2009 Windy City Comicon

The 2nd Annual Windy City Comicon will be held Saturday, September 19, 2009. The event runs from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and will be held at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, Chicago, Illinois. Tickets are only $10!

This comics-oriented con will showcase the Chicago area's finest comic art talent, plus a host of creators from around the country. If you're looking for a comics convention that focuses on the comics from start to finish, this is the event for you. The con features a number of special guests including Gene Ha, David Petersen, Geof Darrow, Tony Moore, Skottie Young, and Richard Starkings.

A full schedule of events includes a Hero Initiative Sketch Jam at 11:00 am; spotlight panels on Richard Starkings and Skottie Young; a writing comics panel featuring B. Clay Moore, Sean McKeever, and Will Pfeiffer; a conversation panel with professional inkers; and a web comics panel. In addition, the exhibit floor will be filled with comic book/trade paperback/graphic novel/toy/game vendors.

If you attend the con, please take a few photos to share. Leave a comment below with your contact information, and I'll be in touch! Thanks!

Have fun and don't forget your sketchbooks!

Review: Wednesday Comics

In an age of newspaper closings and scary times for print journalism, DC Comics has released the smash hit comic of the summer, the weekly Wednesday Comics. The ultimate homage to the Sunday funnies, Wednesday Comics is a fold-out newsprint tribute to the full-color comics that generations of readers have enjoyed each Sunday. But this isn't your typical set of funny pages.

When folded, Wednesday Comics is 7" x 10", and when unfolded, 15 DC characters each receive one giant 14" x 20" page. WC is a treat for the eyes as DC has included not only its heavy-hitting characters like Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern, but the lively adventures of Kamandi: The Last Boy on Earth, Deadman, Metamorpho, and the Metal Men, as well.

An all-star cast of writers and artists has been assembled to create WC, and each creative team has embraced the characters and Sunday funnies format with unique interpretations. Metamorpho is written and drawn like a Silver Age classic, Batman is a noir detective tale, Strange Adventures has an underground comics appeal, and Teen Titans is inspired by modern manga techniques. Not all the stories or artistic styles will be your cup of tea, but you'll enjoy your favorites and appreciate the remarkable creativity.

Batman—by writer Brian Azzarello and artist Eduardo Risso (100 Bullets)
Kamandi—written by Dave Gibbons (Watchmen, Green Lantern Corps) with art by Ryan Sook (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Arkham Asylum: Living Hell)
Superman—written by John Arcudi (The Mask) with art by Lee Bermejo (Joker)
Deadman—written by Dave Bullock and Vinton Heuck, art by Dave Bullock
Green Lantern—written by Kurt Busiek (Trinity, Astro City) with art by Joe Quiñones (Teen Titans Go!)
Metamorpho—written by Neil Gaiman (Sandman, The Graveyard Book) with art by Michael Allred (Madman)
Teen Titans—written by Eddie Berganza with art by Sean Galloway
Adam Strange—by writer/artist Paul Pope (Batman: Year 100)
Wonder Woman—written and illustrated by Ben Caldwell (Dare Detectives)

Metal Men—written by Dan DiDio with art by Ian Churchill (Supergirl)
Supergirl—written by Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex) with art by Amanda Conner (Power Girl)
Sgt. Rock—written by Adam Kubert (Superman: Last Son), illustrated by Joe Kubert
The Flash—written by Karl Kerschl (Teen Titans Year One, The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive) and Brenden Fletcher, illustrated by Karl Kerschl
The Demon and Catwoman—written by Walter Simonson (Thor, Manhunter) with art by DC cover artist Brian Stelfreeze
Hawkman—written and illustrated by Kyle Baker (Plastic Man, Special Forces)

Wednesday Comics will only run for 12 issues and issue #6 shipped this week. It's not too late to see why WC has fans (me, too!) running for their local comics shops each week -- pick up an issue (only $3.99) and enjoy the funnies the way they'd look if you were in charge of DC Comics.

Comic-Con 2009

Comic-Con International: San Diego is upon us! The world's largest comic book/pop culture celebration officially opens its doors this morning.

You'll no boubt hear news blurbs about the crowds of 100,000+ people that cram themselves into the San Diego Convention Center and maybe they'll think to show an image or two of whatever the next big movie will be (my money would be on Twilight: New Moon for that) from the convention floor. But what they won't show you is the best reason to attend -- the assembly of so many creative people is inspiring. Writers and artists of all disciplines, experience, and talent levels all under one enormous roof casts a unique atmosphere of creative inspiration. And if you're fortunate enough to look past the celebrities, the Hollywood, the video games, and the latest offerings from toy companies, Comic-Con is a powerful recharge for your creative batteries.

That's why I'm hopping on a plane this morning and jumping headfirst into the fray. I don't think anyone will ask me to recite the Green Lantern's pledge in order to get my recharge, but I'm ready if someone brings it up.

Because I write a review-based column ("The O'Brien Factor") for Comic Buyer's Guide magazine, I'll be avaialble at their booth (#1419) at various times during the convention. If you're a comics creator and would like to submit your book for consideration in my column, you can drop it off at the table any time.

