Calgary Comic Con 2010, 2011, and beyond.

[Vagabond142]

WOW what a whirlwind first day :eek: :eek: :burnout: :burnout: :burnout:

So much art, so much talent... I spent a little over my budget XD But so worth it :D

So who else geeked it up today and went to the con? :D

EDIT:

Some of the art I had made :)

I ran (literally) to the Udon booth to be able to get a commission... mine was the first of the day :clap: :clap: and it is made of win and epic. Chun Li dressed for a night out XD It was one of the two commissions I had in mind, and Omar said that this one sounded the better challenge and better artistic choice of the two :P (the other was Chun Li doing some kind of action in her alternate outfit from SF4)

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk13/Vagabond142/IMG_0718.jpg


Late 80's style water-inked Rogue, by Vince Sunico... had never heard of him, walked by his booth at Artist's Alley, did a full 180 and walked right back to it once my brain kicked into gear. Incredibly fast, precise, fluid movements and natural talent for water-inks... btw, this picture was never touched with a pen... that is ALL brushwork o_O

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk13/Vagabond142/IMG_0726.jpg

[KKY]

How were the cosplayers?

[Vagabond142]

There were a few Neytiri's (Avatar), a few WoW cosplayers, but I wasn't really paying attention. There was a guy dressed up in pretty realistic armor with a full (natural) viking beard and carrying a hammer, so I suspected he was cos'ing as Thor.

But, all around, it was mostly geeky shirts and sensible pants today. Hell, the geekiest I went was wearing my Thundercats shirt to the con XD

[Thaco]

i took my kid (7) there, we just went to check out the freaks :P some really good art, but i couldn't bring myself to pay for any of it, we ended up with 5 comics for the kid... that's about it.

i cant say i saw any totally outstanding outfits, there were a couple avatar people that were good, didn't hang around for the stage costume show though.

[taos911]

No idea what the OP said. :nut: Were they selling RAM there?

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by Thaco
i took my kid (7) there, we just went to check out the freaks :P some really good art, but i couldn't bring myself to pay for any of it, we ended up with 5 comics for the kid... that's about it.

i cant say i saw any totally outstanding outfits, there were a couple avatar people that were good, didn't hang around for the stage costume show though.

5 comics isn't a bad take at all. As long as you get the little dude weaned into the con scene properly (there's a Star Trek con in Vulcan in June? July? and Con-Version (more aimed at written word stuff) in October), it can be a very exciting, very cool thing to do and to visit.

And, my little tip and trick is: bring your own paper. I bought two packs of blueline 1001 comic art 110 lbs board. it's 11x17, meaning HUGE area to draw in. And if you ask really nicely, and ask only for a head sketch, a lot of people will do free sketches. One example, Marcus To (did work for Aspen, Top Cow, etc) does head sketches for free, and I got Fathom done this year at the con, took him seriously all of 3 minutes:

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk13/Vagabond142/IMG_0725.jpg

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by taos911
No idea what the OP said. :nut: Were they selling RAM there?

Comic Con = Comic artist and vendor convention. Exciting for comic art collectors like myself. Look at the pictures posted to see what i mean. Why would they be selling RAM at a comic book and comic art convention? o_O

[Hakkola]

Anything interesting there for a Deadpool fan like me?

[dj_rice]

Originally posted by KKY
How were the cosplayers?


http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs276.snc3/27944_390911172377_507822377_3892006_5591079_n.jpg

[Vagabond142]

There is a print I saw a few people carrying with deadpool COVERED in blood, with two scantily clad woman fawning all over him. I'll try to get a picture surreptitiously tomorrow if I can. I think it's from the booth a couple down from Neil Kaplan.

However, my main, overriding goal tomorrow is to get to Bruce Timm's line first so I can get a Harley Quinn sketch :D (there is also a fucking AWESOME Harley Quinn/Joker print that I am VERY tempted to pick up from a local freelancer).

[Vagabond142]

Nice spot Rice XD I'm quite serious when I say that I really didn't see that many cosplayers, it's MUCH more a jeans and t-shirt crowd this year so far

[Tram Common]

Originally posted by Vagabond142
Nice spot Rice XD I'm quite serious when I say that I really didn't see that many cosplayers, it's MUCH more a jeans and t-shirt crowd this year so far

What Comic-Con were you at?

http://wildgunmen.com/blog/2010/04/25/the-2010-calgary-comic-con/

Also, anyone else get raped in the ass waiting for your Leonard Nimoy pictures?

Few of the easier to look at cosplay outfits:

http://wildgunmen.com/files/2010/04/comic_con_56.jpg

http://wildgunmen.com/files/2010/04/comic_con_04.jpg

http://wildgunmen.com/files/2010/04/comic_con_09.jpg

http://wildgunmen.com/files/2010/04/comic_con_41.jpg

http://wildgunmen.com/files/2010/04/comic_con_29.jpg

[LiquidK]

i spent 4 hours playing street fighter. ffs.
pretty cool meeting jeremy from pure pwnage though, but fuck the line up for nimoy, they said it was 500 people in line before he even showed up.

[Vagabond142]

muuuurgh.... holy FUCK are my shoulders stiff and my legs hurt... but, ah well, another full day of con ahead! Today is Bruce Timm as the major point of "holy shit RUN GET THERE NOW," then it's gonna be a much more relaxed day. I'm probably not even going to TRY the line for Nimoy.... if anything, it'll be even longer today because of all the people that left it till late yesterday to line up, and lost out.

I still think it's one of the smoothest con's I've been to, in terms of the arts side of things. The art/writing panels have been awesome, the sketches and commissions have been awesome, I'm yet to be unhappy with any picture I've bought/had done free/commissioned yet :D Today's panels should be fun too :D

EDIT: Oh, and remember, I said I personally didn't see many cosplayers. Doesn't mean that they don't exist XD I do also remember seeing a pretty decent attempt at Cortana walking around.

