Friday, July 30, 2010

My SDCC 2010 Experience





San Diego Comic Con 2010

[Top picture: Cynthia Martin, Moi, Stan the Man Lee, and Trina Robbins]
[Bottom picture. Back row: Maggie Thompson, Barbara Kesel, Karen O'Brien.
Front Row: Moi, Cynthia Martin, Trina Robbins, Gillian Horvath, and Nicola Scott]

This is the second year I’ve gone to the show as a “Pro” and not as an “Exhibitor.” I've been to six other SDCC's, all as an exhibitor, working the booth for our sister company, Moonstone. The con itself is pretty well organized overall, and even though the line for Pro Badge pick-up was long, it moved fairly quickly. The con floor opens on Wednesday, Preview Night at 6 PM. We got in line to get in with the rest of the attendees, and I think we managed to actually get INTO the hall at around 6:30 or so. Mind you, the con floor is only open until 9 PM on Preview Night. So that was rather annoying, again I'm used to being an exhibitor which means you can wander in any time after 8am or something like that. I really missed that exhibitor perk! I didn't miss all the time and effort spent as an exhibitor, getting our booth and product to the con hall and set up and shipped out after the show, not to mention all the hours that must be spent at the booth, etc.

The SDCC is BEYOND capacity at this point, just too many people running around, literally RUNNING through the hall. People get jostled, bumped, and practically run over by the insane masses. I’m about 5’1” and I got bonked in the head with more back backs than I care to count. I think the main thing I learned as a result of this show is I’m not good with large crowds of obsessed fans.

If/when I go back to the SDCC, I will do what many other Pros I know, they ONLY hit the convention floor for signings, otherwise they try to take ALL of their meetings outside of the hall. There are plenty of hotel lobbies, coffee shops, and restaurants to take a meeting, without all the craziness. I did do this a few times, so it worked out fine, but the main lesson learned is do NOT go into the convention hall unless you want to take your life in your hands. I can not imagine how difficult it must be to try to navigate the con floor with a stroller or a wheelchair. Dear lord. And everything in the con hall is a line, there is a line for just about everything. It’s like going to Disneyworld, but without the certainty of satisfaction. Want a toy exclusive? Sure, get in line and wait to see IF you get it. Be prepared to blow a bunch of time doing so, and you will be set, oh and be prepared to get disappointed when you get to the front of the line and they tell you “Sold out!.”

I wasn’t standing in line for anything for myself, mostly for friends, so it wasn’t too much of a big deal because if I didn’t get said exclusive it wasn’t going to be the end of the world, it would just cause one of my friends immense disappointment. Thankfully I was able to get most everything I was trying to get for my buds. The only thing I wasn’t willing to stand in line for was for the Plastic Man figure because you had to go upstairs to get in line for a ticket so you can then come downstairs and stand in line again. No thanks.

What did I manage to do while at the con? Got to say hello to many friends and colleagues, so that was way cool. Unfortunately, there were many of my friends and colleagues that I was unable to get together with, but such is the nature of the SDCC. There are time constraints on everyone. I was especially happy that I was able to meet one of my idols in the industry, Trina Robbins. Trina has worked for Moonstone on a variety of projects; most recently she penned a story for my forth-coming prose anthology Chicks in Capes and a two issue arc of our new Honey West comic that will be shipping in a few short weeks. Trina has to be one of my favorite people in the industry. What an amazing woman. I was also especially pleased to have had a chance to sit down for breakfast with many fine ladies that have contributed to both Chicks in Capes and Honey West: Karen O’Brien (CBG columnist and my fellow editor on CIC), Maggie Thompson (CBG woman of power, who was kind enough to write the intro for the aforementioned CIC), Cynthia Martin (artist on the first two issues of our new Honey West comic), Trina Robbins (writer of many fine things, including a few Moonstone projects, as mentioned previously), Gillian Horvath (contributing writer for Chicks in Capes), Barbara Kesel (contributing writer for Chicks in Capes), and Nicola Scott (one of our cover artist for Chicks in Capes). So much fun to meet all of these lovely ladies in person! Stan the Man Lee was at the table next to us, which just added to the fun. Check out the pictures to see what I’m talking about, his head is popping out right above the top picture of Cynthia, myself, and Trina.

What else did I do while at the SDCC? I’ll tell you what I didn’t do! I didn’t stab someone in the eye with a pen, I was tempted, but that wasn’t me, I’m afraid that was some other poor sap. That whole incident sums up the con for me. Yes it really felt like I was getting stabbed in the eye pretty much hourly, and I can see how tempers could easily flare, resulting in all kinds of nastiness. Too many over-zealous fanboys and fangirls in a confined area will inevitably lead to an unpredictable frenzy. I feel bad for the poor fellow that rather unceremoniously received a painful stab in his eye. I think I’m just getting old and can’t handle the crowds anymore. Maybe all the years working behind a booth for Moonstone has made me a jaded and crabby attendee. I like being on the other side of the booth way more than trying to make my way through the throngs of people on the con floor. Back when Moonstone had a booth at the SDCC on a regular basis, I almost never made it out on the floor, unless of course the path to and from the restrooms and to and from concessions count. I would watch the masses go by the booth, quite content to help whoever happened to come up to the booth.

What else did I do at the show ? Well, of course, I’m a huge Tokidoki fan and for the first time in history I made a B-line for the Tokidoki booth first thing on Preview Night, as per my ususal, and the only thing I bought there was a Tokidoki/Capcom t-shirt for a friend, NOTHING for me, at least not there. I did manage to find some Tokidoki apparel from a few seasons back at another booth, so I dropped some cash there. I also fell in love with a t-shirt designer/artist that I was unfamiliar with until this year’s con: Arlyn Pillay from Ogreshop.com. I picked up one shirt from him, and what a nice guy! I highly recommend his lovely t’s, tanks, prints, ties, and more.

And then there was Tron, or as the Tron fans were calling it ComicTron. Tron was pretty much all over the convention hall, outside the hall and more. The new Tron movie is coming in December and Disney pulled out all the stops this year to hype the shit out of this movie. We are talking a BIG panel in the infamous Hall H at the show, featuring the producer, the director, the original creator of Tron from back in the day, the old stars and the new stars. They were kind enough to show a new preview for the film in 3D, so that was cool. I’m not a huge Tron fan myself, just a casual fan, but even I enjoyed the panel discussion and film excerpts. Then there was Flynn’s Arcade. The Disney folks reproduced the arcade from the original film and the forthcoming sequel. You could actually go in and check it out, all the retro games were available on free play starting on Friday. Behind the arcade they had Flynn’s old workshop set up, with all the props you remember, and then behind that was the Tron dance club. I shit you not. It was pretty damn cool. Go tooling around on Youtube and I’m sure there are folks out there that videoed the whole thing. Crazy nuts. They also had many of the cool new Tron-related merchandise that will be coming out later this year showcased under lights. My favorite Tron-related merch coming out? Tron light up shoes and Tron Oakley sunglasses. The sunglasses will set you back a measly $700, I’ll get two pair at that price! Tron Mania!

