OK, it's a little blurry, but this is the work in progress that will be the T.M.R. stage for the huge concert tomorrow night! I was outside the IGN.com Theatre a few minutes ago and I could hear T.M.R. rehearsing, pretty cool!!!!
-L
The doors for professionals were thrown open at 10am today and the con is officially under way! Check out the dueling hulks here, who's better, me or the unnamed Reed staffer?
-L
I can't mobile blog (mog) withhout two things: typos and my mobile number at the bottom. Excuse the typos and ignore my mobile number. Really, don't call me please! Email, text, fine, but unless your world is ending, please don't call, ok? I'm trusting you........
So I have a ton of pictures for you, but my Internet connection at the Javits sucks and I can't get them posted. Sorry and I'll keep trying. Use your gray matter, inside that shell we call a skull to imagine how awesome the con is in the place of real pictures.
Got back from the big Stan Lee NY Comis Legend Award party around midnight (now) and I am spent. I cant belive the show has not even started yet!
The Stan party was cool, but at the last minute I learned Stan would not be signing. There were a lot of unhappy fans and I feel awful about that, but in the end, we all work for Stan, what can we do? Besides that glitch, the party was sweet. Joe Quesada did any awesome job talking up Stan the Legend, as did Peter David and Sharad Devarajan the CEO of Virgin Comics. It was a great party and thanks to all that came out and endured the huge crowd and shfting plans of Stan and his crew.
I'm up at 5am tomorrow for an interview and con prep, so I best sign off. The show looks amazing, it is so cool to see it all being built and know there are a lot of people just waiting for you fans and pros to pour through the doors. Check the web site for new updates and links and I'll post some cool coverage on here tomorrow (Newsarama has awesome coverage, The Beat is everywhere and CBR has a live web cam!!!!!!!)
In the meantime, start planning for Sunday night now! I just got this from Forbidden Planet.
See you all tomorrow and remember, email and text me, but don't call!
-L
To commemorate the wrap of the 2008 New York Comic-Con, Forbidden Planet presents the Comic-Con Afterparty! With tunes provided by DJ Patrick A. Reed, a special early set spun by New York's up-and-coming techpopster The Qualia, drink specials, and a cast of the greatest party people the TV, film, animation, and comic industries have to offer, this is an event you won't want to miss. Drink specials, good tunes, crazy visuals, and no cover charge!
The fun goes down at Arrow Bar, 85 Avenue A (between 5th and 6th streets), starting around eight and going all evening post-con on Sunday April 20th... Arrow features a extensive selection of Microbrewed beers, a killer sound system, comfortable seating, and extended happy hour from 4-9PM (2-for-1 on everything)!
By subway: L Train to First Avenue, F Train to Second Avenue. By bus: M14A to E. 5th Street.
For inquiries or further info: patrickareed@gmail.com
Lance Fensterman
Vice President
BookExpo America
New York ComicCon
New York Anime Fest
Blog: www.mediumatlarge.net
203.840.5507 (o) 203.417.3607 (m)
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld - Please excuse any typos!
Scott Weinstein and Chris Zaccone's After School Agent is an interesting comic. Although it's an action-comic aimed at younger readers, its realistic artwork and difficult story material makes it a much deeper reading experience than your regular cartoon spin-off.
I sat down to email - because standing would be relatively uncomfortable – writer Scott Weinstein (who has also written jokes for Saturday Night Live) about working indie and the challenges of creating a darker kids' comic.
Mike Drucker: When did work begin on After School Agent?
Scott Weinstein: This has a been in the works for a few years now. I started writing issue 1 back in 2004. My goal was to create a 4 issue mini-series. So, I finished writing all 4 issues before I went looking for an illustrator. That took a couple of years. But, ultimately Chris came aboard, and he finished art on the first issue around April/May 2007. And now he is finishing up work on issue 2.
MD: You and your illustrator (Chris Zaccone) met at Pratt Institute, correct? What's your history with Chris? What was the impetus for you to work together on this project?
