Wizard Announces Wizard World Austin

[JamesV]

Did a search. Didn't see anything.

As reported by Robot 6 (http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2010/01/wizard-announces-austin-comic-con/):


Gareb Shamus's rapidly expanding convention slate just got one show bigger. According to a press release posted on Wizard's recently launched Magic Words blog, "Gareb Shamus, CEO of New York based Wizard Entertainment, today announced the launch of Austin Comic Con 2010 Wizard World Convention, to be held at the Austin Convention Center from November 12-14, 2010."

[Rod Nunley]

Holy Shit.

[Nick Spencer]

Just amazed it's not the same dates as SXSW.

[Thudpucker]

:shock:

[Supajoe]

wow.

[Brian Defferding]

Excellent! I have family near Austin, so I will probably go to this.

[Briomega]

Nice to have it back in the state but probably not going to be able to make it there.

[Rod Nunley]

I would hazard to guess that Scott Kurtz won't be making the trip down here for that. ;)

[JamesV]

Just amazed it's not the same dates as SXSW.

SXSW is too long and too big. They would have never gotten the space they wanted. I actually thought when I saw the headline that they were going to try and schedule it at the same time that STAPLE was going on. Just to be dickish.

This though makes sense. Similar dates to when Wiz World Texas was, and it's about 10 days after the last film of the Austin Film Festival.

[Nick Spencer]

SXSW is too long and too big. They would have never gotten the space they wanted. I actually thought when I saw the headline that they were going to try and schedule it at the same time that STAPLE was going on. Just to be dickish.

This though makes sense. Similar dates to when Wiz World Texas was, and it's about 10 days after the last film of the Austin Film Festival.

I was just kiddin'. :)

I'm always looking for an excuse to head to Austin, but even still...

[Artie Pink]

Wizard expects to still be in business in November?!

[Ryan_ZOOM_Turner]

Another good reason to visit my brother.

[Jef UK]

Hmmmm. The weeks before Thanksgiving aren't a great time for a Texas boy living in NYC to travel to Texas. That, and it's Wizard World.

[Rod Nunley]

Yeah. On the one hand I am stoked about a major convention in Austin. But on the other hand we already have Staple (which is awesome) and this is a Wizard convention.

[Jef UK]

Also, once I got there, hanging out in a convention center all day would be the last thing I'd want to do when visiting Austin.

[CougarTrace]

always around the holidays though which means major talent usually stays away :-x

[JamesV]

Also - I am of the opinion that anything that helps increase Austin's reputation as an entertainment and multi-media city is a good thing.

Especially when those events can be tied together easily - ie Sony's DCU MMO is being developed here and rumored to launch at the end of 2010. The company that released the Joe Mad designed game Darksiders (yesterday actually) is also here as well.

So adding events that can strengthen connections (in all fields) I think is a bonus for the city.

[CougarTrace]

Also - I am of the opinion that anything that helps increase Austin's reputation as an entertainment and multi-media city is a good thing.

Especially when those events can be tied together easily - ie Sony's DCU MMO is being developed here and rumored to launch at the end of 2010. The company that released the Joe Mad designed game Darksiders (yesterday actually) is also here as well.

So adding events that can strengthen connections (in all fields) I think is a bonus for the city.

Austin is a great city not as good as the biggest city in Texas where I live though :D.

Seriously, love Austin, but they really need to build some infrastructure to handle the new population - worse traffic in Texas.

[Rod Nunley]

Austin is a great city not as good as the biggest city in Texas where I live though :D.

Don't let anyone ever tell you that you're not a very funny dude. Obviously you are.

[Ryan_ZOOM_Turner]

Wizard expects to still be in business in November?!

:lol:

[Brian Defferding]

Austin is a great city not as good as the biggest city in Texas where I live though :D.

Seriously, love Austin, but they really need to build some infrastructure to handle the new population - worse traffic in Texas.

When I went down there for STAPLE I was stuck on Loop 1 for quite a long time. Aren't they trying to stack highways now? I think that's a great idea.

[JamesV]

Austin is a great city not as good as the biggest city in Texas where I live though :D.

