Wow what a huge weekend. As I mentioned this was my first foray into the other states to see how they rocked their conventions and what an interesting experience. I have no idea how to describe the weekend in a coherent way so I’ll try and break it down into a few sections and hopefully capture all my experiences.

The support

First things first, thanks to all the people who picked up a book. It really means a lot when people give Aussie creators a shot and pick up our titles. We understand it’s a gamble for you fans, if you’ve never heard of us before there’s a chance you’re putting down your hard earned on something you won’t enjoy. I hope in the case of Sawbones we weren’t a disappointment. If you DID enjoy please let us know. there’s a comments field below and I’d be honestly giddy to get feedback. Or drop us an email.

The people

I met some really amazing people this weekend and it’s probably the reason I enjoyed it so much. Sitting behind the table can be an incredible grind. That is lessened when you can chat to good people like I could. Tom Bonin, Jason Franks (@jasefranks), J. Marc Schmit and across the alley Jackie Ryan and Brendan Halladay were all fantastically energetic and I fed off that. Additionally I got to mingle throughout the con with great people like Bobby N. who was sitting over with Wolfgang and the crowd at Gestalt Comics (@gestaltcomics) as well as meeting people like Gary Chaloner, Baden from Black House comics, the high energy Hayden Fryer (@coffeeicus) and the delightful Rachel McLachlan. The ever charming and thoughtful Rhys mc Donald of RiverSide fame also popped by the table and if i’d thought about it I would have gone off and chatted to him for half an hour. He’s a true gentleman. I also met the charming Harley Quinn Aid (@harleyquinnaid) who i’ve seen at multiple cons and not ever seen her not smiling so I went up and told her nice work, she one of the few cosplayers who’s costume I actually recognised which I appreciate. She also motivated Gail Simone to come to Australia next year so triple awesome.

After the show on Saturday night a bunch of us were still so enthused we went to dinner and continued to talk about good comics.

The comics

Really great comics were out in force. Some at my table! Tom Bonin’s new Dicks anthology was just stunning and it made my life easier to have such a quality book on the table when Tom went off wandering and I had to sell his stuff. I’ll probably write something about that later though.

Burger force had a new book out, it’s a really interesting read with a look that’s unique in Aus comics. Gestalt had Justin Randall’s Changing Ways. It looks sublime. Haven’t had a chance to read it yet but with Gestalt’s record it’s safe to say it will be great. Black House comics had a new issue out of The Dark Detective and it’s getting better and better each issue. The current issue not only features the regular artist but a special treat from Greener Pastures creator Tim McEwen. Also comics related was the panel on Aus comics. J. Marc, Hayden, Wolfgang and myself faced a group of interested audience member who asked great questions and seemed passionate about Aussie comics and the other panelists gave really insightful answers so even I learned a few things.

Joe Kubert

Wow. I saved this til last because I believe that the best should always be last. Joe Kubert’s presence was amazing. He wandered the artists alley chatting with creators and being generally enthusiastic. Sadly I don’t think the majority of the crowd fully appreciated him so he was never as busy as the celebrities who were charging to have their photos taken and his panel was sadly only attended by 20 people but those 20 (myself included) were treated to an audience with a living legend. His thoughts on process, work ethic, storytelling showed a man who was still on top of his game even after 50 years. Next time I hope Supanova realises the value of such an asset and promotes them a little more.

speaking of not realising I totally forgot to take photos so if you have any of Mr Kubert or of our table or just of me oggling a cosplayer drop me an email and I’ll add it to this post.

As I mentioned a few months ago the All-Star team of Frank Darabont, Robert Kirkman and AMC are producing a TV series of Kirkman’s zombie apocalypse series “The Walking Dead”.  I’ve heard really good things about the cast being assembled for this including Michael Rooker however it’s the production stills of the shuffling dead that are really whetting my appetite for this series. Look at this gorgeous image. Spectacular isn’t it. I’ll try and keep you guys posted.

Hey folks, I bang on a lot on my twitter feed @sawbonesonline to the point where sometimes I forget you guys aren’t all following and I should share the news.  For those that don’t know I’ll be at Supanova Sydney this weekend! I’m super excited about this as it’s my first interstate convention as a creator.

Sydney was also where I went to my first convention and I met some of my comic heroes. Mark Buckingham, Stephen T. Seagle and the awesome Joe Kelly who relaunched flavour of the month Deadpool.

This year’s legends include Whedon favourites Charisma Carpenter, Elisha Dushku & Summer Glau, Giant Green nice guy Lou Ferrigno, and comics geniuses Joe Kubert, Stuart Immonen, Shane McCarthy, Nicola Scott and Colin Wilson.

On a local level: Bobby N. of Digested, Jason Franks of Kagemono and McBlack, Thomas Bonin of Dicks, Hayden Fryer of Billy the Demon Slayer, and plenty plenty more. I wish i could remember all the names but we’re filling the Dome at Sydney Olympic Park so rest assured we’ll all be there.

I’ll be in artists alley next to Tom Bonin and Jason Franks. I’ll be selling all three books and possibly doing sketches depending on how awesome you are and if my little drawing hand is up for it.

Looking forward to seeing all you lovely folks there.

Huzzah – Trev