Post Emerald City!

I went to the Emerald City Comicon with every intention of blogging photos and keeping up a stream of information. That obviously didn't happen, so here I am today following up.

This year I volunteered again for HERO Initiative and then I helped Jim out at the Sequential Treasures artist alley table. Between those ventures, seeing old friends, and trying to recover from being sick, while deciding if alcohol would interact poorly with my meds, it was quite the full plate. LOL.

The good news is that ECCC was a wonderful time. It was busy, hectic, and tempers flared a bit, but it is always what you make it. Those of you that know me are aware that I always try and have fun, and keep a positive attitude, so finding out that I had a good time is nothing new.

We got to Seattle Friday night and waited for our good friend Brian to get off work. Then we ran over to the convention center, got the lay of the show, and got our badges. Since I was feeling so unwell with a bad head cold, we headed to Brian's place early. He was kind enough to put us up, and I am ever so grateful for that.

Saturday morning, we were up early and anxious to get to the show. Jim shared a table with Randy "Rantz" Kintz and his booth babe Phoebe. I helped him get set up and then assisted in the booth for awhile.

HIGHLIGHT: Jim got to meet Stan Lee and get his autograph. He also got to shake his hand. I am so happy that this happened! In the early 1990's, Jim and his brother Tom tried to meet Stan Lee back in Philly but it never worked out. That being said, there was no way he was going to miss his opportunity this time! Mission accomplished, and I am happy with our decision, even though an autograph was $40.

I also got to see my good friend from college and her fiance'. It was their very first comic book show, and they had a great time. I was thrilled to see Michelle, and was happy to find out that Tony used to read comics growing up, so he had a definite point of reference. I also love the fact that they got to see what all the chaos is about. Both vowed to come back next year.

I love working the HERO Initiative booth. It is for a great cause, so it is easy to sell the product. I also get to work with great people- Brian, Kasey, Carly, Mike, etc. I was at the booth from 4 p.m. to close, and it went fast.

Saturday was a good day for friends and raising money. It wasn't the best day ever for Sequential Treasures. Selling original art is a niche, and the folks at the show didn't go overboard. We had problems that we have identified for next year- bigger signage, more table space, and a better take-away for prospective clients. The business is growing, and I am excited to be a small part of that.

We ended the day in the best way possible- at the HERO Initiative 3 minute sketch cocktail hour with Tim Sale. Jim got a killer Iron Man piece, and I got two beers. :-)

I will be back to finish up talking about Sunday, a short blog summit, and why it is important to keep Comics Fairplay a regular commitment and bit of fun in my life.

My picture is of Jim at his artist's alley table- ready for business!

Hero Initiative at ECCC

Signing schedule tomorrow! Come by booth 907 tomorrow and raise money for a good cause.



-- Post From My iPhone

Hitting the Limit: Comic Prices

I was talking to Jim last night about the upcoming Emerald City Comicon. He wanted to know if I was going to take any spending money, and my answer was a quick "no". The reason for this is simple.

The price of comic books in the current market have turned me off to buying new ones. When books hit $3.99, I hit my limit. Suddenly my habit felt like a burden- a huge financial one.

I honestly have wandered around my basement looking at my many long boxes, feeling pissed off that I spent so much money over the years on books that sit in a box. Of course, I also feel the same way about DVD's, CD's, and hardcover books, so I digress a bit.

My point is that I am scared to spend anymore money on comic books at this point. I enjoy the few that I still get, and I really appreciated your responses on what you are reading. I just wish that the limit on a new book was $2.50 or under.

I know that publishers and creators have to make a living, so I am under no false illusion about the reality of things. It just disappoints me. I loved comic books for so many years, and now I just feel bitter. I think that is a big reason I didn't blog for awhile. I didn't get my books every week any more, and I couldn't spend much on the ones I did get. Thank God for Discount Comic Book Services. If not for them, I wouldn't be able to afford them anymore at all.

It feels weird to go to a major comic event without any desire to spend money. I sincerely hope that when I get there it changes. Right now I want to work the HERO Initiative booth to raise money for creators in need and I want to help Jim out at his booth. I also want to see my wonderful friends, and that is the bonus.

What do you think would help me change my mind? Is it too late, because of the price of comics? I worry that it will never be the same again.

Has the price of comics changed your opinion?

What Are You Reading?

It's been awhile. I have dropped a lot of books. Some I have kept because I actually like them. It is like comic book reading the way it is supposed to be, I guess.

My surprise ongoing favorite has been Incredible Hercules. I love Greg Pak's scripting, and the interaction between Hercules, Amadeus Cho, and the supporting cast is fun and fresh.

Wonder Woman and Power Girl are my "female" go-to books. Gail Simone has lit the fire on the Amazon's book, taking it from a so-so title to a great one. She has re-energized the Amazons and given Diana a new lease on life. I appreciate Aaron Lopresti's art on the book- he draws strong female characters without being too heavy on the sexy tip.

Speaking of art, Amanda Conner makes it look like she was born to draw Power Girl. Her art is fun and exciting, and I appreciate the symbiosis with Jimmy Palmiotti on the book.

The Boys is my current "favorite" read. Garth Ennis and Darrick Robertson have taken a twisted concept and added heart to it. Sometimes putting a mirror up to society and mixing in the traditional association of "valiant teams" into a dark blender can be an eye-opener. It certainly is here.

The only X-Title I am currently getting is Uncanny X-Men. Though Terry Dodson and Greg Land on art chores wouldn't be my first pick, Matt Fraction is inspired as a writer. If I didn't know any better, he is having as much fun writing it as I have reading it.

I have also followed Blackest Night and enjoyed it despite not buying the tie-in books other then Green Lantern. I am anxiously awaiting the hopefully astounding conclusion.

What are you reading? Can you recommend me something that I am missing? I would certainly appreciate it as I don't go to comic book stores very often and don't have that point of reference.