Looking through that list, Tram, the attempt at Morgan (from DA:O) actually isn't half bad at all o_O

[403Gemini]

The organization of this con was fucking terrible, getting shifted around like cattle. A few of us got the pre-purchase tickets because we learned our lesson from last year and having to wait in a ridiculous line up.... only to show up and see the pre-purchase ticket line up wrapped around the outside of the building and then went down a hallway and back again inside... yet if you were paying there you had no more than a 5 minute wait.

How about this - have a group of people at the door giving out wrist tags for people with tickets so this doesn't happen, not 2-3 people at a booth... :facepalm: You can say all you want it was an influx of people, but there was just 0 communication with the vendors selling these tickets and the people who were running the con.

Also I miss the prior years where the celebrities were up above people signing autographs etc so you could actually see them from the floor (I Yelled "I LOVE YOU KEVIN SORBO" one year and he gave me a thumbs up lol).

Once inside, the art was probably the first thing I was drawn too(lawl , see what i did there?). I bought 2 pieces from John Giang, such a talented artist and crazy cool guy.

I'm very disappointed with the amount of space the computers/pure pwnage section took & for that haunted house area. Certain vendors like happy harbor comics from edmonton didn't make it down, and i found last year they had the best selection. Red Skull had a decent selection as always, but everybody else was a bit lack luster.

And of course, the cos-players. I make it a game every year to have my pic taken with all of the hot ones :thumbsup: Got about 6 pictures taken yesterday haha missed the ... looking at Tramm Common, I missed chicks 2-5 lol :banghead:

That chick painted green though... :love: so gorgeous.

[Tram Common]

There were definitely some good looking cosplay girls. :drool:

I totally agree with you though 403Gemini, this comic-con has been a fucking shit show in terms of organization.

I interviewed a guy who waited two hours to get his photos from the Nimoy picture ops.

There were literally hundreds of people who were forced to wait and spot their pictures as a random volunteer held them up one by one and displayed them for the crowd.

Such a fucking shit show.

Also, don't even get me started on how pathetic they were to press. We didn't get access to a single panel ahead of the massive lines and we all had to fight over like two ladies who were in charge of setting up ALL the interviews.

They tried to enforce a "No drive-by interviewing" policy which might have worked had they had enough people to accommodate setting up ALL the interviews. They didn't of course.

You know the thing is a joke when fucking Space Television is told they can't interview Nimoy because Press aren't allowed into his panel and one single fan is more beneficial to the Comic-Con than a television station that represents 50,000 fans. :dunno:

Such a fucking joke. The guy in charge is a grad of the PR program at Mount Royal. I remember him and as soon as I spotted him coming down to talk to me as "The Man In-Charge" it suddenly all made sense why everything was such a disaster.

Anyways! End of rant, still worth checking out, lots of talent there and despite the chaos they deserve the support.

If you want in to a panel I highly suggest arriving and lining up 10 - 30 mins early.

[01RedDX]

.

[iCreep]

psssssttttt... Anything that netcandi does is going to have shitty organization just a FYI.

If any of you have ever been to their parties you would know what I'm talking about. (NN4 er 5 er whatever, chinese cultural center etc), all IMO anyways.

[red99600]

Originally posted by Vagabond142


5 comics isn't a bad take at all. As long as you get the little dude weaned into the con scene properly (there's a Star Trek con in Vulcan in June? July? and Con-Version (more aimed at written word stuff) in October), it can be a very exciting, very cool thing to do and to visit.

And, my little tip and trick is: bring your own paper. I bought two packs of blueline 1001 comic art 110 lbs board. it's 11x17, meaning HUGE area to draw in. And if you ask really nicely, and ask only for a head sketch, a lot of people will do free sketches. One example, Marcus To (did work for Aspen, Top Cow, etc) does head sketches for free, and I got Fathom done this year at the con, took him seriously all of 3 minutes:

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk13/Vagabond142/IMG_0725.jpg

cool drawing , that's my cousin, lol

[KKY]

so those cosplayers just walk around waiting for people to ask them for pictures?

[Tram Common]

Originally posted by KKY
so those cosplayers just walk around waiting for people to ask them for pictures?

Ya, basically.

[Mibz]

And best costume goes to...............


























http://wildgunmen.com/files/2010/04/comic_con_07.jpg

Awesome.

[403Gemini]

OMG haha cant believe i missed that :D awesome

Let me upload some pics i snapped the last few days

[403Gemini]

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh233/cryage/startrekgirls.jpg
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh233/cryage/DSC_3626.jpg
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh233/cryage/DSC_3622.jpg
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh233/cryage/DSC_3607.jpg
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh233/cryage/DSC_3605.jpg
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh233/cryage/DSC_3603.jpg

[Vagabond142]

I left the show a little early today because my body was in the process of slowly falling apart. My con-legs aren't as strong as they were in the past. However! I honestly go to the cons for the art. I don't really care that much about the panels, the photo ops, the big stars (Unless they bring in JMS, at which point I will Juggernaut my way to the front of the line with all 5 seasons of B5 in my bag to be signed :D), or such.

My focus is totally in the art and in collecting art. I sadly didn't get any limited edition con prints this year, but I did get Dogan's 200 limited run Chun Li with authentication hologram from the Con, so I honestly can't speak to the show in terms of organizing talent, events, etc. The ARTISTS were extremely well treated, were given lots of room, great tables to put out spreads on, etc. They also have about 15 volunteers whose entire job was going around making sure that the artists had food, water, were comfortable, etc. Very nice to see happy artists :D

Bruce Timm was the highlight of my day. Shook his hand, got a sketch, got a picture. The guy was absolutely brutal tired, he'd only had about an hour's sleep he told me from the artists party last night. Still, as much as he was dead on his feet, he was pumping out sketch after sketch after sketch. The guy is a fucking MACHINE. He just didn't smile for my picture, but I don't blame him being con-lagged.

Anyways, I will have my favorite pieces either scanned or photographed, and once I put watermarks on them, I'll post them up for people to see ^_^ (One thing about art is that it's really worth sharing. I don't get it to hide it in my room, I get it because I like it and I want everyone to enjoy what I enjoy)

[Mibz]

Was Tony Todd there worrying about HIS OWN ASS?