What else happened at the show? Scott Pilgrim of course! There was a huge Scott Pilgrim pavilion set up outside the con hall, and it was just a mob scene. They handed out bags of Scott Pilgrim swag, I did manage to snag myself one, and people were just SO excited about Scott Pilgrim. I couldn’t be happier for Oni Press, they are great little company and the success of Scott Pilgrim has really rocketed them into a very high profile position. Congrats to them and to Bryan Lee O’Malley, for a job well done! Who would have thought back when volume one came in 2004 that this series of graphic novels would DOMINATE the graphic novel best seller lists? In the swag bags they gave away a FREE Scott Pilgrim shirt, exclusive to the show, one for guys and one for girls. Very cool, definitely the best piece of swag I picked up at the show.

Interesting aside. Southern California has a huge homeless population because of the lovely weather that they have pretty much 365 days a year. I was walking around the streets of SD late at night, and here come two folks staggering down the street in the exclusive Scott Pilgrim T-shirts. Aha I thought, here are two more con attendees, but upon closer examination, it was quite evident that they were actually part of SD’s homeless population. I can only assume that when these folks saw the Scott Pilgrim swag being handed out, that they got in line to get their free t’s too! Good for them and good for the Scott Pilgrim guys. In theory you had to have a SDCC badge to get a bag of swag, but somehow these two got their own. This seems like an excellent untapped marketing idea. Why not spend a bunch of money getting t-shirts, blankets, umbrellas, hats, whatever printed up with whatever you wanted to promote at the show and hand them out to the homeless population and then you have instant advertising for the duration of the show. Costs a lot less then buying those damn banners that were hanging all over the city or draping your ad on the side of a high rise or plastering it on the side of a bus. Not only would you be advertising, you would be donating goods to a segment of the population that could really use it, instant tax right-off.

The SDCC is something every fan should experience at least once. There are down sides of course, but the spectacle of it all is something that must be seen in person to be believed. Watching coverage on G4 does not count, you have to be there, sweating with the masses of people, to really understand the level of insanity possible with this event.

Glad I was able to go, but boy am I giddy as a school girl to be back home, in my sleepy little suburb. On the plus side, my shop didn’t burn down while I was gone, so that made me a very happy girl. My lackeys at the Frankfort location did a stellar job running things until I got back. 

Comicon of Savings 2010!



In case you haven't heard about Amazing Fantasy's upcoming event, I wanted to let you know all about it.

Are you sick and tired of being comic-conned out of your hard earned cash by that shifty "wizard"? No ticket prices, no parking fees, no paying for autographs of "celebrities," just 100% savings! @

Amazing Fantasy's
Comicon of Savings 2010!

Friday, August 20th, 11am-8pm
Saturday, August 21st 11am-7pm
Sunday, August 22nd 11am-5pm


Drop by one or all four A/F locations for savings that will be worth leaving the house for! Every store will have something different! The Wheel of Savings! Games of Chance! Monkey Knife Fights! (OK the Monkey Knife Fights will not be taking place, not really, but I wanted to make sure you were paying attention!)

As an extra special deal, dress as your favorite character and you will receive an additional 5% off whatever discounts we are offering that day!

You'll save so much money this weekend, you won't regret not seeing Billy Dee Williams bitch-slap James Marsters!

Frankfort 815-469-5092
Calumet City 708-891-2260
Tinley Park 708-633-0837
Lockport 815-834-1658


For those of you not paying attention, this sale will be taking place during Wizard World Chicago. We highly encourage you to skip Wizard World this year, instead be green! Shop local, save local. Save gas and save money! If you really want to go to a comic convention, start saving your pennies now for C2E2 next year: March 18-21 2011. Wizard does not deserve your hard earned cash, but your favorite LCS does!

Thursday, July 29, 2010

New Thor Trailer!






http://io9.com/5599251/check-out-the-full-thor-trailer-and-get-hammered

I'm sure everyone has seen this, but in case you haven't had a chance to view the full Thor movie trailer, as seen at the SDCC, go here and get giddy.

I knew this movie was going to look amazing, but it looks way better than I expected! All of the gods look great, there's tons of action, lots of great effects, and man Asgard looks exactly how I imagined it. Kenneth Branagh is the man. Only he could pull this off in a way that works. I am so excited about this!

And yes, I did atend the SDCC, full report coming soon. :)

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

X-Men Shindig Thursday July 8th


Don't forget, comics ship a day late this week, due to the July 4th holiday. Not only will your friendly neighborhood comic shop, Amazing Fantasy of course, have all the new releases for the week on Thursday, but we will also be participating in Marvel's X-Men Day!

All day long on Thursday, July 8th, all four locations will be offering specials, please call your local A/F for details:

Calumet City: 708-891-2260
Tinley Park: 708-633-0837
Lockport: 815-834-1658
Frankfort: 815-469-5092, or just see below for info

The Frankfort Amazing Fantasy will be offering the following X-citing deals on Thursday July 8th ONLY:

Buy a copy of the first ongoing NEW X-Men #1 in 20 years, written by Victor Gischler with art by Paco Medina, and receive a FREE Limited Edition Paco Medina Exclusive Cover Print.
(Quantities limited, so arrive early to avoid disappointment).

Spin the Wheel of Savings to save BIG money on X-Men and X-Men Related Graphic novels and back issues. (Ask for details when you come in for your X-Men fix).

We will be raffling off ONE X-Men #1 Variant every hour on the hour. No purchase necessary, one entry per person, per hour. No requests, the variant I decide to give away that hour is the one that will be given away, and once you win a variant, you will not be able to win any additional variants that day. Give me lip, and I will keep the variant for myself. Seriously folks, I could take the variants and sell them on Ebay for extra cash, but instead I am giving them away for FREE. Who's your daddy when it comics to comic book-related goodies? Amazing Fantasy of course!

So come on out and let your geek flag fly high boys and girls, because we all LOVE comics. No need to deny it or hide it, tell the world you love comics and especially the X-Men on X-Men Day!

Hope to see you all there. And don't forget to wear your favorite X-Men t-shirt to be entered into extra special raffle to be announced that day!

Friday, July 2, 2010

Wonder Woman #600




Yes, yes, it's been AGES since I've written anything, and I apologize. It's been a busy summer so far, but I just HAD to make time to talk about the NEW Wonder Woman costume that has been getting so much attention in the various media outlets.

The above image is the redesign that Jim Lee came up with, and boy has there been a lot of talk about it. Give it a rest folks, she HAS changed costume before. Granted this is a more radical change, less skin on display, which really isn't a bad thing if you ask me. The only thing I don't really like are the shoulder pads, what's up with that, they just scream 1980's to me. Personally, my all time favorite version of WW's costume is her very first costume as seen in her early appearances in Sensation Comics (see pic above). She had a very pretty skirt on, which looked really nice. Way more tasteful than the variations that came after, her pants/swimsuit kept getting smaller and smaller, higher and higher-cut legs, and more and more cleavage over the years, lol.

