So, here's the deal. This was the first time Mark and I had been behind the safety of "the table" at a convention. It allowed for sitting, which was nice, considering this show was more densely packed than Times Square on a Saturday night. Actually, think New Year's Eve in Times Square but mix it with Mardi Gras and Halloween. Nutty I tell you. Nutty. At one point, I think there were more people crammed inside the Javits Center in NYC than the entire population of West Virginia's second largest city Huntington. Why do I know that? Random bits of information tend to get lodged into my head but that's neither here nor there. Sorry. I digress. On to the show review from the other side.
I couldn't have been more impressed with the passion the fans brought. The costumes were for the most part original and well executed. Some people came all four days in four different get-ups. The pageant of joyful quirkiness and mirthful individuality was on full display. It honestly made this sour old dolt smile on more than one occasion. And that is a feat considering I am going through some rough times with family health issues. Plus I'm a jaded smirker who's normally unimpressed with just about everything but not this. I was utterly uplifted by the fans of all shapes, sizes and personality. Pure beauty. Were there a few people who scared me? Certainly, but not because of their costumes. In every large group, you are going to get a few unstable characters but the great thing about the crowds is that they tend to push those who lurk along. Over all. I was jazzed to be part of it.
As I said, Mark and I were behind a table for the first time in Artist Alley. Our neighbors were Mike S. Miller and Norman Lee. Two of the nicest artists you could ever meet. Both men are talented to the point of striking envy among us mortals. We mostly talked to Mike as he was directly next to us. He's done some killer work for DC Comics and some astounding pinups. He had one illustration titled "The Working Dead" of zombies at work in an office setting that basically had everyone who passed by remark in a flattering way. Followed by a chuckle of course. The dude has chops so look up his work on Deviantart and he's on Facebook. Norman is on Facebook and Deviantart too. He's a well known inker who does work for Marvel Comics among others. But he doesn't only do inks. His original work is just that, original. Buy their stuff.
The event staff was on the ball and kept the crowds moving. We didn't have the greatest of spots but we were located near great artists so that helped drive traffic. It was a wonderful learning experience and good times were had by all. We sold lots of comics: The Ascendant and Horsemen. Damned Heroes a web comic that we were promoting did exceptionally well and was received with praise. Couldn't have asked for a better time. I must also say that the bathrooms in Artist Alley were well maintained by the custodial staff. That must have been a Herculean task and they deserve much credit. Here's me with the novel The Cell.
And my favorite photo is this one of the DC comic book character Raven as it looks like a spell was cast and everything around her is going in a fast-forward blur.
Please check out the comics we took to NYCC by clicking the links in the top right box titled Comics, Novels and Web comic. You can see what The Ascendant, Horsemen, The Cell and Damn Heroes look like and if you wish please purchase them. The web comic is free btw.
Sorry if you didn't get to go NYCC. It was amazing, enthralling and plain fun. A special thanks to our buddy C.B. Cebulski for coming by and for also inviting us a party.
In the next few posts, either Mark or I will talk about setting up, travel, food, encounters and other miscellany involving the convention. Plus more wonderful photos.