Seriously, love Austin, but they really need to build some infrastructure to handle the new population - worse traffic in Texas.

I find Dallas proper traffic and Arlington where the new stadium is to be much worse than Austin.

You can maneuver around in Austin. They've ruined that up there.

[Thudpucker]

When I went down there for STAPLE I was stuck on Loop 1 for quite a long time. Aren't they trying to stack highways now? I think that's a great idea.

They're toll roads, and hardly anyone uses them because of that. Traffic here still sucks.

[Rod Nunley]

They're toll roads, and hardly anyone uses them because of that. Traffic here still sucks.

Sure. But traffic in Dallas is way worse. And anyone who says otherwise is on the silly sauce. I have lived in both places and Dallas traffic is way worse.

[Jef UK]

Austin needs to work on building more bike lanes. There's no reason for anybody living in and around Central Austin to drive at all. The bus system was pretty great back in my day too.

What's up with the light rail these days? Did they build it?

[Jef UK]

Sure. But traffic in Dallas is way worse. And anyone who says otherwise is on the silly sauce. I have lived in both places and Dallas traffic is way worse.

But at least you get to watch fist fights on LBJ while you're stuck!

[Rod Nunley]

Austin needs to work on building more bike lanes. There's no reason for anybody living in and around Central Austin to drive at all. The bus system was pretty great back in my day too.

What's up with the light rail these days? Did they build it?

The railway was supposed to be up and running months ago. No telling when it will actually be running.

[Supajoe]

Sure. But traffic in Dallas is way worse. And anyone who says otherwise is on the silly sauce. I have lived in both places and Dallas traffic is way worse.

i live in the dallas area and i hate driving in austin. 'course, i work at home so i'm not on the highways all the time. :-)

[Jef UK]

The railway was supposed to be up and running months ago. No telling when it will actually be running.

Where does it run?

When I lived there, I voted for it twice and it never passed. Great foresight! I knew it was only a matter of time.

But then you run into the problem with the Dallas light rail: it goes from one specific place to another, and so a whole ton of people don't need to use it. But you have to start somewhere!

[JamesV]

Where does it run?

When I lived there, I voted for it twice and it never passed. Great foresight! I knew it was only a matter of time.

But then you run into the problem with the Dallas light rail: it goes from one specific place to another, and so a whole ton of people don't need to use it. But you have to start somewhere!

I know they've been doing a lot of tests with it by my apartment up here in North Austin. Up until christmas, we saw them on the tracks at least a few times a week just running them.

[Thudpucker]

i live in the dallas area and i hate driving in austin. 'course, i work at home so i'm not on the highways all the time. :-)

I'd much rather drive in Dallas than Austin. There's more cars on the road in Dallas but that city is designed to handle the volume. Austin isn't, bumper to bumper traffic jams is part of the daily life here.

[Rod Nunley]

I'd much rather drive in Dallas than Austin. There's more cars on the road in Dallas but that city is designed to handle the volume. Austin isn't, bumper to bumper traffic jams is part of the daily life here.

I work at 1st and Lamar and drive home to IH35 and 45. No traffic it's a 15 minute drive. At the peak rush hour it's a 30 minute drive.

I'm only in bumper to bumper traffic from 5th street to about 2222 on a very bad day.

A 30 minute commute all the way from the center of town to the far north edge of town.

That's in no way a bad commute in rush hour traffic.

[Buk Was Right]

Where does it run?

When I lived there, I voted for it twice and it never passed. Great foresight! I knew it was only a matter of time.

But then you run into the problem with the Dallas light rail: it goes from one specific place to another, and so a whole ton of people don't need to use it. But you have to start somewhere!

It think it makes stops in Ogdenville, North Haverbrook, and Brockway.

Other than that I don't really know.

[gaspar]

I don't know who is complaining about Austin traffic. I go to/from UT campus for work and grad classes most days, often at rush hour. I live in the Arboretum area/north Austin. It's not a bad commute at all unless there's a wreck or stalled vehicle or something.

Back to the main issue...Wizard World Austin...HELL YES!

[Patrick King]

I don't know who is complaining about Austin traffic. I go to/from UT campus for work and grad classes most days, often at rush hour. I live in the Arboretum area/north Austin. It's not a bad commute at all unless there's a wreck or stalled vehicle or something.

