Ghost Rider takes a break at Sakura Con 2012 Seattle, courtesy Seattle Pulp, photo by Josh Lewis
On the heels on Emerald City Comicon, Sakura Con invaded Seattle. The three-day anime celebration brought outrageous cosplay and thousands of fans to Seattle. I love this shot of Ghost Rider. He must have been so exhausted from ECCC the previous weekend that he just stuck around!
My friends at SeattlePulp.com (who publish my weekly Top 5 and other stories) and photographer Josh Lewis captured all the fun. Here’s the link to day 1 and day 2.
Seattle, we still have Crypticon, Zombcon, Geek Girl Con and Jet City Comic Show, I LOVE this geek filled city!
Stormtroopers keep the crowd in line at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
My second day at Emerald City Comicon in Seattle was packed with geek fun, great moments and exclusives. Any tiredness from day one was suddenly gone as we got the signal to enter the hall after an hour plus wait packed among hundreds of fans.
Robert Kirkman get a thank you gift from a fan at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
I immediately raced to the Image/Skybound booth for a chance at getting a ticket to get an autograph from Robert Kirkman, the creator and Executive Producer of The Walking Dead. His story is a geek dream come true. A few cons ago you waited a little while to get his autograph. Now he’s got a hit television series, successful imprint producing hit after hit series, has several con panels dedicated to his work, and you need a ticket for an autograph. Ask any of Kirkman’s fans and you’ll agree he’s earned all his success.
Multiple lines for several media stars at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
Edward James Olmos from his panel at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com, photo by Cliff Olmstead
I descended into lower level where eager geeks lined up for autographs and photo opportunities with their favorite sci-fi celebrities from television and movies (for a fee.) Edward James Olmos was my number one. The veteran actor of Blade Runner and Admiral William Adama on Battlestar Galactica had a rugged but regal presence. I chose the cast photo and he signed along with writing the quote “Roll the Hard Six…So Say We All…” Admiral Adama. I’m rarely speechless but I finally expressed my love of his performance and the episodes he directed. A handshake, smile and exchange back and I think I was floating, glowing and certainly grinning as I walked away and down the exit line. Fellow Galactica followers still in line smiled back at me knowing their upcoming moment with the Admiral could be just as satisfying.
A young trooper at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
The 501st is a Northwest group of Star Wars fans who dress up like the iconic characters and take fan photos for donations. After years of trying to meet up with him I finally saw Chewbacca! I’ve always wanted a photo with the coolest Wookie in the galaxy. Luckily this Chewbacca was visiting from the Oregon branch of the 501st. A big win on my geek checklist!
Chewie Rules! at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
Terry and Rachel Dodson (X-Men, Defenders) Clay Mann (X-Men Legacy) Chris Burnham (Batman Inc) Brian Wood (X-Men, Northlanders) Matt Whitlock and Shane Houghton (Peanuts) Joe Eisma (Morning Glories) were the creators on my quest for autographs and exclusive prints.
A big thank you to DC Comics who gave away so many free issues, posters, buttons and swag. Once again, I had great timing with Dustin Nguyen (Batman, Batman Beyond) offering free sketches for a brief time. I had Chris Burnham sketch Batgirl the day before so I kept it in the Bat family. I was thrilled with Nguyen’s sketch of the Huntress.
Iron Fist raises his hands for a question at a panel at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
Marvel definitely offered their fans access to top talent: Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction, Rick Remender, Dan Slott were among the writers answering fan questions and giving teases about the future of Avengers, X-Men and Spider-Man in multiple panels.
Marvel favorites at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
Saturday is always the busiest day with a variety of panels and the most cosplay since the big costume competition is that night. From popular choices like Avengers, Batman, Superman to rare surprises like Dazzler (from the disco era) and the worlds of Star Wars, Trek, and Firefly. Saturday was a star packed, panel filled and costumed crazy day at Emerald City Comicon. The fun doesn’t slow on Sunday with more photo ops, signings and more.
Stay tuned for most posts including a gallery of costumed craziness!
The Lines Room outside the massive line room at ECCC - ComicsBlend.com
Emerald City Comicon is here! Stars, swag and geek dreams come true all on display for eager fans. The Washington State Convention Center became geek ground zero. At we waited for the 2pm opening the Skybridge was stuffed with fans then there were seven lines of eager geeks packed in a giant panel room with another huge line out beyond the entry way.
Matt Fraction at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
Today’s agenda was autographs! Matt Fraction was my first – he recognized me from the previous two years – sigh! I had him sign Fear Itself #1 Casanova: Avarita #1 and #2, The Mighty Thor #1 and The Defenders #1. Matt draws clever word balloons on the covers too for that unique touch. Matt’s wife is Kelly Sue DeConnick. I was thrilled to talk about her upcoming new book starring Ms. Marvel now as the new Captain Marvel (she gave out some cool Captain Marvel promo buttons!) and scoop on her next Castle graphic novel.
