Posted: 05 October 2008 at 10:20pm | IP Logged | 5
|
|
|
This was one of the best times I've had at a con. I arrived at 8:30 AM Saturday morning when the doors opened for the VIPs. I was second in line for Alan Davis. He couldn't have been a more kind and gracious guest at he con. He was only charging $10 a head sketch and he did two for me. Alan's wife was also a pleasure to talk to. She seemed very amused that her husband was so popular and she told me she has never read a comic in her life. Not even one of her husbands. I also attended his panel he had later in the afternoon.
Was able to talk to P. Craig Russell (A fellow Kent State Allumni), Chris Giarrusso, Chris Eliopoulos, Roger Stern, and Darryl Banks. I also had a real nice political conversation with Ethan Van Sciver.
I had the chance to meet up with many of the guys from the forum, most of them shocked that I'm not as good looking as my avatar. Sorry, I just photograph better than I really look. Dinner at Bucco was great. Wayne's friends are just as crazy and fun as he is.
James Henry should be thanked for such great treatment of the VIPs. An open bar and a nice spread to eat pretty much paid for the ticket cost. Add in the free swag and the access before the show opened and it was well worth the $100. Wayne and I hung out in the VIP lounge for a bit and then watched some HBO boxing to end out the evening.
Sunday my goal was to meet Joe Kubert. Joe Hollen and myself waited in line after he met up with Alan Davis. Of all the legends I've ever met, I don't think I've been in more awe then I was of Mr. Kubert. The man had a handshake that would break your hand, but he was so down to earth and modest about himself and his work. You could tell how proud he was of his sons and made you feel like you were an old friend by the way he conversed with you.
Joe and I attended the Sgt. Rock panel later in the day. I've never been a follower of Billy Tucci's work, but the enthusiasm and research he has done for this Sgt. Rock project has me very interested in reading it.
To round out Sunday I talked with Bob Layton and briefly chatted with Claremont, Len Wein, Mike Grell and Art Baltazar.
The crowd floor seemed very brisk, much more packed than the previous year. James is off to a great start with his first con. He was very nice to chat with and seems to have a good idea how to make this con become bigger than before. I'll post some photos and art when I'm not feeling so lazy.
|