I think the costume looks better in the issue itself, no offense to the immensely talented Jim Lee, but Don Kramer and Mike Babinski outdid themselves with the art in the last half of Wonder Woman #600. These two artists together are a force to be reckoned with, beautiful, just beautiful I tell you. Now before you get your panties in a bunch over the whole costume change and the whole timeline shift in that JMS and company have brought to us, the humble readers, I want to say the first half of this double-sized issue features some great little short stories featuring everyone's favorite gal of the moment.

Sprinkled throughout the issue, there are many great WW pin-ups by a variety of artists, such as Adam Hughes, Ivan Reis, Gullem March, Greg Horn and more. Nice little touch. I would much rather see the pin-ups peppered throughout the issue rather than lumped together at the end of the issue. The issue itself begins with a nice little intro by TV's Wonder Woman, Lynda Carter. For many folks, Lynda will always be Wonder Woman. I can't go back and rewatch those episodes, they are too cheesy and painful, but when I was a young girl, I truly enjoyed them. The short stories include a nice little girl-power piece by Gail Simone and George Perez, an absolutely adorable story by Amanda Conner (which is my favorite story in the issue because it's all about Power Girl's cat, and I'm a cat person, so too cute!), a fun tale of Superman and Wonder Woman by Louise Simoson and Eduardo Pansica, and a super short mini-tale by Geoff Johns and Scott Kolins. The issue wraps up with the prologue to the new Wonder Woman storyline by JMS, Don Kramer, Mike Babinski, Alex Sinclair, and Travis Lanham. 10 pages of story by the new crew, which is just enough to make people outraged or intrigued to pick up the first issue of their new arc next month, Wonder Woman #601.

What do I think of the timeline shift? Well, it's hard to say in only a 10 page tease, BUT it could be interesting. I'm going to give JMS the benefit of the doubt, FOR NOW. Knowing the art team on the book, there is no doubt that Wonder Woman will be well worth the price for those beautiful pages alone. Honest to God, these have to be the prettiest pages I've seen from these two dynamos. How long will this timeline shift be going on? I have no idea. Will it somehow be Incorporated into current continuity? Again, I have no idea. I will be back month after month to see how it all plays out. Will I be pissed off with JMS by the end of his run? God only knows. I hope not, but I haven't ruled it out just yet.

As far as the other costume changes go, besides the Totally 80's shoulder pads, it's not all that bad. I like the new tiara, the new choker, the new jacket, and the new bustier. I think her new gauntlets/bracelets LOOK cool, but does she really leave a "W" when she punches something or someone? (This is according to JMS). What is she, the Phantom for God's sake? And her pants I don't mind, I don't LOVE them, like I loved her old skirt, but from a practicality perspective it makes sense. I mean come on, who would fight crime in a bathing suit? What woman on Earth would elect to do so of their own free will? NO ONE I tell you, no one. Hell, I won't even wear a bathing suit in public and I know many other women who share that very same opinion with me. No woman WANTS to be seen in a bathing suit, talk about feeling vulnerable. When you are attempting any type of physical feat, you want, hell NEED to be comfortable. Why was she in a swimsuit for SO long? Sure, I got used to her completely ridiculous costume, but I think it's time for a change. And of course I'm betting we will see her back in her original costume before too long anyway. Anyone else remember the failed attempt to change Superman's costume back in the 90's? Did not last very long at all if I'm not mistaken. So everyone just needs to calm down. Let's not forget that her snazzy new costume is much easier on the eyes if DC manages to make a live-action Wonder Woman movie, because I think everyone knows that her old costume would look absolutely ridiculous on the big screen. Lynda Carter looked fine as WW in the old costume, but times have changed and there is no way any movie go-er today would take a WW movie seriously if there weren't some changes made to her costume.

All of this excitement around Wonder Woman gives me hope that the numbers will pick up for her monthly title. All I can say is, it's about damn time things are shaken up to get people buzzing. Without the buzz, people are less likely to shell out a few extra bucks a month for the continuing tales of, imo, the most important and oldest female icon in print today.

Friday, April 30, 2010

The First Thor Promo Pic!



Holy Shit! First the Destroyer picture was leaked yesterday and now they release this OFFICIAL Thor promo picture. WOW! I had NO idea that Chris Hemsworth was going to look so damn good as every one's favorite Norse God! Hemsworth's big claim to fame before this role was in last summer's blockbuster Star Trek relaunch as Kirk's father, George Kirk. I guess I just have a thing for Norsemen/Vikings, because I also have a soft spot for the character of Eric Northman, the very tall blond vampire in True Blood who just so happens to have been a Viking when he became a vampire. Vikings/Norseman RULE! There definitely seems to be some kind of pattern for me here, not only do I lust after the all new Thor and Eric on True Blood, but I really enjoy reading Vertigo's hot Viking series, Northlanders. Oh yeah, I guess I SHOULD mention the Destroyer too, he looks cool and all, but he can't hold a candle to Chris Hemswroth as Thor. I mean, could Thor's costume pictured here be MORE spot-on? I don't think so. It looks like Marvel is doing it again, making a movie about a Marvel character that I've never cared about, and then after seeing the movie, I DO care about said character. It happened first with Iron Man, and now it seems to be happening with Ye Olde Thor. It appears that Marvel CAN do some things right in my book, especially where the movies are concerned. And did you hear that there was a leak for the "after credits" teaser from the theatrical release of Iron Man 2? Apparently Thor's hammer makes an appearance. Again, all I can say is "Oh my frickin' god!"

C2E2 Panel Report

(The above picture is from the Big Moonstone Panel, that I discuss a bit further down the page).



The first panel I was part of was the following on Saturday afternoon:


"Do We Still Need a Women-in-Comics Panel?" Panel
Saturday E353
5:30-6:30PM
C2E2 focuses on the brilliant contributions made by the best and brightest women who continue to show everyone how it's done. Join Marvel Editor Jeanine Schaefer (Girl Comics, X-Force, Wolverine), Harvey Award nominated Lora Innes (IDW's The Dreamer), Comics Buyer's Guide Editor Maggie Thompson, Moonstone Editor Lori Gentile (Chicks in Capes, Domino Lady) and Renee Witterstatetter, editor, writer, agent and co-producer of the documentary series "Creator Chronicles." Moderated by Ed (Captain Action) Catto.

The turnout wasn't half bad for this panel. It was in a HUGE room, which really surprised me. I found out later that ALL of the panel rooms were HUGE, so even things like DC Nation didn't full up an entire room. This panel was a lot of fun. I was very nervous at first, but once I got over being microphone-shy, I was quite chatty and opinionated. Surprising I know. If you've ever met me or shopped at my store you know that give me half a chance and I'll be spouting opinions on just about any comic-related topic. (Case in point, this blog.) All of my fellow panelists were very cool, I'm glad I had a chance to meet and chat with all of them. Unfortunately, Maggie Thompson was unable to attend the show so therefore she wasn't on our panel. We did have two panelists that were not in listed in the original line-up: Dark Wolverine and Black Widow writer Marjorie Liu and artist Jenny Frison. The entire line-up made for some interesting dynamics and conversations, because four of the panelists are on the young side (20-somethings if I'm not mistaken), then there was me (39 going on 40 god help me) and Renee (not 100% sure of her age, and I'm not one to guess ages, but she was editing at Marvel when I was still reading a ton of Marvel comics, so let's just assume she's a little bit older than me). I can't thank Ed Catto enough for twisting my arm to be part of this panel.

