Man, what a show! In my mind, the weekend is still nothing but a blur, but hopefully sitting down to write this article will help jog some things loose. Like the past two years, C2E2 (Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo) was held at the beautiful McCormick place in Chicago. This year, Amy and I were heading up for the entire weekend, Friday through Sunday, and we were setup with our great friends at ComicRelated.com.
Friday morning, we packed up the truck and hit the road. We only live about an hour and a half away, but this year we were staying closer to the show to avoid driving back and forth daily. We arrived at the show around 11:30 a.m., proceeded to get our press passes and then headed onto the show floor. When you come up on the show floor entrance, you are treated to the bright red carpeting which lines the aisles of the show. This is a HUGE plus for Reed, the organizers, because it really does help take some wear off of your feet while walking around. However, the carpet does not extend into Artists Alley.
So we made our way back to where the CR booth was and got everything set down. Trust me, it is not easy to carry in 8 bags on one trip. My shoulders were already killing me. We set our stuff down, and then it became my mission to find all of the Ghastly Award winners and nominees, so I could give them their awards. I was able to quickly find Cullen Bunn, Menton Mathews III, Dirk Manning, Archaia Entertainment, and Avatar Press. It was an honor to hand them their certificates and chat with them about the Awards.
Before we even knew it, it was 1 o'clock and the doors to the show opened. I love Friday's at shows because the crowd is always a little smaller and you get a great chance to go around and say hello to people. Friday is definitely the best day to get things done. Amy's goal for the weekend was to get video of everyone we know so she could compile it into a video covering the weekend. So we grabbed the cameras, and SpidermanGeek from ComicAttack.net and hit the floor. We did a good job covering the aisles on Friday, but sadly I never really made it out of Artist Alley. I had SG with me and we had a good time chatting since this was our first time meeting.
At one point we headed back over to the CR booth to find that a large line was forming around the corner. We had a large line circling around to the left all weekend because George Perez was setup across from us, but this line was forming to the right. I asked what was going on, and to my surprise, Shia LaBeouf had setup at an empty table across from us as well. So we had really good traffic in front of the table.
After getting back to the hotel on Friday night, I took a look at the pictures and realized how many people I had missed saying hi to while at the show. There was so much to try and get done at the show. It seemed very overwhelming at times. While at the con, time really does just fly by. It was not until Saturday that I would really get a chance to venture out and see more things.
Saturday we were up at the show by 9 a.m., and this gave us an hour to set things down and get some video before the show opened. My only plans for the day were to make sure to say hello to all of those I had missed the day before and go to the Roman Dirge panel. So I was out and about on the show floor making sure I caught everyone before going up to the panel. It was a huge surprise when I got to the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse booth, to see my quote right there on their banner. It was also really great to talk to Michael Mendheim and Mike Kennedy to find out the book sold out on the distributor level and that they were close to selling out at the show. It's an amazing book, so check it out.
Finally, it was noon so it was time to head up to sit in on the panel. I headed up to the room and it was packed. I know it doesn't look like it in the picture, but I was in the corner. If you ever have a chance to check out a panel showcasing Roman, I highly suggest it. He did a lot of Q&A and was able to tell us about some projects he is working on and of course he talked about Lenore.
After the panel, it was back down to the show floor to still cover more ground. Sadly, I was not able to shop for anything until Sunday. Looking back, it seems I spent a good deal of time on Saturday taking pictures and hanging out with my CR family: Chuck Moore, Gordon Dymowski, Chuck Kennedy, Kim & John Wilson, Aloysius Fox, Ginny Tonic, Kristan & Andy, and Spaced & Rodney. Amy got a lot of great video on Saturday, too. Before we knew it, and I mean that, the day was over.
Sunday was now upon us and it amazed me how fast the weekend had flown by. My goals for Sunday were simple: go to the Dirk Manning panel, get my copy of Taxidermied signed by Roman Dirge, and shop. When we got in and setup for the day, it was already time to rangle up Dirk and head up to his panel. I swear he almost had a heart attack when he saw how full the room was. For Dirk's panel, I was able to broadcast it live using Ustream and you can check out the recorded video here: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/21876027.
After Dirk's panel, we headed back down to the show floor where I ran into Roman and his girlfriend Amber. We chatted for a bit and I was able to get him to sign the book. Prior to the show we said we would grab a drink, and when leaving them to go do more show coverage, I pointed them to where they could get a drink. Roman, I still owe you a drink.
