April 21

I’d never been to Boston before so that alone has been a treat. This is a beautiful city and it’s full of some of the most pleasant people I’ve ever met. Done talking about Boston. On to the convention!

My first stop was Kevin Eastman’s table but alas he wasn’t around yet so into the main room I dive! I really tried to focus on small press at this event. There were so many tables of guys and girls just trying to get their stuff out there, for you guys to see it, it’s really wonderful to stop and talk and listen to their stories. Listening to a creator talk about something they love is what makes comic conventions unique.

Firetower Studios had a table full of Order of the Dagonet issues and trades, as well as the Eisner Award nominated Princeless from Action Lab. The table was lovingly tended by Dagonet artist Jason Strutz. I was lucky enough to score a commission from Jason see it here: strutzillustration.com.

Ben Templesmith (@Templesmith) was there in all his Australia meets New York glory. The man is a trip, as crazy and interesting as his art and writing. Currently he’s between projects since completing his digital work on Batman (look for it in June!) I picked up one of his prints Saint Poe. He keeps threatening to do a Hunter S. Thompson, I’ll have to buy that as well. Who do you think qualifies as a Saint of the Squid? Check out Ben on twitter and try to convince him!

215 Ink was new to me but when the “Jesus Hates Zombies” book caught my eye I had to stop by and see what was what. I met one of the brothers Perkins, a writing/artist team who have a comic with the absolute best title ever “Beware… The Frogmen From Neptune! which is a mid-20th century alien invasion book! Looks great, my review should be up here. Also picked up “Footprints” a modern day noir with Bigfoot as a P.I. This company has a diverse catalog, go check them out!

Becky Cloonan (@beckycloonan)was in attendance and she assured me that her current mini “The Mire” would be out on time (May 5th) at TCAF (Toronto Comic Arts Festival) not going to be in Toronto? Click the link and order it from her store. Her run on Conan The Barbarian for Dark Horse is going strong and she’s really enjoying it (which definitely shows in her work). Next project? She says one more mini in the current Wolves, Mire universe and then maybe a collection of the 3 books with some extra content? I’ll be looking forward to that!

Ian Struckhoff’s Black Label Comics (@IanStruckhoff) another independent had some beautiful posters and books. Stuff you put in the “urban fantasy” genre. I picked up an anthology written by Ian and featuring some really talented artists. Can’t wait to read it and get a review together!

Cliff Chiang (@cliffchiang) was sketching at his table and more than happy to discuss Wonder Woman. Seems the trade of the first 6 issues will be out in May. If you haven’t jumped on the Wonder Woman band wagon yet wait for the trade. Cliff says there’s lots of added stuff in the trade. His character designs for the gods and a bunch of cover art as well!

Unstoppable Comics an indie from my home town! Jay Rosario is a Brooklyn-ite, his company is currently publishing 3 titles (one of which Dragonstorm was reviewed over at WhatchaReading!). They have some fresh new super hero titles, definitely check them out.

Th3rd World Studio’s “The Stuff of Legend” artist Charles Paul Wilson III had a table with all three volumes of Stuff of Legend trades and his amazing sketchbook. He was doing a lot of talking and sketching. He’s a really nice guy and a pleasure to speak with as well as an amazing artist. Can’t wait for the next volume of that book!

The most popular table in the artist alley section of the convention had to be Katie Cook. Her Gronk collection was for sale and she was selling $5 sketch cards. She was sketching what seemed to be non-stop. I made sure to get a Batgirl sketch card for my daughter. I’m always amazed at how personable and approachable most artists and writers are at a convention. Katie is no exception, she had time and a smile for everyone.

Zenescope’s table was hopping, lots of trades for sale as well as information on their Kickstarter project, not only info but the actress who’s playing Red Riding Hood in the Web-series was out shaking hands, posing for pictures and signing stuff (I don’t know how I missed getting a picture of her!)

So many more things happened, so much more was going on. All I can say is if you’re anywhere near Boston next year go to this con!

I have more bit’s and pieces to talk about and I’ll be sure to post them right here! Next convention stop? Asbury Park! Details to follow. What conventions are you attending this year?

So you’re probably wondering “what ever happened to talking to Kevin Eastman?”. Well this is what happened…

And it stayed like that all day, till they finally cut off the line around 5pm…

Tags: 215Ink, Boston Comic Con, Cloonan, Firetower Studios, Templesmith, Unstoppable Comics, Zenescope