MY _______ JOURNEY: WHAT DIDN'T HAPPEN IN VEGAS, STAYS IN VEGAS

**MattBrady** · 11-24-2003, 10:19 AM

by Michael San Giacomo

My second to last "Epic Journey" column, about my experiences at the Las Vegas Comic-Con was pushed aside because of the events at Marvel.

I pulled Phantom Jack from the Epic line after being told only one issue was guaranteed to run as part of a quarterly anthology.

But it would unfair to say nothing about the Vegas convention.

How can I put this delicately? The Las Vegas Comic-Con was a big disappointment.

There were some good vendors selling the usual array of comics from the Golden Age to last week. There were a few comic companies like DC and Dark Horse, represented by overworked marketing guys. Marvel was nowhere to be found.

The best thing about it were the small comic companies that were all over the place. But to be honest, there were not that many.

The worst part about it was the panels. They were poorly planned and not very well attended, probably because many featured lesser-known artists and writers.

The weird thing was that there were plenty of good people there: Adam Hughes, Kurt Busiek, Brian Bendis, Jill Thompson and others were relegated to a single hour of autograph signing. It was odd that these special guests were flown in at the comic-con’s expense and then used so little, even though they were willing to be on panels.

The staff seemed particularly unhelpful and unknowledgeable.

I should add, before someone cries foul, that I was personally unhappy with the promoters because I was supposed to be on a writer’s panel. A few days before the convention, long after I paid for travel arrangements, I was told that the writer’s panel was full.

It turned out that the panel had four guys on it, Jim Hudnall being the biggest name. Except for Hudnall, the guys were pretty green.

The crowds were light on Saturday and on Sunday you could have fired a cannon into the hall and hit no one.

The promoters need to figure out that there’s more to a comic book convention than heavy advertising.

J.D. Lombardi · 11-24-2003, 11:14 AM

lol I'm so glad that I didn't go like I'd wanted to. You and other have told me of such a boring and disappointing atmosphere that there would have been nothing there for me to cover for my own website!

You'd think that Vegas would be able to not only "do it up" but also know what they are doing when it comes to conventions. But I think that whomever had this idea for a Vegas Comic Con, only really knew of the business end. I hear that the dealer end of the show was really nice and there was a large dealer turnout. But what I keep hearing is that there wasn't a lot of "name" talent at the show and there absolutely was NO ATTENDANCE. I like the idea of a Vegas show, really. But this one just seems like it had horrid execution.

Also Mike, I think you're totally cursed in this industry...lol Or someone is just getting you with a lot of "rookie" gags.

I mean first your book has all this happen to it....now you're assured a spot on a panel only to find that you're bumped? Dude, you need to get your Mojo worked on...I hope it all turns around for you soon man, because it is quite discouraging to folks like me. I'm shakin' in my boots reading of your experiences and may just NOT submit my comics ideas.

Take care man.

cyclopsfan · 11-24-2003, 11:17 AM

I have never made a major Con, glad i didn't make this one my first.

Jun Kim · 11-24-2003, 11:18 AM

See, I knew you were supposed to come to WizardCon in Texas, Mike!!!!

I told you, I told you!!

qnetter · 11-24-2003, 12:04 PM

Mike, you refer to the writers on the panel as "pretty green"...

But I'm assuming at least they're published *once*?!

Kevin T. Brown · 11-24-2003, 12:43 PM

Hmmmm, you need to retitle your "story" here as "My RE-IMAGED" Journey".

Too bad about all the convention snafus though.... Hopefully the next one works out better for you!

SpyGuy · 11-24-2003, 12:54 PM

Plenty of attendees there (Too many in fact, given the allocated convention space), but this great con never seems to hit DC and/or Marvel's radar...

Adam Hughes, Alan Davis, Mark Waid, Brian Bendis, Mike W. Barr (!), Brad Dourif, Andy Hallett...Oh, and some guy named Mike San Giacomo...

Hdefined · 11-24-2003, 01:58 PM

I'm sorry but . . . what does this have to do with Epic and/or PJ?

I like how Mike lists Bendis' name after Busiek. Hey, it may mean nothing, but I think it's good to see that some people out there recognize talent over hype.

**MattBrady** · 11-24-2003, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hdefined
I like how Mike lists Bendis' name after Busiek. Hey, it may mean nothing, but I think it's good to see that some people out there recognize talent over hype.

You apparntly feel that way, and now you're claiming Mike does as well, not because a conversation with him, or anything substantial, but something as arbitrary as how he lists creator's names? Does that make sense to even you?

Must be tough to find other stuff to complain about today, huh?

MattB

OM · 11-24-2003, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by qnetter
Mike, you refer to the writers on the panel as "pretty green"...

...Someone explain to me how a panel of four people is considered "full". Someone at the LVCC needs to be bitchslapped hard for that one, Mike. Who's the little bastard who told you it was "full"?

qnetter · 11-24-2003, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by OM
...Someone explain to me how a panel of four people is considered "full". Someone at the LVCC needs to be bitchslapped hard for that one, Mike. Who's the little bastard who told you it was "full"?

If you plan a panel for four attendees and you get four, it's full.

You can put a fifth on, but that means each member gets 1/4 less time.

Every organizer gets to pick the balance between variety and depth.

