Last weekend the Toronto ComiCon was held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and I must say what a refreshing change from the last con I participated in. The crowds were good, especially on Sunday, when admission was free, and the fans themselves were great. The Book of Methuselah received a lot of positive response, as well as my new upcoming project M.H.A. I didn’t pick up a whole lot of material myself but what I did grab has me excited to read. First was Mirror Mind by Tory Woollcott, an autobiographic relating her experience growing up dyslexic and the second was The Nobody by rising comic star Jeff Lemire. I enjoyed his Essex County Trilogy, and having just finished this last creation I can say it was a good re-imagining of The Invisible Man in a small town setting. I really think Jeff has a talent for setting up page layouts that naturally draw the reader through the story and convey the emotions of his characters. I also got a few books signed, notably a trio of Savage Sword of Conan’s drawn by Ernie Chan. Growing up that magazine was a particular favorite. Shawn Robertson used to bring them to elementary school where, hiding from teachers who would no doubt have confiscated them if they knew the contents within, we would poor over the pages of the sullen barbarian, howling with wide eyed glee as Conan mercilessly smote his enemies, bedded the scantly clad maiden, seeking fleeting riches, the open road and the glory of battle. Great stuff for young minds already enamored with the fantasy genre.
Saturday night my table mate, Shane Heron, and I attend the Joe Shuster Awards for Canadian comic creators. I’d have to say that Ty Templeton stole the show with his witty remarks on the nature of comics and the personalities of their creators. You can actually catch the awards and many of the cons panel discussions on the Joe Shuster Awards website.
When Monday rolled round I felt exhausted, a post convention let down I guess. Maybe it’s realizing how busy the next few month’s will be preparing issue #4 before Fan Expo. Good times ahead.

Myself and Shane at the table.

Antony Del Col at the Kill Shakespeare booth.

Andy B. doing a con sketch.

Last weekend TCAF was held at the Toronto Reference Library and I must say it was a good time. I spent a few hours at the show and caught up with a number of truly wonderful creators. The first person I ran into was Lezley Davidson. I should have known right then it would be a good day. Unfortunately, she wasn’t exhibiting, even though her work is exactly the type of material the show is geared towards. If she doesn’t get excepted next time around I might have to take a trip down to The Beguiling and have a word with them mafia style. Instead, she was happily working the front entrance as a volunteer. She soured when she saw me though, peeved with my previous con review regarding the disclosure of certain shocking behaviours. But I must report, again and now establishing a clear pattern of behaviour, Lezley copped a feel of Ramon Perez’s ass. But enough of that. It was great running into her throughout the day and chatting for brief moments. I’m looking forward to sharing a table with her again at Fan Expo. She’ll help to keep my strength up with a steady diet of cheese, crackers, cookies and pickles.

At last year’s show I’d passed by Tom Scioli’s booth and really only glanced at his work. Except for Warlock and the Infinity Watch and Star Trek: Next Generation I was never really into sci-fi. But my interest is growing these day’s, so I wanted to check out his book, Godland. Tom’s work is heavily influenced by Jack Kirby. Lately I’ve been reading Thor Essentials on the can so I’ve been looking at a lot of his stuff so I noticed the similarity in styles immediately and stopped to take a look at his work. I’ve been wearing a Philadelphia Eagles cap the last couple of years and I’m always surprised how many creators ask if I’m from Philly. Tom did, he’s originally from there. After giving a brief explanation of my love for the Eagles we got into talking about Godland. Naturally, we struck up a conversation about Kirby and we both thought the stories where Thor journeys into space were the best ones. Tom elaborated how Kirby was the first to merge mythology and sci-fi. I bought the first two volumes of Godland and so far I have not been disappointed. The book is fun, an homage to 50′s and 60′s comics, with the Kirby styled art and Joe Casey’s snappy dialogue and thought bubbles, the use of which is something not done today. I’ve finished volume one, it did end somewhat openly, lucky I’ve volume two. I look forward to seeing Tom again so I can pick up a couple more of the trades in the future. Tom was also cool enough to do a quick sketch in each book which is something rarely done, and as such, is something I always notice and appreciate.

