Zanziber's outlook for 2014

Here we are, coming to the end of another year. 2013 has been a huge year from me personally, with the addition of Twitter and the Comic Book Covers 4 Cancer (#CBC4C) project. Here's the outlook on the comic con's for 2014 thus far:

January 24-26

I submitted an application for a fan table to help promote Comic Book Covers 4 Cancer at Wizard World Portland. Due to my current funding capabilities, if I am denied for the table, I may only be able to attend for a single day. I already have a room booked, so now I play the waiting game. Last year, I was able to attend a single day because Groupon came through with a great deal. Either way, I'm looking forward to the chance of attending and connecting with some additional artists for CBC4C.

Nothing has been announced for this years Stumptown, but I wouldn't mind attending again. Hopefully I'll be able to fair better than this in 2013. Next time around, I'm going to be more open-minded about supporting the indie comic scene.

March 28-30

I already have my room booked and my train tickets purchased. I'm going to have to wait until after the holidays to buy my ticket. I missed Emerald City Comic Con 2013, but I don't want to miss 2014. Because of baggage restrictions, I'm debating about if I should bring blanks along for artist to help with CBC4C, but I'll have business cards and (hopefully) flyers/brochures.

May 10-11

2014 will bring a new convention into the Pacific Northwest in the form of Cherry City Comic Con right in my own back yard. I'm going to give as much support to this con as I can, though I won't have a table. I've already purchased my ticket for the weekend, and I'm looking forward to seeing what's going to be put on. With any luck, we can help make this as much of a success as 2012's inaugural Rose City Comic Con. Buy your tickets now!

September 20-21

I intend on attending Rose City Comic Con again in 2014. I wouldn't miss it for the world. I'm hoping that I'll also be able to get a fan table to help promote CBC4C. Even if I'm not able to get a table, I'll have business cards and flyers/brochures.

All year long!

I know it's not a comic con, but I thought I'd add a little something about the Comic Book Covers 4 Cancer project. As you can probably tell from above, I intend on promoting CBC4C wherever I go. I'm looking forward to making new connections with artists who can help support the cause, and I'd love to be able to meet some of the current artists face-to-face. I appreciate everyone who has helped this project become successful. What I'd like to ask from each person who reads this is to like our Facebook page if you haven't already and share it with at least 1 person.

To any vendors who will be attending any or all of these conventions, I have a simple request...

Bring lots of different TPB's and GN's and give us a good discount and you'll have my attention and my patronage.

#CBC4C needs your help!

I want to thank every artist who has already donated work to our project as well as those who are currently working on their donations. Also, a big thank you to those who have place bids on our auctions to help raise money for cancer research. Without each and every one of you, this project would not have gotten this far.



The next stage of our project is to broaden the exposure of our cause. I've been promoting #CBC4C on Twitter, Facebook and several comic book message boards, but I feel that the message can be spread further.



To that end, I have already submitted an application for a fan group table for Wizard World Portland (January 24-26, 2014). In anticipation of being accepted as well as continuing this at future comic cons (namely Rose City Comic Con, Stumptown and the new Cherry City Comic Con), I need help with funding this stage of the project, and you can help.



To date, this project has primarily (95%) been funded out of my own pocket. I need help with signage for the table/booth area as well as brochures and informational flyers. The goal will also go towards expenses like transportation. Any excess will go straight into the donations to the American Cancer Society.



I have a GoFundMe campaign already started where you can donate to help us out. Here's the link:

http://www.gofundme.com/3xwpio

Any help is greatly appreciated. If you cannot donate, please spread the word.

Stumptown 2013 - Thoughts

This was my first year going to Stumptown, and I look forward to attending next year as well. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to stay as long as I would have like due to sickness issues. Here are my thoughts around what I was able to take in:

CBLDF- Since my official introduction to them at this years Wizard World Portland, I found myself drawn to the wonderful offerings they had available. I limited myself to only picking-up volume 1 & 2 of the Grendel Omnibus. (Not sure if there will be additional published.)

Bill Willingham- As those who regularly read this blog can attest to, Willingham is one of my favorite authors. Truth be told, he was the biggest reason for me to come to Stumptown. I must confess, I have not yet been drawn into the life of small press publishing. When I find artists and writers I like, I will be faithful to the end... I just need to open myself up to more. I would welcome opinions.



Back to Bill... When I arrived, he was doing an interview for one of the many podcasts that were also in attendance. He was also sitting in the aisle instead of behind his table, so this threw me off my game to approach him originally. Once I noticed he was sitting there just working on a piece of art, I came up and asked for his time.



Same as the first time I met him at ECCC last year, he was easily approachable and funny to talk to. Unfortunately, my mind blanked on a few of the questions I had prepared to ask him. (I chalk this up to my feeling sick shortly after my encounter.) Next time, I'm writing my questions down.



Becky Cloonan- While I am a recent admirer of Cloonan's work (The Guild: Zaboo and Batman #12 from the New 52), I took my meager offerings for her to sign. When I first arrived at her table, she was working on a sketch and there was someone at her table going over what she had available for sale. The one item she had that really caught my interest was Dracula (Bram Stoker) where she had added artwork to. After flipping through the book, I thought that perhaps this would make reading Dracula a bit more palatable. Between this book and my comics to sign, I left her table content.



Jason Martin- While walking through the con, my eye was drawn to an image that made my inner child giddy...

"Cobra Fett" drew me in to looking at Martin's work, but his print offerings kept me there. He had prints featuring the Walking Dead and Game of Thrones. I wish I had purchased more of his prints, but I did get 6.

I also picked-up a print of "Cobra Fett" and the others are going to be gifts, so I'm not going to post them. I'm going to be keeping my eyes on his work. Here's a link to his blog.



Ron Randall- Though I've never before been introduced to Randall's work, when I stopped by his table I found him very inviting. I took a look at his Trekker offerings, and decided to take an interest. I had never heard of this title before, but when I did a little research after getting home, I found the history very inviting. I'm going to read the issue from Image I bought from him and post a review. Before I even read it, I recommend people to give him your support. From the little time I actually spent with him, I could sense that he is very passionate for this title. Here's a link to his website.



Bridge City Comics- I must have passed their table several times before I stopped to look at their trade and graphic novel offerings... which were all highly discounted. One in particular caught my eye: "X-Men: Fall of the Mutants Omnibus". The 2 reasons this caught my attention are A) I just added the single trades to my wishlist on Amazon earlier in the week -AND- B) they were selling it for $40! That's 60% off the cover price. It's a huge book, and carting it around the con would have proved difficult with the limited space I had in the only bag I brought. After some time, I came back and bought the omnibus. It felt good, and I regret nothing.



After this purchase, I decided to go back to my van and drop-off what I had so that I could come back for more. That's when the sickness took me and I decided to leave rather than share what I was feeling.



Now.... on to FCBD!

Stumptown Comics Fest 2013

10th Annual Stumptown Comics Fest

April 27 and 28, 2013 • Oregon Convention Center

Sat. 10-6, Sun. 12-6 

Stumptown Comics Fest - Saturday pass


Stumptown Comics Fest - Sunday pass


Stumptown Comics Fest - Weekend pass

I plan to be there, will you?