Back to the main issue...Wizard World Austin...HELL YES!
Yeah, that's how it is for me, I live near the Arboretum and work at 38th and Guadalupe, so the drive on Mopac can be anywhere from 15 to 35 minutes depending on traffic. Generally it's in the 15-20 minute range though.

And yes, HELL YES TO ANOTHER MAJOR COMIC CON IN AUSTIN! (besides Staple of course!)

[THWIP!]

Also, once I got there, hanging out in a convention center all day would be the last thing I'd want to do when visiting Austin.

And NYCC is the month before.

[CapnChaos]

always around the holidays though which means major talent usually stays away :-x

Are you saying Brian Defferding isn't major talent?!?
*fisticuffs!*

If people from here are going, I might have to. Especially since I need to catch up on my Con quotient after not hitting any since WWC about three years ago. I can grab my gal friend from OKC and head on down.

[Beta_Ray_Bryan]

I'm glad to see Wizard return to Texas but Austin? Dallas was far enough a drive for me as it was 6 1/2 hours. Austins even further. Too bad Houston or even San Antonio weren't available.

[Rod Nunley]

I'm glad to see Wizard return to Texas but Austin? Dallas was far enough a drive for me as it was 6 1/2 hours. Austins even further. Too bad Houston or even San Antonio weren't available.

But Austin will be a lot more fun of a town to hang out in over the weekend.

[Jef UK]

And NYCC is the month before.

America Dave and I plan on sharing a table!

[maverick-99]

This big convention war is really beginning to have an effect on the little guys. FallCon in St Paul, a show with a 20+ year history, is not going to be only one day instead of all weekend and was pushed back two weeks to mid-October. And out spring show, which was always in April and one day, is not in May and will be two days. Thanks a lot big business.

[Tyeron]

hmmm well.. i may actually make it to wizard world this year

[Rod Nunley]

hmmm well.. i may actually make it to wizard world this year

It's on your front door dude. You damn well better be there. :)

[Rosdower 3.0]

well, I wanted to visit Austin sometime this year anyway...this might be the time to do it.

[Generic Poster]

I imagine I'll be going.

[Run-BMC]

I'll probably be going to this one. Close enough to my family in San Antonio to be worth the visit. I just hope it's not in Round Rock or something. WW Texas being in Arlington on Six Flags' and baseball's off season was pointless.

Oh, and yes I agree that Austin's traffic on the 35 from campus up to North Austin can get pretty bad occasionally, but my worst drive by FAR was having to drive from Clear Lake to downtown Houston to Katy in rush hour, which was awful EVERY TIME.

[CougarTrace]

I'll probably be going to this one. Close enough to my family in San Antonio to be worth the visit. I just hope it's not in Round Rock or something. WW Texas being in Arlington on Six Flags' and baseball's off season was pointless.

Oh, and yes I agree that Austin's traffic on the 35 from campus up to North Austin can get pretty bad occasionally, but my worst drive by FAR was having to drive from Clear Lake to downtown Houston to Katy in rush hour, which was awful EVERY TIME.

thats like a 100 miles though :D Seriously though they have 10 lanes each way on the Katy freeway now and you can even pay 35 cents to get a straight shot (I hate paying for freeway use though)

But, really no city in Texas with cities as big as ours is going to be good with traffic. But, Austin is totally worth it. Great city.

[Thudpucker]

I'll probably be going to this one. Close enough to my family in San Antonio to be worth the visit. I just hope it's not in Round Rock or something. WW Texas being in Arlington on Six Flags' and baseball's off season was pointless.

Oh, and yes I agree that Austin's traffic on the 35 from campus up to North Austin can get pretty bad occasionally, but my worst drive by FAR was having to drive from Clear Lake to downtown Houston to Katy in rush hour, which was awful EVERY TIME.

I hope it's going to be at the Austin Convention Center:

http://www.austinconventioncenter.com/

[Patrick King]

I hope it's going to be at the Austin Convention Center:

http://www.austinconventioncenter.com/
That's where the article said it would be, which makes sense since that's smack in the middle of downtown, and it's a huge space.

