BEHOLD! Some of my carded collection. :)

[papa_smurf73]

This update is long overdue. I hit the Gem City Comic Con in Dayton last weekend, and had an amazing time. This was my first time at a con, and the only reason I attended was for the opportunity to meet Kevin Eastman. I brought a small army of items for him to sign, which I'll post below. He signed everything I put in his path, which was pretty amazing considering they had to separate the lines out and give folks time cards to see him. I was kindly disappointed they had him shoved into the back corner of the room though. I felt bad for him, but maybe that's the norm? Anyhow, aside from getting his signature, I attended a panel where Kevin talked about the history of the Ninja Turtles, and how the movement evolved. It was fun and especially informative. At the end of his speech, he gave an opportunity for folks to ask questions. I waited until everyone had finished asking their questions, raised my hand, and instead of asking a question I simply thanked the guy. That alone was probably the most rewarding part of the trip for me hands down. I felt I connected with him, and let him know how much I appreciated his hard work, and the fact he came all the way to the mid-west just to talk with us was pretty amazing. He's walking a legend, no doubt about it.

Needless to say, I was glad to have attended this convention. So much that I went both days (Saturday and Sunday). I even purchased a special ticket to meet with Kevin after the show (which was pretty much Kevin in the back of a comic book shop signing stuff for folks). Still, I'll take what ever I can get. I can't express how much I appreciated being able to be face to face with him. Something I will never forget.

So back to the con... While I do have comic books, I never really considered myself a comic collector. My comics are more-so just books that were handed down to me or I traded up to get because I liked the artwork (with exception to the IDW comics that I subscribe to). I have to say that it puts a new spin on getting a comic book when you actually get to meet the artist. I picked up two series from a couple artists I ran into while at this con. I had never heard of either. The first one I came upon was just an amazing artist by the name of Kyle Hotz. Perhaps you've heard of him? Here's what I picked up from Kyle



Here's a great Bebop and Rocksteady print I scored from Ren McKinzie.




I also met another great artist named Daniel Leister. He was selling his artwork for $20.00 a sheet. I thought that was pretty stellar considering the amount of detail this dude put in his work. Here's what I picked up from him:




I had the pleasure of meeting Eric Adams who wrote the indie comic book Lackluster World. He was giving the first comic away for free, and the remaining 6 out for $30.00. I purchased the second comic, and read the first two while I was waiting for Kevin's panel. I was literally laughing out loud. Lackluster world is insanely funny, and has a fun-filled story line. I liked it so much that I purchased the rest of the books (it's a mini series). I highly recommend you read it. It was voted best indie comic of 2010. I had Eric sign all the books I purchased, and just finished the last one today. So good. Get it. Do it.