C2E2 Con Recap - Day 1

Oh what a con! Wouldn't that be the teaser of a lifetime? I could just say that and leave you to wonder what I mean...but you guys know me and know that I love to tell you about amazing, so amazing, here we come!

Any con always starts out with travel and C2E2 is no exception! This year, my con weekend started out at 4:15am (Chicago time) on Friday. My things were already in the van, so it was get up, get dressed and head out the door. Traffic was good, with the usual Chicago hangups and I actually managed to make it to O'hare an hour ahead of schedule. I know you're wondering why the heck I went to O'Hare when the convention center isn't anywhere near there. Simple, my friends. Parking. Parking is way, way cheaper there than at any of the hotels. Plus, I was meeting a friend so that I could escort him to his first ever con! He picked me up (and was a total doll to bring me some yogurt since I hadn't eaten) and we headed in to the hotel.

As always, this is where it gets fun. If you've read my other con posts, you know that somehow I always have difficulty getting to the hotels. Usually a gps has something to do with it. In this case, the gps couldn't hold a signal well enough and kept recalculating about once every block. In the end though, our stubbornness
perseverance won out and we made it! We were too early to check in but they let us leave our bags there and it was off to our first day of the convention!

I would love to say that the shuttle ride was uneventful...Okay, for the most part, it was. However, there was this girl on the bus who was a bit unique and by the time we had gotten to the convention center, she had somehow determined that I should write a story and pitch it to Dark Horse and anyone else who would listen. With my busy schedule, I haven't done that yet but who knows..maybe someday you'll see my name on a cover as a writer. You just never know!

Once we got there, I used my "power of the press badge" to slip inside the exhibitor floor. Mostly I just wanted to drop off my coat and there were only about 15 minutes left before the floor opened up for everyone. Would you believe that somehow I managed to lose Jim in that time? Seriously! Luckily, he was listening for his phone and I tracked him down at the Zenescope table. You would think that I was known for hanging around there or something...oh wait....

After saying hi to everyone there, we headed back to Artist's Alley where 90% of my work takes place. I had forgotten just how huge of a place it was! Poor Jim got bored quickly standing there listening to me talk to people so he wandered off, but not before we went and saw the Buffy Shadowcast! Not being super familiar with Buffy but loving shadowcasts, I was interested. Jim, not knowing a lick about shadowcasts, but loving Buffy was interested. In the end, the venue for this was totally wrong, but the actors put on an enjoyable show.

From there, it was back to work for me and Jim decided to wander around and check everything out. I had a great time talking with everyone back in AA and bumped into more than one person that I knew! I have to say that conventions are so many things to me. I always learn something new and meet new people, but now they're giving me the opportunity to see people that I already know too.

The con floor closed at 7pm and let me tell you, they want you off the floor at 7:01. It's a bit crazy so I suggest that if you're attending this event, make sure your shopping is done by 6:55 and you're making your way to the exit or the orange shirts will shoo you along! They're totally nice about it, but those volunteers

take their jobs seriously. The best part of my day? That's really hard to say. I got snuggles from Eric and Mandy's little girl, Rockell...I got to hang out with Mike and Mary DeBalfo behind their table...and, while Jim was telling me a story of how he met some people who knew me, I happened to look over at the up escalator (we were on the down escalator) and I said, "You mean those people?" Turns out that he had run into Alfred Trujillo and Cara Nicole earlier in the day. We got to stand there talking with them for a bit and then it was back to our hotel to do a quick clothing change and head back out to a party! Busy, busy! Did I mention that I got to pop Jim's con cherry? I have to say that part was pretty sweet. It's always fun to watch a grown man's eyes get huge and watch him fanboy and try to figure out what to look at first.

My take on Day 1? Long. Exhausting. So much fun! I'm already looking forward to next year. Make sure you come back to see how Days 2 and 3 went as well as to see some peeks of our photo gallery from this year!

PS For those who might be wondering, no, I didn't take the route into Chicago where I could dodge the "trolls."

