Hanging Out with Prince Leo, Hannah Solo & Lt. Uhura

I only got this close to Stephen Amell’s Arrow . . . this image from one of the thousands of t-shirts being sold: 

The Emerald City Comic Con came and went with such laughter and frenetic memory whisperings. So many highlights . . .

Like meeting comic book artist and legend Bob Layton in person. He dressed like a rock star (looked a bit like Ron Perlman) and sat in a private area of his booth. The art he created, the new covers for Magnus, Robot Fighter, were nowhere to be seen or found, and I was privy to a bit of his chiding nature: “Do you think I was a bit rude to them?” His artwork had been momentarily misplaced by the comic book team that invited him to create covers for them. Bob Layton was also one of the best Iron Man artists throughout the 80s (my heavy comic book collecting time period), and there are photos on the web of Layton standing next to Robert Downey, Jr., with Jon Favreau, the director of the red and gold man’s flicks. What a hoot!

I also tried to wrest Peter Pan from the psychopathic clutches of Tinker Bell, who told Peter, in no uncertain terms, that he was hers. I only wanted a photo with Peter, who said to the sprightly pixie: “Now, Tink, what did I say about sharing?” She then proceeded to get even more irate, but turned, and scowled for the camera. So much disgust from the imp. 

I did stand in line for a photograph, a paid photograph, and it was like the Celebrity DMV line, where each payee had three seconds to meet and then pose for the one photo snap before being shuffled off to the next line (I did get a glimpse of Karl “Bones” Urban while exiting Lt. Uhura’s tented cubicle. She’s now a Commander! Nichelle Nichols was a fun presence among the flashbulbs and crowd). The end result? The photo wasn’t good enough for me to ever share (but I probably will once I scan it in and have a lot more tequila). Okay: here it is:

After passing two incredibly creative types time and again over the 3-day event, the concept for their pairing hit like lightning: Hannah Solo and Prince Leo (in the captured-by-Jabba the Hut prisoner outfit, changed slightly to add a kilt). This gender-swapping duo were best of show, and they had a steady stream of photographers gathering wherever they travelled.

The silliest and most brilliant and creative time was spent speaking with my fellow authors in our booth . . . I was there trying to sell copies of Sandcastle and Other Stories and learn about how to go about selling the comic books in my own extensive collection. Perseverance pays off in that endeavor, and I have a lot to think about. To “grade” an issue, or not to “grade,” that is the question to ponder. While riffing on the costumed crowd walking by our booth, my friend witnessed someone bending over, someone who shouldn’t, and I began talking about a Bad Plumber who goes around wreaking havoc everywhere he goes with his super-villainous CRACK . . . we laughed, and then heard a voice behind our booth’s curtain say, directed at us: “That’s perfect . . . I’m going to take your intellectual property and run with it!” I replied: “Go for it!” Such a wild place and ideas are thrown around. On the last day of the Comic Con, this cool drawing was slid under our booth’s curtain. I love it. 

All in all, the Comic Con was a creative experience. I loved seeing the best graphic novel and comic book artists and writers together in the huge Convention Center seven blocks from Pike’s Market. I was able to hear a writing pal, Lorna Suzuki, speak with the production genius and creative on Once Upon A Time, and an H.P. Lovecraft film director on a panel dedicated to what goes into turning page to screen. Lorna’s Imago Chronicles, a YA series of 10 novels centered on a half elf/half girl, are not to be missed. She described her books, and the look of the film, as closely tied to that of The Lord of the Rings  with the style of 300 and a bit of The Last Samurai thrown in. The first film in the series is due next year, and the first three books in her novel series have been optioned. Way to go, Lorna! Just keep going.

ever,

Justin