Do Comic Creators Need Security? Sure...Not From Me, Though

(Editor's note: this is republished from 2008. I had taken it offline as a draft, but put it live again because I think there's some revisionist history going on with the D'Orazio/Sims thing. I might try to restore the proper date if I can track it down.)

I know I've already dealt with what Valerie is doing in her column that was largely a vehicle to label me a scary stalker.

But some of the people over there are being just as nonsensical.

I can get the idea that it might be smart to have more security around comic book creators. For instance, at panels where everyone attending knows where a creator is going to be ahead of time, I've never seen any security at NYCC or Wizard World Chicago. If lucky, there's a sound guy at the back of the room to record the event for posterity, which could involve physical harm coming to the creator for all that's worth.

But the idea that anyone expressing dissatisfaction with a creator for any reason is a potential violent stalker is ridiculous. Faur points to someone by the name of kelvingreen commenting on Paul O'Brien's blog, indicating that he doubts that Bendis planned out the Secret Invasion stuff as long ago as he says (he's wrong, of course) and is annoying in his attempt to be cute by calling the New Avengers the NOT Avengers (get it? because they're...never mind).

But nothing I've read there ever boils over into anger or hate, even. He seems to just think that Bendis is an over-rated hack, to some extent. While I might not agree with that, I don't think it is cause for a restraining order, either.

There are FAAAAAAAAAAAAR better examples of why creators might need or desire security. I get why Val didn't use any...because she just wants to find a way to attack me without making it crystal clear that it's a response to all my criticism of her blog. But others?

Does no one remember the few extreme members of H.E.A.T. that allegedly sent death threats to Ron Marz and Kevin Dooley? Did no one pick up on any of the threatening statements made about Quesada after One More Day? People were saying that they wished acid was used in the dunk tank he participated in instead of water.

There are plenty of decent examples to use in making a pro-security argument. None involve reporting a potential violation or thinking less of a creator you like.

Maybe The Shirt Should Have Been A Tip-Off?

The alleged SDCCI Stabber, who assaulted another con-goer because the person sat through one or more panels in a room in order to have and keep a prime seat.

(image from CBR)

Some Won't Get That They Mean The NFL Team

I'm pretty sure that an NFL linebacker won't be the first kind of bear many seeing that ad will think of.

Given the occasional message left in the comments of my YouTube videos, I can verify that it has long been true that both bears and bear lovers read comics.

I doubt that many will decide to pick up a ticket because they've been convinced by this ad that the con will be great for bear cruising. They probably already figured that without the ad.

I have to say, though, that having an NFL player is the biggest stretch I've seen in a long time for having a featured guest that doesn't suit the event. Which is disappointing. More than being located in the city instead of the suburbs, I thought this whole "the convention you deserve" cry meant one that focused more on the proper genres and media. At least he's apparently just there on Sunday and his for-pay autographs are for charity

I Hate Press Releases

I sometimes share press releases here when there's something that interests me. It is a very small percentage of those releases that I share in a positive light. Most times, if I do anything with them, it is to quote a bit that just demonstrates how annoying the information contained within is.

This is one of those cases.

Wizard sent out a press release touting their continued partnership with Diamond. The partnership? Diamond distributing their stuff, like they do for so many other publishers. You know...nothing worth touting in a press release, really.

But contained in the release is this little gem:

Wizard’s Philadelphia Comic Con is scheduled for June 11-13, 2010 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Retailers will join with tens of thousands of fans to converge at Philadelphia Comic Con 2010 to celebrate what’s great in pop culture: Movies, Comics, Toys, Video Gaming, Games, TV, Anime, Manga, Horror, Wrestling, MMA, Original Art, Collectibles, and more!

Look, I get that casting a wider net for customers is smart. But when you're calling your event a "comic con" and can't even be bothered to pay continued lip service to that idea by saying "to celebrate what's great in comics" and give comics the top billing in all the crap you rattle off as being covered at the event, it is time to stop calling it a comic con.

Only Real Wizards Can Magically Make Mistakes Disappear!

As you can see in the press release below, Wizard Entertainment's CEO bought New England Comic Con. Apparently, it gets them into Boston in a big way.