Amazon Gets into the Comic Book Exclusive Marketplace with Zenescope Art Book

Amazon, the #1 online retailer, is offering an exclusive Zenescope Art book to its customers, which is available for pre-order now. The art book, entitled The Art of Zenescope Limited Edition (Volume 1) will be released in September and will feature a plethora of the most sought after, limited edition, convention exclusives. The hardcover collection will also come with a limited edition print.

Zenescope Entertainment is well known in the comic book industry for their popular, and valuable convention exclusives that feature pin-up style artwork from some of the finest cover artists in the industry, including J. Scott Campbell, Eric “Ebas” Basaldua, Greg Horn, Ale Garza, Jamie Tyndall, Anthony Spay, Franchesco and Nei Ruffino to name a few. These exclusives have a strong resale value on the secondary marketplace, and are very limited print runs, usually no higher than 500 copies. Zenescope’s horror twist has allowed them to publish many new artistic interpretations of the classic fairy tale characters.

The art book will have a print run of 2500 copies. There will only be 1750 of this art book available through Amazon, as the other 750 of the print run will feature a different cover, and be made available through the direct market through distribution through Diamond.

The Art of Zenescope Limited Edition (Volume 1) is available for pre-order through Amazon here:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Zenescope-Limited-Edition/dp/1939683076/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1365690492&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=Zenescope+art+book

For more information on this or any other Zenescope products, visit www.zenescope.com or follow their updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Zenescope Entertainment was founded by Joe Brusha and Ralph Tedesco in 2005, and has quickly grown into one of the top comic book and graphic novel publishing companies in the world. Zenescope's Grimm Fairy Tales and subsequent spinoff series such as Wonderland, Neverland and Robyn Hood, which put a dark twist on classic fables, are some of the best-selling and longest-running original independent comic books on shelves today. Zenescope publishes and develops both original and licensed material and has worked with dozens of clients that include Discovery Channel, History Channel, CBS, Lionsgate TV, Mandalay Vision, New Line Cinema, Titmouse Studios and many others.

Big Dog Ink Teams Up With Wayne Gardiner to Bring Fans More Knightingail

Big Dog Ink and Knightingail comic creator/writer/producer Wayne Gardiner are overjoyed to announce that the Knightingail saga will be returning to Big Dog Ink this Summer! The all-ages, fantasy-adventure comic book Knightingail: Shadow Divisions will be available in comic book stores nationwide beginning July 2013 and will continue as a 6-issue monthly mini-series.

Suitable for fans young and old, Knightingail: Shadow Divisions continues to follow the adventures of Knightingail where the first mini-series volume, Knightingail: The Legend Begins, left off. In this breathtaking new series, Knightingail and her four Centurion companions must somehow find a way to unite and use their combined powers to destroy Luceus and a band of assassin warriors known as the Showdow Ravens.

Knightingail: Shadow Divisions will include the same phenomenal, full-color artwork featured in volume one.  New series penciler/inker Mel Joy San Juan brings amazing details and expressive facial emotions to Knightingail and friends.  Colorist Katrina Mae Hao returns from the first volume to add her breath-taking color artwork to the world of Knightingail.

Knightingail: Shadow Divisions will also feature amazing cover artwork. Keeping with Big Dog Ink tradition, two covers will be released nationally in stores. The Cover “A” artwork will be provided by interior artists Mel Joy San Juan and Katrina Mae Hao. Cover “B” artwork will be illustrated by the amazing team of Nathan Seals and Kate Finnegan who provide a unique Disney-
Manga like full-painted art style.  A talented line-up of artists will also be contributing cover art to the series including Dawn McTeigue, Jen Broomall, Mike DeBalfo, and Nei Ruffino with colors being provided by Ula Mos and Nei Ruffino.

 If you enjoyed Knightingail: The Legend Begins, creator Wayne Gardiner promises an even more thrilling and dynamic story in Shadow Divisions. Knightingail: Shadow Division fiercely launches into the challenges, perils, and anguish that result from war. Shadow Divisions features larger, epic battles only hinted at in the first volume while retaining the emotionally charged and sometimes hilarious dialogue that passes between Knightingail and her friends. Great for new readers and longtime fans of Knightingail, Wayne Gardiner weaves a narration monologue by Knightingail throughout the first issue introducing new and continuing readers to everything they need to know to appreciate this exciting new series.