SW: Yeah, we're friends from Pratt. He was a Communication Design major and a great illustrator. I was there for Film School, and I was a shitty illustrator. We started hanging out in our Junior year. Our first real collaboration was on one of my projects for film school. He played a clueless vampire hunter. And then I helped him shoot some scenes for his magnum opus "The Ruler Part 2." After college we started shooting short videos with our friends, Jose and Gino. We called ourselves 235 Washington productions. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuOjIDEafjA
Unfortunately, we were a little ahead of our time. (i.e. No YouTube back then.) I like to think that we pre-dated the Lonely Island guys. We had a great time shooting those, but jobs and girlfriends took precedent, and that fell by the wayside. When I started writing After-School Agent, I immediately thought of Chris to illustrate it. But, he was in the middle of planning his wedding, and didn't have any free time. A friend hooked me up with someone else to do the book. That guy always promised pages, but after a year of nothing, he finally backed out. At that point, Chris was married and had free time again. We talked about it, and he was wanted to do the book.
The art style is a little more realistic than books with similar themes. Was this a conscious choice? It wasn't really a conscious choice. That's just Chris' natural style. And that's really the style I had been hoping for the book all along. I didn't want it too cartoony. But, at the same time a Bryan Hitch type realism would take away from the comedic element. Chris really does a great job walking that fine line. And he takes it to a new level on the second issue. I have to say, I continue to be blown away by Chris' artwork.
MD: What sort of freedoms has working under an indie comic label afforded you?
SW: Freedom is a little bit ironic. There is nothing"free" about self-publishing. But, what I haveenjoyed is that I can have dark elements in the story without a publisher being scared that kids will not like that. And I can also mix in adult references and jokes that kids may not get.
I've also been enjoying the challenge of trying to market the book on my own. I've learned a ton about the comic world, and the convention scene. It's been a blast.
MD: You deal with some particularly serious issues in the comic such as cancer and the war in the Middle East. How do you balance those issues with the younger demographic for the book?
SW: Well, Gordon's missions aren't really intended to be taken seriously. He certainly doesn't. They are inspired by real news stories. Working for SNL and particularly for Weekend Update, I've stockpiled a whole slew of news items that seem like good adventures for Gordon. The basic idea is that the President (who isn't Bush, but is very much inspired by him) sends his personal team out to handle things that he's not happy about, but wants done under that radar. (For example get rid of a scientist who's invented a new solar battery, or sabotage another country's bid to host the Olympics.) And much like the real White House, there are these very powerful men trying to manipulate world events and looking at the big picture. But, all for extremely selfish reasons. And ironically they put the responsibility of these missions in the hands of a 13 year-old, who could care less about any of this. So, if the youngerkids, who may read this book, don't understand the news stories I'm referencing that won't take away from the experience. These adventures are all from Gordon's POV, and he certainly doesn't understand them. He's just doing what he's been told to do. But, if the reader is more aware, they will hopefully get a good laugh at what Gordon has been sent out to do.
As far as the cancer back-story, I don't think that would throw younger readers. I believe they could handle the idea that Gordon had been sick. And hopefully, they would identify with a character who had been weak, but was now stronger. I think companies today tend to under-estimate kids abilities to read about complex situations and relationships. No family is perfect. And I wanted Gordon's family to have to deal with some real heavy emotional issues. And I thought the cancer back-story would provide that.
MD: How have people been reacting to your book?
SW: So far the few people who have bought the book seem to really like it. We got great feedback when we were at Heroes Con last summer. And we're really excited to meet more people this weekend at the New York Comic Con. Of course, the most common praise the book gets is for the art. People are always surprised to see such amazing art in a self-published book.
MD: And the old cliche question: what are you guys planning for the future of the book?
