Reporting in, Sir...

Let's see what I've been up to since we last spoke. Well, first I broke down and bought the the 3rd volume of The Walking Dead. Amazing, I'm even more psyched for the AMC television series if it is possible. Trying to control myself, and borrow someone's copies of volume 4 on, but I might not last. I need to have it. 


I also picked up Stieg Larsson's book one of the Millennium trilogy, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Not always one to read what everyone else is reading, I felt I needed to know what the fuss was all about. I was surprised at how dark the book was, I wasn't expecting that. I can admit it when I'm impressed, and I was sucked into the story. I feel the saddest part is that the poor author died soon after submitting all 3 books. I will be picking up the rest of the series at some point.

I hear The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins is very good, I may pick up a copy of that soon. Also, a friend gave me a copy of The Bloodstained Man ARC (advanced reading copy) from Tor books, part of their new Heavy Metal Pulp line of novels. I think it's a cool idea, and even the ARC has rough sketches and panel artwork to compliment the text. Nice. I'll report back on that.


At this past weekend's NY Comic Con, I picked up a few more books. First I got to meet the co-writing team behind  Havemercy, which Ballantine Books was giving out copies of the mass market paperback edition. I had read this fantasy novel in manuscript form a few years back, and I was happy to see Jaida Jones and Danielle Bennett carrying on with the series (since then, Shadow Magic the 2nd in their series published in 2009 and a third in the series, Dragon Soul was released in June of 2010). They were super nice and it was great to meet them.
 

At the Tor Books booth, I picked up a copy of Dan Wells' I am Not a Serial Killer. This dark thriller looks like an exciting read, and I'm looking forward to getting right into it. Soon. Patience, young Jedi.

Also, even at Comic Con, I find a military history author, whose name I knew well from my time as Editor of MBC. Dwight Jon Zimmerman and artist Wayne Vansant were in Artists' Alley, and I introduced myself and talked shop with them both. Dwight was nice enough to sign me a copy of his fantastic book about America's special forces, Beyond Hell and Back. Glad to finally meet those guys, I have lots of respect for their work.

I also got a chance to meet and have a few drinks with UK fantasy writer Joe Abercrombie, along with fellow hombres, the writers Peter V. Brett & Myke Cole. I've only heard many good things about Joe's work, and now after meeting the bastard, I can't help but like the guy and simply must read his work. I have no excuse really. 

Well, that's enough for tonight on this not-so-regular blog. As always, I'll report in soon, when able. Until then, reporting from the field will continue.

NYCC 2009 is over. What a ride.

What a show. The con has come and gone and man, did it feel like it flew by. In years past I had the luxury of randomly wandering conventions, be it SDCC, Book Expo America or London Book Fair as a book club editor (i.e. - no booth), it was kind of like Kane in Kung-Fu. I'd walk around and get into adventures.

But as I learned last year while attending BEA in L.A. with Osprey and again this weekend helping out at the Titan Books booth... working a convention booth is a lot of work. And a lot of standing, incidentally. It's great to have a home base, a place for your bag of goodies and your coat, but working the booth, the boxes of books, the customers, etc. really wears you down.

Overall, the buzz I've been reading is the show was a success. Retailers reported in good sales which is uplifting to hear (because who can take the nightly news anymore, it's so depressing).

And today - Kid's Day - seemed full of little Spider-Mans and other assorted costumed mini-mates grabbing swag and books and just about whatever they could get their hands on.

I worked the early shift and when I left the Titan Booth, Dave Gibbons was about to start a signing of his Watching the Watchmen book. The line criss-crossed in front of the booth 3 times. I wanted to stay and help, but I was there at 9 a.m. man, my feeble feet needed a break.

I left the con with some great advance reading copies of books like Jackie Kessler and Caitlin Kittredge's new superhero novel, Black and White (which I can't wait to read and will review here!) as well as a few others which I'll write about as soon as I get into them.

My pal Peter V. Brett's signing went great (I've posted most of my con pictures on facebook) so here's a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY PEAT! His, The Warded Man, publishes in less than a month now - sweet!

I was happy and sad to help out for a bit on Saturday at the Comic Foundry booth (last issue out on February 18th...tears). But they've been great. I wish Tim and Laura the very best of luck with everything.

I wrapped up Sunday grabbing a few superhero gifts for the nieces and nephews... and okay, a few Revoltech toys for myself (come on, it is comic con). And in these hard times, if I can't share a little love with my friends with some comics, books, and toys - then what am I in this business for anyway?

Party on! And don't forget... the Watchmen are coming. 3.6.09

NYCC - Friday, mini-post and recap.

Yesterday was a blast at NYCC. It was great to see the place booming with activity in light of a stressed out economy. With Saturday passes and weekend passes sold out, that is a real sign that the comics industry is hanging in there.

Activity at the Titan Books booth was intense all morning during the professionals-only hours, then grew when the con opened to the general public. An early highlight for me was that I met George Perez, just a quick handshake but I'm a big fan. George is a legendary comics artist for anyone not in the know - and a really nice guy.

One thing that was surprisingly cool, aside from all the interest in Titan's various Watchmen books was the response to their Cream of Tank Girl book - released in October of 2008, some fans hadn't yet seen this and it's been flying off the table. I'm sure we'll be out of stock by the end of the show. I've captured a few fans as they purchased books [sorry gals, I didn't get any names but thanks for the photos]. Fotini and I are huge fans as well, & it's a beautiful book.

More to come tonight or tomorrow, I need to get ready for today at the show.