Ed Brubaker at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
Seattle’s very own Ed Brubaker always has a huge line of fans and the celebrity status is well deserved. While he autographed Captain America #1, The Winter Soldier #1 and Fatale #1 we discussed the sell-out success of Fatale, his creator owned horror mystery and Bucky Barnes back as the Winter Soldier.
Gail Simone at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
Gail Simone is a fan favorite for her Birds of Prey, Secret Six and Wonder Woman runs and for being a trailblazing female writer. I had Simone autograph her recent Batgirl #1, and Wonder Woman #600. I also had her sign my copy of The Power Within, an anti-gay bullying comic published by Seattle’s own Northwest Press. She was a contributor. Simone and her outstanding career is celebrated in a Saturday panel.
With Gail Simone at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
Rick Remender had a breakout year in 2011. I had Remender sign several of his Uncanny X-Force issues and his first Secret Avengers issue. Remender talks about his Fear Agent series and popular take on Marvel’s undercover teams in a Saturday spotlight panel.
Monsters & Dames Charity Book courtesy Emerald City Comicon
Adi Granov is a conceptual designer on the Iron Man and upcoming Avengers films. He created the cover for this year’s Monsters and Dames charity book. I had Granov sign several X-Men cover issues and scored his illustration book packed with covers and concept sketches! Art lovers buy this limited edition book and then hunt for the artists at the con who contributed.
With "Batman" artist Greg Capullo at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
The biggest surprise was Greg Capullo. The man is built and looks tough. This guy should be in superhero movies. He’s been working for decades to become an overnight sensation. Capullo was known for his work on X-Force, Spawn and Angela and now he’s winning raves for his Batman. Capullo even had sketches of Scarecrow with the ECCC logo to sign and give away to every fan who came to his table.
Chris Burnham, artist on Batman Inc at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
DC Comics was very giving all day with free issues, posters and more cool swag at their booth. I happen to walk by at the right time. Chris Burnham, the artist on the upcoming Batman Inc, was making fan dreams come true with free sketches of their favorite DC icons. I asked for Batgirl. He was great to ask “which one, which era?” Chris created a New 52 Barbara Gordon Batgirl head shot that I’m having framed!
The big get for ECCC and for any lucky fan: Marc Silvestri. I had been following Marc’s work since his Uncanny X-Men (I got the famous Wolverine crucified on a X cross issue signed) and Wolverine runs in the late 80’s and 90’s. Silvestri became a founding member of Image Comics and head of Top Cow Productions where he created hits like Witchblade and The Darkness. I snapped up The Art of Marc Silvestri retrospective book collecting his years of work. I was just above the cutoff line so I made it into the last bunch of fans to get this awesome opportunity for his autographs and one on one moment with a legendary creator.
Inside the Hall waiting for the mighty Marc Silvestri at ECCC, ComicsBlend.com
All that (plus seeing crazy costumed fans and meeting my friends in Garrison Titan – the Star Wars fans who raise money for charity) in just 6 hours. Saturday is a full day with more autograph seeking, photo taking, hunting for rare comics and enjoying wonderful geek moments.
Watch for a new post with the gallery of costumed fans!
Every Wednesday I bring geek speak to Seattle Smart Talk Radio 570 KVI on The Buzz with Scott Carty. I share the latest in comics, science fiction and all things geeky with Scott – who is very non-geeky but I’m winning him over! As you can see – he’s siding with me and the X-Men when it comes to AvX! Here’s this week’s segment from my YouTube channel.
Tom Hiddleston as Loki & Chris Hemsworth as Thor in Thor courtesy Marvel
Not only is Seattle comic book cool because we’re the home of Emerald City Comicon, Ed Brubaker, Fantagraphics and Soundgarden (their first song in 15 years will be featured in Marvel’s The Avengers!) but we have the Seattle International Film Festival.
SIFF Cinema is giving Avengers fans their own heroic festival to get caught up on the super team’s solo adventures. The Avengers Assemble series is April 30th May 4th at SIFF Cinema Uptown. You can see The Incredible Hulk, an Iron Man Double Feature, Thor in 3D and Captain America: The First Avenger in 3D.
And don’t forget the The International Film Festival starts May 17th.
The gorgeous Question tattoo on the fabulous Margaret of our Comic Book Group! ComicsBlend.com
Seattle comic book fans from diverse backgrounds and with even more diverse tastes gathered for the third monthly gathering at Zanadu Comics Downtown to share and talk comic books, news and creators.
