As you may have gathered from all the SDCC related messages on WCBR’s Twitter and Facebook accounts, I was lucky enough to attend all four days of the San Diego Comic-Con. It takes place yearly right in my backyard, but this was my first time attending (and it was only my second convention ever–the first being ECCC ’11 earlier this year.
Overall Impressions: “Overwhelming” is the first adjective that comes to mind. Unlike ECCC, which–although quite large–maintains a very relaxed and genial atmosphere, SDCC felt extremely impersonal (with some exceptions, which we’ll talk about) and quite difficult to navigate both physically and cognitively. Was it fun? Absolutely! But it was also extraordinarily draining in a way that ECCC was not. ECCC was pure recreation and joy for me; SDCC made me work for the fun.
Artist’s Alley: Although simply walking around the floor and seeing the different booths and what people had to offer and to show off was a good time, I learned in my last day at ECCC that Artist’s Alley is THE place to be at a con if you’re comic fan. Meeting the artists and creators you love face to face and getting to shake their hand is an unbelievable thrill. Of course, their time is far more precious at a huge con like SDCC, and there is far less of the face time and personal conversation than there would be at a smaller show. The highest of comic-book royalty (your Geoff Johns, Gail Simone, Johnathan Hickman, Jim Lee,Brian Michael Bendis, Ed Brubaker, etc, etc, etc) are not very accessible at all, and have extremely limited windows of opportunity to get a signature and a quick hello. (It goes without saying, but this is obviously not their fault–it’s the simple, cold reality of numbers and logistics.) That’s probably the biggest shame of going to large show, as far as I can see–less opportunity to meet the people you came to see!
Now, in spite of my previous point, I did manage to meet most of the folks I wanted to, albiet briefly, and get signatures. I was also able to score several pieces of original art, and an original page.
My new pride and joy, of course is the AMAZING piece I got from Michael Zulli. As some of you may know, Sandman is my favorite series of all time, and Morpheus my favorite character of all. So when I found out that Mr. Zulli, one of the greatest Sandman artists of all, was going to be at the con…well! I knew where my first stop was going to be! So, to his booth I went and–after buying his new book, which you should also totally do if you get the opportunity–and asked if he would sketch for me. He agreed, and asked what I would like. “Morpheus,” I answered. “Morpheus, with [his loyal raven] Matthew, please.” Please note that those were the full extent of the description I gave him. He said no problem, to come by the next afternoon to pick it up. The next afternoon, this is what was waiting for me:
Actually, there were TWO beautiful, colored sketches of Morpheus waiting for me. He had done two, to give me a couple to choose from. My jaw literally dropped as I stood there gaping at them. This was so far and away beyond what I had imagined I had asked him for a sketch. And the one pictured (the one I chose) was quite literally perfect. I don’t think I could have come up with such a beautiful design for a request if I had thought for ages and plotted it out in minute detail. Like ordering Sushi Omakase, sometimes placing yourself in the hands of a master will net you a finer result than you ever could have hoped for in your own.
Here’s the best part: when he saw my expression and lack of speech, Mr. Zulli looks at me and goes–sounding quite worried–“is it okay? Is it what you wanted? I’ll be happy to do another if it’s not…”
I won’t even tell you how quickly I was able to reassure him that yes, this will be more than fine. The hardest part is going to be redecorating an entire room so I can make it a focal point!
The other truly wonderful piece I was able to get my hands on was an Artifacts page inked by Joe Weems (pencils by Michael Broussard):
I love Tom Judge, I love Artifacts and this piece needed to be mine. Mr. Weems was a wonderful gentleman to speak to as well, and was kind enough to school me on some of the finer points of inking, which is easily the part of the comic book creation process that I understand the least. It was fantastic to be able to pick his brain a bit.
Next on the original-page-Hawk-needs list, by the way, is an Artifacts cover from Michael Broussard. He’s got an outstanding portfolio. I’ll start saving now, and maybe by ECCC ’12, if there are any left, I can snag one. For this con I was already tapped out, but I was able to get a very nice, quick profile sketch of everyone’s favorite Darkness, Jackie Estacado, from Mr. B while I was getting an Artifacts issue signed:
And since, y’know, I was at the Top Cow booth anyway, I grabbed once of the sketchable Witchblade covers, and got a beautiful drawing of Sara Pezzini from Jeremy Haun:
And finally, a sketch of my very favorite Shakespearean character, Iago, from Kill Shakespeare artist Andy Bellanger:
In summary, I think it’s safe to say that the art-collecting bug has gotten under my skin. It’s amazing how seeing these pieces in different stages of completion–whether it’s the inks or pencils from a comic book page, or actually watching the process of an artist doing a sketch–has increased my appreciation for comic book art. Not that I ever *over*looked it, mind, but I’m an English major–story is first for me, almost always. Having my horizons broadened by meeting these wonderful artists, seeing their work and seeing them work, is something for which I will always be grateful.
Also, I now have AWESOME stuff to hang on my wall. 😀
STAY TUNED FOR PART 2: Making it to panels (or not) and hero worship!
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