Motor City Comic Con Issues Apology for Overcrowding at 2013 Show
May 22, 2013 by Brian Pate
Filed under Comic Books, Con Reports and Photos, Michigan
For more on Motor City Comic Con’s overcrowding issue, check out our latest Scene on the Web Weekly.
Via Motor City Comic Con’s Facebook page:
Dear Motor City Comic Con fans,
Thank you so much for making the 2013 Motor City Comic Con our largest and most successful to date. Over 30,000+ fans came through the doors over the three-day period and we appreciate each and every one of you for attending.
With that said, we would also like to take this opportunity to apologize for the long wait times at our convention, particularly on Saturday. We just never expected 18,000+ people to attend that day, which was the same amount of people we had over the entire three days last year. We were literally hit with a “Humanity Bomb” and were not prepared for the sheer number of people attending, even with a large increase in our staff. The entire MCCC staff worked non-stop to move everyone in as fast as possible, which we realize wasn’t fast enough.
Given that we had every one of our employees and volunteers working diligently to get attendees in quickly, we were unable to respond to the multiple e-mails and social media messages alerting us of the issues you were having. Next year we will plan to have one person dedicated to e-mail and social media communication to better serve attendee’s needs.
We learned some valuable lessons this year and are already working hard to prevent these issues from happening again. We have already been in talks with Showplace management to begin working on solutions for 2014, which will be the 25th anniversary of the Motor City Comic Con. We truly hope you will accept our sincere apologies for any delays or inconveniences you may have experienced and will come back next year, as it will be better than ever. Sincerely,
Michael Goldman,
Founder of the Motor City Comic Con
Dark Horse Wins Four Awards at Stumptown Comics Fest 2013
May 17, 2013 by Brian Pate
Filed under Comic Books, Con Reports and Photos, Oregon
Press Release:
DARK HORSE WINS FOUR STUMPTOWN AWARDS!
MAY 10, MILWAUKIE, OR—The Stumptown Comic Arts Awards were presented on April 27 at the tenth annual Stumptown Comics Fest, in Dark Horse Comics’ backyard of Portland, Oregon.
As reported via Twitter by comics’ own Jen Vaughn, Dark Horse walked away with four wins, a very impressive showing.
The nominees, chosen by a blue-ribbon panel of judges, journalists, and retailers, reflect the wide range of independent material being published in comic and graphic novel form today.
DARK HORSE STUMPTOWN 2013 AWARD WINNERS
Best Artist
Juanjo Guarnido (Blacksad: A Silent Hell)
Best Publication Design
Blacksad: A Silent Hell, designed by Cary Grazzini
Best Cartoonist
Carla Speed McNeil (Finder: Talisman)
Best Letterer
Carla Speed McNeil (Finder: Talisman)
About Stumptown Comics Fest
The Stumptown Comics Fest was started almost on a whim in 2004 by a small group of Portland-area cartoonists lamenting the lack of local convention-style outlets. While there were certainly other comic book shows in town, there weren’t any that gave much attention to the artists themselves. The dream was to design a festival with the creators as its focus, rather than dealers and work-for-hire publishers.
About Dark Horse Comics
Since 1986, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent like Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Gerard Way, Will Eisner, and best-selling prose author Janet Evanovich, Dark Horse has developed such successful characters as the Mask, Timecop, and the Occultist. Additionally, its highly successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan the Barbarian, Mass Effect, Serenity, and Domo. Today, Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic-book publisher in the United States and is recognized as both an innovator in the cause of creator rights and the comics industry’s leading publisher of licensed material.
Scene and Heard: The cast of Arrow talk at Wondercon 2013
May 12, 2013 by Richard Oh
Filed under California, Con Reports and Photos, Television, Top Stories
The cast of the WB show Arrow, including Stephen Amell, Willa Holland, and Colin Donnell spoke at Wondercon 2013, and Convention Scene’s own Richard Oh was there.
Scene on the Web: C2E2 2013
April 30, 2013 by Brian Pate
Filed under Comic Books, Con Reports and Photos, Illinois, Top Stories
Con sketches, cosplay, and everything else you love about conventions at C2E2. More to be added in the days ahead.