The other panel I was involved in was the BIG Moonstone panel:

New Moon Rising: Moonstone Publications
Saturday E350
7:45-8:45PM
You may have seen them recently in USA Today, but did you know that Moonstone is celebrating a second decade of publishing? Publisher Joe Gentile is joined by top writers and artists for an exciting look ahead at Moonstone's exciting summer plans - The Return of the Originals, Chicks in Capes, Captain Action, and a "honey" of a comic!

It was great to be part of this panel! Many Moonstone regulars were on hand to discuss our upcoming projects: Joe Gentile (EIC and Co-Publisher of Moonstone), Dave Ulanski (Art Director and Co-Publisher of Moonstone), myself (Moonstone editor), Mike Bullock (Moonstone editor and writer), Len Kody (Moonstone writer), Jeff Limke (Moonstone writer), Aaron Shaps (Moonstone writer) and J Anthony Kosar (Moonstone artist) and Ed Catto (Captain Action). We showcased covers from many of our upcoming projects including: Phantom Detective, Black Bat, the NEW ongoing Buckaroo Banzai, the NEW ongoing Captain Action, the New Lost Tales of Sherlock Holmes, the New Honey West comic, Air Fighters, and many more! A nice lively discussion of all of these upcoming projects followed. This panel wasn't as well attended as it could have been, again we were in a HUGE room,this time with stadium seating, but at the very same time the BIG Neil Gaiman fund-raiser/appearance was going on next door, but we had a nice size crowd that seemed very interested and excited about all of our upcoming projects. Our thanks to everyone that stuck around after the show for this panel.

Moonstone also participated in two other panels that I was not part of, but thankfully there are online reports about both of those panels:


The Pulp Panel
http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2010/04/gorillas-riding-dinosaurs-the-return-of-pulp/

The Outgrowing Your Toys Panel
http://www.mefeedia.com/watch/30606031

Many many thanks again to Ed Catto (of the now famous Captain Action Enterprises) for making all of these panels possible!

Thursday, April 29, 2010

FCBD 2010



Hang on to your capes true believers! Free Comic Book Day is almost upon us. Egad, where does the time go? It feels like just yesterday that Skottie Young and Chris Mitten where on hand to help us celebrate Free Comic Book Day, but that was a whole year ago! What is happening this year? Let me tell you all about it!

This Saturday, May 1st
at ALL four Amazing Fantasy locations
(Frankfort, Lockport, Tinley Park, and Calumet City)
from 11am-7pm
Come get your FREE comics!


Tons of to titles to choose from, all yours for FREE, no purchase necessary!
{Please Note: Some limits apply, and limited quantities available, so arrive early to avoid disappointment}

Special bonus at the Frankfort store only, in store appearances from 11am-2pm:

Andrew Pepoy
Andrew is the Eisner-winning, Hugo Award nominated artist from Fables, Jack of Fables, and the Simpsons, just to name a few. His work is also featured int he FCBD 2010 Bongo Comics Free for All! He'll be on hand to sign and sketch for his fans!
(Time permitting)


Bill Reinhold
Bill is a long time comic artist, inking many of the major characters for both Marvel and DC, including Earth X, Punisher, Daredevil, Spider-Man, Hulk, Batman, Green Arrow and most recently, Wolverine Origins. His work is featured in the FCBD 2010 Doctor Solar/ Magnus: Robot Fighter flip comic. He'll be on hand to sign and sketch
for his fans as well!

(Time permitting)


And in honor of FCBD, there will be Sales and Specials all day long
at all four stores!


Hope you can make it. FCBD at Amazing Fantasy is an event not to be missed!

C2E2 Very Late Thoughts and Impressions Part 1

Yes, yes, I know I am WAY behind the times here. I'm just getting around to blogging about C2E2 NOW. Things have been busy around here, and I apologize.

So let's see. The con IN Chicago, the very thing many industry folks have been crying for for years, literally. FYI: I was there as an exhibitor for our sister publishing company, Moonstone.

Let me give you a few general impressions I had leading up to the show. As a retailer, Amazing Fantasy Books and Comics, all four of our locations, pre-sold tickets for the show. We did VERY well. We sold MORE C2E2 tickets than we have for Wizard in the past few years. That alone was impressive. Something I really appreciated, again as a retailer, was how easy it was to get in contact with the show people, Reed Exhibitions. I would make a phone call, and either A) get my guy on the phone the first time around or B) leave a message and my guy would call me back in a timely fashion. This is the way people organizing a show should be, you know professional. Made me very happy. You know what else was cool? Reed sent out a very snazzy digital count-down clock for each of our locations. Very eye-catching. And it really did the trick, people would come into the shop and ask "What is that clock counting down TO?" And then we would proceed to give them the scoop on the all new C2E2 convention coming to town. Did I mention that Reed did not charge anyone for these cool promotional items, and that these clocks are RE-USEABLE? I'm using it right now to count down to Free Comic Book Day at the Frankfort store.

Upon walking into the convention hall, the thing that struck me first and foremost was the NATURAL light coming in through the windows, and did I mention the beautiful Chicago skyline visible from the con floor? Wow. Amazing. The ceilings were way high and maybe that was why the second thing that I noticed right away jumped out at me: NO con smell. Not even on day three. How is this possible? Maybe it was the high ceilings? Maybe it was the con organizer's not so subtle hints that all attendees should take a shower before attending the show? Honest to God, I think it was mentioned on C2E2's official website for "how to get ready for the show" or something to that effect. And I saw it in the official program book also. I can honestly say that was the first time I've seen a convention organizer come right out and say what everyone has been thinking for years. To be fair I think they also mentioned "eat breakfast, and get a good night's sleep before the show" in the list of things to do before the big con. Cute. Made me giggle too.

The hall itself was very spacious with SUPER WIDE aisles. Again, weird. I'm so used to tripping over people with strollers. And at every show I go to, I feel just awful for people in wheel-chairs, they get shoved and pushed, etc. Not so at this show, the aisles were wide enough for multiple wheelchairs and strollers to be able to pass each other without a problem! Will the aisles always be as wide as this year's show? Hard to say. Over time, in theory, the show will grow every year, so eventually those aisles will eventually become the more condensed versions we are all used to, but until then I'm going to enjoy the space. Because of the wide aisles, this was the first year at a con that I can recall, that we didn't have at least one of those moments that someone decides that our booth is a good place to set all their shit down to stuff something or other in their backpack or rearrange their bags of purchases etc. Do you know what I'm talking about? If you've ever been a vendor at a show, you know what I mean. Some people are oblivious to the world around them. At an average comic convention, any flat space, with or without product on that space mind you, becomes a "table" or "counter" for the average attendee to use as they see fit. Check off two great NON-problems at this show.

