MOGGG

I've been to cons over the years but only for as long as it took to make the rounds, show my portfolio and get out of there. This year was the first time I really went to promote my comic, make some connections, find new leads, and actually ENJOY the event, which I did immensely.

I spent the entire day at Javitz on Saturday the 7th of Feb and a good chunk of the night networking at an Indie Creators after party which went better than I expected.

The con had a great vibe and people were polite and friendly all over regardless of how packed it was. Everyone was carrying a bag of some sort so bumping was common and not once did anyone come out of their face with some "Yo, you bumped me bullshit."

Now if that was a rap concert half the room would've broken out in gunfire.




I handed out more samplers than I thought I would and that really put me on a high. I felt accomplished in that respect. I networked my ass off and made the rounds and met some new people and was more confident than at previous cons where I'd just focus on portfolio reviews and shun the rest. I went tin there to get my geek on and have a good time and damn if I didn't. Nine hours on my feet carrying one helluva heavy bag and still it was great. I saw so much and this time was able to process it without being overwhelmed, which can easily happen your first time at Comic Con.

The place is an eyegasm for sure. Lots of celebs walking around like Aaron Douglas and Mirina Sirtis, Peter Mayhew, Lou Ferrigno, Michael Buffer, Joss Whedon,and a few others whose names escape me. If you're a fan of novels there were a ton of novelists there signing books and more comic artists than you can shake a stick at. Some old timers too like Carmine Infantino, and my old instructor Irwin Hasen (who is too old to remember me lol). Some new jacks were there like JG Jones and Phil Jimenez but I mostly just checked out artwork and kept it moving. I don't do autographs because I think its stupid and pointless. What am I gonna do with someone's signature?







It's funny, no one gets starstruck by comic artists unless you're at a con. To me, I admire a lot of the guys working there but its their art I care about, not them per se. A lot of talent at the con for sure.

Tons of people in costume on Saturday as it was costume contest day so that's always good for a laugh, but some of those people really made amazing costumes. Wish I had taken more shots but I was focused on handing out samples and hand shaking and networking so I left it up to memory to catalogue the good ones.

The people attending were really nice and that makes all the difference. Very polite, no shovers or nasty attitudes.







It felt nice hanging out with people who enjoy similar things. Felt comfortable. No one judges you there and all is accepted; from blue hair to weighing 350-400 lbs,its all god at the con. Social triggers don't apply there and people can be themselves without fear of ridicule of judgment by those who have no right to even open their mouths.

I loved talking my niece with me on Sunday. We had a great time running around with my cousin Tai shopping for shirts (and a knife I bought) and checking out all the crazy toys from Japan and all over. The food was crazy expensive so we brought our own or ran out to McD's. $5 for a can of soda is wallet rape.

I look forward to going to another one and am glad I stayed to soak up the whole thing. It's a great place with so many vendors and stars and artists and products on display. We saw new video games, new movies, new gadgets, comics, toys, shirts...man it was a mindful for sure.

I'll cherish this memory of the time I took my niece to her first comic con and I know my lil sister was there with me every step of the way.

I hope some worthwhile connections grow out of the experience.