When you program a convention, you can decide what "full" is.

mikesang · 11-24-2003, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by qnetter
If you plan a panel for four attendees and you get four, it's full.

You can put a fifth on, but that means each member gets 1/4 less time.

Every organizer gets to pick the balance between variety and depth.

When you program a convention, you can decide what "full" is.

Mike here:
One of the guys had written a Thundercats story and the other wrote a Marvel Double Action, so yes, they each had one more book than me. My point was that the organizers said I would be on the panel and based on that I spent hundreds of bucks to go there, and then was screwed. Rather than dissing the guys who were on the panel, I am pissed at the convention people. I've hosted panels in San Diego and elsewhere, so I have some experience in that regard. The panel was pretty slow, I think I could have helped.
Regarding how I list names of guests, just off the top of my head, don't read anything into it.
And I will be on a panel this weekend in Columbus, I was too humble to mention it. Come on down and get one of the super-rare Phantom Jack posters I had made for Vegas.
M

Brian3000 · 11-24-2003, 04:21 PM

Quote:

I should add, before someone cries foul, that I was personally unhappy with the promoters because I was supposed to be on a writer’s panel. A few days before the convention, long after I paid for travel arrangements, I was told that the writer’s panel was full.

It turned out that the panel had four guys on it, Jim Hudnall being the biggest name. Except for Hudnall, the guys were pretty green.

Wait a sec...a guy that hasn't even had the FIRST issue of his FIRST comic actually published has the gall to call anyone "green"?

Jun Kim · 11-24-2003, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Brian3000
Wait a sec...a guy that hasn't even had the FIRST issue of his FIRST comic actually published has the gall to call anyone "green"?

I understand that it is the natural tendencies of some on this board to twist anything that is said.... but really, if you go back and read the statement, he's not saying that they are "green" because he's not or less "green" than they are. I don't think he says that at all in the context he intended.

mikesang · 11-24-2003, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Brian3000
Wait a sec...a guy that hasn't even had the FIRST issue of his FIRST comic actually published has the gall to call anyone "green"?

MIKE HERE:
You're missing my point. I'm not saying I'm less green than those guys, but that there were plenty of people around the con who were far more experienced. They should have been on a writing panel. And since I went to the convention because I was told I would be on the panel, I should have been. What's the difference between 4 and 5 people on a panel? I've been on panels with twice that number and they went well.
Also, as far as I am concerned, I thought I could have added something to it because of the whole Epic experience.
Plus, I've been a writer of newspapers and comic criticism, for more than 25 years.
M

Brian3000 · 11-24-2003, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Brian3000
Wait a sec...a guy that hasn't even had the FIRST issue of his FIRST comic actually published has the gall to call anyone "green"?

He's saying that he's pissed that he wasn't on the panel and then calls the other guys "green." There's no twisting, there. I quoted both statements, for easy reading.

Brian3000 · 11-24-2003, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Plus, I've been a writer of newspapers and comic criticism, for more than 25 years.

As you should know, writing ABOUT comics in no way translates to an ability to WRITE comics.

Not that I'm judging you or your ability to write comics or even Nowhere Man. Just sayin'.

Nat Gertler · 11-24-2003, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Brian3000
Wait a sec...a guy that hasn't even had the FIRST issue of his FIRST comic actually published has the gall to call anyone "green"?

If by "gall" you mean "sense of accuracy", then yes he does. Those writers are green -- having a single script's worth of published work is about as "green" as you can get.

qnetter · 11-24-2003, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Nat Gertler
If by "gall" you mean "sense of accuracy", then yes he does. Those writers are green -- having a single script's worth of published work is about as "green" as you can get.

Actually, Nat, having no scripts' worth of published work -- as Mike does -- is infinitely greener.

David_T · 11-24-2003, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Brian3000
Wait a sec...a guy that hasn't even had the FIRST issue of his FIRST comic actually published has the gall to call anyone "green"?

I've never had anything published, and I'd definately call a writer with just one published script to his name "green".

Mostly because, y'know, a writer with only one published script to his name is green. Totally irregardless of who makes the observation.

SketchHound · 11-24-2003, 08:27 PM

This might be a little OT but I thought I'd Share. I met the Phantom Jack artist Mitchell Breitweiser at the Wizard World Texas convention this weekend. He did this INCREDIBLE painted Dr Strange for me. Thought readers of this forum might be interested in seeing it. Here is a link.

http://tinyurl.com/wejk

best always,
Brian Tidwell

gvalley · 11-25-2003, 02:32 AM

Vegas, Eh?

Well... it's a gamble.

Nat Gertler · 11-25-2003, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by qnetter
Actually, Nat, having no scripts' worth of published work -- as Mike does -- is infinitely greener.

Most of the people who have no scripts couldn't be considered green at all. "Green" refers to something new in existence, not to something non-existent. (It comes from the coloration of the wood of young trees.)

OM · 11-25-2003, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Brian3000
Not that I'm judging you or your ability to write comics or even Nowhere Man. Just sayin'.

...No, you're judging, and you're being a troll about it, too.

And a twit, natch.

OM · 11-25-2003, 01:54 PM

...Here's an OT question for you WWD attendees: how difficult was it to get hotel rooms with all the Lone Nutters and CT Whackos in attendance for the 40th anniversary of JFK's assasination? Knowing full well that the loonies would be in farce in Big D that weekend, I decided not to go to this one for that very reason.