Reed reported attendance to be about 27,500. Not too shabby considering that the New York Comicon's first show was under 20,000 I believe. Wizard Chicago normally pulls about 40,000. I've seen some reports of Wizard Chicago attendance to be as high at 70,000, but I'm in disagreement on those estimates. I've been to San Diego with attendance over 100,000, and Wizard Chicago has never felt even close to that, but I digress. This attendance number is very respectable, and will only grow in the years to come. Any bets on what next year's C2E2 #'s will be? I'm thinking about 50K.

Signing and directions to C2E2. I have to admit, my experiences at McCormick Place prior to this show were scanty at best. I think I've only attended one show there in recent memory and that was the National Library Association show that I went to last year. So, granted, I had no idea where the hell I was going, and it showed. I ended driving into the wrong garage one day, and boy was that fun trying to get to the right one. Dear god, I won't make that mistake again, I think it took me ten whole minutes to navigate between the two. Ok, once I managed to get INTO the correct parking garage, where to go? They really need some signs in the parking garage with arrows "C2E2 this way" or something. Thankfully, on day one I ran into someone who told me that there was a Kitchen and Bath show happening in the other part of McCormick Place, so I was able to walk in the right direction at least. Even after getting to the right area, the space is so huge it was hard to know exactly where we were suppose to go. I figured it out eventually, I just felt like a complete moron until I did so.

As a valued member of the Moonstone Team, I participated in TWO panels this year. Lots of fun! I will post about those tomorrow, time permitting.

I hope everyone who had a chance to attend C2E2 enjoyed the show and plan to attend next year!

Friday, April 2, 2010

More Moonstone Panels at C2E2!


Just found out we are involved in two more C2E2 panels!


Outgrowing Your Toys
Friday 2:45-3:45pm
Room: E352

We all have a favorite toy. What's yours? From GI Joe to Stretch Armstrong, to Transformers, pop culture has enthusiastically embraced toy nostalgia. Join self-styled retropreneur Ed Catto (Captain Action), Zeroids writer Aaron Shaps, and a panel of toy enthusiasts to explore the 2010 version of the truism "everything old is new!"

Pulp Fiction
Saturday 4:00-5:00pm
Room: E350

The pulps is where it all started - the first glorious synergy of lurid pictures and purple prose! How has this unique art form survived and why is it thriving now? Join creators behind DC's First Wave and Moonstone's Return of the Originals pulp line and more for a look backwards and a glimpse of what's to come. Featuring writer Brian Azzarello, writer Joe Gentile, writer Mike Bullock, and pulp expert Jim Alexander for this in depth look at the pulp genre!


This con is just looking better and better every day! Hope to see some of you at least one of these great Moonstone-related panels. You now have FOUR to choose from. (Check my earlier post for info on the other two panels we are involved in!)

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Avengers Day, May 19th!


Avenger's Day is Wednesday, May 19th at all four Amazing Fantasy locations: Frankfort, Lockport, Tinely Park, and Calumet City.

What is Avenger's Day? Excellent question! This is a nationwide event held at all comic stores that choose to participate, so of course we want to be part of the festivities! This event is in honor of the relaunch of all the Avengers titles.

We are still working out all the details, but I wanted to give everyone enough notice so you can mark it on your calendars NOW.

The officially sanctioned AVENGERS DAY PARTY is sure to be the must attend event of May (wait that's Free Comic Book Day), um I mean, the must attend event of Summer (wait that's our annual Sidewalk Sale coming up in June), er....it's the MUST attend event of Late May, yeah that's it! Be sure to stop by your local A/F for Avengers fun.

There will be a raffle at each location for the special Avengers Party Exclusive Avengers #1 Romita Jr. Gatefold Variant.

You can purchase your copy of Avengers #1 that day of course, along with one of the Avengers #1 I Am an Avenger Blank Variant if you so choose. Blank Variants are pretty cool, especially if you enjoy going to comic conventions. You can bring one of the Blank Variants to any artist at a con for him/her to customize for you. Of course said artist will most likely charge you for the sketch, but it's almost always worth the money. Limited copies of the Blank Variant will be available that day, so arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Special Limited Edition Avengers #1 Romita Jr. Prints will be available on a first come basis.
I believe they will be FREE with your purchase of Avengers #1. (These are strictly limited so again, arrive early to avoid disappointment). Details are still being finalized on this item.

There will most likely be some kind of Marvel or Avengers related sale/promotion too. Details to follow in the next few weeks.

I'll keep everyone posted on how this Marvelous Avengers Event shapes up. Again, more details as they become available.

There might even be a cake to celebrate Avengers Day, anything is possible!

Siege #3 Deadpool Variant

Hey kids!

Look, it's the Siege #3 Deadpool Variant! One copy of this very very rare variant is up for raffle at the Frankfort store. This baby is going for around $220.00 on Ebay, because there were LESS THAN 500 copies made of this variant. Raffle tickets are $1.00 each, and there is no limit to the number of tickets you can purchase!

Drawing will be held on Avengers Day, May 19th. Winner need not be present.



Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Just Becuase I LOVE Domo!

I LOVE DOMO! Who doesn't I mean come on, what could possibly be cuter that a little 2" Domo Qee?
Pictured here is a selection of cool Domos coming in tomorrow at the Frankfort Amazing Fantasy. The pink flocked Domo totally rocks. I think I might have to pick that up, to go with my pink plush Domo. Yes, they made a plush Pink Domo for Valentine's Day that was near impossible to find! Those bastards! Well, I'm going to pick up the mini pink flocked Domo tomorrow, along with the Skeleton Domo because...just because! Interested in any of these super kewl 2" Domos? Stop by the Frankfort Amazing Fantasy to get yours. The other Amazing Fantasy locations may be getting a selection of these too, you will have to check with your local A/F for availability.

DOMO=HAPPINESS

Now, all I need is a Hello Kitty/Domo collection and life would be complete. I know, I know, Domo kills kittens (according to the Internet), but I'm sure they could come up with SOME kind of cool collaboration. Tokidoki and Marvel did it, and the result was nothing less than brilliant! Also, I can't forget the incredibly awesome, too cute for words, Tokidoki Hello Kitty collaboration. Maybe Domo could hang out with Tokidoki, I mean WHY NOT?

Monday, March 29, 2010

Two C2E2 Panels You NEED to attend!

The panel line-up for C2E2 looks great! The two most exciting panels imo are highlighted here.

I will be on my very first panel, in an official capacity at C2E2! I'm both excited and a little bit nervous. If you are going to be at C2E2, and have nothing going on on Saturday from 5:30-6:30pm join me and these other fine ladies at the MUST ATTEND panel of the con:

"Do We Still Need a Women-in-Comics Panel?" Panel
Saturday E353
5:30-6:30PM
C2E2 focuses on the brilliant contributions made by the best and brightest women who continue to show everyone how it's done. Join Marvel Editor Jeanine Schaefer (Girl Comics, X-Force, Wolverine), Harvey Award nominated Lora Innes (IDW's The Dreamer), Comics Buyer's Guide Editor Maggie Thompson, Moonstone Editor Lori Gentile (Chicks in Capes, Domino Lady) and Renee Witterstatetter, editor, writer, agent and co-producer of the documentary series "Creator Chronicles." Moderated by Ed (Captain Action) Catto.

