Comic Con. Day 2. Slight back story. Last year, my Halloween costume was Destiny, from Neil Gaiman’s “The Sandman.” The robe was made by an incredible costumer friend of mine, and I personally made the giant book. I think it still needs work, but that’s just me. Anyway, my dream to wander around as a monk with a giant book was cut short by Hurricane Sandy and the fact that the city came to a stand-still. What this means, is that I on day 2, I had a Destiny costume, and a pass to Comic Con, and need to feel a part of something.
I packed up a bag full of my costume and props, since I don’t have the guts, at the moment, to go wandering around Midtown in costume on a non-Halloween day. Now, let me tell you, finding a free bathroom in the Javits Center to change into a large, flowing robe is rather difficult. Especially if you have a bag and a giant book that you don’t really want touching the floor. Once I got that figured out, it was time to attend the Con!
First stop was to take a longer look at Artists’ Alley. Last time, I wasn’t really able to look at a lot of the artists and take the whole thing in. Which, as someone who’s read some graphic novels, but never really got into “mainstream comics” or however you want to call them, was fascinating, plus dizzing, since I had no clue who any of these folks were. Yet, wander around, I did. And get stopped to have people take my picture. I don’t say this to say that my costume was amazing, but more that when you’re in costume, you get your picture taken. Unless you’re the 50th Doctor Who someone has seen. Then you get ignored.
Artists’ Alley produced a treasure trove of new artists. If you aren’t familiar with these artists’ work, I think you should be. Mark Finkel. Sanya Anwar (no, really. I was floored by her work and think you will be, too). Michael Banks. Jorge Coelho (another one I was floored by. I'm not familiar with Polarity, but I want to be). Sarah Miller.
Much of Sunday was taken up by wandering around Artists’ Alley. Why? Because it, in and of itself was huge, and most of the artists were very friendly. Stopping at any booth usually meant a 5-15 minute conversation with the artist, and yes, sometimes a sales pitch, but honestly, they were all worth it. The main floor, honestly, was incredibly crowded and difficult to navigate. Though, I will say I was excited to learn about the return of Ranma ½, since I’ve been trying to hunt that anime down. Also, it means that when I do my Genma burlesque act, more people will get it.
My minor foray into the main exhibition hall did land me the info of these folks, whom I also highly recommend you check out. The Illustrated Guide to Law. On Target Network. Wayward Raven.
Unfortunately, Sunday seemed much shorter then Saturday (probably because it was). In Artists’ Alley, there were a few last things to pick up, along with a mad dash by many artists to get rid of excess materials (yes, I got some nice swag). Exhausted, and still in costume, I made my way out of the Javits’ center. I totally plan on going back next year. I just need to pick my costume.
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