Entering the show floor again, it was time to get more pics and meet up with the SpidermanGeek and his wife Lucy, who were back at the show on Sunday. We chatted for a bit before I remembered that I still had one person I needed to find at the show. So I said my goodbyes and went out to find the elusive Brian Fyffe.
When I got to his booth, Brian and I chatted for a bit before heading back down to the CR booth where Brian was going to setup for a signing. His actual setup at the show had him already splitting a vendor booth with some friends, so it was nice to get him setup in Artist Alley for about an hour. It was really cool to be able to hang out with Brian for a while. We got to discuss his fantastic book, Zombie Chuck, and a lot of other things. By the time we got Brian moved back up to his table, it was finally time to shop. We had one hour left and I needed to buy!
I was mostly looking for some readers copies of horror rags. I was striking out left and right. Most dealers seemed to only have regular back issues, not the monster mags I so craved. Luckily, my good buddy Kyle Vargas had a hidden stash under his tables and I was able to get some copies of Creepy and Vampirella, so my shopping turned into a win.
Then the lights went out and the show was over. A frown quickly hit my face. It really seemed like the weekend had just started, but it didn't. Time flies at the show, and I want more show! I think next year I need to talk to Reed about going at it for a full week, just for me.
Looking back at the weekend, I can not say thank you enough to Reed for putting on an amazing show. This show is still about comics. I love how they "hide" the celebrities so they are not overpowering the main focus. The panels I went to were great, and the people, oh the people, are all so amazing.
Shout out time! If if forget you, it is so not on purpose. Thank you to Amy Royer, Chuck Moore, Gordon Dymowski, Chuck Kennedy, John & Kim Wilson, Aloysius Fox, Ginny Tonic, Emma Frost & Andy, Spaced & Rodney, Dirk Manning, Roman Dirge, Menton & Kasra, Tony Maldonado, Victor Carungi, Unshaven Comics, Mike & Heidi Beazley, Aaron Shapps, The Four Horsemen Crew, Dan & Lucy Briand, Brian Fyffe, Jon & Leo, Kyle, Brad, Matt, Roger, Gary Reed, Tony Mielo, Dennis Barger, George Perez, Leo Guerrero, Big D, Jeff Balke, Douglas Paszkiewicz, Sean Forney and everyone else! You all made this a great weekend I will never forget. Now lets get to the pictures!
PHOTO GALLERIES
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Issue: Nazi Werewolves from Outer Space #1
Writer: Simon Sanchez
Artist: Dean Juliette, Don Marquez, Jason Flowers
Publisher: Trauma Comics
Release Date: 2012
Pages: 24
Price: $3.75
“Adolf Hitler has returned (with a new look!) and he brings Nazi Werewolves From Outer Space to conquer Earth. This debut issue features a young Jack Lynch who must rise to the occasion to save himself, and possibly the world. This is a 24 page, full color book, with no ads, and heavy card stock. As a bonus, original concept sketches of the characters are included. It is action-packed from the first to the last page. If you are a fan of sci-fi/horror, or just want to try something new, then this is the book for you! You will not be disappointed. On sale now at Indy Planet!”
Dying Breath: 3.0 out of 5
When you have a comic book combing Werewolves and Nazis, how can one go wrong? This issue was a fast paced action ride into the realm of Sci-Fi horror as the invaders came from the skies to take over the Earth. The artwork captured the intense pace very well, but there were a few things in terms of proportion and perspective that threw me off a little. I loved Juliette’s style on the Werewolves though, because he was able to give them all a different look/appearance so they weren’t all clones of each other. Like I mentioned the story is fast paced, and for a first issue this both works to an advantage to capture a new audience, but can also take away a little in terms of story build. I have no doubt that future issues will flesh things out more, so for now consider me on board. The dialogue is something you would expect to find from a B-Movie. While it had a rough spot or two there is something brewing here that should play out nicely. For everyone out there who knows the combination of evil you get when you mix Nazis, Werewolves and Aliens than I think you can know what to expect from this book. Overall a fun read that I look forward to seeing more of.