Next I cruised into the TX room. That’s right, these guys are so big they get their own room. First off I got to chat with a con favorite, Andy B. who also signed my copy of Kill Shakespeare while I flipped through some finished pages for future issues. We talked about his Bottle of Awesome webcomic, the current changes at Zuda, and some of the things he hoped to hook up for the following year. Connor McCreary also signed the issue. Anthony’s was the only signature I missed. Based on what I saw this book doesn’t look like it’s going to skip a beat, very impressive for a 12 issue work of this undertaking. Next was Michael Cho, another con favorite. He’s got to be one of the nicest guys going. Lezley refers to him as her Yoda and I can see why. Michael style is also very much influenced by Kirby. I drooled over his Avengers prints, and he also pulled out an original Thor when we got onto the subject of Kirby’s run on the character. He always asks if I have another issue of The Book of Methuselah out so we can trade work. He’s going to be featured in the upcoming The Best Americian Comics 2010 anthology, both on the cover and with a short story inside. I’ll be getting that. Gaiman’s editor, what’s not to love? It was great hearing his thoughts behind the reason for the cover design, taking a common theme of many anthology covers and spinning it on its head. I ran into Ramon Perez after. He looked sharp I must say, a well dressed man in a shiny grey jacket and white dress shirt. We talked about the evolution of Transmission-X over the last three years and what he hoped the future would hold for the web collective and his own work within it. It sounded like good things were in store. Lastly, I stopped to talk with Brian McLachlan’s. I was shocked he remembered my name from last year when he did a caricature. Surprised, he explained I share the same name as his brother. I got another sketch, enjoying the thought of starting a tradition at the show, and getting a new caricature every year. Pausing as he coloured away, he handed me from beneath his table his new project, Smooth ‘n’ Natural, a blaxploitation style comic about “twin brothers from another mother”. It was under the table due to the nudity which hits right from page two. No messing about to be sure and very funny stuff. When the caricature was finished I was surprised to see myself breathing rainbow coloured flames. I asked him why he did that, he thought it would be cool. I mentioned how it was oddly strange because for the week leading up to the show I’d been teaching additive and subtractive colour theory. On my way out I picked up Karl Kerschl’s, The Abominable Charles Christopher. The print quality on this is gorgeous and I look forward to flipping through it.

After that I drifted around, checked out a couple of other tables, grabbed the Anchor from Boom’s table. I started to read it then put it down in favour of Tom’s, Godland. All in all, a good day, and a good show. A refreshing change after the last con. Next up is the Fan Appreciation show the first weekend of June. I’ll have an update on that soon. Until then, stay loose my brothers.

That’s kind of what it felt like. A scam I’d been suckered into because surely the Wizard convention held last weekend wasn’t truly a ComiCon. I’m surprised Wizard already announced the dates for next years show. Unless there are drastic changes made to the conventions make up I won’t be attending, as an exhibitor or as a guest.

If there were 10 000 fans over the course of the weekend that would be a miracle. It’s hard to draw people to a show when your high profile guests consist of wrestlers and b-list sci-fi actors. The Direct Energy Centre looked empty most of the time with booth’s and aisles widely spaced apart as if organizers expected 30 000 to pass through and they needed the room to move about. The Ex isn’t the most convenient venue to access, and with $34 day passes at the door, way too expensive for a first time show, most local fans decided to take a pass.

The con had few comic dealers and the only publisher whose books I routinely see on comic store racks was Avatar. Personally, that was a highlight as I was able to get my Gravel collection signed by Mike Wolfer, but unless you’re a fan of violent horror or sci-fi most comic fans probably wouldn’t know who they are. If you were looking for guests from the Big Two you were largely out of luck. The few in attendance were mostly local boys who regularly attend the T.O. convention scene. You couldn’t even compare that with the Fan Appreciation or Fan Expo conventions. Now those are shows where you get full value for your dollar.