SW: The next step is getting issue 2 out in time for Heroes Con this summer. Once that's ready, I'll sell it in some New York stores (Rocketship, Jim Hanley's, etc.) After that I'm not sure what the next step is. We've been looking for a publisher, but no luck so far. (If any publishers are reading this and want to publish the book, please don't be shy, drop us a line.)
And if readers are going to the New York Comic Con this weekend (April 18-20), please drop by our table. We'll be in Artists Alley. Look for the big After-School Agent poster.
In the meantime, you can keep up to date with all things After-School Agent at our website: http://www.afterschoolagent.com/Welcome.html
And on our blog: http://afterschoolagent.blogspot.com/
Thanks Scott!
So I knew I'd be crazy busy this week leading up to the con, so I called in a few friends. Actually, these guys are sort of like the comedy mafia, they just showed up at my door and told me that if I wanted my blog to remains safe, I'd start giving them 10% of it. So here's the third of a few guest bloggers, Jon Clarke.......
Few indy comics get a shot at a major motion picture. Almost none get a sequel. Find out what sets HELLBOY apart with two events at NY Comi Con! First, the spotlight shines on HELLBOY creator Saturday at noon in 1E308. Find out how he forged his graphic, unique style, the future of HELLBOY and just why he finds monsters so appealing. Then, join Mike at 2 in the IGN theater for a preview of the new film, HELLBOY 2: THE GOLDEN ARMY! Guillermo Del Toro comes off the success of PAN'S LABYRINTH with a sequel that's bigger, badder and downright creepier than the first. Del Toro and Mignola will be there with stars Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Doug Jones and Luke Goss. Will you?
Jon Clarke
As a writer, Jon has worked for Art Asylum, Master Replicas, figures.com and Crusade Comics. As a comedian, he's written for McSweeney's, Yankee Pot Roast, Raging Face and participated in the NY Underground Comedy Festival. You can read his daily blog at www.notinmybook.com
Things I Love about the NY Comic Con
Once again, no Kenny G.
Something inappropriately large made out of LEGOs. This year? I'm hoping pancakes.
Stan Lee. At some point this weekend, he'll use the word "Excelsior" and I want to be there when he does.
Wondering if Ron Perlman could pick me up over his head. And if he'd like to.
Stormtroopers. They look really cool. And overheated.
Whoever sells frozen lemonade at the back of the hall. You sir, have made lemonade even more delightful!
Escalators. My legs ain't got time for climbing no stairs, son.
Women in superhero outfits. Unlike strippers, no attitude.
Ed Murray. I'm gonna make him hold all my stuff.
Starting rumors. Next month, live-action Samurai Jack movie starring Whoopi Goldberg. You heard it here first!
Things I Don't Love About the NY Comic Convention
1. Crowds. Damn you, successful convention!
Check it out, our pals at Nerdcore have some stuff happening in the Nerdcore booth
12-2pm, April 19 – 2008 Nerdcore calendar signing Take a moment to soak in the beauty, and nerdy insights, of geek supergoddess Justine Joli and get her autograph on the 2008 Nerdcore calendar.
2-3pm, Saturday, April 19 — Meathaus: S.O.S. signing Meet some of the contributors of the coolest comics anthology on the planet, and be among the very first to own a copy. Tomer Hanuka, Farel Dalrymple, Thomas Herpich, Jim Campbell, and Chris McD will be signing.
And what about a contest? Who doesn't love a contest?
Hey guys, just wanted to give you a heads up that we will be having a Marvel Costume Contest on Saturday @ 4:30 in our booth, #1141. It is only for fans dressed as Marvel Characters. Prizes will be given to winner(s)!
Stan, and Contest, Even Better!
Stan Lee will be talking about his wild new book of humor, "Election Daze," at a panel at 11:00 on Sunday morning in Room 1E12-13-14. To top if off there will also be an awesome Create-A-Caption Contest!
Participants should go to the Filsinger Publishing booth (1971) on Friday or Saturdayto pick up a contest entry. They'll find a funny photo of Barack Obama and it'll beyour turn to play Stan Lee and write a funny word or thought balloon! Ten finalists willhave their entries read out loud at the panel on Sunday and the audience will decidethe winners!