Scene on Video: Live Coverage of C2E2 (With Live Chat Room, Too!)
April 26, 2013 by Brian Pate
Filed under Comic Books, Con Reports and Photos, Illinois, Top Stories
Twitch is providing live, streaming video from the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo 2013. Here is the schedule, and you can watch the live coverage below:
Watch live video from c2e2 on www.twitch.tv
Wondercon 2013 Con Report!
April 7, 2013 by Richard Oh
Filed under California, Comic Books, Con Reports and Photos, L.A. Sequential, Movies, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Top Stories
On March 29-31, 2013, Anaheim was home to Wondercon 2013! With the decision to keep Wondercon in Anaheim this year, I couldn’t help but wonder if this was a permanent move. The numbers seem to support that decision, with record numbers attending the show, backing with CCI’s reputation of entertaining fans with celebrities, comic book superstars, and amazing vendors! In addition, it’s proximity to Disneyland is always a big plus for any guy wanting to entertain the whole family.
The show floor was bigger this year, almost replicating the 2 show floor model that ECCC used this year. Also, the huge convention center dome was used to house movie and TV stars to promote their latest works. It was definitely a well run show, and this reporter definitely had a great time talking to fans, artists, and celebrities. Wondercon definitely put on a great show, and whether it’s in Anaheim or San Francisco, and I can’t wait for next year!
Now, on to the amazing things I got to see at the show:
Welcome to Wondercon 2013!
My first stop: joining the long line of fans for the Wondercon exclusives of Mondo!
Ron Lim signing some Thanos related books in Artist Alley.
Jim Steranko signing some Nick Fury books at his booth.
Admiring the beautiful Arrow statue on display at the DC booth…
And then bumping into some fans on the show floor.
The awesome display at the Oblivion booth.
And a Rocketeer behind the banner posing for fans.
Shredder and Deadpool yelling and random people on the floor. Instant comedy.
Deadpool creator Rob Liefeld sketching for fans all weekend.
Kristin Kreuk posing for photographers at Wondercon for Beauty and the Beast!
A Superman fan dressed up for the premiere for Superman Unbound.
Batman rogues running amuck at Wondercon.
Scott Snyder, Jim Lee, and Alex Sinclair, signing at the DC booth at the end of the day.
Marc Silvestri sketching for fans all weekend on his birthday!
Stan Lee came by and wishing Marc a happy birthday!
An amazing Witchblade cosplayer delighting Marc and his fans!
Excited fans waiting in line for Pac Rim.
I got to meet the talented artist Ethan Castillo in the Dan Slott line! Here’s a piece that was inspired by Humberto Ramos.
Dan Slott showing Scott Snyder some love at his signing.
The cast of Revolution sharing a laugh at Wondercon.
Mark Waid talking to the Boom Studios crew.
Humberto Ramos working on a commission at Wondercon.
The crowd waiting for Joss Whedon’s Much Ado About Nothing panel.
Joss Whedon and the Much Ado about Nothing cast at their Sunday morning panel.
Olly Moss and Mike Mitchell signing at the Mondo booth!
The Arrow cast pose for pictures at Wondercon!
Packed house, even on Easter Sunday!
Speaking of Easter, only Wondercon can get zombie Jesus and PSY together.
And now, onto some more cosplay pictures.
Cute dogs get so much love.
Ghost Rider judging attendees.
C is for cookie (and comics)!
Yoshi and Mario hanging out on the show floor.
DOOOM!
Rocky VII?
Stay Puft Marshmallow Man!
An awesome paper Mario.
The best Guy Gardner costume I’ve ever seen.
One. Punch.
The coolest spot at Wonder Con.
The couples that cosplay together, stay together.
He-Man and She-Ra!
Cyclops and Jean Grey!
Spidey and Deadpool teamup!
Don’t get on the list! Don’t miss out on Wondercon next year!
Scene on the Web: WonderCon 2013
April 2, 2013 by Brian Pate
Filed under California, Comic Books, Con Reports and Photos, Gaming, Horror, Movies, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Top Stories
Cosplay, celebrities, and more. Photos, reports, and videos as we find them. Keep coming back or submit your own links.
ECCC 2013 Con Report!