[Vagabond142]

Yes, Tony Todd was there, shook his hand, didn't get a pic tho, my batteries crapped out T_T Very chill dude :D

[EvolizePhoto]

The guy who created the expo is actually a great family friend and I was waiting to get my photo taken with Nimoy and my lens hood/camera bag autographed, but Nimoy's agent was being a douche and wouldn't even let spock out of his truck :(

[Vagabond142]

More pics from Vagabond! And the dude took Bruce Timm's picture right as I was saying "ready?" XD


PEOPLE:

Bruce Timm + Commission + me! :D (keep in mind this is pre-coffee, pre-sugar Timm, after 1 hours sleep last night, and I was like his 40th commission of the day already at 1100 hours... he started commissions at 1010 hours)

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk13/Vagabond142/IMG_0738.jpg


Aaron Douglas (Chief Tyrol from BSG)

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk13/Vagabond142/IMG_0736.jpg


GARRY CHALK! (Colonel Chekov from SG-1 and Herr Doctor from Reboot)

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk13/Vagabond142/IMG_0741.jpg


Ryan Sohmer and Lars DeSouza, Least I Could Do and Looking For Group writer/artist combo (and DeSouza wins for second best hat of show)

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk13/Vagabond142/IMG_0739.jpg



Paul McGillion (Carson Beckett from SG: Atlantis, and, as I learned, a HUGE Thundercats fan)

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk13/Vagabond142/IMG_0713.jpg





ARTS (these are only my favorite pieces):

Harley Quinn & The Joker, local artist freelancing for Brilliant Designs, forget his name but he was memorable for his awesome hairstyle (spiky all over the place, in big clumps of spikes :P)

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk13/Vagabond142/IMG_0742.jpg


Emily Warren print, signed by Emily. So what if I have a thing for well drawn elves <_<

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk13/Vagabond142/IMG_0745.jpg


More UDON art... Eric Vedder left, Joe Vriens right. Vriens' commission was my last of the convention, took him about 35 minutes. UDON = absolutely awesome masters of lineart :D As this is a scan, I have INTENTIONALLY fucked the resolution so that it's unreproduceable (i think it's nicer than putting a big line through the whole pic).

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk13/Vagabond142/VedderVriensMorriganCViper.png

[EvolizePhoto]

No autograph for me crap

[almerick]

Missed out on the event due to studying :(

[EvolizePhoto]

I did get his photo. His agent wouldn't let him out of the truck

[EvolizePhoto]

Oh well

[EvolizePhoto]

.

[Vagabond142]

Evo, if it's over yet, how was the afterparty? I would have gone to the Artist's Alley afterparty if I didn't feel as ill as I did at the end of the con. I guess I may have actually picked up Ryan Sohmer's con-flu :| Lovely...

[EvolizePhoto]

Was pretty good! I got tied up in some work so I never made it down to hang with Pure Pwnage but I did get to have some beers with Froggy the photographer who shot all the celebs and photo ops, pretty nice guy.


btw I'm :rofl:'ing at this.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs434.snc3/24983_391188384378_515284378_3729832_6769325_n.jpg

[EvolizePhoto]

I also should note, I was pretty appalled at what some people chose to wear.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs414.snc3/24983_391188764378_515284378_3729896_1945846_n.jpg

Wouldn't it be wiser to choose a costume more fitting?

[barmanjay]

I geeked out there too

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a304/barmanjay/spocksignature.jpg

[spikerS]

Originally posted by barmanjay
I geeked out there too

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a304/barmanjay/spocksignature.jpg

eww, you spent to $60 for an autograph?

boo-urns!

[barmanjay]

Ya,.. it's his last expo and will probably kick the bucket soon,.. LOL

[Mar]

Is there a glossary of terms for this thread?

[barmanjay]

What a blast we had

Last night we ended up at a comedy with Pure Pwnage, I don't know these guys, but the sister-in-law knows em. And then after that,.. off to King Henry's with the photographer who does celebs only at these events.

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by Mar
Is there a glossary of terms for this thread?

If you are serious, just list the terms you would like defined. I will try to catch some of the bigger ones, hopefully cover what you're meaning

Cosplay = Dressing up as a fictional character for enjoyment. There are professional cosplayers out there (some were on hire for Redd Skull Comics), however the greater number (about 98%) of all cosplayers are geeks that just like to do costumes and get dressed up for the hell of it. Sometimes, it goes HORRIBLY wrong (lady in Slave Leia costume posted above, for example)

Commission = Paying an artist to draw a specific request you have at the convention or, if complex, having it mailed to you afterwards. Sometimes, as it was with Bruce Timm, that commission is your favorite character in a headshot (shoulders up drawing). Other artists have varying levels of commissions... some artists will do full body pencil sketches for $10 (usually lesser known artists or artists in artist's alley) up to $100+ (usually big names like Omar Dogan, Emily Warren, Alex Milne).

Water-Ink = Ink from a tube diluted by water, then applied with a very fine, sometimes single-hair pinstriping, brush. I saw a couple of artists at the con doing this. One was doing full water color paintings of characters (which were way WAY outside my budget range), and Vince Sunico, who was doing full body and 3/4 body art for $10 (AMAZING deal for his quality of work). His work is the second picture I posted in this thread

ComicCon = A "comic convention" or, as many are becoming today, a "comic and entertainment industry convention." A gathering of varying size where comic collectors, comic vendors, comic and independant artists, voice actors, screen actors, game programmers (this year), and book/comic/screen writers come to interact with their fans, and provide the service of being there to chat, commission (usually only the artists take commissions), or otherwise just communally geek out over favorite characters, funny moments, inside jokes in comics/shows, etc. I, personally, am an art freak, so being able to have laid back chats with artists like Omar Dogan, Marcus To, etc, is the highlight of my conventions :)

Geek out/Geeking out = Kinda hard to define, but I would say it's a very specific form of fanaticism... for example, I "geeked out" talking with Omar Dogan, who reciprocated by geeking out over my commission idea, which he REALLY bought into and did a kickass job that has blown me away completely. The big "geek out" of the con, however, was probably meeting Leonard Nimoy for many people (judging by the 1000 people in line Saturday morning (that's not a guess... if anything, that's an UNDERestimate).