But wait, there's more! Moonstone has had panels at various conventions over the last several years, but since this is the first C2E2 convention held in our very own home town, we couldn't disappoint our fans. Drop by to hear Joe's presentation on all the cool new projects happening at Moonstone:

New Moon Rising: Moonstone Publications
Saturday E350
7:45-8:45PM
You may have seen them recently in USA Today, but did you know that Moonstone is celebrating a second decade of publishing? Publisher Joe Gentile is joined by top writers and artists for an exciting look ahead at Moonstone's exciting summer plans - The Return of the Originals, Chicks in Capes, Captain Action, and a "honey" of a comic!

Friday, March 26, 2010

Humanoids Returns! (Fourth times the charm!)


Everyone on the various comics news sites this week has been discussing Humanoids Inc. returning to the states. What do I think of this?

Fourth time's the charm I guess. I love me some Humanoids books, they are well written beautiful books. But every single time, as a retailer, I give it my all. I faithfully order everything they offer, individual comics and graphic novels, so all of my customers can check them out and hopefully purchase some. Alas, I have been rather unsuccessful in this endeavor. It seems almost impossible to get any new fans for Humanoids books. I've tried, every single time. I recommend them to various customers, make displays focusing on them, etc. I think I can count on two hands the number of Humanoids fans that shop at my store.

The first time I tried this, was several years ago when Humanoids Inc. first made it to the states with many gorgeous hardcover graphic novels for the american comic buying public to drool over, and drool they did. There was no denying the beauty of these books, some of the biggest names in european comics touched the Humanoids books, names like Moebius, Jodorowsky, along with a few key big American names like John Cassaday and Geoff Johns. Even these names were not enough to draw new fans in.

A few years later, DC decided to make an imprint for the Humanoids graphic novels, figuring surely they could make a success out of this, what with mega-corporationWarner Brothers behind them, it would of course be a hit! Wrong, so very wrong. In fact it took years for DC to blow out the remaining stock of the Humanoids graphic novels they had published at ridiculously low prices. Personally, I think the paperbaack DC versions of the very same hardcover Humanoids graphic novels that had come out a few years before, were quite inferior. They were smaller, paperback, shittier paper quality, and yet they charged almost the same price. Of course that didn't work.

Then most recently, Devil's Due deciced to bring a few key Humanoids books to these shores ONE MORE TIME, just for shits and giggles. Surprise, suprise, they flopped horribly.

So now, Humanoids themselves are going to be publishing there amazing graphic novels for american audiences one more time! I predict that they too will cease publication within one year. Why? Because Humanoids graphic novels have proven time and again to be relatively inaccessable to the american public. It's a crying shame, it makes me ashamed to call myself an american comic book fan. I love everything that has made it to these shores from Humanoids, but there is only a small following in the states that agrees with me.

I wish Humanoids Inc. much luck, and I hope to god I'm wrong and that the fourth time is indeed the charm for them! I hope this time around, all of their books sell large numbers and the american public embraces them with open arms and wallets. A girl can dare to dream can't she?

Easter Sale Tomorrow!

Tomorrow, Saturday March 27th don't forget to stop by your local Amazing Fantasy!

Savings throughout the store!

Each store will be offering different specials. I can't tell you all of the details , but I can say that the Frankfort store will be offering two ways for you to save GREEN! Various categories will be on special, plus you will be able to get a coupon valid on your NEXT purchase. Every person who buys anything at the Frankfort Easter Sale will be given an Easter Egg. Inside that Egg will be a coupon. There are many different coupons, and you won't know which one you will get until you open your egg! Here is a list of the different coupons types you could draw:

Save an extra 10% off during the sale, on top off whatever offers are valid during the sale.

Save an extra $2.00 during the sale, again on top of whatever offers are valid during the sale.

Save an extra $3.00 during the sale, again on top of whatever offers are valid during the sale.

Save an extra $5.00 during the sale, again on top of whatever offers are valid during the sale.

Save an extra $10.00 during the sale, again on top of whatever offers are valid during the sale.

OR you can save money on your next visit to the shop!

Save an extra 10% off your NEXT purchase at thee shop. (Can be combined with other offers but not other coupons).

Save an extra $2.00 off your NEXT purchase. (Can be combined with other offers but not other coupons).

Save an extra $3.00 off your NEXT purchase. (Can be combined with other offers but not other coupons).

Save an extra $5.00 off your NEXT purchase. (Can be combined with other offers but not other coupons).

Save an extra $10.00 off your next purchase. (Can be combined with other offers but not other coupons).

Lots of money can be saved! So come and see me at the Frankfort store tomorrow! Or visit your local Amazing Fantasy where the friendly staff will be more than happy to help you find that perfect Easter Basket gift or that perfect Spring gift for yourself! So many great items to choose from. All four Amazing Fantasy locations stock a stellar selection of comics, graphic novels, manga, role-playing games, action figures, statues, and more! Be sure to check out each location for the unique items that that locale offers. For example: the Frankfort location has the biggest selection of board games and self-contained card games you will find in the area, and we recently received our first shipment of Tokidoki Marvel t-shirts and hats. Available in both men's and women's styles. Very unique items, sure to bring a smile to any Marvel fan's face. :D

Hope to see all of you tomorrow! Happy Spring and Happy Easter! I hope the Easter Bunny brings you everything you've been hoping for! He does most of his shopping at Amazing Fantasy, seriously.

Chris Evans as Captain America!



I know I am WAY late with this post, but I have to comment on Chris Evans being announced as Captain America for the Cap movie coming in 2012.

I liked Chris Evans as Human Torch, I did. (Not that the FF films were very good, but he worked as the wise-cracking flame-head). But Cap? Nope. Not working for me. Geez, I'm really in bitch mode today, but it's true. This guy does NOT look right. He doesn't have the right build, the right look, the right presence, or anything that I want to see as Cap on the big screen.

I hear they signed him to something like 9 movies. I hope to god he manages to pull Cap off, otherwise I'll just be sitting there thru nine films cursing. I want a broad-chested all-american stand-up guy as Cap! Is Chris Evans good looking? Sure, but not the way I've always pictured Cap or the way he's been depicted in comics for the last 70 years or so.

Of course, I remember bitching big time about Hugh Jackman being cast as Wolverine. Even though Hugh is way too damn tall, and way too damn good looking for Logan, it still works. Here's hoping I will be pleasantly surprised when it comes to ol Captain A on the big screen.

I would have preferred an unknown. Don't' tell me they didn't have 20 Hollywood unknown hunks audition that would have been perfect for the role. It pisses me off when they cast the same actor as multiple super heroes. I'll always think of Chris Evans as Human Torch.

Don't even get me started about Ryan Reynolds being cast as BOTH Green Lantern and Deadpool. I'm not buying that either. Why doesn't Hollywood consult me on these casting choices?

Thankfully Marvel hasn't tried to cast Christian Bale as any Marvel character because that wouldn't work either. Christian Bale is Batman and that is that, he shouldn't even attempt to portray any other licensed character. Personally, I haven't watched the latest Terminator film, but many folks have told me that it was distracting to have Bale in that film, because it's hard to turn the Bruce Wayne/Batman association off.

