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. 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! And Black Rose Alice!
Hello, Monster High merchandise!
Hello, Spawn! And Rocket Girl! And Rat Queens! And, oh, who am I kidding? 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:
Hey, Phil! Do you think you might find yourself at the Starz Outlander booth?! I’m a fan of the Gabaldon books, so I’m kinda geeking out about the TV show.