Print = a print is a premade piece of art, which has been either (in this day and age) digitally printed on glossy or matte paper, or, for a slightly higher price, printed as a lithograph on superweight paper (bristol board is commonly used). An example of a print vs a commission is such:

-Commission: Hand drawn at the event:
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk13/Vagabond142/VedderVriensMorriganCViper.png

-Print: Premade art sold at the event:
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk13/Vagabond142/IMG_0719.jpg


Con-Flu: a mysterious ailment that ONLY crops up at conventions. Usually hits on the second day, and usually hits artists. Usually involves stomach nasties, cough, sore joints, and headaches. Ryan Sohmer of blind ferret (webcomic people) caught a nasty one and was in the LICD/LFG booth all Sunday wrapped up in a blanket, although he was awesome and still signed things, posed for pictures, and exuded a geeky energy that only those that are really passionate about being there for the fans can do. I bet today he is laid out flat in his hotel room sleeping it off.


Photo-Op: Some talent does not let you take pictures with them at their tables (which I can understand for the huge stars like Nimoy), and you have to buy a "photo op," which gets you a professionally taken and set up photograph, usually 8x10 or larger, which is of a high enough quality surfacing that if it is a multi-day convention, you can get that photograph signed by the talent.

Panel: Usually an hour long "Show" where talent/artists get up in front of a room of people (or a room + cameras which broadcast to overflow rooms) and share stories of their work, how to do specific things in the industry (there was a panel at the convention about writing for comics that I attended and learned a LOT from), or just for pure entertainment. For talent panels, there is usually a 20 minute question and answer period at the end of the panel for the audience to get some interaction.


Nerdgasm: A feeling of intense excitement after a particularly geeky interaction with someone/something that you are a fan of. For example, when I shook Nimoy's hand and said "thank you from everyone for 40 years of awesome" and he replied, whilst giving the vulcan salute, "live long and awesome," about 20 people (including myself) that heard that nerdgasm'd. Varyingly, it can also be a more intense version of geeking out.


If there are any more terms you need defined, Beyonds geek-in-residence (namely: me) will be happy to define them for ya :D

[ERROR]

Originally posted by Vagabond142



Photo-Op: Some talent does not let you take pictures with them at their tables (which I can understand for the huge stars like Nimoy), and you have to buy a &quot;photo op,&quot; which gets you a professionally taken and set up photograph, usually 8x10 or larger, which is of a high enough quality surfacing that if it is a multi-day convention, you can get that photograph signed by the talent.


or just have a press pass and take pictures of whatever you want

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by ERROR


or just have a press pass and take pictures of whatever you want

Press Pass: A special pass for the event in question that grants you the ability to take pictures of anything you want. Does not entitle the bearer to rub it in the face of us regular people :banghead: hehehehe :poosie:

[Tram Common]

Originally posted by Vagabond142


Press Pass: A special pass for the event in question that grants you the ability to take pictures of anything you want. Does not entitle the bearer to rub it in the face of us regular people :banghead: hehehehe :poosie:

Believe me man, with how poorly organized this years Comic-Con was, a press pass was nearly worthless.

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by Tram Common


Believe me man, with how poorly organized this years Comic-Con was, a press pass was nearly worthless.

Well, the thing is, I still don't agree that it was poorly organised. HOWEVER, I do submit that, as I have stated before, i was only there for the artwork and meeting/getting books signed/chatting with my favorite artists.

If you have a complaint about the con, I *do* know that the con has a feedback/questions form, here: http://www.calgaryexpo.com/contact

Fill that out, outline what you think needs work, what worked, what didn't. The best way to make a con go smoother in the ways you think it should is to directly TELL the con organizer your thoughts.

[Billy_Billions]

My friend met the Honk Tonk man and he had some kind words for Hulk Hogan.

Jugf9h8IOck

[Vagabond142]

From what I hear in the little back rooms and dark corners of con organization, they're apparently trying to move the Con next year to a weekend where there are no other major shows in the BMO center so they can take over THREE halls... o_O I guess it means that they're expanding XD

[403Gemini]

Originally posted by Vagabond142


Well, the thing is, I still don't agree that it was poorly organised. HOWEVER, I do submit that, as I have stated before, i was only there for the artwork and meeting/getting books signed/chatting with my favorite artists.

If you have a complaint about the con, I *do* know that the con has a feedback/questions form, here: http://www.calgaryexpo.com/contact

Fill that out, outline what you think needs work, what worked, what didn't. The best way to make a con go smoother in the ways you think it should is to directly TELL the con organizer your thoughts.

Sent two emails while I was waiting in line for a retardidly long time for the pre-purchase ticket holders from there. ;)

[Inzane]

All this and not a single picture of Leonard Nimoy or Brent Spiner? WTF? :dunno:

(a real picture Nimoy, not a picture of a photo).

[barmanjay]

I got pics,.. but I don't feel like posting up my whole family as well

[D'z Nutz]

http://www.funnypictures.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/simpsons-nerd.gif


Man, comic book conventions have come a long way since I used to collect them as a kid. I don't think we even had anyone famous when I used to go back in the 90's. Certainly not any girls :rofl:

[Pihsiak]

Originally posted by Inzane
All this and not a single picture of Leonard Nimoy or Brent Spiner? WTF? :dunno:

(a real picture Nimoy, not a picture of a photo).

?

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/pihsnemiak/P1050076.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/pihsnemiak/P1050109-1.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/pihsnemiak/P1050103.jpg

Crappy quality, I know.

[sputnik]

Originally posted by D'z Nutz
Man, comic book conventions have come a long way since I used to collect them as a kid. I don't think we even had anyone famous when I used to go back in the 90's. Certainly not any girls :rofl:

:werd:

Back in the 80s and 90s I would go to check out the comics that never seemed to make it into the stores.

However I was only into silver age (12-15 cent covers) Marvel comics so seeing the dealers from the US and going through their inventories was always fun.

These days comic book conventions have more toys, games, celebrities and weirdos playing dress up than actual comic books.

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by sputnik


:werd:

Back in the 80s and 90s I would go to check out the comics that never seemed to make it into the stores.

