(Or click here to go straight to the photogallery.)
New Location, New Faces
In a major change from previous years, I was at a different location. I lost my usual place at the back wall of the exhibitor’s hall when I inadvertently missed the deadline for the show, but due to a cancellation got assigned a new spot closer to the middle of the floor. My new table was at the end of a small press area aisle (catty corner from the Peanuts booth).
While the new location may have led to increased foot traffic, I also made a more conscious effort to get people to stop at my table and check out my work. I’ve never been a natural showman or salesman, but I quickly realized that with all the distractions and sensory overload at the show, people needed a chance to notice my work. That often simply meant being a little more outgoing in saying hi to people and inviting them to check out the book. I’m not comfortable with the hard sell, and can tell when someone simply isn’t interested, but this approach nevertheless did result in sales to people who otherwise would not have noticed my table.
But what clearly drove sales for first-time readers to the series was the affordably-priced 4-packs. Of course, people still need to be attracted to the art or the concept—but certainly the sampler packs encouraged people to give the series a try. (As often happens, several returned later in the convention to pick up the remainder of the issues after they had read and liked what they had initially purchased).
What also boosted the bottom line is that I also sold a couple of pieces of original art—including the cover art to Rob Hanes Adventures #10.
Anyway, my thanks to the fans and friends—both longtime and new, some of whom from overseas—who stopped at the table to chat and make a purchase! Thanks for your support!
Going Digital
The technology clearly is still in its infancy, with comics publishers—much like the rest of the publishing world—having no clear or consistent model for delivering, formatting, and monetizing digital work.
Like many publishers, I was approached by several people seeking content for their digital comics startup. I was even invited to a presentation/pitch meeting for a company recently acquired by digital publisher Wowio. (They clearly spent a lot of money to be noticed—the presentation included free lunch, and took place on a yacht that was moored at a slip right behind the convention center!)
Across the board, all the proposed agreements from the startups were non-exclusive, with the creators retaining ownership, including print, and licensing rights. This may seem like a no-brainer in this day and age, but it’s significant for an industry that was built on the backs of work-for-hire creators who signed over the ownership of characters like Superman and Captain America that went on to become licensing bonanzas and pop culture icons, and who subsequently profited very little, if at all, from their creations. Back then, early comics publishers were desperate for content as well.
Some of my work is already available digitally via webcomics and some digital comics sites. But until now, I’ve considered digital comics simply as a promotional tool for driving people towards the print versions, not as a separate revenue stream. While few people believe print comics are going away anytime soon, companies are obviously looking for ways to make digital comics profitable, no doubt in anticipation of the fact that digital comics will likely continue to gain marketshare and gradually eat into print sales. Even after attending the Wowio presentation, I must admit it’s still kind of a mystery to me how the new model enables publishers to make money in the digital world. On the other hand, although the paid subscription model is not yet completely DOA, for the most part this road has not been successful.
No 800 Pound Gorilla
As I mentioned in my preliminary Comic-Con post, notwithstanding a stabbing incident at the show, many observers seem to agree that this year’s convention was relatively subdued and mellow.
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| Goth Girl Holly Golightly and Stormtrooper |
Absent such a lightning rod, the calmer atmosphere probably reflects in part the ability of the organizers to make adjustments each year to improve the logistics. (Indeed, some activities were moved off-site to nearby hotels to relieve some of the pressure in the convention center.) My wife told me how friendly and helpful the staff were in managing the crowd for the Myth Busters panel; I was similarly impressed by how quickly the lines moved for the exhibitors and professional badges. Even the weather cooperated: during the convention, the weather was remarkably cool, never breaking 70 degrees. (In fact, the convention hall was pretty chilly the entire show.)
The attendees, too, deserve much of the credit for such a laid back atmosphere, many of whom have now likely participated in multiple Comic-Cons and are old hands at this and set the tone for the newbies. Yes, the show was sold out again, so I’m assuming that means there were the same number of people at the convention as last year. But many of them probably are well familiar with the the ins and outs of the show.
Out and About
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| Thor's Throne at Marvel Comics' Booth |
I made just a few purchases, including the new Love and Rockets, as well as the new Captain Easy Sundays collection, both purchased at the Fantagraphics booth.
I always enjoy seeing what kind of displays the larger companies have, and to looking through original art and visiting Artist’s Alley.
Like many exhibitors, the only time I had a chance to really walk the floor and take in some of the sights was in the hours before the convention hall opened to the masses. Although most booths aren’t open for business, it’s a pleasant time to be in the convention hall before the crowds. (Indeed, it’s probably one of the few times exhibitors have time to relax a bit.) It often gives one a chance to scope out what might be worth buying later so that you can shoot over there when you have a few moments and quickly purchase what you need. Thor's throne at the Marvel booth (pictured above), taken from the film set, appeared to be a memorable hit among fans.
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| So wrong on so many levels, but I do love this picture |
Even though I’m primarily “working” at the convention, many family and friends also join me at the show to take in the spectacle, helping out at the booth at times. My wife always enjoys the show and, with the children, looks forward to planning their costumes for the convention.
Although my little girl (now 8 years old) has always enjoyed getting into character and the attention she receives, my 5-year-old boy is a bit more reticent. But this year he got into the spirit of things, dressing as Batman and a hobbit (he always hated the hobbit outfit though with his curly locks he was a natural—until he finally watched Lord of the Rings this year!) Photos of the kids even showed up on CNN's coverage of the show (see second photo at the link).
At the risk of missing someone, the industry pros and acquaintances who stopped by at the booth or who I stopped by to see included Tim Burgard, Kurt Busiek, Dave Olbrich, Jaime Hernandez, Mario Hernandez, Rich Johnston, Steve Leaf, Tom Mason, Mat Nastos, Andrew Pepoy, John Roshell, and Stan Sakai.
Also stopping by was Robert Haines, from the Joe Shuster Canadian Comic Book Creator Awards, who was accompanied by his wife, Jenn Stewart, a nominee for this year’s Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award for the Dragon comic-book store in Ontario, Canada. Haines said he had heard of my book and laughed when I joked that I appreciated his not being litigious—I also told them they had a natural way to promote the book in their store!
Anyway, thanks to my wife and the kids for their help and support, as well as Bob and my brother Rodney for being of great assistance (and moral support) as well!
Well, with the 2010 Comic-Con now over, I guess it’s back to the drawing board as I look ahead to 2011!
Go to the photogallery
Other links about the 2010 Comic-Con:
- The Beat round up of Comic-Con news and reports
- Comics Reporter Collective Memory for 2010 CCI
- Comic Book Resources: The Final Word
- The Beat coverage of Rob Hanes Adventures at Comic-Con
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