About Big Dog Ink
Founded in 2009, Big Dog Ink is an independent publisher of diverse comic book properties such as PENNY FOR YOUR SOUL, URSA MINOR, CRITTER, KNIGHTINGAIL and REX: ZOMBIE KILLER.  Since its inception, Big Dog Ink has quickly become a top publisher in the industry with its hit series, THE LEGEND OF OZ: THE WICKED WEST, which has consistently charted in the "Diamond Top 300" list.  BDI has gained a loyal fan following due to our high quality art, stories and dedication to elevating the art of small press and creator owned publishing.

Phoenix Comicon - The Guests Never End!

Phoenix Comicon is proud to announce Steve Rude, Dave Beaty, Mike DeBalfo, Shannon Eric Denton, Eric M.Esquivel, Tony Parker, Alfred Trujillo, Andy Bohn, Ben Glendenning, Brian Augustyn, Daniel Bradford, and Denny Riccelli will be joining us for 2013.

“ We certainly are not holding out on Comic Book guests this year. We have a ton of fantastic and talented people on hand for 2013.”  Convention director Matt Solberg

Steve Rude is the co-creator of the groundbreaking Nexus comic series. Throughout his career he has won multiple awards including the Kirby award for best artist and many Eisner's for artistic achievement.

Comic artist, wirter and graphic designer Dave Beaty, who's worked with BOOM Studios, Marvel and DC among others. He has produced numerous award winning illustrations.

Mike Debalfo began his career by illustrating covers for Zenescope entertainment in 2009.  Debalfo continued drawing  overs for the companies most popular series including Grimm Fairy tales, Wounderland,and  Grimms Myths & legends. In 2012, he began working with Aspen Comics on Soulfire volume four.

Shannon Eric Denton is writer producer and artist who has worked with Cartoon Network, Warner Bros., NBC, Disney, Sony, Marvel Entertainment, Paramount, CBS,  DC Comics and many many more. Denton has also worked in the games industry on titles such as God of War  and Neo-Pets.

Comic book writer and journalist Eric M. Esquivel, has contributed to Boom! Studios, Bleeding Cool, Moonstone Books and many more.

Illustrator and storyteller Tony Parker, who works with Boom! Studios, Dark Horse Comics, DC, and most recently Aspen Comics. Other properties he's worked on include the HERO Initiative covers, Warhammer Fantasy and Warhammer 40K, Elephantmen, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Conan, Godzilla, Starship Troopers, and a myriad of pen and paper role playing games.

Comic book artist Alfred Trujillo has worked professionally in the omics industry since 2010. Zenescope, Big Dog Ink, Chameleon and Moonstone were the beginning. In 2012, Alfred gave up life behind a corporate desk and began his own company 183 DEGREE STUDIO writing and drawing his first creator owned book PROJECT: SHADOWS.

Andy Bohn has been a local creator since Phoenix Comicon 2010. In that time he focuses on creating, writing, and illustrating his own comic story, Elvatron Chronicles. Andy has also worked on various books such as Unite and Take Over: Stories Inspired by Songs of The Smiths, Mark of the Pterren and more.

Artist and writer Ben Glendenning has created SuperWorld, R.I.F.T. And more recently Tin Star Tex. Glendenning also created the series Skulljammer.

Daniel Bradford is a comic artist and co-creator of Robot 13, KING!, and disappointing monsters.

Comic book editor, writer, and creator of The Comic Book Insider, Bryan Augustyn, known  as an editor for DC comics. He work on  many of the most popular series including Batman, Flash, Justice League of America, and Wonder Woman. He has also worked as a writer for many other publishers including Marvel, Dark Horse, and Wildstorm.