But it wasn’t all bad. My table mates Lezley Davidson, Shane Heron and Joel Buxton were great. There were lots of laughs amongst us all weekend. Lezley was a snack machine. Crackers, cheese and pickles anyone?! Between the two of them, as well as Adam Gorham, I came home with some amazing pieces of artwork which I’ll try to post on the site over the next little while. Thanks guys! We were also fortunate enough to be seated beside the Kill Shakespeare table. In my opinion this is going to be the book of the year, I’m calling Eisner nominations for this one. It’s a twelve issue arc drawn by Andy B. and written by the savvy duo of Anthony Del Col and Conor McCreery. People in the biz will stand up and take notice of this one. Having gotten a sneak read of #1 I’m glad I’ve ordered the series through my LCS. Andy was also good enough to take some time, look over my Zuda pitch and provide some encouraging words of advice. Most of it was on the art side which as a self publisher was helpful since acting as an editor is a role I often have to perform. I was hoping for more on the writing side but oh well, the experience was definitely helpful. Ramon Perez was at their table, fending off Lezley’s roaming eyes and lusting hands. Ramon gave a read of The Book of Methuselah #2. He liked the pacing of the stories and inquired if I was planning to write a sequel to Mile High Dead. What do you say my loyal following, dare I return to Aries plight upon the 747 plane?

Cameron Stewart popped by to see his old studio mates and he was cool enough at the end of a long, boring Friday to shift over to my table and sign his arc on Batman and Robin. When I asked about his issue of The Return of Bruce Wayne he asked if I’d seen his early designs. After saying I wasn’t sure he drew forth his iphone and pulled up his blog which has some of the sketches he’s been playing around with. Pretty solid all round I’d say. Finally, I had the pleasure of meeting J. Bone, who was lurking about the convention floor all weekend and occupied Ramon’s seat on Sunday. J. was a genuine nice guy, as well as being the artist of DC’s Superfriends. Between myself, Lezley and J. discussion ranged from Jack Kirby, to Carl Sagan and reincarnation, deep stuff for a con.

Lastly, the only thing I purchased of note was Ray Fawkes latest graphic novel, Possessions. It’s a really witty kid’s book about a little demonic girl whose bark is louder then her bite, trapped in a curios house by a ghost collector. I’m really looking forward to being able to share that with my daughter when she’s a little older.

So that was that. The after party on Saturday was alright, the pre-party at my brother’s pad on Joe Shuster Way was better. It was one of those nights where your car gets tagged and towed out to Keele and St. Clair and when you find out in the morning you don’t really care cause your still buzzing from the night before.

Next up is the Fan Appreciation show. I haven’t heard if I’ll have a table their but regardless I’ll be heading done. That will be a refreshing change.

Most bloggers have already pontificated about what’s in store for their new year. I held off till now as things have become a little more into focus.

Plans for new story arcs are currently underway. Food For the Soul has just come to an end and Portal of It’s Eye, a tale involving classic Lovecraftian themes of which, obviously, I’m a huge fan, will launch next week. Sam Agro provided the art while Henry Huang was on colourist chores. It looks fantastic, just wait and see. That will take us into the beginning of April. After that I’ve a few stories being currently illustrated by a couple of talented local Toronto artists. The first is One Last Night with Shane Heron on art. You may know Shane as the artist of the fantaboulous webcomic Awesome Marcus Ninja. The second is tentatively titled The Spawn of Cthulhu, illustrated by Dan Simon, artist and co-creator of the webcomic No Reason and designer of this website via his March1Studios enterprise. I’m also planning a sequel to Portal of It’s Eye, currently titled From the Ashes. I picture it as a sort of Empire Strike’s Back, the second arc of what will become a continuing story line.

I won’t say much on this except that I’m finally going to attempt to try my hand at the opportunity provided by DC’s webcomic initiative Zuda and send their way a couple of pitches for their monthly contest. Both are well into the artwork stage, hopefully I’ll be able to send of the first by mid-March. Stay tuned for that. I’m really excited about the potential for both projects. If accepted I’m going to need all the help, and votes, I can get.

Convention season is also upon us. It doesn’t look like I’ll be traveling far from home this year. Some fellow comic creators invited me to travel to New York for the MoCCA festival but due to budgetary considerations, i.e. a new mortgage and car, and my first child being due any day now, I decided the wisest thing was to try and keep things simple and manageable. So the local convention scene is going to be the focus. Feb 28th is the Toronto ComiCon. I don’t have a table, but I do hope to stop by and get a few books signed, in particular issues of the Marquis and BPRD by Guy Davis and Cameron Stewart’s Batman and Robin run which has been a visual delight. That all depends on how overwhelmed I’m feeling in the newborn fog.