[Thudpucker]

So, it's about 3 months away now.

http://www.wizardworld.com/home-tx.html

Looks like it's going to be a small show.

[Thudpucker]

It's not looking good.

They're so low on guests that anyone who buys a booth gets top billing. They even list the Mayor of Austin as a featured Celebrity guest.

:nonono2:

I'll probably still go but I'm having second thoughts. 30.00 for one day admission to this?

[Thudpucker]

Was looking at the updated gust list and noticed Ethan is no longer in it. Has he say anything about not being able to attend?

[Ethan Van Sciver]

Was looking at the updated gust list and noticed Ethan is no longer in it. Has he say anything about not being able to attend?

Thud, sorry dude. I was double booked. :(

I'll really miss visiting Texas.

EVS

[Thudpucker]

Thud, sorry dude. I was double booked. :(

I'll really miss visiting Texas.

EVS

Sorry to hear it, was looking foreard to seeing you again. Hopefully you'll be able to make next year.

[Simon Bar Sinister]

I bought tickets last week. I'm only going to be able to go on Friday, though. I have something on Sunday I can't get out of and it's about a 6 hour drive one way for me.

[Kody]

I'll be there with a bunch of SWEETS stuff.

I'm driving down with my studio pal Rob Guillory (CHEW) and we'll be in Artists Alley all weekend. My friend Nick Jones will also be there, he's got a short role as John Stewart in the new Green Lantern film. He also happens to be a bigtime comic reader, but this is is first convention. Drop by and give him Hell.

[Patrick King]

Went today and had a damn good time! Saw Rod and John, and got stopped every 10 feet to take pictures with people since surprisingly I was the only Deadpool there. Pics to come!

[Patrick King]

Wizard World Austin pic dump part 1!!

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d106/outsiderzero/austincomiccon/IMG_0102.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d106/outsiderzero/austincomiccon/IMG_0101.jpg
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[Patrick King]

Wizard World Austin pic dump part 2!!

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d106/outsiderzero/austincomiccon/IMG_0089.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d106/outsiderzero/austincomiccon/IMG_0088.jpg
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http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d106/outsiderzero/austincomiccon/IMG_0075.jpg

[Patrick King]

Wizard World Austin pic dump part 3!!

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d106/outsiderzero/austincomiccon/IMG_0074.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d106/outsiderzero/austincomiccon/IMG_0073.jpg
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[RichJohnston]

Patrick, I'm running the Doctor Who/TARDIS cosplay on the Runaround at BC this morning. Might I be allowed to run the lot in a separate article, with credit and link?

[Alexander Hamilton]

Haven't been able to go to this, despite a generous offer from the board's Lab-rat.

Did get to go to a drink and draw after event last night though. It was a lot of fun.

Have I been missing much?

[Patrick King]

Patrick, I'm running the Doctor Who/TARDIS cosplay on the Runaround at BC this morning. Might I be allowed to run the lot in a separate article, with credit and link?
Sure! Be sure to link to my website too, www.patrickkingart.com

[bert]

Doesn't look like they got much of a crowd :(

I'm among those that didn't attend. . I just cound't see anything worth justifying the 40 minute drive in to downtown, the $8 to park, and the $30 to get in.

I was really seriously considering it, cause I'd love to meet some of ya'll, but when EVS pulled out (he also missed Dragon*con), there went my main reason for wanting to go.

I have so many comics/statues/toys . . a ton of TPBs just picked up at Dragon*con two months ago too. . that there's just nothing I'm looking for that I don't already have.

we went to a movie out here in Cedar Park instead.


all that said, it does look that despite the smallish crowd,there were some good dress-up.

particularly that Catwoman (w/ the two Batmen), and the Doctor/Tardis duo -- that one is just brilliant!

[CougarTrace]

actually from the artists I've talked to, its been a great WW Texas

[Patrick King]

Yeah, Rod was telling me that they're doing one next year. I thought it was a great crowd, there were people all over the place, but it wasn't like SDCC crowded.

[Rod Nunley]

Doesn't look like they got much of a crowd :(

I'm among those that didn't attend. . I just cound't see anything worth justifying the 40 minute drive in to downtown, the $8 to park, and the $30 to get in.