The five winners will receive a rare promotional mini-book for "Election Daze" signedby Stan himself! What a unique Stan Lee collectible!Don't miss this cool Stan Lee event! Just fill out your entry and submit it at theFilsinger Publishing booth by 9:00 PM on Saturday! And then be sure to attend the"Election Daze" panel with Stan Lee and publisher Tom Filsinger on Sunday at11:00!
It's Stan Lee for President in 2008! Excelsior!
More cool stuff that you can only get at NY ComicCon!
Remember, you can check out all of the show exclusives we've been sent on the NYCC web site here.
Skrull Masks
The Invasion has begun and the Skrulls have revealed themselves around the world! Are you a Skrull? Show everyone your true nature with these Skrull masks, available exclusively at the Marvel booth. Then be sure to report all Skrull spottings in your every day life by taking pictures and visiting www.marvel.com/secretinvasion to upload them for the world to see!
-L
This Con is going to kick ass!!!!!!! I'm at the show now watching banners go up, booths get built, thousands of seats being set in the IGN.com theatre and it is impressive. Really gang, we work on this all year but there is nothing like seeing it come to life before your eyes with the help of the little elves I call teamsters.
Get your tickets, you do not want to miss this.
I just met with our head of security and reviewed ticket sales and while the con is going to grow like crazy we agree there is plenty of room for everybody.
This is awesome. I'll have pictures for you tomorrow.
L
What's X-Files 2 going to be called? X-Files: I Want To Believe! FOX just made this public, only two days before Chris Carter's X-Files panel at New York Comic Con. Expect to hear a lot more about X-Files: I Want To Believe at New York Comic Con!
So I knew I'd be crazy busy this week leading up to the con, so I called in a few friends. Actually, these guys are sort of like the comedy mafia, they just showed up at my door and told me that if I wanted my blog to remains safe, I'd start giving them 10% of it. So here's the first of a few guest bloggers, Ed Murray.......Check out Ed's blog here
I am very excited about ComiCon. Mainly because I haven't bought a comic book in over a decade.
I grew up loving comics, but my break-up with the genre was the self-inflicted, tired tragedy. I spent the better part of my young adolescence meticulously toiling over my comic book collection, drenching polymer bags in the sweat of tightly managed allowances, only to later sell my entire collection to fund food, gas, and illicit substances on a rock concert road trip. (Yeah, go ahead and smirk, but who got to see The Smashing Pumpkins perform one of their most uninspired sets ever in a suburban Detroit pasture? ME, that's who!) So this year, I am finally getting the chance to fulfill a childhood dream that I had bailed out on long ago … I'm going to a big, fat, whopping comic convention.
Growing up, I obsessively went through every comic book I could get my hands on. I even loved that stack of some of the worst comics from the 70s donated by my older sister's boyfriend (no doubt to keep me occupied during his visits.) These things were in terrible shape, inside and out: no covers, lousy plotlines, drab art … but I still read Power Man & Iron Fist #57 way too many times.
It's funny now to see how I passionately backed some questionable series with my comic book dollar. I was a fan of the Booster Gold series, The Transformers, the original Excalibur, (HEY, those first … 6 issues were really good!) and the first comic book I purchased was Ambush Bug #1 (the limited series, not to be confused with his long-running regular series ending in him slugging it out with an otherworldly villain composed of anti-matter and sporting a sentient, viral ballerina skirt.)
Since leaving the comic book universe, I have seen some great advances in the medium from a distance. Every now and then, a comic book friend of mine will hand me something and say, "You gotta read this." And I do. And, more than often, I love it.
Don't get me wrong, there has always been good work out there. Watchmen and The Dark Knight Returns were an oasis in the desert of 80s DC comics. However, looking at the medium now, in terms of story presentation, the strides made in the last 20 years in the comic book culture are staggering. The artwork envelopes the reader, the storylines are obsessively engaging, and complicated themes are explored on a regular basis.
