Image Expo (super-photo-heavy post!)

Image Comics, the third biggest comic book publisher after Marvel and DC Comics, recently put on it's first comic book convention in downtown Oakland -- Image Expo.  Jordan's store, Escapist Comics, had one of the largest booths there!  I had the pleasure of helping set up, run, and break down the booth... and managed to snap some pictures of the process, as well as pick up a couple of neat things for myself.  :)

The booth was 4 spaces wide, which, if I received accurate info, was the largest booth there (aside from Image Comics)!  We had everything from Literature Graphic Novels and Trade Paperbacks (on the back wall), Superhero trades, omnibuses, kids comics and collections of comic strips on the table, and even a spot for small press - which were sadly under-represented at the Expo, if I may say so myself.  Maybe next year...!

Also, let's not forget the Golden and Silver Age comics, spearheaded by Jim:

The biggest sale of the weekend was a copy of Fantastic Four #4, which went for $650 -- that was more than half of the cost of the entire booth!!

The staff worked crazy-hard (Paul isn't pictured, but he worked his butt off, too!) and Jordan said it was one of the most successful, if not the most successful, conventions he's ever worked!  We made record time breaking down the booth at the end of the weekend, and I think I doubled my muscle mass in just a few days.

I managed to pick up some goodies for myself, while I was there:

Some pins, a glow-in-the-dark skeleton, and that Giraffe print -- it has to be one of my favorite things!! 

The pins and the Giraffe print were purchased from the lovely miss Karen Krajenbrink.

Unfortunately, I don't have a photo of my painting of Batman running away with a lit bomb, all freaked out and stuff.  Ultimate bummer 2012.

I also had the pleasure of meeting the comedy troupe Dipstick Swagger, who blend sketch comedy with self-publishing mini-zines and indie comics.  I commissioned one of their artists, Tirumari, to draw me a picture of Wonder Woman.  I was then informed that, for free, I would receive two of the comedians' interpretations of Wonder Woman as well.  Three drawings for the price of one?  Sold!

Tirumari's drawing of Wonder Woman:

... and then Dash and Stephen's:

Jimmy (aka Jammies) also ommissioned one of the doctors from Doctor Who

(I think this is the happiest picture of him ever):

All in all, it was a BLAST!  I felt right at home nestled in with everyone there, and was happy to help make the Escapist's appearance at the Expo a success!    Thanks so much to The Escapist for letting me tag along.  :)

I feel as though I made out like a bandit with the lovely (and hilarious) artwork I scored!  I'm happy to support comics, independent artists - and comedians! - and really hope that Image Comics decides to put on Image Expo next year!

Next up: Stumptown Comics Fest in April.  Watch out, Portland: we're coming for you!