HeroesCon 2007 - Wrap Up

How was my HeroesCon 2007? Well if this sketch of me in a space helmet by Jeff Parker doesn't tell you how awesome it was, I don't know what will.

I only got to go on Friday this year, but it was just enough time to see everyone I wanted and get the comics I needed. The attendance on Friday was very solid, with another line out the door before doors opened. We decided to wait for the line to die down before going in, and after 20 minutes, we finally just got in line.

There weren't as many blockbuster names this year, like Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch; but that was OK, because that meant more time to talk with folks and hear some stories; like Kyle Baker telling us about how and why he got mentioned on the Craig Ferguson Show and also why Mississippi Burning was a lie!

As far as the folks I wanted to talk to - mission accomplished! Chris and I got to chat up Matt Fraction, from whom we learned that you can get adult size heelys. My wife and I got to chat with Jeff Parker, who is a totally awesome. In addition to the above sketch he did for her, I got a copy of The Interman with a sketch inside. Also got to talk with Ben Towle who gave me a fantastic Razorback sketch, and we talked a little about MODOK. Just as the show was ending, I finally saw Rob Ullman and got to catch up; he's going to have a new graphic novel soon, which sounds very exciting.

Jim, Pierre, Chad and Chris all seemed to do pretty well at the Flashback booth. Jim's idea to just give away promos and cards directing people to the site made for a more satisfying time for them, since there was no pressure to sell. Hopefully this will drive more hits and downloads for him.

I only went to one panel - DC Nation. It pretty good, and highly entertaining. Most of what I'm going to talk about here has probably already hit the internet, but I just might be the only blog you read, so it's my job to tell you!

• Flash will be canceled as of #13, and relaunch as a #1 with Mark Waid on board, which is very exciting.
• My theory about the new Challengers of the Unknown was (somewhat) confirmed. I asked Didio about it, and he said he couldn't talk about it, but said that Jason Todd, Donna Troy, and Kyle Rayner will be the Challengers of the Beyond, and go from Earth to Earth.
• I got to ask about Chris' grassroots campaign to free the Vertigo Three, Didio said it won't happen, because they want to keep those mature readers titles separate from the mainline books. I respect that answer a lot when it comes to editorial oversight and brand management in light of other events; though I have to admit that when the main line books feature things like the brutal rape and murder of a supporting character, and people getting their arms ripped off or hearts punched out, it's seems the label "mature readers" has become a bit blurred...
• Best moment of the panel: Some guy kept going on and on about Jason Todd, and would he be redeemed, etc. - and Didio yells "HE'S A SKRULL!"

As per usually, my weakness for 50% trades did me in. I got some Essentials I needed, and the 6 volumes of the Byrne Fantastic Four run. I also bought a bunch of back issues, that will be fodder for this here blog at some point, I'm sure. Best of all - someone was giving away free Archie Comics, and that is music to anyone's ears.

There was a party Friday night, with a viewing of Rosario Dawson's new film, but sadly we couldn't stick around as we had to get back home Friday night. But, as always, a great show with tons of fun had by all!

Things You'll Only See/Hear at a con:

• "Sorry, I gave my quarters to the Klingons" - In response to my wife asking for a quarter while at the coffee bar. I donated to Klingons for Hospice.
  
  
• Chris Sims spreading out his Legion back issues on his bed at the hotel and rolling around in them.
  
  
• "What was that?" - my wife, after walking past someone who did not get the memo that you should wash yourself with soap and water and put on deodorant when going out in public. Seriously people - these things are a stereotype for a reason. Make it stop.

Click here to look at my photos from the con!