Yeah that's incorrect. The turnout was way more than anyone expected. Every single artist that I talked to was overwhelmed with the turn out. Saturday in particular was massive. Even today was pretty damn good.

And I was told by one retailer that even though it was a smaller turn out than a Dallas con he went to previously that he made a lot more money this weekend.

There were some flyers floating around that mentioned the show returning next year.

Also, I was bummed Ethan didn't show but there were a large number of great artists to check out. Later I'll post the full page picture I got from Mike Grell and you will all bow before it's awesomeness. Except Thud cause his piece is just as nice.

And Mike McKone, James O' Bar, Greg Horn, Rob Guillory (fucking awesome), Kory Chamberlaine (did I mention awesome), Amanda Rachel (who was also awesome), Rodney Ramos and Tony Castillo just off the top of my head would beg to differ with your assertion of no good artists to check out.

And for the record I didn't pay for parking all weekend.

[Thudpucker]

You did get a Mike Grell sketch, nice! Can't wait to see it. :)

[Supajoe]

I'm glad you guys had a good time! I wish I'd been able to make it to the show.

[atxbomber]

My wife and I went Saturday. We were able to meet and get a commission from Bill Sienkiewicz, which was a real treat for me as he's my favorite artist of all time. It was certainly better than the WWTX we went to in Arlington a few years ago.

[Rod Nunley]

You did get a Mike Grell sketch, nice! Can't wait to see it. :)

Uploading pictures now. Will see if I can get it posted. I got a classic Batgirl picture from him.

[Rod Nunley]

A couple of pictures.

Our Podcast is Geek Bombast and John (Lab Rat from the Bendis Board) and Mike were forced to pose with the woman of my choosing to manhandle them. They somehow seem OK with that.
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/6166/dsc1013o.jpg

Kody Chamberlain (from the Bendis Board) pauses from pimping his own Sweet comic goodness to take but a moment and read some of Mike Grell's James Bond comic goodness on Sunday.
http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/4315/dsc0987q.jpg

Mike Grell shows off the amazing Batgirl picture he did for my wife.
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/5543/dsc0986s.jpg

And the Close Up of the Batgirl art ...
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/8021/batgirlg.jpg

Amanda Rachels (another Bendis Board regular) promotes her awesome Clown Town book.
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/2152/dsc0984b.jpg

Amanda's Nails were Green Lantern Awesome.
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/4764/dsc1021s.jpg

There was a studio hosting a live art model drawing session.
http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/9459/dsc0895n.jpg

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/984/dsc0900v.jpg

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/5083/dsc0897d.jpg

A lot more pictures to follow in my next post.

And just to add ... I ran into several Bendis Board members and every single one of them were awesome. Kody, Amanda, Patrick, John, the ever lovin' Thudpucker and even the elusive Mr. Bachmann ... a pleasure to hang out.

[Rod Nunley]

Wonder Woman:
http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/9877/img0030jx.jpg

Blue Lantern Chick:
http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/1697/img0031l.jpg

Danni Danger and her awesome new tattoo:
http://img573.imageshack.us/img573/5765/dsc0996i.jpg

Danni Danger as her alter ego (for Austin Books) Sidekick:
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/4079/img0029no.jpg

Dr Who and The Tardis: (The photo I took of these two sisters was more animated but it was out of focus. So I found another picture from Patrick King to better illustrate the costume):
http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/1750/dsc0918r.jpg
http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/58/img0028id.jpg

Catwoman and Poison Ivy:
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/4378/dsc1022va.jpg

Captain Marvel and Black Cat:
http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/717/dsc1020.jpg

Harley Quinn (Anytime the Husband or Boyfriend was around I asked them to join in on the picture. Otherwise it seemed creepy of me to take a picture of the girl while the dude stands around watching. I like to call it Con Cuckolding when that happens.)
http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/3264/dsc1018z.jpg

Tank Girl and Ash:
http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/7179/dsc1014e.jpg

Awesome tattoo:
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/5327/dsc1012e.jpg