“Rachel Rising” by Terry Moore was our book of the month. (It’s like Oprah’s book club for geeks!) A girl crawls out of a ravine after being buried alive, tried to uncover what happened in that lost time. Dark, gritty art mixed with an eerie mystery reminds me of “Twin Peaks” and “The Killing.” The possible theme of a doppelgänger and that the heroine could be in the wrong body came from the group.
courtesy Terry Moore
“I like the way he writes women,” and “he does not overexplain,” are among the comments sparked an exploration of Terry Moore’s other work, “Strangers in Paradise”, “Echo” and “Love and Rockets.”
The 6 issues of “Rachel Rising” are being collected into a trade collection coming out later this month and a preview will be in this month’s issue of “The Walking Dead.”
“Moebius is a God,” said Casey as our panel leader took a moment to recognize the death of the influential French artist. This continued our exploration of European comics which are called albums not issues and are treated like fine art. Comic book artists in Europe are celebrated as national heroes and commissioned to create public art.
More of this week’s picks from our panel:
“Whispers in the Walls” is a beautiful and creepy graphic novel in the style of Guillermo Del Toro’s work mirroring a slow descent into madness.
“Corto Maltese” a trade collection of rare European pulp adventure strips by Hugo Pratt.
“Archie Meets KISS” was “weird, hard to get through but a fun different take on Archie but you have to commend the publisher for pushing boundaries with stories about gay characters, interracial romance and breast cancer.
Avengers Children's Crusade #7 by Jim Cheung courtesy Marvel.com
“Avengers Children’s Crusade” reached a finale about 3 years and was just beautiful art and storytelling and “incredible to feature two gay couples so prominently in the storyline.”
“Emitown” is an anime style collection from a Portland, Oregon based creator that’s semi autobiographical comics about Emi’s daily life. One panelist called it “a comic book about the cool girlfriend you wish you had.”
“Week in Hell” is an experimental comic book by a woman who locked herself in a New York City hotel room and “turned off her mind and drew.”
“Womanthology” is a mammoth book of stories featuring more than 140 female creators. It became a sensation before it was published. Women artists and writers have been underrepresented in the industry for a long time. One female editor took editor and raised the money on Kickstarter to secure the printing of these tales by published and brand new female creators.
“The Last of the Greats” is next month’s book of the month to read. Once there were seven heroes with the powers of Gods now there is only one to save an Earth on the brink of destruction.
Every month with this group I discover so many comic books beyond the traditional superhero type. While the latest with X-Men, Avengers and Batman is always in the discussion, it’s the sharing of never before experienced (new and old) creators, comics and themes that make this a great experience with fellow fans. Come join us next month!
Emerald City Comicon Exclusive by Alex Ross courtesy Emerald City Comicon
Emerald City Comicon revealed their stellar lineup of programming for this year’s big event including more than 120 panels! I seriously need to look into cloning.
Along with top comic book creators, sci-fi movie stars and iconic voice talents, there’s a big focus on local creators, history and trends. Here are some this year’s panel with a local focus:
Seattle Superstorm: A SyFy Channel World Premiere, Friday March 30th at 4pm. An unidentified object crashes into Puget Sound followed by unusual weather and quakes. Can a military mom and scientist dad save their family and stop the Seattle Superstorm from spreading and annihilating the planet. This disaster flick stars Esai Morales (Caprica, 24) and Ona Grauer (V, Stargate Universe)
The Power Within from Northwest Press, Art by Mark Brill
The Bad and the Bold: (LGBT Characters) Friday, March 30th 4pm Seattle’s own Charles “Zen” Christensen of Northwest Press moderates this discussion of LGBT representation in comics. What’s a postive or negative portryal of LGBT characters?
Northwest Noir: Seattle’s Legacy of Counterculture Comix Friday, March 30th 6pm A look at the influence of Seattle cartoonists and inspired a new comix movement and creation of local publisher Fantagraphics books. How the grunge movement elevated alternative comix. Seattle and Portland were home to 6 alternative comix publishing houses by the start of this millenia.
We Are Legion: Meet the 501st Legion Meet the all-volunteer group of Star Wars fans who make appearances all over the world raising money for charity and giving other fans the photo op of a lifetime. Learn the Legion’s origin, its relationship with Lucasfilm and how you can join.
We’re Laughing WITH You: Geek Stand Up Comedy featuring some of the funniest comedians in the Northwest. Friday, March 30th 5:30pm
Outdoor Trek (The Indoor Edition) Friday, March 30th 5pm Hello Earth Productions of Seattle presents “This Side of Paradise” an adaptation of an Original Star Trek series episode. Spock in love. The crew break into a rousing musical number! It’s Trek boldly performed like you’re never seen before!