However I was only into silver age (12-15 cent covers) Marvel comics so seeing the dealers from the US and going through their inventories was always fun.

These days comic book conventions have more toys, games, celebrities and weirdos playing dress up than actual comic books.

.... there were boxes on boxes on boxes on tables upon tables of silver and golden age books at the con. I damned near bought a $50 copy of X-Men from 1966 in 8.5 collector's grade airtight packaging. It was pristiiiiiine :love: but I didn't have the money for it :(

[2Valve0]

:dunno:

What's the big deal with these things? A bunch of people dressed up as weirdo's. Very odd to me....

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by 2Valve0
:dunno:

What's the big deal with these things? A bunch of people dressed up as weirdo's. Very odd to me....

Not everyone dresses up.

Cosplay is just one facet of a comic con. Some go to meet the stars; some go to peruse through the millions of comic books that dealers have out on tables, from all generations; some, like me, go to meet their favorite artists, have their books signed, chat with the artists/writers/etc, and generally geek out over comic book things...

It's an event with no preconceptions. It's a place for everyone to geek out safely, without fear of repercussions. You wanna wear vulcan ears? go right ahead. Want to dress up as zombie slave leia? go for it!

The whole point, as you said you didn't get it, is to have fun and enjoy yourself, no matter how that geeky enjoyment comes :)

[Billy_Billions]

Part 1 of the Nimoy Q&A

-xlnWHHRVwg

[Vagabond142]

Billy: your post is empty

[Billy_Billions]

There we go.

Part 2 as well.

zQ6kFcP07qk

[EvolizePhoto]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3538/4561962703_170d5fcc38.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4561963215_a3a33144d3.jpg

[EvolizePhoto]

My sister and BARMANJAY with Nimoy
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3572/4562609218_334c1b493e.jpg

[Inzane]

Thanks for posting that guys.

Boy did Edmonton get the shaft. We had our comic-con a few weekends back and the only guest "celebrity" we got was that blue-skinned jedi chick from SW ep II & III, who I don't think even had any speaking line in the movies.

[Vagabond142]

Well, we also have a con organizer that knows the right people to talk to and isn't shy to throw around a little appearance money (I'm NOT talking about the organizers that did the photo ops and panel rooms, I'm talking about the guy that runs the entire thing, businesswise).

I just hope they do expand into more halls next year, because the more artists they can bring in, the more commissions I can get :D :D (Of course, the UDON booth will always be my first destination :D)

[EvolizePhoto]

Originally posted by Vagabond142
Well, we also have a con organizer that knows the right people to talk to and isn't shy to throw around a little appearance money (I'm NOT talking about the organizers that did the photo ops and panel rooms, I'm talking about the guy that runs the entire thing, businesswise).

I just hope they do expand into more halls next year, because the more artists they can bring in, the more commissions I can get :D :D (Of course, the UDON booth will always be my first destination :D) The guy who created the entire event is my friend Kandrix Foong, I used to work along side him at Coco Brooks where he used to run the computers and networking for them, now he's a family friend and we're babysitting his conure and love bird while him and Lori (his wife) are in banff relaxing after the expo lol.
Their new son is awesome!

He's put on such an amazing show, so much better than the one last year I couldn't believe he got Nimoy to present!

[2Valve0]

Originally posted by Vagabond142


Not everyone dresses up.

Cosplay is just one facet of a comic con. Some go to meet the stars; some go to peruse through the millions of comic books that dealers have out on tables, from all generations; some, like me, go to meet their favorite artists, have their books signed, chat with the artists/writers/etc, and generally geek out over comic book things...

It's an event with no preconceptions. It's a place for everyone to geek out safely, without fear of repercussions. You wanna wear vulcan ears? go right ahead. Want to dress up as zombie slave leia? go for it!

The whole point, as you said you didn't get it, is to have fun and enjoy yourself, no matter how that geeky enjoyment comes :)

Very well said. :thumbsup:

I've never been to one but am into certain comic books. Love artwork so might have to check it out next time around

[scary_perry]

Did the lineups settle down after the first day?

I passed by last year with my kids and the lineups were crazy.

Maybe a larger venue is needed this year.

[BigDannyCool]

Originally posted by scary_perry
Did the lineups settle down after the first day?

I passed by last year with my kids and the lineups were crazy.

Maybe a larger venue is needed this year.

Great line up of guests this year. I've got my 3 day pass already

[403Gemini]

Originally posted by BigDannyCool


Great line up of guests this year. I've got my 3 day pass already

Where can you pick up the pass?

Shatners going to be there this year :clap:

[Penis McNickels]

This looks pretty cool. I'm a big George A. Romero fan as well, Dawn of the Dead being my favourite.


Could anyone comment if a 4 year old girl that likes pink (the colour, not the broad) and Disney Princesses would like going to something like this. 'Cause this would make a nice Fathers' Day present to myself.

[Vagabond142]

403: Bottom of this page:

http://www.calgaryexpo.com/buy-tickets

$20 per day advance, or $35 for the full 2.5 day pass (best value and what I, and pretty much everyone else, gets). Only thing is, you have to be there REALLY early on the Saturday if you don't want to have to wait an hour in line once the doors open. The Saturday door time for advanced in 9:30, and I'll probably arrive there at 7-7:30 and still be about 200-300th in line. o_O

Penis:

Kids under 12 get in free with an adult admission paid by a parent. However, as to the viability of enjoyment... A lot of a comic con is a LOT of standing (if you go for a full day, expect 10+ hours on your feet), walking at achingly slow pace, and there aren't all that many "kid oriented" areas.

Also, it is PACKED. Standing room only, shoulder to shoulder. There are points where you have to lower your shoulder and simply shove through packs of people.

Also, keep in mind, half the convention floor is given over to artists and big stars, the other half to hawkers and sellers.

In my opinion, I don't think she'd enjoy it overly much, and it could degenerate into a "when are we going hoooome my legs huuuuurt?!" kind of thing (I was 28 last year, biking and doing exercise, and my legs were solid pillars of pain after the first day). I honestly think that 8-10 is a good starter age for a comic con, as the kids at that point have an idea of what is really going on and can appreciate the cool stuff, like watching artists draw, stars do panels, perusing the comic tables for old and rare books, etc. However, that is simply my opinion.