March 10, 2013 by Richard Oh
Filed under Comic Books, Con Reports and Photos, Top Stories, Washington
On March 1-3, 2013, the Washington State Convention Center was home to the 10th annual Emerald City Comic Con! While I’ve attended the show 2 years prior, the show had undergone a massive change, particularly opening up a whole new hallway, adding to the depth of the show, as well as the serious amount of star power in their guests both in media as well as the comic world.
In terms of size alone, ECCC now seems to belong in the upper echelon of top comic conventions, trailing only SDCC, NYCC, and being on par with heavy hitter shows such as C2E2, and WonderCon. Jim Demonakos has put together a consistently solid show, and judging from the positive comments from the artists and writers that I spoke to at the show, ECCC will continue to be a great presence in the comic con circuit.
Heading into the show, I seriously underestimated the intense love of comics the fans up in the northwest have, experiencing long lines from show exclusives such as Sex # 1 and the Walking Dead Governor Special, to artist commission lines for Bruce Timm, Adi Granov, Skottie Young, Charlie Adlard, and Humberto Ramos. Going upstairs to the celebrity room, I was able to witness extremely long lines for stars such as Patrick Stewart, Christopher Lloyd, and Gillian Anderson. Overall, this show was the perfect mix of celebrities and comics one would expect from a comic convention. While SDCC is focused more on the entertainment side of it all, the love of comics was still heavily prevalent at this show, which made me happy to see so many fans line up to meet their favorite creators. I can’t wait to see this show continue to grow and foster the next generation of comic fans!
And now, onto the pictures:
Welcome to ECCC!
Volunteers directing the flow of traffic.
The line anxious to get in inside the show.
Brian Posehn signing for Deadpool fans!
Mark Brooks drawing a beautiful Wonder Woman!
Mark Brooks Wonder Woman!
Mark Brooks brings his original art, including his Deadpool Gangnam Style!
Speaking of Gangnam Style, here’s some horseheads!
A beautiful Castle print done by Jason Palmer!
Adi Granov drawing an amazing Iron Man at his table!
Adi Granov Iron Man!
Chris Claremont talking to fans about his time with the X-Men!
Fiona Staples sketching for Hero Initiative!
Skottie Young drawing for fans at the show!
Scott Snyder signing for eager Batman fans!
Dan Didio hanging around the DC booth!
The line to buy a copy of the Governor’s Special at the start of the show!
Nothing funnier than telling people you were lining up to buy Sex in the morning.
Charlie Adlard sketching for fans!
Old school Nintendo games for sale!
Arcades out for people to play with! Nostalgia to the extreme!
Fans standing in line for Felicia Day and other celebrities!
An awesome lego display for fans to see up close and personal!
ECCC gets thumbs up!
COSPLAYERS! Cosplay was everywhere at the show, and here’s some of the best ones I saw.
The lovely Jessica Nigri!
ECCC Heroes!
Constantine flanked by 2 lovely ladies!
2 Avengers with 2 Lokis.
More Avengers!
What did you say about my mom???
Gambit and Rogue!
He-Man looking bored with Skeletor.
Superman and Lex Luthor!
Boba Fett and alien warrior!
Go go Power Rangers!
Cyclops and Jean Grey!
Black Mask vs. Batman!
The girls of Gotham being interviewed at the show!
Darth Vader showing aliens who’s boss.
Cable with baby Hope!
Spideys shooting webs!
Doctor Who?
Darth Maul on stilts playing the bagpipes. I couldn’t even make that up if I tried.
Captain Picard and crew grabbing lunch.
Cap before the Super Soldier Serum.
Walking Dead cosplay!
The best costume of the show!
See you next year!
Dark Horse Announces Ongoing Mass Effect Series at Emerald City Comicon 2013
March 4, 2013 by Brian Pate
Filed under Comic Books, Con Reports and Photos, Gaming, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Washington
Press Release:
ECCC: DARK HORSE ANNOUNCES MASS EFFECT: FOUNDATION
Written by Mac Walters, lead writer of Mass Effect 2 and 3!
MARCH 2, Seattle, WA–Today at Emerald City Comicon, Dark Horse Comics announced a new ongoing canonical entry in the Mass Effect series!