After that is the Wizard World Toronto Comic Con March 26th-28th. I’ll have a table at the show with Shane Heron and his writing partner Joel Buxton from Awesome Marcus Ninja, as well as Lezley Davidson, creator of Peeling Onions. I’m not sure what to make of the show, I probably won’t until after it’s all said and done and I’ve had time to reflect on it. The old Paradise Comic Con, from which this show has evolved, was always a good time and drew some solid guests. Lately, Wizard’s been under siege by pros and fans alike. There are some legitimate knocks against the way Wizard runs its shows, with their focus on former wrestling stars and b-list celebrities. None of the big publishers will be in attendance and many of the comic guests are local residents, familiar to many of the local cons. Like any show though it will really come down to the types and numbers of fans that attend.

After that I is the June Fan Appreciation Show which I hope to exhibit at as well as debut issue #4 of the Book of Methuselah. I also plan on getting a table at the Fan Expo in August. I’ll provide more details on that as we get closer to the date. Oh, and there’s TCAF in early May. I applied to exhibit but was turned down. I’m not really surprised. Indie, unknown horror anthologies don’t really mesh with the D and Q vibe the festival caters to. I’ll try to stop by and look around, there’s a couple of creators whose work I admire that I’d like to meet, namely Kevin Colden, creator of I Rule the Night.

Alright, I’ve gone on long enough.

Fan Expo ’09 was a blast. It was the first major show I’ve ever been an exhibitor and it blew the roof off my expectations. I have to thank Pat, Ryan and Shane for helping me at the Furious Comics table. You guys were brilliant. On Sunday, Shane provided a few free sketches to some lucky attendees, one of which was Superman. I remarked that the drawing looked similar in style to Francis Manupal’s work. Shane claimed Francis learned it from him. I also had the pleasure of being flanked by some wonderful individuals I’d never met before.

To my left was David Walters, a talented, young artist and graphic designer, whose style reminded me of the late Michael Turner. He looked to be busy for most of the weekend, though word has it he spent far more then he made.

To my right was Lezley Davidson and Paul Quinn, both talented Indy comic creators. Lezley is the creator of Peeled Onions, an autobiographical comic strip based on her own experiences. She was also doing killer facial sketches of the exhibitors along our aisle. Word is she’s sending an image of mine soon. Still waiting Lezley. Paul is the co-creator and artist of Popculture Junkies. Similar in vein to Kevin Smith’s early work, the story follows a pair of friends running the local Bag ‘n’ Board Comics shop. Very witty, Sci-fi fan satire.

I didn’t get around the floor like I wanted to. I should have gone for a walk about Friday and checked out some stuff; it was the least busy of the three days. But I figured I’d have time late Saturday or Sunday. I was dead wrong. Saturday was zoo, just herds and herds of people and aisles clogged with lines. Estimates placed the total number of attendees at 59 000! I was able to meet with a few buds and acquaintances like the multi-talented Sam Agro, Andy B. artist of Bottle of Awesome, and the excellent Mike Cho. Lezley referred to him all weekend as her Yoda, an apt description as Mike is both kind and wise.

Greg Dunford was The Man on a Mission, cruising up and down the aisles, making contacts and bringing awareness of Hard Drive, his punk Sci-fi adventure comic. Also meet the guys from the Watchtower Podcast, Jeff Moss and Donnie Coulter. Jeff and I swapped books; he grabbed issue 3 of The Book of Methuselah, while I grabbed No Reason Zero. I would have liked to have picked Donnie’s brain longer; I think we share a lot of the same opinions regarding the stories being pumped out of the Big Two.

So the weekend was a hit. I always feel like this is the unofficial end of summer after the show. Autumn beckons, my day job is about to get busy again, and the NFL and NHL is about to start up, my two favorite sports. And no, that has nothing to do with the pools.

Until next year.