Denny Riccelli is the creator of popular webcomics including Get That Chicken, Lollygagging, and Cousin Harold

Phoenix Comicon is the signature pop culture experience of the southwest. Comicon is presenting guests and programming for hobbyists by attracting the top segments of the comics, anime, sci-fi, film, tv, and gaming industries. Entering its eleventh year, Phoenix Comicon is expected to draw over 40,000 attendees to its May 23-26, 2013 convention held at the Phoenix Convention Center and Hyatt Regency in Downtown Phoenix.
For more information, please go to http://www.phoenixcomicon.com.

Announcing Big Dog Ink Cosplay Edition Variant Covers

Big Dog Ink is proud to announce a new feature for convention appearances: Cosplay Edition Variant Covers.  Limited edition, collectible variant covers have become a mainstay of the convention scene.  When the family goes to a theme park you buy a collectible key chain or shot glass.  When you go to a comic book convention, the variant cover is your must-have take home commemorative item.  Cosplayers are also a huge part of the convention scene.  Very little beats the thrill of seeing someone so in love with comics that they are inspired to dress up in a costume and wrap themselves in the personae of their favorite character

So what’s a Cosplay Edition Variant you may ask?  In short, it’s Big Dog Ink’s way of saying we love our devoted, committed, fanatical, amazing fans who come to conventions dressed up as Big Dog Ink characters and we want to support and reward their time, effort and general bad-assery.  Starting with our first 2013 convention appearance at Amazing Arizona Comic Con at the Phoenix Convention Center Jan 25-27^th, any fan that shows up at the Big Dog Ink booth dressed as one of our characters will take home one of a series of special super limited Cosplay Edition Variant Covers, completely FREE!

To start the series off with a bang, the first Cosplay cover will be a variant for Critter #8 featuring a gorgeous Mike DeBalfo cover with colors by coloring master Nei Ruffino.  So come out and visit Big Dog Ink at a convention appearance near you, get dressed in your best Naomi, Danica, Lucifer, Critter, Tin Man (or any BDI character that tickles your fancy) and pick up your very own FREE Limited Edition Cosplay Edition Variant Cover as a token of our appreciation for helping us prove that Big Dog Ink has the best and most committed fans in all of comicdom!

 About Big Dog Ink

Founded in 2009, Big Dog Ink is an independent publisher of diverse comic book properties such as PENNY FOR YOUR SOUL, URSA MINOR, CRITTER, KNIGHTINGAIL and REX: ZOMBIE KILLER.  Since its inception, Big Dog Ink has quickly become a top publisher in the industry with its hit series, THE LEGEND OF OZ: THE WICKED WEST, which has consistently charted in the "Diamond Top 300" list.  BDI has gained a loyal fan following due to our high quality art, stories and dedication to elevating the art of small press and creator owned publishing.

Editor's Note: Wow, wow and wow again! BDI is pulling out all the stops! I've never cosplayed but I've wanted to. This might be just the incentive I need!

Kickstarter of the Week: Unbound

A journey set in a dystopian future where the Greek gods of old will awaken and rise again. One man is the key to everything.

Launched: Oct 14, 2012
Funding ends: Nov 30, 2012

Unbound: The Awakening is a comic that brings the Greek gods into the future.  It is written by Kyle Stephens with art by Mariah Wall.  With your help we hope to launch the series in April of 2013.  This will allow us to finish issue 1-3 before the launch.  From there we plan to release the book every other month.  See below for the link to our free preview.

We will also be releasing a special Kickstarter Exclusive cover by Aspen Comics artist Mike Debalfo!

10/16/12 UPDATE!  We have just brought on another amazing artist!  Taylor Garrity, known for his work on Potential of Nine, has come on to do an exclusive print just for backers!  We will be posting progress of this print as it is made!

Please see samples of their work below!

10/30/12 UPDATE 2!  THANK YOU SO MUCH!  We have reached and exceeded our goal!  You all rock!  Listed below is the rewards for our different stretch goals!

11/14/12 UPDATE 3!  I am so proud to announce that Jeff Pina will be doing the $1,800 stretch goal set!  Jeff is known for his comics "Dr. Oblivion's Guide to Teenage Dating" and "imaginitives".  See below for examples of his work and links to his pages!