So I say to you comic fans today: Enjoy it. This is definitely a new golden age in comic books, and the great books are still relatively easy to find. In the music world today, it is nearly impossible to sort through all that is available, however, the comic book market today is just contained enough to be digested, while it still brims over with excitement … it has yet to reach an iComics level of saturation. There are more people out there doing quality work than ever before, and comic book fans should bask in the sunshine of their favorite pastime.
I'm going to ComiCon and I'm going to re-connect with something that I've been missing for years, and it will be at one of the greatest times in comic book history.
I will be seeing some of the best talent that has ever taken part in the business. And I think that's very exciting.
Maybe I'll even see if I can score a beat-up, cover-less copy of Excalibur #1 while I'm there.
Sure, you want the original or The New Excalibur, pal?
The … what?
Tonight's the last night you can order VIP, Stan Lee, and Ultimate Experience Tickets. We'll be heading over to the Javits Center tomorrow and taking these special tickets offline. (Regular tickets will go offline on Thursday.) So, if you want to be a VIP, have drinks with Stan Lee, or shake hands with Neil Gaiman, you'll want -- need -- to order your tickets now. And, as a special bonus, you'll get a confirmation e-mail from Peter Tatara tomorrow morning.
Need to pick up tickets? Want to get a VIP pass? Interested in the Stan Lee New York Comics Legend Party? Lonely and just need someone to talk to? Well come to the Javits Center! Our registration desks will be open soon to help you with all your needs. So don't wait until Saturday at 9:45, come by early when things are calm. Here are the hours:
Thursday
Exhibitor/Pro 12-5
Fans 11-5
Friday
Exhibitor/Pro 8-8
Fans 11-8
Saturday
Everything 8-7
Sunday
Everything 8-5
Got a nice email from our pal and exhibitor Bob Self from Baby Tattoo Books that fantasy/sci-fi illustrator Michael Whelan will be attending the show. So like any good con goer, Bill just invited him on over to his booth!
Michael will sign limited edition books and prints at the Baby Tattoo booth (1851) on Friday and Saturday. Go check it out, Bill would if you had Michael in your booth!
Got cool con stuff? Tell me about it!
-L
I've assembled some random NY Comic Con related coverage for your perusal:
Check out The Beat, they've got insane NYCC coverage today! Who needs NYcomiccon.com when The Beat has schedules and more online. See it all here.
The Daily News had an awesome spread yesterday. You can catch it online here, but in the print version it included an outstanding picture of Eva Mendes. Sorry web readers, you'll have to use your imagination.
Take a look at the sweet dedicated page from IGN.com. See it here. Man, I look at the graphics and stuff they put together and I feel like our web presence is done in crayons. Nice work boys.
Also, because theis blog is built mostly to help my mom feel like I'm doing something productive with my life, below is a link to an interview I did with Comic Geek Speak and a USA Today piece I was quoted in. Yes, this is pure ego, but click on them for Mrs. Fensterman in Apple Valley, MN, it'll make her feel good - You Betcha!
NYCC on Comic Geek Speak
Fensterman not sounding like too much of an idiot in USA Today
-L
It's getting harder and harder to find time to blog kids, but I'm still at it! So this is one item I can cross off my life list - I got to interview Stan Lee!!!! In the name of full disclosure, I don't actually have a life list (Oprah would be so disappointed in me), but if I did, interviewing Stan Lee, visiting the Lego factory, drinking with P.J. O'Rourke and smoking with Kevin Smith would definitely be on it).
Click here to catch my interview with the first ever receipt of the New York Comics Legend Award, Mr. Stan Lee.
More cool stuff that you can only get at NY ComicCon!
Remember, you can check out all of the show exclsuives we've been sent on the NYCC web site here.
Young X-Men #1 MDCU Variant
