NY Comic Con 2013 is Here

Even though NY Comic Con only started a handful of years ago, it has grown by leaps and bounds. Less than 10 years old, and attendance has surpassed 100,000 attendees, and getting a convention badge has become—almost—as difficult as it's older brother con, San Diego.

I'll be in attendance this year, as part of my work for DK, and also to help out in our booth, meet with some of the peeps I do business with, and also scour the floor for items of interest as I say hello to friends in the industry.

Later today (Wednesday), I'll be attending COMICS AHEAD! The ICv2 Conference at New York Comic Con—a special event and report on the "state of the industry" which covers trends in the marketplace and the shifting landscape of comics. As a professional I've attending this conference since it began, and now that I'm working with licensed books, comics reference books, etc., I've found this event informative as  both a bookseller and a comics patron. If you'll be in attendance, look for me in the seats and stop by and say hello.

I thought I'd mention a few other items of interest (from the TONS there is to do at the con). So much to see, so little time.

On Friday, my pal and Del Rey NY Times best-selling author, Peter V. Brett, will be signing at the Science Fiction Book Club booth (#2020) both his Demon War series as well as his Red Sonja comics from Dynamite, a co-sponsor of the SFBC booth. He's got a few exciting panels too, check them out here.

Also, I just saw on twitter that Sean Howe, author of my favorite non-fiction book of the year, MARVEL COMICS: THE UNTOLD STORY, will be signing shiny new copies of the paperback edition on Friday, October 11 at 4:30 pm at the HarperCollins booth (#2118 - 2119). I loved this book, and although I'll admit I am obsessed with the history of American comics and read almost everything published on the subject—I also liked a book Howe edited back in 2004 Give My Regards to the Atomsmashers,(published by Pantheon)—trust me when I say that any fan of Marvel Comics will find something of interest in his comprehensive look at Marvel's legendary and checkered past.

There are tons of things to do on Saturday, although I will not be in attendance that day due to other commitments, but here are a few things I wanted to point out. The talented Robb Pearlman will be signing copies of his new book, 101 WAYS TO KILL A ZOMBIE (illustrated by Dave Urban) at the Rizzoli booth (#1142). This fun book is an illustrated romp through inventive ways to take care of the zombie threat in your life. The cover says it all, death by unicorn! 

I've not even covered panels which are bursting at the seams, it kills me that I'm missing Saturday. I should mention that Dark Horse announced Kazuo Koike, co-creator of LONE WOLF & CUB at 10 AM,  Geof Darrow at 11 AM talking SHAOLIN COWBOY, and my hero, Matt Wagner in a special 30th Anniversary of GRENDEL panel (Vivat!). Details can be easily found online.

I'm always a bit giddy when NYCC rolls around. Even though it is a long weekend of work and fun, this big New York show was a long time coming and it is clearly here to stay. See you on the show floor! 

Books and Star Wars

I really enjoy a good book and I love Star Wars, so when this amazing combo came together as Star Wars Reads Day--this guy loved the idea. I'm constantly using different Star Wars books to teach my son about the excitment of reading, going on adventures and how to steer clear of bounty hunters (or join them).

[this picture of a Star Wars Reads Day t-shirt on my desk at work with my collection of Fett figures]

Reading and a love of Star Wars goes way back for me, as far back as I can remember actually. I found what may have been one of my first books purchased via a Scholastic or Troll book club flyer back in the late 70s--which I still have. Picture to come some time soon.

If you get the chance to get to a book store, library or comic book shop tomorrow (the 5th) you may unexpectedly run into a great Star Wars experience, perhaps if the force is strong with you.

Snapshots from a bookish life

Random bookshelf photo while in the field today:

Posman bookstore at Chelsea Market... I see some DK LEGO goodies on that shelf. #proudtobeDK