Funny story; I have a DSLR camera and I am still learning how to use it. I was getting (as you'll see in numerous pictures) a lot of motion blur. As I walked by the Suicide Girls booth I noticed one of the girls had a fancy DSLR camera she was playing with. I stopped and started talking to her about my difficulties. In just a few minutes we were knee deep in camera nerd talk. She had to pause every 30 seconds or so to take a picture with dudes. We took a bunch of the same pictures (framing and all that) to see what it looked like if we changed the settings. This was the final shot that came out really well. The great part was that she would make the exact same face each time. PS: Her name was Radeo (on the site) because I know you guys are going to ask:
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/4263/dsc1009r.jpg

Multipass (she poured and cut the silicon for the straps on her costume. Pretty cool) :
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/6826/dsc0998ur.jpg

The amazing and super friendly Rob Guillory:
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/6796/dsc0997b.jpg

Guaranteed:
http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/5227/dsc0989t.jpg

The Bat Extinguisher is totally operational:
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/2739/dsc0982n.jpg

Comics, man. Comics:
http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/6351/dsc0979p.jpg

Tom Hodges (amazing Star Wars artist who told me a cool story about this year's ILM Halloween party.) :
http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/3007/dsc0977i.jpg

He just Loooves bling:
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/8408/dsc0973o.jpg

Smash puny comic nerds:
http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/9886/dsc0965u.jpg

Toys!!!!!:
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/3594/dsc0962x.jpg

Yes. Her costume is that of a Sexy Wookie:
http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/633/dsc0937zv.jpg

Vintage Ewok toy on her back. That's how nerdy I am. I noticed and asked about it:
http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/5282/dsc0933g.jpg

I got my pencil:
http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/1986/dsc0931i.jpg

Pay no attention to the woman on the far left:
http://img574.imageshack.us/img574/2595/dsc0930.jpg

OK. Now you can notice her:
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/4069/dsc0929jf.jpg

Real feathers. Epic costumes:
http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/2953/dsc0911v.jpg

There are no Jets on the legs of this R2 unit. Just for the record:
http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/927/dsc0910l.jpg

I wonder if she asks him to leave the sculpted abs on ... you know, when they are making sexy time:
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/2924/dsc0908m.jpg

Even a hero got's to eat:
http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/1848/dsc0903b.jpg

The Bendis Board's own Patrick King is Deadpool:
http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/337/dsc0901r.jpg

I asked ... he was asked to do "the shocker" about four out of every five pictures:
http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/3001/dsc0890u.jpg

The Fett comes from humble beginnings:
http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/9264/dsc0889f.jpg

Anyone need anything delivered:
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/955/dsc0888q.jpg

Zombie Wolverine:
http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/3130/dsc0887k.jpg

Those appearing in this picture without makeup or a red spandex body suit have been married for two weeks. Watch yourselves:
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/3708/dsc0886g.jpg

It. Is. On:
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/3241/dsc0876ob.jpg

And that's all folks:
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/2533/dsc0860i.jpg

[Patrick King]

Man there were some kickass costumes I missed there. Also you stole my Wonder Woman and TARDIS/Doctor ladies pic!! ;) I saw another pic elsewhere of a really awesome Power Girl.

[Rod Nunley]

Man there were some kickass costumes I missed there. Also you stole my Wonder Woman and TARDIS/Doctor ladies pic!! ;) I saw another pic elsewhere of a really awesome Power Girl.

I thought it was your pic ... wasn't sure. I'll credit you in the post. :)

[bert]

Yeah that's incorrect. The turnout was way more than anyone expected. Every single artist that I talked to was overwhelmed with the turn out. Saturday in particular was massive. Even today was pretty damn good.


I was just commenting based on the pictures (the backgrounds look fairly empty).

Not commenting on the quality of the other artists when I said since EVS had cancelled I had no real reason to go -- I've met/seen/bought from many of the artists you mention (between SDCC (I went in 05), the Dallas Cons (Wizard & CAPE (where I've met O'barr more than once)), and Dragon*con.