Mass Effect 2 and 3 lead writer Mac Walters kicks off a new ongoing series, set in the vibrant, engaging world of BioWare’s blockbuster science fiction epic! Fans of the award-winning franchise will find new characters tied directly to the newly announced Mass Effect 3: Citadel single-player DLC.
Praise for Mass Effect:
“This comic is recommended whether you are a Mass Effect groupie or someone who has never heard of it before today and just likes sci-fi. It’s a strong, good, enjoyable read!”—BAMFAS.com
“On the writing front, the dialogue is straight out of what one would expect from a Mass Effect related tie in. This positively reflects Dark Horse’s choice to use the lead writer of the series as the lead writer of the comics.”—DualShockers.com
Mass Effect 3: Citadel will release worldwide on March 5 on Xbox 360, PC, and PS3, and on March 6 on PS3 in Europe. Price: $14.99, 1,200 Microsoft Points, or 1,200 BioWare Points.
In addition, fans can read the exclusive interview with Mac Walters on Comic Book Resources.
Mass Effect: Foundation #1 is on sale July 24 in comic shops and on Dark Horse Digital.
About Dark Horse
Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent such as Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Brian Wood, Gerard Way, Felicia Day, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends such as Will Eisner, Neal Adams, and Jim Steranko, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, including The Mask, Ghost, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Its successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Mass Effect, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Emily the Strange, Tim Burton’s Tragic Toys for Girls and Boys, Serenity, and Domo. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading publishers of both creator-owned content and licensed comics material.
Inaugural Toys on the Hudson Show Draws Hundreds to Jersey City
December 7, 2012 by Brian Pate
Filed under Collectibles, Comic Books, Con Reports and Photos, New Jersey, Sports
Press Release:
Comic book and Toy show draws hundreds to Jersey City waterfront hotel
A Jersey City NJ hotel was crawling with superheroes, villains and enthusiasts Thanksgiving Weekend as hundreds came out for the “Toys on the Hudson” comic book and toy show.
Held at the Westin Hotel at Washington Boulevard and Sixth Street, the three-day event had everything a comic book and toy junkie could dream of, including thousands of collectibles, panel events, several celebrities, the Batmobile and an auction.
The show is the brainchild of Phil DeMario and Mike Spino, business partners, long time friends and toy collectors who for the past 21 years have organized similar shows in Wayne, NJ www.waynenjtoyandcollestiblesshow.com and decided, this year to bring a larger event to Hudson County.
“Everything that’s in here is about family,” said DeMario, whose passion for the trade began when he was a child collecting Toys & Comics in the Jersey City area.
In all, 100 dealers participated, DeMario said, and crowded the entire 18,000 square foot second floor of the luxury hotel with 173 tables topped with various action figures, comics, toys, movie memorabilia, collectibles and even original works created by local comic artists and authors.
“The entire family can get together and enjoy this hobby,” said DeMario, adding that some of the profits from the fair will be donated to the New Jersey Relief Fund, the Red Cross, the ASPCA, and Autism Speaks.
Among those in attendance was Geri Reischl, the former television star who played Jan Brady on the classic show “The Brady Bunch.” She posed for pictures with fans and promoted her pop album, “1200 Riverside.”
Former WWE wrestler and St. Peter’s University alumnus Andrew “The Reinforcer” Anderson was also at the fair talking up his upcoming championship match against Greg “The Hammer” Valentine to be held Friday at Hudson Catholic High School in Jersey City.
Anderson, a 43-year-old toy fanatic, was staffing a table of collectibles he picked up over the years while traveling on the road, including a “giant Godzilla everyone is drooling over.”
For fans of vintage superheroes and classic DC comics, the fair brings back memories of younger days.
“I love it, this is great,” said Chris Santiago, 33, from Passaic. “I’m just being brought back to my childhood.” With him were his two sons, 6-year-old Christian and 14-year-old Nick, who were excited about the Power Ranger action figures and showed no interest in their father’s favorite 1980’s GI Joe.“I’m just trying to introduce the old to the new,” laughed Santiago.
Attendees are welcomed to submit feedback about the show to Phil at toysonthehudson@aol.com