EDIT: http://www.calgaryexpo.com/kids <--- not the most informative page ever, but it seems they are building a bit in special interest for kids this year.

[Penis McNickels]

Originally posted by Vagabond142
Penis:

...I honestly think that 8-10 is a good starter age for a comic con, as the kids at that point have an idea of what is really going on and can appreciate the cool stuff, like watching artists draw, stars do panels, perusing the comic tables for old and rare books, etc. However, that is simply my opinion.

Thanks for the reply. This is what I figured. It's hard waiting for the kids to get older to do more stuff that would interest both the adults and the kids.

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by 403Gemini


Shatners going to be there this year :clap:

Well, Calgary is fast becoming the biggest Western Canadian comic and enterntainment con. Gatecon is slightly bigger, but is focused on mostly Stargate.

That said... I wonder how they can top it next year. Last year was Spiner and Nimoy, this year is Frakes and Shatner.... next year, Stewart and Koenig? :P We can hope XD

[BigDannyCool]

Originally posted by Vagabond142


Well, Calgary is fast becoming the biggest Western Canadian comic and enterntainment con. Gatecon is slightly bigger, but is focused on mostly Stargate.

That said... I wonder how they can top it next year. Last year was Spiner and Nimoy, this year is Frakes and Shatner.... next year, Stewart and Koenig? :P We can hope XD

since you went last year you should probably be able to answer this. I know you pay for photo-ops, but how do you go about getting autographs?

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by BigDannyCool


since you went last year you should probably be able to answer this. I know you pay for photo-ops, but how do you go about getting autographs?

It varies. If you're going for a comic book artist/writer, then all you do is bring along the books you want signed and they'll happily sign them, even probably chat with you about that specific book as they sign.

However, I'm assuming you mean for media guests, like Shatner or Sackhoff. Media stars usually, but not always, have an autograph fee, which covers some of their costs for coming as well as materials (photoprints at the tables). Once their costs are covered, everything else is pure profit to them, value-to-stardom if you will.

Sadly, these costs can quickly go from reasonable (Paul MacGillion last year had a $20 photoprint+signature fee) to the absurd (Nimoy was $60, I think, just to put pen to photo, and to buy a photoprint was another $10, iirc... or that may have been Spiner... I don't remember >_<). Just be prepared to lay out serious cash (and they only take cash, btw) if you want a full-meal-deal with the big stars.

Also, expect, for the big names like Shatner, to wait in line for one to three HOURS. The Nimoy line last year on Saturday got so long at noon that they simply cut off the line after about the 600th person

Estimates for some stars that I would GUESS for this year.....

Shatner I would say is probably $50, minimum, for pen-to-paper.

Katee Sackhoff probably $30-$40 for photoprint+autograph

Felicia Day would probably be in the $20-$30 range

Voice actors (Vic Mignogna, et al) will very likely be $10 if you buy a photoprint at the table or free if you bring your own items.





EDIT:
And because I know someone will ask, I'll put out estimated art fees as well:

For current comic artists, like Marcus To, Omar Dogan, Francis Manapul, etc, that are doing commissions at the con, expect $100 for a pencil or pencil-and-ink sketch on 11x17 110 lbs comic bristol. Expect $50-$30 for a bust sketch, and anywhere from free to $20 for a head sketch.

Some famous artists, like Bruce Timm, will do one specific type of commission (Timm does head sketches in sharpie and felts) for moderately high fees ($50 for a head sketch).

Artists alley is a crapshoot, to be honest. I got a Rogue, the picture linked early in this thread, by a Toronto freelance water ink artist (Vince Sunico) last year for $10, when I would have happily paid $40+ for the work. On the flipside, I got a $20 commission from a new up and coming artist that had an impressive portfolio and it ended up looking like melted candle wax on paper. I was so unimpressed I've since forgotten his name and the art is in a dark corner of my wardrobe, waiting to be burned :P

The best bet for value is to look through the guest list artists, and then look through the artists alley list. I know I'm going to try to get $200 for two high end commissions that I KNOW I want from current artists, and another $100 if I can manage it, and take probably another $100 for on-the-spot print purchases or commissions (if Vince Sunico is there again, i am SO getting a water ink Psylocke :D)

Also, for the comic book collectors, I do know that there are going to be two comics with Calgary Con variant covers, one being Witchblade.

[BigDannyCool]

thanks for the helpful info.

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by BigDannyCool
thanks for the helpful info.

That's why I'm here :)

[know1edge]

oh man im actually considering going just for laura vandervoort
:drool:

[scary_perry]

Originally posted by Vagabond142
403: Bottom of this page:

http://www.calgaryexpo.com/buy-tickets

$20 per day advance, or $35 for the full 2.5 day pass (best value and what I, and pretty much everyone else, gets). Only thing is, you have to be there REALLY early on the Saturday if you don't want to have to wait an hour in line once the doors open. The Saturday door time for advanced in 9:30, and I'll probably arrive there at 7-7:30 and still be about 200-300th in line. o_O

Penis:

Kids under 12 get in free with an adult admission paid by a parent. However, as to the viability of enjoyment... A lot of a comic con is a LOT of standing (if you go for a full day, expect 10+ hours on your feet), walking at achingly slow pace, and there aren't all that many &quot;kid oriented&quot; areas.

Also, it is PACKED. Standing room only, shoulder to shoulder. There are points where you have to lower your shoulder and simply shove through packs of people.

Also, keep in mind, half the convention floor is given over to artists and big stars, the other half to hawkers and sellers.

In my opinion, I don't think she'd enjoy it overly much, and it could degenerate into a &quot;when are we going hoooome my legs huuuuurt?!&quot; kind of thing (I was 28 last year, biking and doing exercise, and my legs were solid pillars of pain after the first day). I honestly think that 8-10 is a good starter age for a comic con, as the kids at that point have an idea of what is really going on and can appreciate the cool stuff, like watching artists draw, stars do panels, perusing the comic tables for old and rare books, etc. However, that is simply my opinion.