EVS is someone I'm friendly with from the CBR boards, and Gail's board. . I was looking forward to talking to him in Atlanta and he didn't make it. That's what I was meaning when I said with him out, I had no real reason to go -- since I was hoping to chat w/ him here in Austin.

but glad to hear that everyone had a good show :)

[Patrick King]

I thought it was your pic ... wasn't sure. I'll credit you in the post. :)

Hahaha, I'm just giving you crap man, it's cool.

[Rod Nunley]

And holy hell the line for Joe Mad was always long.

[Thudpucker]

And holy hell the line for Joe Mad was always long.

I had no idea Joe Mad was still so popular. People were waiting more than 2 hours to get thru the line.

[Rod Nunley]

I had no idea Joe Mad was still so popular. People were waiting more than 2 hours to get thru the line.

Yeah. There was a whole mess of X-Men comics in that line. I guess Joe mad was to a younger generation who Jim Lee (or any one of the Image founders) was to mine.

[Kody]

Quick update, the Austin con was a massive hit—easily my best show ever.

The reception for SWEETS was astonishing, tons of issues sold, sketchbooks, and original art. The crowd was really there for the comics, the celebrities were secondary. But for the first time ever, I signed more comics than I sold (meaning, people were bringing in their copies). And if you're a creator, you know how cool it is when someone makes that kind of an effort vs an impulse buy.

And I also wanted to give a shot out to Wizard, I know they get a lot of grief from people, but they've always treated me well from the early days I did the original Wizard Dallas show. In fact, they've treated me far better than Comic-Con International and some of the other shows I've done through the years. I got nothing but love for the Wizard conventions.

I'll also be doing the Wizard New Orleans con in January as well as organizing the live art show that Saturday night. Please, if you're in the region, please make plans to make the drive. Should be a lot of fun.

[CougarTrace]

its just become popular for some to hate on Wizard.

They put on some good shows

[Buk Was Right]

its just become popular for some to hate on Wizard.

They put on some good shows

Yes, that's why people bang on them... because it's popular to do so.

It has nothing to do with the steady decline of the quality of their magazine and/or their sketchy business practices. It's entirely because it's popular to make fun of them.

Spot on as usual Trace.

[Thudpucker]

Wizard still does a fun show, they just do a different show than they did five years ago. Times change, things evolve.

The only real negative for me is that Wizard gives away nothing anymore. Last time I was at WWT I recieved 3 or 4 con exclusive comics, a free issue of Wizard, a couple hero clix figures, some posters and other things.

Now, nothing. They don't even give you a badge or a free bag to put my stuff in. They also charged a 5.00 'service charge' in addition to the 30.00 addmission. Whn I asked what service I was being provided for my extra 5.00 the ticket person didn't have an answer. She just told me everyone had to pay the hidden 5.00 service fee.

[Rod Nunley]

Wizard still does a fun show, they just do a different show than they did five years ago. Times change, things evolve.

The only real negative for me is that Wizard gives away nothing anymore. Last time I was at WWT I recieved 3 or 4 con exclusive comics, a free issue of Wizard, a couple hero clix figures, some posters and other things.

Now, nothing. They don't even give you a badge or a free bag to put my stuff in. They also charged a 5.00 'service charge' in addition to the 30.00 addmission. Whn I asked what service I was being provided for my extra 5.00 the ticket person didn't have an answer. She just told me everyone had to pay the hidden 5.00 service fee.

From our side of the table it was a little disorganized. But nothing that left too bad a taste in our mouths. I'm hoping next year things go a little smoother for those who have a table.

But we had a blast.

[Alexander Hamilton]

Yeah.. I might have to get a table for next years. Sounds like the artists who attended actually did really well. It's just shame it lined up with EAST this year. Hopefully next year they're at different times.

[CougarTrace]

Yes, that's why people bang on them... because it's popular to do so.

It has nothing to do with the steady decline of the quality of their magazine and/or their sketchy business practices. It's entirely because it's popular to make fun of them.

Spot on as usual Trace.

Thanks for proving my point

[Buk Was Right]

Thanks for proving my point

So you don't think that a decline in quality of their printed publications (I don't know if you've read Wizard magazine recently, but it's not very good and doesn't contain a lot of compelling content) combined with some shaky business practices (and if this is too vague or if you're not up to speed what I'm talking about is stuff like publishing a price guide for graded comics while also RUNNING A COMPANY THAT GRADES COMICS) are legitimate reasons for disliking a company and their publication?

