Since I left off in December let me catch my one reader up to what geek things I’ve been up to.
Fables vol. 10
Between January and March I managed to find a copy of every Fables trade that has been released and read them all. This is probably the best series I have ever read and if you aren’t already reading it go out and buy the first two volumes RIGHT NOW! Why the first two? Well, the first one just isn’t enough to get you fully hooked so you’ll want to read the second one right away to really feel the effect of the story. Once you’ve done that, go out and buy the rest because I can guarantee you’ll be drooling for more.
Also during my run with Fables I picked up another Bill Willingham title – House of Mystery vol. 1. From what I read in the first volume I’m looking forward to the second, but I still have a while to wait on that one. The saddest part about my coming to love Bill Willingham’s work this year was he was Emerald City Comic Con LAST year and I missed my chance to meet him. Hopefully he’ll make a return visit to the con in the coming years.
Other fantastic titles I read during my absent months:
Wormwood
Runaways – Brian K Vaughan & Joss Whedon
Invincible vol 1 – Robert Kirkman
Joker – Brian Azzarello
All Star Superman – Grant Morrison
Wormwood: Gentleman Corpse – Ben Templesmith (and sadly misplaced vol 2… I’m reallllly sorry Kim!)
Fell – Ben Templesmith
The Sword – Luna Brothers
Wonder Woman - Allan Heinberg, Jodi Picoult, Will Pfeifer & Gail Simone
Batman: Cacophony – Kevin Smith
April was my ultimate geek month because it was Emerald City time! Myself and 3 friends packed into a car at 5am and headed to Seattle for one of the most awesome weekends ever!
Awesome people I met:
Tim Sale: Last year I really, really, really wanted to meet him, but his PR guy or whatever was a bit of a douche and was like “Not until such and such a time and no earlier. You can stand here and watch him draw though”. Since then I had always been under the impression that Tim Sale was not very good to his fans but this year I was proven wrong. He was actually the first person I went to see and he was f***in’ awesome! He personalized and signed my book and shook my hand and was just wonderful. I’m sorry Tim for thinking poorly of you and I hope you fired that guy from last year.
Kim & Ben Templesmith
Ben Templesmith : Probably one of the nicest, well dressed people at the con. I felt bad because I didn’t have any of his books for him to sign since Kim (in the picture) had lent me her copies (again, I’m sorry for losing vol 2). But he was still damn awesome and Kim actually asked to marry him… it was priceless.
David Petersen: The creator of Mouse Guard is basically a more talented boy version of me. I got my copy of Mouse Guard signed and in the process we realized our mutual love for all things Jim Henson (most notably the Dark Crystal) and the Wizard of Oz. Meeting him actually made me love Mouse Guard even more than I already did and the following month I ended up dropping $130 on the special edition version of the book.
Jeph Jaques: The creator of Questionable Content and reason why I started going to ECCC in the first place. This year I drew him a fan picture of his lead females in Roman-esque gowns and he loved it… unfortunately I never told him my name so he’ll never know who drew him that awesome pic.
Gail Simone: Not much to say. It was a very brief meeting since her line-up was pretty busy.
Art Balthazar & Fraco: Two very wonderful and playful gents. Art actually drew me a Batman completely in crayon. I’m planning on getting it framed for my wall o’ Batman.
Tahmoh Penikett
Tahmoh Penikett: Apparently of Battlestar Galactica, but I’ve never watched that show, so he’s of Dollhouse fame for me. Again, super duper nice guy. He asked me about the new series and I had to be honest that the first half of the season was bad, but I was happy that it was getting better. He agreed and assured me the end of the season would be stellar. He was right!
Dustin Nguyen: Another brief encounter as I bought two of his posters, but after seeing his work at the show I am now a HUGE fan of his work and follow him on Deviant Art. You should too http://duss005.deviantart.com/
Biggest Disappointment
Bruce Timm: I’ve never been more excited to meet someone nor have I been more disappointed. My Tim Sale story from last year pales in comparison. I love Batman. I love Batman the Animated Series. I wanted to meet, shake the hand and talk to the man behind Batman the Animated Series. I met him, didn’t shake his hand, didn’t talk to him, got my book signed and was left crushed. He didn’t say hello, he didn’t ask my name, he scribbled his name on my Batman the Animated Series artbook, tossed it back in my direction and dismissed me. Not even a god damn smile or nod to acknowledge my existence. What a jackass. Now, I can’t even look at my art book or any other animated series stuff without feeling completely bummed.
This post has gotten out of control so I’m going to let my one reader have a break now. Next post: Meeting Chuck Palahniuk!
Tags: Batman, Comics, convention, event