournament begins! Seemed to have gotten through quite a few matches, though the first round still isn't entirely complete. I wonder how long this title will last, before relaunching as a new SF title?
The Walking Dead #64 - Saw the preview, it looked quite interesting. Ending of this issue seems bad ass for the next one (or few). Nice to get Viking #1 as the flip book. Wasn't expecting that. Then again, I already read Viking #1 & 2. Hope more people try out that title.
You, Me, and Zombie #0 - I got my copy! Fun start to Agnes Garbowska's book. Hope to see more of this (and hope it gets picked up by a publisher).
And if you noticed the sketches above, I went to the Stadium Comics Adventure Comics Release Party, featuring Francis Manapul and Agnes Garbowska. I took my little siblings with me, so they could experience another store signing, and because they've been liking all the sketches that I've been showing them, every time I get them (my little sister has taken a liking into Agnes' work).
They were quite happy to get sketches for themselves, which they'll be hanging in their rooms, once we get frames for them. The sketches are theirs, so I haven't decided whether or not they'll get posted.
Also not posted on my blog, is the piece that Danny commissioned Agnes to do (well, got me to send over the request to Agnes). If you're on my Facebook friends' list, just check out my profile. Or, just check Agnes' website to see the commission. Out of respect for my bro, it's his to post on his blog.
I did pick up the print of Francis' portion to the upcoming Joe Shuster Awards poster/print for this year's awards. It's just too sweet of a Superman image. I can't wait to get myself a copy of the poster/print.
From Sidekick Comics Website:
Wednesday August 12th - Adventure Comics Release Party with artists Francis Manapul & Agnes Garbowska
Stadium Comics
499 Main St. S #104
Brampton, Ontario L6Y 1N7
905-451-3751
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 12, 2009
To celebrate the release of Adventure Comics #1 on Wednesday August 12th Stadium Comics will be holding an Adventure Comics release party!
* Series artist Francis Manapul will be appearing in store from 2 pm to 6pm to sign copies of Adventure Comics #1!
* Buy your copy of Adventure Comics #1 for only $3.50! (That’s less than US cover price, during the hours of 2 pm to 6pm only!).
* Huge savings on Superboy T-Shirts - only $9.99 EACH! Limited Quantities!
* 25% off Teen Titans and Legion of Superheroes Trade Paperbacks and Hardcovers!
* Artist Agnes Garbowska creator of You, Me, and Zombie will also be appearing in store! http://youmeandzombie.blogspot.com/
* Raffle Prizes include:
- 1 in 10 Adventure Comics #1 variant
- 2 Francis Manapul Sketchbooks
- More to be announced!
* Check our website for updates: http://www.sidekickcomics.ca/content/events
Adventure Comics:
It's the return of one of DC Comics' longest running books and one of its greatest modern-day heroes – Conner Kent! In our first heroic issue, Superboy can't wait to jump back into his life – but which life will it be? With a clarity he's never had before, Conner makes a beeline for the greatest place on Earth...Smallville? Written by Geoff Johns, pencils by Francis Manapul.
I ended up giving my shift away for Friday night, mainly because of the Toronto Blue Jays game that I was going to on Saturday, and the Back2Back signing that I knew I had to get up early for, to get in line for Roberto Alomar.
With Friday now off, I decided that I would check out the Rufus Dayglo signing at The Beguiling. That was my original plan, but with my bro informing me that he had borrowed his co-worker's Toronto Star Season Pass for the Jays game, I ended up using that for the Friday evening game, so I could check out one of the Flashback Friday signings.