Artwork: 3.0 out of 5 • Story: 3.0 out of 5
If you would like to buy or know more about Nazi Werewolves from Outer Space #1 you can find it at IndyPlanet.com
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Creator: Michael Mendheim
Writers: Michael Mendheim, Mike Kennedy, Sean Jaffee
Artist: Simon Bisley
Publisher: Heavy Metal
Release Date: April 2012
Pages: 76
Price: $14.95
“The End is Here – Welcome to the Apocalypse! Raised by the Order of Solomon, Adam Cahill is one of a rare handful of highly trained warriors bound by bloodline to guard the Seven Holy Seals that contain the End of Days. But ageless forces have conspired toward a prophetic event foretold by numerous cultures and multiple religions, and when that cryptic date arrives, they strike against the order without mercy! Adam’s world is shattered, his family murdered, and he is sent spiraling into Hell itself. There, he must find three corrupt souls, chosen by Divinity, to join him in battle against the legendary Horsemen of the Apocalypse. These broken individuals must band together to not only save their own souls but decide the fate of Humanity.”
Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
Oh the fires of Hell are burning bright within the pages of this red-hot title from Heavy Metal. I have been a big fan of Simon Bisley for a while now, and I have to admit, I didn’t initially recognize this as his artwork. He brought something new to these pages that took my feelings on his style to a whole new level. His character designs are flat-out GORE-Geous from the main cast to the minions and demons that inhabit this world. There was the occasional panel where it was more recognizable, but overall this came off as visually as something new. I have to throw huge art credit to the coloring and lettering team as well. This book is so visually stunning. It is what I expect from something coming from Heavy Metal, and then some. I was even surprised when it came to the story. Coming from the house that brings me some of the darker material in comics, I thought this would border more on the Satanic side and instead I was treated to a story of religious balance. Mendheim and crew do an amazing job on covering more than one religious viewpoint as the end of the world is almost at hand, which I was happy about because most times this subject matter is covered from only a Christian point of view. The dialogue is strong and the pacing is fantastic. While most of the book is running on a high note, they do take time to relax for a brief second and move the story along. This book was beyond what I expected and gave me more than I even wanted. From the jaw dropping art to the mind-blowing storyline I want more. That leads me to the point where I now get to yell, “Hey Mike and Simon, what’s the deal? I want more now!” This is one Hell (pun intended) of a tease, and you better believe I am on board until the end. Can I be the fifth horsemen, Decapitation?
Oh the fires of Hell are burning bright within the pages of this red-hot title from Heavy Metal. I have been a big fan of Simon Bisley for a while now, and I have to admit, I didn’t initially recognize this as his artwork. He brought something new to these pages that took my feelings on his style to a whole new level. His character designs are flat-out GORE-Geous from the main cast to the minions and demons that inhabit this world. There was the occasional panel where it was more recognizable, but overall this came off as visually as something new. I have to throw huge art credit to the coloring and lettering team as well. This book is so visually stunning. It is what I expect from something coming from Heavy Metal, and then some. I was even surprised when it came to the story. Coming from the house that brings me some of the darker material in comics, I thought this would border more on the Satanic side and instead I was treated to a story of religious balance. Mendheim and crew do an amazing job on covering more than one religious viewpoint as the end of the world is almost at hand, which I was happy about because most times this subject matter is covered from only a Christian point of view. The dialogue is strong and the pacing is fantastic. While most of the book is running on a high note, they do take time to relax for a brief second and move the story along. This book was beyond what I expected and gave me more than I even wanted. From the jaw dropping art to the mind-blowing storyline I want more. That leads me to the point where I now get to yell, “Hey Mike and Simon, what’s the deal? I want more now!” This is one Hell (pun intended) of a tease, and you better believe I am on board until the end. Can I be the fifth horsemen, Decapitation?
Artwork: 5.0 out of 5 • Story: 4.5 out of 5
If you would like to buy or know more about Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse Book 1 you can find it at http://fourhorsemen.heavymetal.com/
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The 2011 Ghastly Award Winners
Please feel free to begin sharing this starting Monday, April 2, 2012.
The panel judges are proud to announce the winners of the 2011 Ghastly Awards. Winners were chosen from entries nominated by their professional peers: comic book artist, writers, and publishers. The Ghastly Judicial Panel congratulates all 2011 nominees and winners. It is an honor to be so recognized by your fellow professionals for such outstanding work in horror comics.
