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Wil Con 09 aka Phoenix Comic Con

I can see why Wil Wheaton loves this con so much… Um, probably because he’s the Main Attraction! Ha! His panels were too big for the venue, sadly. It was two distinct cons in one; Wil Con, which attracted the comic and sci fi nerds and Squee Con which attracted the Anime Kids. The Anime side of the con had an average age of, oh, 15. Yah. Veeeery irritating after 3 days.

This con is really great overall and I highly recommend it to artists (comic and otherwise). It’s small enough to be intimate and big enough to actually support the cost of a table. Behemoth cons such as San Diego charge so much that making a profit after paying for the booth is highly unlikely. The vendors seemed to have had a very successful con and our pals James and Becky (Little Vampires) said that this is the first con that they’ve made a profit. W00t! BIG SHOUT OUT to Becky and James! They RAWK!

I’d also like to link to Daniel of Monster Commute. He not only makes BEAUTIFUL comics (Monster Haiku!!! Klawberry!!!), he hosts a mean panel! Other panelists should learn from his organised approach. He lives in Phoenix and he a definitely a mover and shaker. You’ll be seeing much more from him in the future.

Nick has posted some video clips of Wheaton and Marina Sirtis as well as some pix for your enjoyment. I think you’ll find them linked from his blog.

Ok, I’ve got to post and log out – ITX is trying to troubleshoot my database sluggishness.

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44th Presidential Inauguration

Wow. I’ve got to say the energy of this event is palpable. It came gushing through my TV screen like a wave. I am awestruck by the experience. If it was this much in my living room, I can only imagine what it was like in DC. It’s like the whole USA cast a circle and sent up an energy burst. Seriously. I’m still stirred up!

The music performed by Yo-Yo Ma and the rest of the quartet was AMAZING. It was written by John Williams (Star Wars) and it’s called “Air and Simple Gifts.” It made me weep with the beauty of the first movement. Cello always hits me straight in the heart, but just WOW.

Obama’s speech was very good – although I really hope he learns to rely less on TelePrompTers. He touched on all the major points of his campaign and it was very motivating.

Poet Elizabeth Alexander… Well, I think the poem itself was pretty good, but her delivery was abysmal. Why. Did. She. Speak. One. Word. At. A. Time. ? The Bill Shatner school of poetry reading, I suppose. I want to read the poem myself to see what I think (if anyone locates the text of it, please let me know). I hope it was just nerves that made her read that way – she is a scholar and well known poet after all!

And then, the closing by Rev Lowery. OMG. That guy was just absolutely perfect. The rhyme at the end was exactly what this event needed. Kudos to the very old dude!! AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!

It was awesome, just awesome. If you didn’t watch it live, then get to YouTube and watch it now. Even a curmudgeon like me felt more positive about this country than I have in a long time. I sincerely hope that this positive energy will continue past, oh, tomorrow, yanno?

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PSA re: Cell Phone use today

The cell phone companies are expecting the cell phone network to be logjammed today with the gazillions of people either at the inauguration or texting about it.

So, please keep your usage to a minimum and don’t be surprised if your service is slow, spotty or even non existent. Texts are just as susceptible to not make it as calls, btw, for you texting bastards. ;-)

/end PSA

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Eisner Spirit of Comics Award

Just a reminder that we’ve nominated Criminal Records and Comics for the Eisner award this year. It is recognition for the various independent comic shops around the country who give great service and work hard to keep our favourite medium alive.

[I’ve removed the pdf since this is over. Criminal Comics did not fulfill the entry requirements and therefore were disqualified. ::sigh:: -A]

We are, of course, pushing for OUR comic shop, but please feel free to nominate your own local shop if you think they do a great job!

Our “Retailers” (not to be confused with the retail store name) are:
James Kempf
Zano Ludgood
The store info for Criminal is:
Criminal Records and Comics
1154-A Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta GA 30307
(404) 215-9511