~.~.~.~.~

Don't let the fact that this project has been fully funded stop you from joining in on the support! They have added some amazing packages for contributors as well as have some amazing talent on board! The more we support them, the more likely we are to see more issues of what rumor has it is going to be one fantastic series!

For more information, head on over to: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/396388559/unbound-the-awakening

Phoenix Comicon : The Rest of the Story

The other day I told you all about my first day at the Phoenix Comicon. Since then and even before then, I've been trying to figure out how to tell you all about the other days. You see, there were some good, some bad, some amazing and some eye opening moments that weekend but so much of it is still so tangled up inside of me that I'm not sure what to even say about it. I'm going to do my darndest to give you a good taste of what really is an amazing con but please forgive me if it's not my usual joyful bubbling.

Friday -
Friday..oh Friday..I woke up early because I had decided to surprise Walter by meeting him at the airport. Justin stayed behind at the hotel to try to figure out just how my corset was supposed to be laced. Meeting up with Walter was pure amazing. It was the first time in my life that I wasn't worried or nervous about meeting someone. Turns out I was right, him and I just fit together somehow. After grabbing the shuttle back to the hotel, it was off to breakfast, a quick stop at Target and then on to the con!

We got there with a bit of time to spare before the one and only panel I managed to attend started. Since there was only 20 minutes or so, though, we decided to just go sit in the room and wait. I kind of dragged Walter along with me (What? I had good intentions..his friends would be doing the panel!) but he really didn't want to be in there so eventually, we agreed that he'd go find Mike and meet up with me after the panel was done. Justin and I enjoyed the panel..it was typical Raven and Andy silliness which always makes me laugh. I was amused when the moderator wanted me to say something and Raven was like umm no..that other girl, call on her. You'd think he'd heard my side of things or something....

For the record, since Raven wouldn't let me speak, here's my take:

1. Skynet involves nukes. Nukes create zombies. Both apocalypse happen together. I'm screwed.
2. Zombies are like ants. You won't be safe out on the water. They'll just keep plunging in until they form a zombie road.

After the panel, Walter was totally true to his word and we met up. Justin decided to stay upstairs for another panel so we headed down to the show floor. That's when I goofed things up...fast forward a while...Got to meet up with Ross and give him his surprise. That part was fun. I also picked up some new goodies, also good.

Saturday -
.....Umm...Geek Prom! Yes, we attended Geek Prom! After a really hard day, Walter agreed to attend with Justin and I and I am so, so, so glad that he did. The event was different but it looked like everyone was having a lot of fun. It was good to be able to watch some real silliness happening. Even if you're not into dancing to geeky music, I recommend this event. It's fantastic for people watching. If I'm lucky enough to attend next year, I'll be attending this again..it's a fun event plus the proceeds go to a great charity.

Sunday -
Poor Justin wasn't feeling so good on Sunday so he pretty much left Walter and I alone to wander the con floor, seeing friends and me frantically doing things I should have done the other days. People love Walter and it made me smile to see them light up when he'd come around. I can't blame them..he showed me what it was like to be silly and goofy and how to smile until your face hurt again. He really is a pretty great guy*.

Walter and I did a bit of last minute shopping and a lot of last minute talking and for me, wishing that the weekend wasn't coming to an end. There was so much more that we could have seen and experienced, but I have no regrets, just things to look forward to next year.

So while this is probably the worst con write up ever, I hope that you guys understand that it's not the fault of the event itself. The event is amazingly well organized and well run. The exhibitor floor was filled with fantastic artists, writers and companies. The panels were varied and there was something for everyone, no matter what your interest. My weekend was amazing, thanks not only to the con itself but to the people who I got to spend time with.

I'm already looking forward to attending next year. I promise to do a better write up as well as take some better pictures. Thank goodness for people like Andy who covered for me this year!

*I received no monetary compensation for this comment.