Scott Pilgrim Trailer UP!



Unless you've been offline for the last 24 hours, you should already know that the Scott Pilgrim trailer is up and ready for viewing! I would post a link here, but for some reason I can't seem to post any links that work. I will look into it and try to fix that soon.

So, upon viewing this exciting new trailer, the movie looks very promising! I'm very excited about this movie, it looks great. Almost perfect, with the exception of Michael Cera. I hate to say it, but I can't buy him or his extra-puffy hair as Scott Pilgrim. He's just not an action star. All of his scenes look OFF. The evil ex-boyfriends all look AWESOME, Romona looks AWESOME, Knives looks AWESOME, but Scott? Not so much.

Will I still go see it opening weekend? Hell yeah! Will I still recommend people go see this movie? Hell yeah! Will I continue to recommend the graphic novels? Of course. But Michael Cera as Scott is just not working for me. I hope I'm proven wrong once I see the whole film.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Moonstone's New Website





The Moonstone gang is pretty excited. The new and improved Moonstone website is here and it looks great! It's super easy to navigate and fun to look around. I'll bet you discover at least one title that will peak your interest.

Check it out.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Ratings on Comics

People off the street do not understand the ratings on comics and graphic novels, mostly because there is no uniform system in place across the market. Marvel rates some of their comics, DC rates some, and most of the other publishers don't note anything on the cover.

What are parents suppose to do? They ask me, the retailer, but to be honest it is not for me to decide what is and isn't appropriate for their children. It amazes me how concerned parents are about content of comics. Do they do the same thing when they buy their children books (i.e. novels) at Barnes and Nobles or Borders? I'm betting they don't. There is something about the comic book medium that makes parents extra careful. I find it infinitely amusing because these are the same parents that buy their kids Grand Theft Auto and other mature rated video games. Of course, I really can't make a blanket statement like this, but it does amuse me when some parents are more concerned about violence than sex. But I'm not a parent, so I guess I should be quiet. (But I really can't at least not for a few more paragraphs).

We just have to remember that violence is OK, but sex or even a suggestively sexual cover is a NO NO. Oh my, there is a girl on the cover in spandex suit, how different is that than seeing girls at the beach in bathing suits? I can understand parents wanting to be careful about what they expose their children to, but sometimes it seems like some people take it too far.

I had two parents in the shop the other day, and they looked at EVERY comic and commented on many of them, that they looked "too scary" or "too racy." I'm not sure what else we as a retail store can do. We have a children's section of comics and graphic novels in the shop, but I'm not going to police children and tell them they must NOT set foot outside of their designated area. They should be free to roam, and by all means, parents please roam around with them, but to find something to be concerned about with most everything in the store is going too far, imo. Again, I understand the need to be concerned, all good parents should be involved in their kids's choices of entertainment. I'm not sure what these parents were expecting. Perhaps a store of nothing but Archie, Disney, and Sonic comics?

The comics medium seems to come under extra scrutiny when it comes to content. I've already discussed the problems that a library had with the content of League of Extraordinary Gentlemen a few months back. Again, I understand being concerned about that book, it is very adult, along with the Vertigo line and the Max line.

What I would like to see is a ratings system adopted across the board for comics and graphic novels, including Manga. Most manga GN do have an age or rating, but they are not uniform, and if we could have the same ratings on regular comics and graphic novels that would help. Why not just use the ratings already established with the movie industry? G, PG, PG-13, R, and NC-17. Seems to cover most everything. At least then when potential new customers walk in the store they can easily understand what comics and graphic novels are intended or at least intended to be appropriate for their children. This would leave the ball in the parent's court, where it should be. If a parent decides that their 10 and 12 year old kids could read PG-13 comics then they could do that easily, just by looking at the covers, or if for some reason they decided that their 10 and 12 year old children could only read G comics, then they could easily find those comics and graphic novels without a problem. It would be up to the parent, and that is the way it should be.

To be frank, I don't understand why there isn't a rating system in place for regular novels. There are a lot of books out there classified as "Young Adult" or "Teen" and I wonder how many parents have actually read those books to see if they find them appropriate for their OWN children. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, parents SHOULD be active in their kids' lives. They should take an interest in what they viewing, reading, playing, etc. If publishers don't spell it out easily for parents to see, then those same parents could potentially get upset with the store that sells what they deem as "inappropriate" to their children.

All I'm saying is, it would be nice to have a uniform rating system for the entire industry.
I am reminded of this periodically whenever potential new customers come in the store and they stand in the shop, rather bewildered by the sheer selection. I feel for these parents, I really do, but at the same time, it would be nice if parents didn't feel the need to Disney-fy everything in every aspect of their children's lives. Some day these children will realize that the world is not the happy shiny place they believed it to be. Wouldn't it be better to sit down with your children and explain the good and the bad in the world, so these same children can be better informed. In theory, this should help insure that these children will make better choices, not worse. Granted, not every child can understand everything going on around them, but to deny the existence of say "death" or "violence" or god forbid "sex" for these kids seems like a bad idea, but I digress.

I'm just a retailer. And no I am not a parent, so perhaps I could never understand the need to shield your child from the world. I just want the publishers to make life a little easier for retailers and consumers. Give me a uniform ratings system and I can stop these periodic rants. Am I asking for that much?

Friday, March 5, 2010

C2E2





Reed has announced that there will be 175 programming events for C2E2. This includes panels and screenings. Just to put this into perspective, the San Diego Con usually has around 400 programming events. I think Wizard Chicago last year had 30 to 40 events scheduled (don't quote me here, it could have been less). Reed has not announced the line-up yet, just the total number. I imagine we will see the complete break-down in another 2 weeks or so, about a month prior to the show. Reed has also announced that they will have 200 Exhibitors and Artist Alley will be 250 strong. All impressive numbers. I suppose it's altogether possible that this show could sell out, so I can't recommend enough that you buy your tickets BEFORE the show. The sooner the better. Next time you are at your local Amazing Fantasy, pick them up. This con is looking better and better as we get closer to the show! Check their website around the middle of March to get the highly anticipated programming event guide. www.C2E2.com

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Upcoming Events!


_______________________

Easter is coming up quick which means:
Our annual Spring Fling Easter Sale is right around the corner!

At your favorite LCS:
Amazing Fantasy Books and Comics
Saturday, March 27th
11am-7pm

At all four locations: Frankfort, Lockport, Calumet City, and Tinley Park.

Don't miss it! This is a great opportunity to stock up on all your Easter basket gift-giving needs. So grab your bunny ears, and hop on over to your favorite A/F location for eggs-tra special savings
throughout the stores!

____________________________________________
__________________________________________

C2E2

April 16th-18th
at McCormick Place in Chicago!
www.c2e2.com


This is going to be a great show, I can feel it in my bones! The guys over at Reed Exhibitions, the guys and gals behind the super successful New York Comicon will be bringing their magic to the Windy City.

