My SDCC was unlike any other. My previous 5 years were focused mainly on getting as much sketches as possible. After 5 years of doing this though, I have finally delved into the realm of commissions. In addition to getting commissions, I spent my time behind the table of the biggest artist centric booth of the con, the Naked Fat Rave booth (or as I like to call it, The Rat Pack). This booth had some of the biggest name of the industry: Arthur Adams, Joyce Chin, Bruce Timm, Phil Noto, Amanda Conner, Matt Wagner, J. Scott Campbell, David Finch, and Jim Lee. While watching the lines pile up for various sketches and sketchbooks, I managed to also soak in the sights of Comic Con, as well as having the privilege of attending one of the bigger parties this year, Tyrese Gibson’s Mayhem party! Without further ado, let me take you on my journey through SDCC 2009.
It started off with a tour of Wildstorm and lunch at Karl Strauss with Jim Lee himself, along with artists from Wildstorm.
Richard Friend, Livio Ramondelli, Oliver Nome, and twitter contest winners look on.MAYHEM!
After the wonderful lunch paid for by Jim himself, I trudged on over to Comic Con to pick up my pass. After the show floor opened, I wandered about the floor, and came across the man himself, Tyrese Gibson. He was promoting his comic Mayhem all weekend long. Never have I met a man so determined to get the word out and sell his books. I saw him and his entourage at the tables, walking around selling the books, and basically popping his head around all over the place to make his name known.
Me and Tyrese, creator of Mayhem!
After meeting Tyrese, and getting a feel for the show floor, I went back to my room to figure out my game plan for the following day.
Day 2 of the con made me excited, and I got to the show at 6 AM. However, what was before me boggled my mind, and I actually had to walk around and make sure that what I was seeing was true. There was a line of thousands all for Hall H at 6 AM! I had never seen anything like it.
The start of the line of Hall H. This went way back and looped back around and started another line.Start of the 2nd line.The 2nd line continued...It just keeps going and going and going...Camera crews covering the madness known as Comic Con.
Head of Comic Con himself, David Glanzer.
My day started off getting on some commission lists for Terry Dodson, David Finch, and Steve Epting. Most of my time for Day 2 was also spent at the Naked Fat Rave booth.
Naked Fat Rave booth aka The Rat Pack.Jim Lee sketching for the first 8 fans in line.King of Artist Alley, J. Scott Campbell, aka Frank Sinatra.His line went around the tables of Matt Wagner...... by David Finch's table...... and by Jim Lee's table.
After the show, The Chuck Jones gallery at the Gas Lamp District put on a special gallery for Jim Lee.
Chuck Jones Gallery for Jim Lee.Jim Lee signing for people buying art from the gallery.
Day 3’s major goal was to check out Image United’s signing, and to explore more of the show floor.
Todd McFarlane and Marc Silvestri at the Image United signing.Robert Kirkman and Robert Liefeld goofing around at the Image booth.Jim Valentino, Erik Larsen, and Whilce Portacio rounding out the Image United table.The Image 7.Buzz Lightyear from the land of Legos.Ugly Dolls coming at you!Catwoman posing with 3 of her favorite artists: J. Scott Campbell, Adam Hughes, and Bruce Timm.
Day 4 rolled around and after a day of more commissions and sketches, I was looking forward to Tyrese’s party at Stingaree, and I was not disappointed.
Cage match! Tyrese vs. the crowd.Put your hands up!Don't make me come out there! Raise your hands up!Who likes me most?Dancers dancing in the cage. In the words of Paris Hilton, "That's hot."Love lifts me up where I belong!Tyrese and Todd share a laugh with Jim.Tyrese posing with sexy women in body paint.Me doing my best Tyrese impersonation.
The last day of the con was a bit hellish, but I trucked on forward. I still had to get some great pics of what was considered the best booth presentation of the show, the Marvel booth.
Mark 1.Mark 2.Mark 3.Mark 4. New armor debuting in Iron Man 2!Best booth presentation for SDCC 2009.Jim Lee's Google image straight from the web and into the hands of art dealer extraordinaire, Albert Moy.My last commission of the con, by the beautiful and talented Amanda Conner!
My con was fun filled, and definitely one of the best times of my entire SDCC experience. I can’t believe it’s already over! If anyone has any other cool stories or experiences they’d like to share, please post below!
And Hayden was at Nobu and I randomly saw her there. Very nice, very gorgeous, and very generous with her time, allowing me to snap this awesome picture.
Hey,
It seems like you had an amazing time at SDCC 09. It was my first year going as well and I actually met Stan Lee and Matt Groening.
Would love to see all your commissions!
How did you get a pic with Hayden? Was she signing somewhere?
My commissions and sketches are posted on my CAF account. The link is:
http://www.comicartfans.com/GalleryNew.asp?GCat=21995
And Hayden was at Nobu and I randomly saw her there. Very nice, very gorgeous, and very generous with her time, allowing me to snap this awesome picture.
Hey,
It seems like you had an amazing time at SDCC 09. It was my first year going as well and I actually met Stan Lee and Matt Groening.
Check it out – http://www.digitalkontent.com
– MILO
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