You're shitting me, right? They already had a WIZARD WORLD BOSTON that they ran into the fucking dirt, but they want to laud this as a way to get into a market in a big way. It just shines a light on the fact that they fucked it up so bad before that they don't even want to acknowledge that it is their RE-ENTRY into the market, doesn't it?

You know, I shouldn't be surprised by this sort of thing coming from them...but when people won't learn from their mistakes, it is dumbfounding.

GAREB SHAMUS, WIZARD ENTERTAINMENT CEO, ACQUIRES NEW ENGLAND COMIC CON

Wizard World Comic Con continues Tour Expansion

New York, NY (November 20, 2009) - Gareb Shamus, CEO of New York based Wizard Entertainment, announces today that he has purchased New England Comic Con, in a move to further expand the Wizard World Comic Con tour.

"We've known Larry for many years, and his exceptional 35-year old New England Comic Con gets us into Boston in a big way. New England has a long legacy of cartoons and comics embedded in their history, making the fans there very appreciative of comics' impact on society and pop culture," said Shamus. "I'm excited to bring these discerning fans an even better Con experience and everything they expect from a Wizard run show."

Larry Harrison, owner of Harrison's Comics & Collectibles, and Jimmy Tournas, the former owners of New England Comic Con, will be intimately involved in the new show production to ensure fan favorite traditions are maintained.

"Working with Gareb is an awesome experience. The folks at Wizard World have a great sense of how to grow the show in a way that I've always wanted to see it flourish. This should be the best comic con the city of Boston has ever seen," said Harrison.

The New England Comic Con acquisition is the first of several Comic Con tour expansion announcements expected in the weeks ahead.

“We bring together more fans, in more cities than anyone, to celebrate their passion for pop-culture. We've had such a strong positive fan and industry reaction to our new show launches that expanding the tour just made sense," said Shamus.

New England Comic Con venue and dates will be announced soon.

About Gareb Shamus:
Gareb Shamus founded Wizard Entertainment in 1991. Today, Wizard Entertainment publishes consumer magazines Wizard, ToyFare, FunFare, and numerous books about pop-culture's top talent, comic books and toys. Gareb also produces a North American Comic Con tour.

Wizard World 2010 Comic Con Tour:
Toronto Comic Con, Direct Energy Centre, March 26-28, 2010
Anaheim Comic Con, Anaheim Convention Center, April 16-18, 2010
Philadelphia Comic Con, Philadelphia Convention Center June 11-13, 2010
Chicago Comic Con, Donald E. Stephens (Rosemont) Convention Center, August 12-15, 2010
Big Apple Comic Con, Pier 94, October 7-10, 2010
New England Comic Con, TBD

Paying For Kirkman/Bendis Audio Or Video

Has to be unedited, in one or more files. Better than YouTube quality, thankyouverymuch.

The Only Time I've Been Intimidated At A Convention

Was it being introduced personally to enough comic book professionals to make your head spin (back when I was doing a bit of work for the great Matt Brady)?

Nope.

Was it the fear of embarrassment from seeing Dan Didio somewhere at the con after drunkenly telling him twice at the hotel bar that the internet speculation about his job security was asinine (forgetting, in my inebriated state, that I actually took part in it with at least one blog)?

Negatory.

Did it have anything to do with two implied threats of physical violence from two separate professionals at two separate conventions?

No, sir.

Did it involve being uncomfortable with the possibility of bumping into any industry people that might actively dislike me for the initial wave of Secret Invasion spoilers or other events?

Nyet.



Rosario Dawson. Heroes Con 2007. Pictures and autographs.

Did I get in line? Nope.

Did I want to? Yup.

Why didn't I?

BECAUSE I FROZE UP EVERY TIME I EVEN CONSIDERED GETTING IN LINE.

What would I say? I would have been reduced to saying, "heh...heh...you suuuuuuuuure are purty!"

It isn't that I don't actually value her work. She's been in a lot of my favorite flicks...and I've forgiven her for being involved in ALEXANDER. But I just wouldn't know how to form a sentence that wasn't just utter gushing.

So I didn't.

And that sucks.

(photo above found at The Beat)

Was This Commercial Playing Late Night TV During SDCCI?

Late Breaking SDCC News!!!