Slam Bang #4

I was delighted to find the highly anticipated new issue of Slam Bang the Explosive Comic Anthology in my box the other day. Creator Allen Freeman is a frequent contributor to my column for Comics Buyer's Guide magazine, and Slam Bang is one of my favorite indie anthologies.

New issues appear roughly once each year and vol. III no. 4 features a music theme. The comics represent a wide variety of artistic styles, and I always appreciate that diversity. Some are funny, some make you think, and all are entertaining.

It also includes an excellent CD of indie bands -- I recommend reading the book while listening to set the proper (fun!) frame of mind. The black-and-white comics are printed on high-quality paper and square bound, making this a durable 6" x 9" book that will shelve nicely with your trade paperbacks.

The talented Charlene Chua provided the cover art and set the perfect tone for this fun issue. Freeman also includes an interview with comics creator Brad Foster. At just $9.95, Slam Bang is a bargain -- but be sure to pick up two issues. If your friends are like mine, one of those copies is sure to be "borrowed."

Free Comic Book Day Isn't Free

Several people have asked about Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) lately, and I thought I'd explain a few details.

First, the comics that are free on FCBD are ones prepared and released especially for the event. Most will have the FCBD logo on them, and most stores will have one area dedicated to the free titles. The regular release titles (those that line the store shelves every day) are for sale. Store owners definitely encourage you to browse their shelves, but if you're not a regular comics reader please do remember to take care when handling the books -- condition is important.

Second, those "free" comics aren't really free. The stores do pay for the titles that they hand out on FCBD, and I think this is an overlooked aspect of this festive day. They also pay for the FCBD signs, shirts, and advertising that brought you to their store. Some stores host comics creators for the event and can incur costs bringing these professionals in for signings. Other stores host costume contests, provide door prizes, or offer other costly efforts to make the event enjoyable.

Third, not every store will offer every free comic produced for this event. Store owners select the comics that they think will appeal to the audience most likely to walk through their door and order what their budget will permit. If you couldn't find a particular free comic at your local store, you'll probably have to try another location.

Fourth, spend some money in the store that day. If you're a store regular with a pull list, pick up your comics that day. Better yet, toss in a few titles you've been thinking about trying anyway. If you just came in for the event, give a few titles a try. With the amazing volume and variety of trade paperback collections available, you can pick up on the current storyline of your favorite character by reading a couple of trades. Someone in the store can help you find what you're looking for, just ask.

Fifth, bring the kids. Yes, there are comics appropriate for kids! No, you won't find them at the grocery store like you did when you were a kid. In addition to the good kid-friendly titles produced just for FCBD, there are a number of monthly titles available for young readers and tweens, too. Strike up a conversation at your comic shop on FCBD and they'll help you find them.

If stores don't have good traffic through the door and don't post good sales on FCBD, they won't have much incentive to continue to participate in future events -- and that would be a shame. This event brings a lot of positive attention to the world of comics, and comics readers need to support it in any way that they can.

S.P.A.C.E. con

The Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo (S.P.A.C.E.) is this weekend, April 18-19. One of the best shows of the year for indie comics creators and fans, S.P.A.C.E. will take place at the Aladdin Shrine Center in Columbus, Ohio. The show is open from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and from 10am to 5pm on Sunday. Admission is $5 for one day or $8 for both.

The exhibitor tables are sold out and the programming schedule offers a varitey of panels, discussions and cool exhibits. Check out the website for more info and have a great time at the con!

2009 Eisner Award Nominees

The 2009 Eisner Award nominees were released this week, and it's a very diverse list that features entries from 38 publishers. Named for famed cartoonist Will Eisner, the awards are the Oscars of the comics world and are handed out each year during a ceremony at Comic-Con International San Diego.

The nice thing about the list is that it serves as a "recommended reading list" for the summer. I'm already familiar with quite a few of the titles nominated, but those that I don't know will spark conversations for the next several months. I must admit that Willie & Joe is a personal favorite, and I'll be cheering for it.

Classics Illustrated: The Raven

Just received a review copy of Classics Illustrated: The Raven and other Poems from the folks at Papercutz.

Their successful revival of the Classics Illustrated series continues with this collection of Edgar Allan Poe's masterpiece, "The Raven," and other poems including, "Eldorado," "Annabel Lee," "The City in the Sea," "The Sleeper, " "The Haunted Palace," and "The Conqueror Worm" as interpreted by Gahan Wilson, the hilarious and insightful cartoonist for The New Yorker.

Wilson's style is perfectly suited to Poe's turn of phrase, as his artwork moves across the page with the cadence established by the words. But don't take my word for it. At $9.95 this modern classic is a bargain -- so order two copies and donate one to your local library!

Interview with Thom Zahler

For my column, "The O'Brien Factor," in issue #1652 of Comics Buyer's Guide magazine, I had the pleasure of interviewing writer/artist/self publisher Thom Zahler. Zahler is the creator of Love and Capes, a super hero/sitcom/romance comic book about Mark, the super hero, and Abby, his normal bookstore-owner girlfriend.

The comic is brilliant, but don't take my word for it, Zahler posts panels to the website so you can check it out for yourself. Then you can feel free to click on "Comments" below and tell me what you liked about it.

My intervew with Zahler included much more material than I could use in the magazine, so I'm posting the unabbreviated version of his answers HERE. I'll add another question/answer every couple of days, so be sure to check back often.