Are you being intentionally obtuse as part of this ridiculous character that you play on this board or do you really not understand what I'm saying?

[Girlfriend In A Coma]

It was nice seeing the board represented in Austin! Hope I will get to see wome of you in Atlanta in December.

This was my first of the Wizard Cons and I had heard unfavorable things about them but I rather enjoyed it and it was by far my best con for sales and work. Here's some of the pictures that I drew during the show.

Batman and Catwoman
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs923.snc4/73651_1662462689513_1475588361_1625675_5354546_n.j pg
Jason and Ivy
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs490.ash2/76380_1663610238201_1475588361_1628078_5554207_n.j pg
The Hulk
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1191.snc4/154328_1665097395379_1475588361_1630736_6286498_n. jpg
Silver Surfer
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs581.ash2/150331_1665098075396_1475588361_1630741_2917740_n. jpg
Big Barda
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs976.snc4/76912_1665108475656_1475588361_1630764_8042163_n.j pg
Dr. Mrs. The Monarch
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs964.snc4/75785_1665108595659_1475588361_1630765_2097346_n.j pg

[gaspar]

I had fun! My buddy Richard writes for the local weekly and asked me to shoot it. My pics are posted with article:
http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Blogs/index.html/objID1112908/blogID/

[Patrick King]

I had fun! My buddy Richard writes for the local weekly and asked me to shoot it. My pics are posted with article:
http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Blogs/index.html/objID1112908/blogID/
Ah the esteemed Mr. Whittaker. How did you guys end up enjoying it?

[gaspar]

Ah the esteemed Mr. Whittaker. How did you guys end up enjoying it?

Had a great time, met/saw/photographed loads of fun and cool people!

[Rod Nunley]

Had a great time, met/saw/photographed loads of fun and cool people!

Bummed that I didn't run into you.

[chris_ycrtft]

I had fun! My buddy Richard writes for the local weekly and asked me to shoot it. My pics are posted with article:
http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Blogs/index.html/objID1112908/blogID/

nice pics! you planning to come to STAPLE!?

[chris_ycrtft]

btw, i enjoyed the show very much. they had a great turn out, and lots of good guests. the artist alley was the biggest and best set up of any i have seen at a mainstream con. best Wizard show i've been to by far, & i went to all of the Dallas ones. did not hurt anything that i could go home and sleep in my own bed at night.

they also treated me really well and made an effort to reach out and work with me here. while Wizard may have done some questionable things in the past, i think they have learned from those mistakes and are trying to improve - if this show is any indication, and i hope that it is.

i cannot speak to the pricing/grading question. i am not that kind of a comics collector so i don't really don't know anything about that.

[chris_ycrtft]

it was also a really good opportunity for me to promote STAPLE! My minions and I handed out close to 5,000 bookmarks, collected a few hundred emails, gave away a bunch of t-shirts (i was letting people roll a D20 and if they critted they won), and generally glad-handed and had a good time. pretty well wore this old man out, though.

[Girlfriend In A Coma]

it was also a really good opportunity for me to promote STAPLE! My minions and I handed out close to 5,000 bookmarks, collected a few hundred emails, gave away a bunch of t-shirts (i was letting people roll a D20 and if they critted they won), and generally glad-handed and had a good time. pretty well wore this old man out, though.

Hope I'll be able to make it to STAPLE! Sounds like fun :)

[chris_ycrtft]

Hope I'll be able to make it to STAPLE! Sounds like fun :)


i hope so too! it was nice meeting you, if only briefly.

i posted a FB note yesterday about the availability of STAPLE! tables.

http://tinyurl.com/22ucs8b

as of last night we are down to 15 tables left!

[Patrick King]

Hey! It's this weekend! Who all's going?

[Patton]

Me and others!

[Supajoe]

I'm at table 2418 all weekend. Come say hi!

[Simon Bar Sinister]

I'll be there all 3 days getting autographs and hopefully buying some old Flash comics.

[Rod Nunley]

I will see you fools there. Gonna be a lot of fun.