EDIT: http://www.calgaryexpo.com/kids &lt;--- not the most informative page ever, but it seems they are building a bit in special interest for kids this year.

I hate lineups.

I was hoping they would find a venue big enough to get me and my kids inside (spending money) quickly. Maybe next year.

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by scary_perry


I hate lineups.

I was hoping they would find a venue big enough to get me and my kids inside (spending money) quickly. Maybe next year.

It's a truth about nearly any con you go to, with perhaps the exception of Con-Version (which is more of a literary (fantasy, sci fi, etc) and arts con vs a media con like CCEE), that there are line ups. Hell, at the San Diego Comic Con, some lines for *artists* are known to reach upwards of 3-5 hours, just to get books signed or sketch commissions O_o

[BigDannyCool]

Laura Vandervoort and Katee Sackoff are not gonna be at the expo. Summer Glau is gonna be there now though. Big fan of hers.

[403Gemini]

Originally posted by BigDannyCool
Laura Vandervoort and Katee Sackoff are not gonna be at the expo. Summer Glau is gonna be there now though. Big fan of hers.

If everything goes as planned in my mind, I will be getting engaged that weekend... :rofl: .... and yes I mean to Summer Glau ;)

[Vagabond142]

One week and a day to the preview day! :D

The program has been released in PDF, here:

http://www.calgaryexpo.com/sites/default/files/CCEE%202011%20Program.pdf

A couple of thoughts from a long time Con-freak :D

-Hurry up and wait. You WILL be lined up for the bigger attractions. Thankfully, Shatner has extended his schedule (and the con is probably paying an extra $10k for the priviledge) so he's there both Saturday and Sunday. Still, there is an entire tenth of the GIGANTIC con floor space dedicated to Shatner's lineup. The poor man is going to be swamped XD

Basically, the best way to get to your prime two choices of guests/artists/etc is to line up early. Friday, not so much because the doors open at 4 and panels and such start at 6, so I expect a lot of people that work downtown to simply hop over to the Round Up center and voila, con-goers in business suits :D

Saturday and Sunday, get there early. I cannot stress this enough to my friends. Last year Saturday, the prepurchased tickets line was so long it went down the hall, around the corner to the corral doors, then looped back around and ended OUTSIDE THE MAIN ROUND UP CENTER DOORS. Let me stress this again: IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, GET THERE EARLY!

Bring a book, a DS, an iPhone loaded with movies, etc. You will be lined up for a while. There is no way around it at a Con. Lining up is part and parcel of the experience. That said, do remember to stretch every 10-15 minutes in line. Jog in place, do light lunging stretches, just keep the blood flowing in your legs. By the end of Sunday, if you're doing the full weekend, expect to be screaming in agony, even if you're fit as a fiddle. Your legs will HURT.



-Budget. Be realistic about it, then build in buffer space. I budgeted $300 for last years con, with a buffer to hit $500. I spent $480 :D If you're budgeting $500, plan to $750. If you're budgeting $750, plan for $1000. Having that buffer room means either a) you don't get tapped out of money when you finally find that ultra-rare edition of X-Men that you need to complete your entire 50 year set and b) if you don't need the buffer, or don't even hit your budget, well, then you have some money to either save or set aside for something else like wheels for your car :D Just make sure that whatever money you DO use at the con is disposable. Don't spend your rent for a 9.5 (mint) collector's grade X-Men #1 :P (although that is almost worth the sacrifice XD)


-Be prepared. Bring ample water, snacks, camera, spare batteries, memory cards for camera, movies on your iphone/droid/smart-device, books, doodlepads, notebooks, bag to carry all this, spare bag for purchases, art folder for art pieces you commission and original art pages you buy, light coat in case the A/C goes antarctic like last year (I swear I saw a penguin migration at the con)... you get the point. Think about everything you could POSSIBLY need and start putting it together NOW. Check it every day. And then curse to the stars and beyond when you get there and have forgotten something (like me with my doodlepad for quick artist sketches last year XD). Above all, if you are a prepurchased ticket person, for the love of gawd, KNOW WHERE YOUR TICKET IS RIGHT FREAKING NOW. Buddy of mine was late to the con by 3 hours last year because he couldn't find his ticket, which was in his pants pocket the entire time -________-

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by 403Gemini


If everything goes as planned in my mind, I will be getting engaged that weekend... :rofl: .... and yes I mean to Summer Glau ;)

Nononon, she'll be engaged to me :drool: :love: :love: :drool:

[SmAcKpOo]

I am pretty much only interested in the art. I cant justify waiting hours to meet Captain Kirk or Felicia Day.

My question is about the artwork as I have never been there before. How much does some of the custom art cost? How much does commission artwork usually cost?

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by SmAcKpOo
I am pretty much only interested in the art. I cant justify waiting hours to meet Captain Kirk or Felicia Day.

My question is about the artwork as I have never been there before. How much does some of the custom art cost? How much does commission artwork usually cost?

Okay... this is a really simple question with a REALLY complex answer XD I'll try to have it make sense.

For artists alley (ie small time artists, print shops, independant artists and home businesses), you're looking at between $10-$40 for a commission, depending on size, style, etc. Also, some artists just have a flat fee, no matter WHAT size they do.

For big name artists (ie anyone with a full booth to themselves), you're looking at anywhere from free (for things that take less than 10 minutes and are usually limited to a head sketch, or, if really polite and nice to the artist, a bust level sketch) to over $500.