All four Amazing Fantasy locations are selling tickets NOW for this tres cool event!
One day passes are $25 each and three day passes are $50 each.

Tickets will be available at your local A/F up through the end of the convention, but don't delay, get yours before they sell out!
Yes, you can buy them on their website, but support your favorite local comic shop by making your ticket purchase at Amazing Fantasy.

Please note: children 12 and under are FREE all day long on Sunday at C2E2 and
children 5 and under are FREE on Friday and Saturday, but over 5, the kids will need a full price admission pass.

Amazing Fantasy's publishing arm, Moonstone will have a booth at C2E2. I will be there as well as Moonstone Co-Publishers Joe and Dave. We'd love to see you!
_________________________________________
_______________________________________

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY
will be upon us before you know it!
Mark your calendars NOW for
Saturday May 1st!

FREE COMICS
will be available all day long at all four Amazing Fantasy locations
(Frankfort, Tinley Park, Calumet City, and Lockport)
while supplies last!

Creator Appearances at the Frankfort location on FCBD
from 11am-2pm:


Andrew Pepoy
Andrew is the Eisner-winning and Hugo-nominated artist from Fables, Jack of Fables and The Simpsons. Andrew will be on hand to sign and sketch (time permitting) for fans. Andrew's work is also featured in the FCBD 2010 Bongo Comics Free for All comic that will be available for FREE on FCBD. (Supplies limited).

Bill Reinhold
Bill is a long-time comic artist, inking many of the major characters for both Marvel and DC including Earth X, Punisher, Daredevil, Spider-Man, Hulk, Batman, Green Arrow and most recently Wolverine:Origins for Marvel. Bill will be on hand to sign and sketch (time permitting) for fans. Bill's work is also featured in the FCBD 2010 Doctor Solar/Magnus Robot Fighter flip comic from Dark Horse that will be available for FREE on FCBD. (Supplies limited).
_______________________________________

Looks like we are all going to be VERY busy in the next few weeks!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Wow, Where Did All This Cash Come From?


The final reports are in from the Heritage Auction that took place over the weekend, and have been for a few days. I just got around to looking at the final numbers today, and let me say they are quite impressive, especially considering the state of the economy.

As reported everywhere as well as on this blog, we all know about Detective #27 selling at this Heritage Auction and breaking the newly minted record of One Million Dollars. But what else sold and for how much?

Well it's way too much to list ALL of it, but I picked out a bunch of big ticket items to share. If I had been in the same room with all of these great collectibles I probably would have had a heart attack. Very exciting stuff! I'm sure there are many collectors out there doing a happy dance after winning their highly sought after comics. Kudos to all that bid and won on these stellar examples of the comic book medium.

Big Golden Age Books

Adventure Comics #40 7.0 $38,837.50

All Flash #1 9.4 $33,460.00 (For some perspective they also sold this same comic in a 8.0 for $5676.25. Quite the difference between that 8.0 and 9.4.)

Batman #1 (Denver Pedigree) 9.0 $59,750.00

Brenda Starr #14 (Mile High Pedigree) $13,145.00

Captain America Comics #1 4.5 $21,150.00 (Not too shabby for a 4.5!)

Captain America Comics #3 (Rockford Pedigree) 7.0 $11,352.50

Captain America Comics #15 9.4 $17,925.00

Daredevil #1 9.0 $10,175.50

Detective #18 7.0 $14,340.00

Detective #62 9.4 $26,290.00

Flash Comics #1 4.5 $11,950.00

Four Color #1 Donald Duck 8.0 $20,315.00

Green Lantern #1 6.5 $7170.00

Marvel Comics #1 Pay Copy 9.0 (Better sit down for this one!) $227,050.00
(This is the highest price book from this auction, next to that Detective #27 that hit the million mark).

Marvel Mystery Comics #3 (Larson Pedigree) 9.0 $22,705.00

More Fun Comics #52 (Larson Pedigree) 9.2 $89,625.00

More Fun Comics #53 (Rockford Pedigree) 9.6 $47,800.00

More Fun Comics #54 (Larson Pedigree) 9.2 $38,837.50

Sensation Comics #1 9.4 $83,650.00 (I can NOT believe this book didn't go for more. Poor Wonder Woman, she doesn't get the love she deserves).

Spirit #1 9.6 $6572.50

Startling Comics #49 9.4 $14,340.00

Sub Mariner Comics #1 4.0 $3883.75

Superman #1 2.0 $19,120.00

Superman #1 (Restored) 6.0 $17,925.00 (Just for a little comparison).

Whiz Comics #2 (#1) 2.5 $9560.00

Wonder Woman #1 (Crowley Pedigree) 8.5 $53,775.00

Young Allies Comics #1 9.0 $9560.00


Other Big Books from Other Eras


Amazing Fantasy #15 (Restored) 9.2 $7767.50

Amazing Spider-Man #1 8.0 $16,730.00

Amazing Spider-Man #194 9.9 $3107.00

Cerebus #1 (Dave Sim File Copy) 9.4 $7767.50

Dell Giant Comics: Sleeping Beauty #1 9.8 $4481.25

Fantastic Four Annual #1 9.4 $3107.00

Giant Size X-Men #1 9.8 $6572.50

Giant Size X-Men #1 9.4 $1434.00 (Wow, just look at that price difference!)

Green Lantern #1 9.4 $50,787.50 (Damn impressive book and a damn impressive price!)

Incredible Hulk #1 7.5 $17,925.00

Incredible Hulk #181 9.8 $11,950.00

Journey Into Mystery #83 7.0 $6572.50

Justice League of America #1 8.5 $4780.00

Richie Rich #1 9.4 $8365.00

Tales of Suspense #39 7.5 $5676.25

Venom Lethal Protector #1 (Rare Black Cover Press Error) 10.0 $3585.00

X-Men #1 (White Mountain Pedigree) 9.0 $7170.00 (This is the SILVER AGE book people NOT the Jim Lee book!)

Zap Comix #1 9.0 $7170.00

Zap Comix #1 8.0 (Light Blue Rare Variant) $9261.25


Other Crazy Cool Stuff That Sold at This Auction

Superman #1-#12 (Golden Age) Bound Volume $31,070.00

Vampirella #1 (Magazine) 9.2 $1673.00

Superman Contest Prize Ring (Fine) $4630.63

Alberto Vargas Playboy Painting $179,250.00

Jack Kirby and Vince Colletta Original Cover Art for Thor #132 $5676.25

Snoopy Vs. Red Baron Sunday Strip Original Art 1966 $101,575.00

Wally Wood Daredevil #7 (Silver Age) Original Interior Art $35,850.00

Bernie Wrightson Original Interior Art from Creepy #63 $13,145.00

Bernie Wrightson Original Painting from Murders at the Rue Morgue $41,825.00

There you go boys and girls. This auction was incredible, and I can't wait to see what they have up for auction next time around. They never disclose who bought what, with good reason of course, but I do wonder who has this kind of disposable income for comics and related goods. I'm sure there are plenty of folks out there in the world with extra cash to burn, but seeing all of this together in one auction from one auction house is absolutely astonishing to witness. Good show Heritage Auctions!