Found on Twitter:

ngaiman Image has announced my new Miracleman project. Todd on art. http://tinyurl.com/3awd4x about 1 hour ago from EndlessTwitter

Neil Gaiman? Todd McFarlane? Miracleman? Holy crap! (and crap is exactly what it is; how many will fall for this on a slow Sunday? I feel no shame because the links make it clear this is a joke!)

The Level Of Geek I'll Never Get To

More fun with Twitter today? Possibly. Oh hell, bloody likely. ;)

popcandy Holy crap, Loeb just thanked fans who slept outside last night to get in this panel. (People slept outside??) about 1 hour ago from txt

What level of geek would I be up to?

pinguino If NBC ppl and comicon staff can't get me into the panel, theres no way I'm getting in. about 1 hour ago from txt

At NYCC & WWC back in 2007, I made sure to use my press badge to get a seat up front at every panel I was interested in. That's about the level of my geek: willing to pull strings to hit a panel, but not to sleep on cement for one. ;)

Virgin Comics Comic Con Internationale Schedule

Straight from the press release:

"Virgin Comics is gearing up for yet another San Diego Comic-Con, and we've got a ton of exciting plans in store, including panels with Stan Lee, Grant Morrison and Deepak Chopra, exclusive goodies at our booth (#2229), and much more! Here's a taste:

PANELS

Stan Lee and Grant Morrison talk Virgin Comics

(Thursday, July 24^th, 10:45-11:45 am in Ballroom 20)

Two of the most important creators in the history of comic books team up to discuss the bold new frontiers being explored in the art of storytelling. Legendary creator Stan Lee (Spider-Man, Hulk, Iron Man, X-Men) shares his insights on the world of comics, and presents never-before-revealed hints of his new superhero universe with Virgin Comics. Joining Stan is prolific creator Grant Morrison, contemporary comics' most active mind, who will discuss his new Virgin Comics animated on-line series MBX, while offering his own insights on comics and engaging with Stan in a once-in-a-lifetime conversation about the long history and boundless future of their beloved medium. Virgin Comics is proud and excited to bring these two unique luminaries together for this unprecedented event.

Grant Morrison and Deepak Chopra discuss Science, Soul and Superheroes

(Sunday, July 27^th, 2:45-3:45 pm in Ballroom 20)

The tradition continues! As Virgin Comics prepares to launch the new animated on-line series MBX, series writer Grant Morrison once again teams with best-selling author and Virgin Comics co-founder Deepak Chopra to talk…superheroes! Come watch and join the ongoing conversation investigating the id, ego, superego, and spirituality of the superhero—we're talking social theory with sound effects, four colors fused with existentialism. Two of the greatest minds of comics and culture talking…comics and culture—this is not to be missed!

uClick: Mobile Comics, featuring Virgin Comics' Larry Lieberman

(Thursday, July 24^th, 4:30-5:30 pm in Room 30AB)

GoComics, the leader in on-line and mobile comics and manga, looks at a market truly coming into its own. Panelists will discuss the evolution of comic strips and comic books in the digital age and examine new publishing platforms that make mobile viewing part of a complete comics experience. They'll introduce new content from their partners: Stan Lee, Tokyopop, Virgin Comics, IDW, Devil's Due, Papercutz, TMNT and more. Learn about what the future of mobile comics promises for fans and creators alike.

EXCLUSIVES

Make sure you check out Virgin Comics' SDCC '08 specials for sale exclusively at our booth:

SDCC Variants: Dan Dare #7 double-sized finale featuring Dave Gibbons wrap-around cover: ink variant (limited to 500) and pencil sketch variant (limited to 250).

SDCC Exclusive: Grant Morrison's MBX Sketchbook (limited to 1,000) (SCHWAPP!!!: this is the one I'd try to get my hands on). Get an inside look at Grant Morrison's highly anticipated on-line animated series MBX, featuring insights from Grant, images from the upcoming animated series, breathtaking art explorations from Mukesh Singh (Jenna Jameson's Shadow Hunter, Guy Ritchie's Gamekeeper, Devi/Witchblade), script excerpts and more.

Lenticulars: We had a very limited number of Shadow Hunter, Gamekeeper and Dan Dare lenticulars at New York Comic-Con, and they sold out almost immediately. We'll have a small quantity in our booth, but we can't promise how long they'll last.

iPod Skins: Your iPod will not be complete until it's adorned with a Dan Dare or Shadow Hunter skin!