I didn't have any real gameplan going into the game, as I found out the previous night, and never fully looked into the signings. Here were the signings for Friday evening:
* Sec 117 - Jack Morris/Pat Hentgen
* Sec 127 - Woody Williams/Al Leiter/Todd Stottlemyre
* Sec 207 - Paul Molitor/Rob Butler
* Sec 513 - Joe Carter/Candy Maldonado
* Sec 536 - Devon White/Pat Tabler
I was thinking the Jack Morris/Pat Hentgen signing, but that was the one that my bro was going to, so I figured I'd hit up another one. This was the only signing I wanted to get sigs for myself. As for the other four signings, I only wanted to see one player at each of them. Todd Stottlemyre was one, but not high on my list. Paul Molitor was another one I wanted to see, but I wasn't sure if they'd open up access to the 200 levels for FBF. I already got Devon White for my bro. This left Joe Carter. I know my bro wants his autograph, so I wanted to get that one for him. I even ran up to the 500 levels, but so did everyone else that was hoping to get Carter's autograph.
Ultimately, I wasn't able to get an autograph at the game on Friday; however, I did get a Toronto Blue Jays Back2Back hand towel. I actually got two.
I left the game after the signing ended, and headed up to the Rufus Dayglo signing. Got some books signed, and got the sketch of Zatanna on the right. Seemed like an odd request for Rufus Dayglo, as he had never heard of Zatanna before, but he did a great job at his first sketch of her. It came out pretty much how I pictured it would, so I'm quite happy about it.
Heading home, I knew that Saturday was going to be a very early morning, as I really wanted to get Roberto Alomar's autograph, and didn't want to be disappointed. This was also the game that I tried to sell the tickets for, earlier this week (which didn't sell). So Saturday morning started off with me getting up at 6:45am. We left for the game around 8am. I basically made the decision to not stay for the game, and traded my $47 ticket in the 100 levels to my cousin for his $9 500 level ticket.
Got to the Skydome (will always be the Skydome to me) at approx. 8:30am, and the line for Roberto Alomar (who was also signing with Juan Guzman and Manny Lee) was short, though not as short as the other signings taking place. I ended up sitting with my cousin (who held a spot for me), and chilled for 3 1/2 hrs+. For the signing.
Lots of stuff happening around Gate 5-6, closer to game time, which I ended up with this:
Amazing Spider-Man #601 - Bought it specifically for the cover. I wanted to buy that print, when J. Scott Campbell had it for sale (I believe NYCC), but found out too late. Oh well, now it's a comic cover. The issue itself was pretty good. Enjoyed the Bendis/Quesada back story in this issue.
Chew #3 - Another good issue from this series. People have messed up abilities in this series.
Deadpool: Merc with a Mouth #2 - Sadly, this is not as fun as the regular Deadpool series.
Greek Street #2 - Messed up book, that I was originally going to pass up on, but picked it up, and passed on another book. Nice to get a preview of Jeff Lemire's Sweet Tooth #1.
Tyrese Gibson's Mayhem #1 - Can't lie, I've enjoyed Tyrese's music, from when he started out. Enjoyed the movie, Baby Boy (which starred him, Snoop Dogg, and Ving Rhames). Decided to give this book a try. Heck, Tyrese has been promoting this book quite a bit, and if definitely helping with bringing in new readers to comic books. Kudos to him on that.
Street Fighter IV #3 - Enjoying more of Crimson Viper's storyline. This issue deals more with Seth and his machine.
Also, I finally picked up:
The Nobody - Quite an enjoyable read. Definitely a book I'd recommend to you all.
Anyone looking to go to the August 8th, 2009 Toronto Blue Jays game vs. the Baltimore Orioles? It's the Back2Back weekend, where several members of the 92-93 World Series winning Toronto Blue Jays will be on hand to sign autographs and meet with the fans.
For sale, is two tickets, to be sold at cost (it costs $47 each, so it'll be $94 for the pair). You're looking at Section 128, Row 27, Seats 3 & 4.
If interested, leave a comment, and we'll figure out a way to communicate in private. Or, if you already have my email address, just drop me a line there.
Just following along with Shane Heron's Top 5, based on Maxim Magazine's Hot 100.
Here is the countdown of my Top 5 (no reasoning, just too lazy to write up why it's in this order):
5) Jessica Alba
4) Rosario Dawson
3) Jennifer Love Hewitt
2) Megan Fox
1) Natalie Portman
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