2011 Cincinnati Comic Expo

[kybearfuzz]

After my morning run, I showered and changed and headed over to the 2011 Cincinnati Comic Expo in downtown Cincinnati. This event was coinciding with the ZinZinnati Oktoberfest celebration, so parking was a bit of a pain, but at least there was good access to food.

It was pretty much what I expected -- comic vendors, comic creators, artists, tee-shirts and people in costume. There were a few industry folks there and I tried to stop by to see them.

The "headliner" was comic artist Jim Steranko who did the main poster. I got the free poster and was going to get in line to get him to sign it, but stopped to take his photo. He put up his hand to make me stop while talking to others. And I thought... "Huh?"

I'm sure he was very busy and probably was getting tired of having his picture taken, or maybe he wasn't comfortable having his photo taken.

Okay, now that I've given the Miss America-for-the-judges, simple logic and understanding answer for the kiddies and the Lord, let me move into my more irrational and emotional answer.

I thought it was a bit of a douche-y thing to do. He was there to meet the fans, people who respect him and enjoy his work, and was probably paid a big amount of money to show. So is he really too hot $#!+ to be photographed? I don't think so. Don't worry, Mr. Steranko, even though I got the shot anyway before you threw up the almighty stop, I'll not soil my journal with your egotistical mug. In disgust and personal protest I threw my free poster away in a recycle bin on the way out the door later.

After I blew a bit of money on some back issue comics, I found myself at Jose Delbo's table. He drew the other free Expo poster, the one I couldn't get because they were all snatched up. He is known for his long artistic run on Wonder Woman in the 1970's. In fact, my first comic ever was Wonder Woman #250, which he drew. I spoke with his wife while he was looking at a small comic drawn by another attendee. He gave a very honest critique of it and even allowed the attendee to video tape the critique. And he didn't charge the guy a cent. I thought that was truly classy, a sharp contrast to the "headliner."

I did run into Bruce O. Hughes, the artist I chatted with last year. He certainly continues to look great. I didn't get the chance to speak with him as he was busy with other attendees. And his mug is certainly a welcome site on my blog!

I didn't take as many photos as I left my camera at home, but I did snag a few photos with the iPhone. You can view them here.

Comments

Re: Stopping Photos

[jguy70.livejournal.com]

It's very possible he does this for the people he is talking with. Many people would prefer not to be photographed by other people with the artist. Perhaps he would have allowed it once you reached him in line. He might very well have been watching out for the people he was talking to.

Re: Stopping Photos

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

If we were standing in a gay bar, I might agree with you about watching out for people being photographed. I didn't get that kind of vibe from this situation.

You have great taste in men, Mark!

[bonkishnurtaz.livejournal.com]

Those are great photos; thank you for posting them. By the way, I agree with your assessment about Bruce Hughes and the comic book collector in the. jacket; they are both very woofy! ;-)

Re: You have great taste in men, Mark!

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

Thanks, I love a bearded comic book guy :)

[designerotter.livejournal.com]

Looks like fun ...tho I've never ben to one of those conventions.
Mr Hughes - woof ! The Storm Troopers ... where do they get those outfits (the parts look professionally cast)- from Hollywood Wardrobe ?

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

Mr. Hughes is very woofy, but sadly he's not family. So he just gets to be talented eye candy.

And where the attendees get their outfits, I have no idea. Some of them are obviously NOT homemade.

[mort-83.livejournal.com]

Too bad about the headliner. Feh,

As for the pics--Wolverine was cruising you! ;-)

And the stormtrooper costumes-I would have given my left nut for one of those when I was 12.

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

If Wolverine had been cuter, we might have talked. :)

I would love to know where they got those stormtrooper outfits, they look pretty authentic :)

You might have sacrificed a nut for them at 12, but then you might not have realized their true value back then :D

[mort-83.livejournal.com]

I agree, I don't think I had a full appreciation of my cajones at the age of 12.

Stormtroopers:

http://www.buystarwarscostumes.com/authentic-stormtrooper-costume.html

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

I knew they were expensive, but WOW! :)

Granted I've been known to blow a few hundred on silly things myself.