The world is too much with us; late and soon,Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers;–
SHARKNADOGO SHARK YOURSELF!
Greetings! I’m here at Comic-Con in San Diego, delivering a glimpse of the goings-on for you, my loyal readers. It is the very first evening of Comic-Con (though there are some sneak previews this evening, the programming proper begins tomorrow). So, I thought I would begin by assuring you that, despite what you may have heard from Fox News and other pessimists, capitalism is thriving here. Advertising covers all available surfaces:
buildings,…
the train,…
and, of course, the body.
All those who register for Comic-Con get one of these great big canvas bags/backpacks, designed to carry lots of merchandise (and to go a bit easier on the back than a tote bag would!). Beyond making it easier for you to carry what you buy, each bag also turns the user into a walking billboard, advertising whatever is on the back.  Mine has Adam West and Burt Ward, in the original Batman TV series (1966-1968), which will be released on DVD and Blu-ray later this year.
Speaking of advertising,…
I’ll be at the Fantagraphics booth (#1718), signing Barnaby books (which I co-edited with Eric Reynolds). Currently available: Barnaby Volume One: 1942-1943 (2013) and Barnaby Volume Two: 1944-1945 (2014).Schedule of my signings (and the far more illustrious people who will be signing at the same time):
- Thursday, July 24, 4-6 pm: Don Rosa + Phil Nel +  Trina Robbins (4-5 pm)
- Friday, July 25, 9 am-10 am: Phil Nel
- Sunday, July 27, 9:30-11 am: Paul Hornschemeier + Phil Nel
Stop on by, even if it’s just to say hi! And click here for full schedule of Fantagraphics authors & editors.
For those who have a four-day pass or “Professional” badge (as I do), the exhibit hall was open tonight for three hours. Â It’s nice to get in before the hall gets too crowded.
I’m only being partially ironic in saying it’s not yet too crowded. I was in this section of the exhibit hall on the first full day of the conference last year, and it was shoulder-to-shoulder. You couldn’t move at all. Tonight, movement was still possible.
So many people to meet! In the photo below, I greet fellow educator Principal Skinner, and we grin maniacally at each other. As we always do.
Last year, I got to meet Snoopy. I didn’t see him this evening. I hear he’s been spotted atop his doghouse, with his typewriter, working on his novel. Maybe that round-headed kid can convince him to come by and meet his fans. Here’s hoping!
Why, hello, Kitty! Â And Black Rose Alice!
Hello, Monster High merchandise!
Hello, Spawn! Â And Rocket Girl! Â And Rat Queens! Â And, oh, who am I kidding? Â I’m out of my depth here.
I don’t follow the entertainment industry that closely anymore. There are good television programs and films out there. But I rarely get around to watching them. I recognize the older characters – though I’m amused to see Alfred E. Newman peeking out from between superheroes….
I’m here for the comics – or “graphic novels,” to use the preferred industry term. I like to see what’s being published: new stuff, classic comics, kids’ comics, all of it. And I like to learn from the creators and the scholars on the comics panels.
This year (as last year), I’m also here because a book I worked on was nominated for an Eisner – this year, it’s Crockett Johnson’s Barnaby Volume One: 1942-1943 (co-edited with Eric Reynolds, for Fantagraphics; designed by Daniel Clowes, foreword by Chris Ware, intro by Jeet Heer, Afterword & Notes by me). Will I become a two-time Eisner Loser? We’ll find out Friday evening….
Comic-Con 2014:
Comic-Con 2013:
Cindy Debes