The breakdown goes thusly:

If you actually socially engage the artist beyond the "your art is cool!" the better the chance they'll be willing to do things for you at a decent rate, maybe throw in a little extra for what you pay. This is how I was able to get a free bust level sketch last year from Marcus To. I chatted away with him for a good 5 minutes, and he said "Here, while we chat, lemme draw you Fathom, since we're talking about the books anyways. This is the result:

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk13/Vagabond142/IMG_0725.jpg

A step above free is the "quality head sketch." These cost anywhere from $20-$50 depending on the artist and the complexity. For example, for $20 I was able, last year, to get (Eric Vedder from UDON):

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk13/Vagabond142/IMG_0730.jpg

A step above the head sketch is the fine-line character art. I don't say sketch because it will USUALLY entail some rough pencils, but there is a fine line definitely set out in the art. This example is from Omar Dogan of UDON, was $100 (with another $250 paid late last year for a digital follow up and color rendering, also linked). OF SPECIAL NOTE: Through being social and engaging to the artist, I was able to get the digital redo and coloring even when he wasn't taking commissions, as well as now being on his preferred commissions list, ie he will accept commissions from me when he updates his status to "limited commission" to his fan following):

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk13/Vagabond142/IMG_0718.jpg

And the digital folow-up:

http://www.deviantart.com/download/188122153/chun_li_formal_by_omar_dogan-d3403zd.jpg


The step above fine line pencil art is inked art. This is USUALLY the most expensive art at a convention, and can run from $140-$150 (the quote Marcus To has for my Fathom scene he's going to do at the Con) to $500 for the super detailed, perfectionist ink art that is also shaded in greyscale and has details so fine that you miss them the first 10 times looking at the art). I wasn't able to afford pure ink art last year :(

This year, I am getting one ink art, one greyscale watercolor, one fine line pencil, and a couple of artist alley pieces I've already talked to the artists about :D

There are also artists that will bring original pieces that were scanned for comic books and such and be selling the original art. I know that Francis Manapul does this if you contact him ahead of time... unfortunately, all the good Witchblade and Tomb Raider stuff he did is already gone :(


EDIT: OF EXTREMELY IMPORTANT NOTE: All the prices stated (unless said that I received a quote already this year), are LAST YEARS PRICES. Artists can change their commission rates wildly year to year, depending on the strength of the currency. Honestly, expect Canadian artists to be slightly more expensive this year than last, and expect American artists to be the same or even slightly cheaper.

[Vagabond142]

Just liaised with a couple of friends I know that are helping to set up the con... it looks like the major stars are being set up in special, wider booths than last year. Shatner has a gigantic booth all to himself, which should really cut down on the line protruding out onto the con floor and keep the crowding down.

All in all, it seems like the media guests are getting more line-handling capacity and more overall room, which should really work well towards keeping things sane. Good move on the part of the con d(^^ d)

[Mar]

Will there be anyone selling old school Transformers at this thing?

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by Mar
Will there be anyone selling old school Transformers at this thing?

Probably in the vendor area. Lots of collectors/small shops/big shops set up booths and bring out all the rare collectibles for sale/trade at the show. Unfortunately, the only way to really tell is to go visit the con itself. I'll be there Friday evening, so I could probably take a quick cruise through the vendors and see if I see any :thumbsup:

[Wakalimasu]

Im selling part of my collection.. :O

http://www.cybertron.ca/boards/showthread.php?t=32162

but i thinking of having my friend a vendor selling other stuff

[Vagabond142]

Nifty :D Who's your vendor buddy, will have to go by and check out their booth d(^^ d)

Do you know if this friend of yours also sells figurines or statuettes? Im hunting for one very specific statuette that would complete my collection O_O!

[Mar]

Originally posted by Wakalimasu
Im selling part of my collection.. :O

http://www.cybertron.ca/boards/showthread.php?t=32162

but i thinking of having my friend a vendor selling other stuff

Can you send me your list? I'd like to view it on Cybertron but I uh........kind of hacked that forum and ran a script that brought down their email server so they banned my IP for life. Yeah, they don't like me there. I was Deemar if you remember me from months ago, I used to post a lot and then just disappeared one day. I still run a ping of death on them whenever I get bored....those fuckers.

[BigBearWest]

Originally posted by Mar


Can you send me your list? I'd like to view it on Cybertron but I uh........kind of hacked that forum and ran a script that brought down their email server so they banned my IP for life. Yeah, they don't like me there. I was Deemar if you remember me from months ago, I used to post a lot and then just disappeared one day. I still run a ping of death on them whenever I get bored....those fuckers.

I got your back Mar

I got some stuff I want to sell. Listed are MISB unless otherwise noted.

Seeing if there is any interest. I got an idea of how much they are worth, but make me a reasonable offer. I will post pictures if required.


Alternators

Meister
Windcharger
Silverstreak
Tracks
Smokescreen
Dead End
Sideswipe
Hound
Skids
Mirage
Swindle
Binaltech Yellow Tracks

Classics

Optimus Prime
Jetfire
Starscream
Ramjet
Bumblebee
Universe Sunstreaker

E-hobby

Orion Pax
Detritus

G1 Reissue

Rodimus Major
Starscream


Misc

Energon Ultra Magnus
Cybertron Primus
Energon Dark Unicron
Cybertron Dark Scorponok
WST Dinobots (all 5)
Universe Treadbolt
Titanium Series Cybertron Starscream
Animated Arcee
Costco Cybertron Prime + Jetfire
Universe Blaster
Armada Hot Shot (red)
Universe Swerve
Cybertron Override
DOTM Shockwave

[Mar]

Just looking for Generation 1, thanks though. And loose preferred, I like to put them on display. I'd cry if I had to open a 27 year old toy.

[HyperZell]

Originally posted by Mar


Can you send me your list? I'd like to view it on Cybertron but I uh........kind of hacked that forum and ran a script that brought down their email server so they banned my IP for life. Yeah, they don't like me there. I was Deemar if you remember me from months ago, I used to post a lot and then just disappeared one day. I still run a ping of death on them whenever I get bored....those fuckers.

Lol, care to explain?

[Mibz]

Anybody who's capable of that is also capable of using a proxy :/

[HyperZell]

Originally posted by Mibz
Anybody who's capable of that is also capable of using a proxy :/

http://img.chan4chan.com/img/2009-04-16/1239911083166.jpg

[Vagabond142]

Proxies are for wimps :poosie: ;)

Still, super excited about this weekend. Looking forward to abducti- er, meeting Summer Glau, and getting all my commissions done :D I'm also picking up the original art for a page of Witchblade from Francis Manapul, that's gonna be kickass d(^^ d)

The week of geek continues!

[z2two]

Will you guys have gaming booths like last year?