Phoenix Comicon 2012 : Day 1

This is it. The post some of you have been waiting nearly two weeks for! I'm finally writing about my trip to Phoenix. I warn you that it wasn't all pretty but in the end, it was all amazing. I will also warn you that all pictures on this post (and upcoming posts) were totally and blatantly stolen from my friend, Andy Bohn. Why? Well because I was distracted the entire weekend and typical me...next to no pictures. Read on and find out as I give you my day by day summary of Phoenix Comicon 2012 with random photos thrown in for good measure!

Thursday - Hereby known as Katrina was exhausted day. I was up at 4am after being up until 1am. After a drive to the airport, luck was with me! Note that I said after because during, my cigarette lighter portal thingy (I'm working on copywriting that, by the way.) decided to fall right into the console on my van. Awesome, huh? Well, my luck changed at the airport. I not only found the parking lot easily, but the shuttle van saw me pull in and came to me instead of me hauling bags to him! Woo! I got inside, got checked in nice and easy and even got skipped to the head of the security line (thank you costume cane!). The flight was smooth and even though I had a 3 month old behind me and an 18 month in front of me, no problems. Justin met me at the airport and we were off! Since our hotel was nearby, we decided to stop in and see when we could check in. Awesomesauce hotel (Airport Radisson) let us check in 5 hours early! We had a quick lunch in their restaurant..the food was good but the service a bit slow..and then up to the room to unpack and grab a quick nap. After the nap, it was up to the con! I bet you thought I'd never get there, right? Check in was nice and easy as soon as we figured out where we had to go. I didn't end up with a press badge (yes, I did sulk for a bit.) but a media badge. I guess I'm just not quite big enough yet for them to give me the almighty press badge. It's ok though because I saw the list and very few people got the press badge. There were lots of us media types though!

So, here's where we waited...and waited...and then found comfy chairs and watched other people wait. I kid you not that there were thousands of people standing around just waiting for the doors to open so that they could get in. I never expected that kind of turn out for a preview night! It was really cool to see. After the doors opened and the door crowd thinned, Justin and I headed in and looked around for friends. We spotted Andy...

 We also saw Alfred (here with Andy)...

Let's see, there was also Raven (here with Andy and Eric (Ebas)...

I got a half hug from Raven which hopefully next time will be a bit more enthusiastic but as usual the man was too distracted and I'm still not convinced he knows who I am between times seeing me, no matter what others claim.

Oh, I almost forgot, speaking of hugs...I saw these guys!

This is Brett and Mike! Brett is awesomesauce wrapped in bacon. I got fabulous hugs from him and I think maybe an oh hi from Mike. That's ok. Mike and I had never met in person and he was super busy setting up his table. If you don't know his art, well you ought to and I hereby expect you to go explore.

I'm trying to remember (this is what happens when I wait two weeks..though I promise I had good reasons!) who else we got the chance to see...Ooh...I know!

Ross! We saw Ross of Ross Demma Art who is also utterly fantastic..and while I gave him a bunch of money, I think I missed some stuff he had on other nights/days of the con. I'm sure he'll happily fix that for me though.

At some point, I was still super tired so I think we went back to the hotel..I think..I do remember coming back downtown to have...No wait! I remember! We went upstairs to find Eric! Since he'd sent me his schedule before the con, I knew where to find him and it was kind of funny. He looked right through me until I made some smarty pants remark, then he knew just who was standing in front of him. We tried to sort out dinner, but in his typical vague (and loveable way), he'd forgotten all about it! In the end, we did get to meet up with him and a couple of his friends for pizza and then some time over at the Captain's Cantina event. I got to be Eric's guinea pig for some new camera doohickey which resulted in this..what may be the only picture of me at the con: 

Do you see how green I was? That's from that crazy necklace I'm wearing. Someone at the con gave it to me and that's what it did! Insane! It took me two days to scrub all the green off. I could have shot Eric when I saw this picture over on the con's Flickr page.

So, since this post is my photo filled fun time extravaganza post, I close it out that I got a fantastic good night hug from Eric and then we headed back to our hotel..it was late and the next morning would be early but all in all..Thursday was wonderful...