Autographed Items:

· Dan Dare #1 Bryan Talbot ink cover, limited to 500 copies and autographed by Garth Ennis! This came out in late 2007 when Dan Dare debuted, and these are some of the last few copies in existence. Act now, because once these are gone they're gone FOREVER.

· Dan Dare lithographs of Bryan Talbot's #1 cover art, signed by Garth Ennis.

· Jenna Jameson's Shadow Hunter lithograph of Greg Horn #1 cover art, signed by Jenna.

PORTFOLIO REVIEWS

Meet our Editors Charlie Beckerman and Sana Amanat for a one-on-one portfolio review session. And who knows… if we're really blown away by your work, you might just walk away with a gig. We're ready to hire the best artist we meet with to do an upcoming cover, so bring your A-game. Come prepared with a sketch of your favorite Virgin character and get a leg up on the competition. These sessions will be held at our booth on Friday and Saturday. Details to follow.

SIGNINGS

Here's your chance to meet two legends of publishing – Grant Morrison and Deepak Chopra – who will be signing on Sunday from 1:30-2:15 at tables AA1-AA2 (Sails Pavilion). Please note: Grant Morrison's MBX Sketchbook serves as the ticket for Grant's signing. Deepak will be signing any of his Virgin titles (Buddha #1 will be available for sale at the Virgin booth).

CONTESTS

Have you always aspired for comic book immortality? We'll here is your big break!! To celebrate this fall's debut of the highly anticipated new sci-fi/action series Nowhere Man from the creative team of Hugh Jackman, Marc Guggenheim and Paul Gulacy, we're giving all of you a chance to be a real Nowhere Man and get drawn into an issue!! Be sure to stop by our booth to enter this once-in-a-lifetime contest.

So that's what we're officially announcing, but you should keep your eyes and ears open, because we just might have a few more surprises up our sleeves.

See you in San Diego!"

Isn't Mark Waid The BMOC At Boom! Studios?

Heidi MacDonald reported the following bit from the State of the Industry panel at Heroes Con:

Waid declared that he would trade all the existing comics readers for a junior high school full of readers

Then Mark waded on to the blog over at The Beat and said:

“Wouldn’t that involve actually creating and marketing comics for junior high school readers instead of their parents?”

Yes, it would. As a creator, all I can do is create them for that readership, which I do. Pointedly. Whether I can actually physically get comics TO them or not. Marketing is beyond my control. But some of us have at least the first part of it covered. I wish more of the super-hero industry would follow suit, frankly, but that’s not my call.

Isn't he more than a creator at Boom! and in a position where he should have some control over trying to market their product? I mean, at least some influence?

It is possible that he was trying to speak more to his recent experiences creating work-for-hire over at DC, but he was on that panel as someone leading a comic book company. I'd like to see what he proposes to do to market Boom! Studios product to junior high schoolers.

Scream Factory Does WWChicago

Scream Factory will apparently be at Wizard World Chicago in force.

They're bringing Robert Kurtzman, special effects legend.

They're bringing Sean Patrick Flanery, star of Boondock Saints and the upcoming movie based on the SF property, BUMP.

They're bringing Jesse Blaze Snider, hit sensation from MTV's Rock The Cradle and writer of SF property, STRANGELAND.

They're all featured guests, too.

I'm just wondering if Jesse will be bellying up to the bar this year. Hanging out with him and the rest of the gang that went on to form Scream Factory was one of the highlights of the con last year. Of course, Troy Brownfield thought the highlight of the night was tied between the Koben Kelly saga and my bar tab.

Wizard World Philly: Boy I'm Glad I Didn't Go!

Wizard's new tagline for the convention (if/)when it returns next year:

Wizard World Philadelphia: We're Stuck Between NYCC and Wizard World Chicago...Please Come & Pretend Anything Exciting Is Happening Here

Or at least that's what I think it will be. There's a lot of "wait and see" being shared at the con this year, with the answers more likely to be given at a WWC or SDCC. Anything not being saved for those was likely shared in NYCC.

J.G. Jones On Final Crisis: The pace picks up immediately with issue #3

Over on Newsarama's WWPhilly coverage:

A fan expressed some disappointment with the first issue of Final Crisis. In response both Jones and Sattler said “Don’t worry.” J.G. added that “The pace picks up immediately with issue #3. Grant structures his stories in such a specific way, and you will see why the first issue has so much set up. It all pays off!”

Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is a 7 issue mini-series, right? And there's a month break after issue #3, right?

Major company events are supposed to have a bit of summer popcorn movie to them. There should be some manner of POP early on to grab the reader. Something. But there really isn't a POP in the first issue. It's quite possible that there isn't one in the second issue, if we're getting a "just you wait until #3!"

I'm sure there's some payoff in this mini, though (even if Grant hasn't had a spotless record on endings). I get that Grant is an artist, but company events tend to be weighted more toward the commerical aspect than the artistic angle. So you normally would want to get some SIZZLE into that first issue.

By the way: "don't worry"? Your customer expresses disappointment in the book and they're told "don't worry"? I'm hoping there was something not captured in the fan's question by the reporter. If not...that's a bit off as an answer.

Quesada Still Saying Its Magic

From the Wizard World Philly coverage of the BND panel over on Newsarama:

Asked if the "missing time" between OMD and BND will also address what was going on with Spider-Man in other titles, Quesada said that the more detail that you go into, the more complicated things can become. As a result, the plan is to keep things as clean and as simple as they can.

If that doesn't reaffirm JMS's statements that Quesada wanted to fall back on "it's magic, we don't have to explain it", I don't know what does.

There continues to be inconsistency in their statements regarding the Spider-Man changes...inconsistencies that only get worse with each time they open their mouth to answer questions.

I think they've taken the worst approach possible in their attempts to have their cake and eat it, too.

Marvel decided they wanted to make some significant changes to the character. That's great. That's their right. Take it and run with it.

But when you make significant changes like this, you're going to invalidate some stuff that went before and piss off some fans. Accept that as the cost of doing business instead of trying to say everything happened (when it couldn't possibly) and that you didn't really change anything other than the wedding not happening (when, again, that isn't possible).

As long as they continue to try to make it be everything to everyone even when that flies in the face of logic, they're going to find that this continues to be thorn in their side. Just make what sense of it that you can...cutting out what really can't fit in continuity...and move on.

And, for God's sake, don't try to compare the unanswered Spidey questions to how things are done in LOST...

Encore: NYC SCHWAPP!!!: Passing A Message To Grant

Given that Final Crisis just dropped today, I thought I'd post this again while everyone's talking about Grant Morrison



Before hitting the road to NYCC, my friend Aaron asked me to pass personal messages from him to Grant Morrison and Jenna Jameson. While I wasn't able to get the message to Jenna, I did deliver his message to Grant. It was a little more impersonal than he may have desired...

Fun With Press Releases

WIZARD WORLD PHILADELPHIA SELLS OUT FLOOR!

The Pop Culture Extravaganza Is Packed With A Record-Breaking Number Of Exhibitors, Retailers and Creators.

Congers, NY (May 28, 2008) – Wizard World Philadelphia’s floor has sold out. All 301 exhibitor and retailer booths and 174 tables in Artist Alley have been taken, leading to 135,000 completely sold out square feet of floor space. Even though the floor is completely sold out, there is a first come first serve waiting list for those still itching to get in on the biggest Wizard World Philadelphia in history. To get on the waiting list, contact James Ross at 917-270-0121.

“With the show floor packed with retailers, attendees will have the best opportunity they’ve ever had to find and buy everything they’ve been looking for,” said Wizard Vice President of Business Development Stephen Shamus. “On top of that, the guest list is more robust than ever and offers a wide spectrum of talent from the worlds of sci-fi, toys, comic books, wrestling, and gaming.” Guests and events at Wizard World Philadelphia include Katee Sackhoff from “Battlestar Galactica,” guest of honor J.G. Jones, comic creators Garth Ennis, Steve Dillon and Ethan Van Sciver, the first annual ToyFare Hall of Fame Awards, toy sculpting lessons from the Shiflett Brothers, Robert Tonner and Clay Moore and wrestler Kevin Nash.

For tickets and more information about the 2008 Wizard World Philadelphia show and about registration for the 2009 Wizard World Philadelphia show, please visit www.wizardworld.com. The Wizard World comic convention is coming to Philadelphia from May 30th to June 1st.

Am I wrong or does it seem a little "special" to be bragging about a sellout that didn't occur until less than two days before the show?