The 2011 Winners are:
Best Ongoing Title:
Sixth Gun (Oni Press)
Best Mini-Series:
'68 (Image Comics)
Best One-Shot:
Hellblazer Annual 2011 (Vertigo)
Best New Series:
Green Wake (Image Comics)
Best Anthology:
Creepy (Dark Horse)
Best OGN:
Flesh & Blood (Monsterverse)
Best Archival Collection:
Bob Powell's Terror (IDW Publishing)
Best Writer:
Cullen Bunn - The Sixth Gun
Best Artist:
Riley Rossmo - Green Wake
Best Inker:
Mark Bloodworth - Deadworld Last Siesta
Best Letterer:
Menton Matthews III - Monocyte
Best Colorist:
Jay Fotos - Locke & Key, '68
Best Web Comic:
Disappointing Monsters
Hall of Fame Inductee:
"Ghastly" Graham Ingels
Named
for acclaimed comics creator "Ghastly" Graham Ingles, the awards are in
their 1st year. Created to honor excellence in Horror Comics, every
comic creator has a say in who the nominees are by nominating for their
favorites throughout the year.
The 2011 judging panel consists of Decapitated Dan (www.decapitateddan.com), Lonnie Nadler (www.Bloody-Disgusting.com), Steve Banes (http://thehorrorsofitall.blogspot.com/), Mike Howlet (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Weird-World-of-Eerie-Publications) and Mykal Banta (http://www.bloodypulptales.com/).
The 2011 judging panel consists of Decapitated Dan (www.decapitateddan.com), Lonnie Nadler (www.Bloody-Disgusting.com), Steve Banes (http://thehorrorsofitall.blogspot.com/), Mike Howlet (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Weird-World-of-Eerie-Publications) and Mykal Banta (http://www.bloodypulptales.com/).
We thank everyone who took the time to nominate in this years awards. Nominations are now open for the 2012 Awards!
We congratulate all of the Winners and Nominees for what they bring to the comic reading community. To be nominated by your peers is a big honor and the Ghastly Awards are here to celebrate your achievements.
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Issues: Drop Dead Dangerous #2
Writer: Chad Cabrera
Artist: Mike Banting
Publisher: Happy Lockjaw
Release Date: Feb. 2012
Price: $1.99 (digital)
Writer: Chad Cabrera
Artist: Mike Banting
Publisher: Happy Lockjaw
Release Date: Feb. 2012
Price: $1.99 (digital)
“Jack and Alice find themselves at an impasse when their client is found dead and their own personal demons start to emerge. The Raven continues his prowl and ominous signs accompany his return. Meanwhile, new players reveal themselves and war breaks out in the unsuspecting town. “
Dying Breath: 4.5 out of 5
My 2011 pick for the Best Book You Never Heard of is back and it is bringing all the serial killing goodness back with it! While this issue seems to build more on the back story, which is what a second issue should do, it is still an awesome read. Beginning with a horrific dream sequence, which is visually stunning, the story transfers into a mellow spot before bringing in some more bag guys for me to go gaga over. Banting’s artwork is eye melting, it fits into the “Manga” style, but he is able to really deliver on facial expressions, and his gore scenes are GORE-Geous. Ripping off someone’s arms never looked so good before! Cabrera keeps the story moving forward at a good pace, and his dialogue seems to always be spot on. I love this series, I just wish I could get it faster. While I sit here patiently waiting for more, make sure to go get the digital copies of this one. I hear printed ones may be in the works, so for now you can save some money and get the digital versions to enjoy.
My 2011 pick for the Best Book You Never Heard of is back and it is bringing all the serial killing goodness back with it! While this issue seems to build more on the back story, which is what a second issue should do, it is still an awesome read. Beginning with a horrific dream sequence, which is visually stunning, the story transfers into a mellow spot before bringing in some more bag guys for me to go gaga over. Banting’s artwork is eye melting, it fits into the “Manga” style, but he is able to really deliver on facial expressions, and his gore scenes are GORE-Geous. Ripping off someone’s arms never looked so good before! Cabrera keeps the story moving forward at a good pace, and his dialogue seems to always be spot on. I love this series, I just wish I could get it faster. While I sit here patiently waiting for more, make sure to go get the digital copies of this one. I hear printed ones may be in the works, so for now you can save some money and get the digital versions to enjoy.
Artwork: 4.5 out of 5 • Story: 4.5 out of 5
If you would like to buy or know more about Drop Dead Dangerous you can find it at http://dropdeaddangerous.wordpress.com/
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