Spokane Comicon 2012 set up details

Hello Everyone, here is the email you've been waiting for with further set up instructions and details. For those of you that have attended our con at Spokane Community College over the past couple years, it's business as usual. 

Location:

Spokane Community College 

Building 6 The Lair

1810 N Greene St

Spokane, WA 99217

Directions:

From I-90 Eastbound:

1. Take the Thor/Freya St. exit.
2. Turn left at Freya St.
3. Continue traveling north on Freya St. Freya becomes Greene St. at Mission Ave. The SCC campus is located at the intersection of Greene St. and Mission Ave. You may enter the campus from Greene St. or from Mission Ave.

From I-90 Westbound:

1. Take the Thor/Freya St. exit.
2. Turn right at Freya St.
3. Continue traveling north on Freya St. Freya becomes Greene St. at Mission Ave. The SCC campus is located at the intersection of Greene St. and Mission Ave. You may enter the campus from Greene St. or from Mission Ave.

 Parking is FREE anywhere on campus for the event. 

Set up:

All vendors and artists are welcome to set up on Saturday May 19th between 7am-10am. When you enter building 6 The Lair, please check in at the admissions table (or find the nearest volunteer in a Black Spokane Comicon shirt) for your badges and table placement.

 **The floor plan is not currently finalized due to the school having an event the day before our show and the layout may change. 

There is a service road that runs along the side of Building 6 (see attachment) that you are welcome to use to unload. Once you have unloaded please move your vehicle to the parking lot so other vendors can pull in. Please be aware of fans that will start to line up near by the building as early as 7am. 

The show runs from 10am-5pm and all vendors and artists are required to remain setup until the end of the show. No exceptions. 

Reminder: If you need electricity, you are required to supply your own cord and a way to safely secure it to the ground. 

See you Saturday!
Nathan

SDCC Tweets recap

For those of you that don't follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/spokanecomicon (and you should) you missed 5 days of pure gold. Here is a recap of my misadventures while at the 2011 San Diego Comic con.

You'll have to scroll from the bottom and read up but you get the idea.

Thank you San Diego and sdcci. It's been real.

24 Jul

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Just got introduced to the Penny Arcade guys.

24 Jul

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Just got a signed print by the team from "axe cop"

24 Jul

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Just rapped with our pal Daniel M davis

24 Jul

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Sdcc day 4 and its really nice that hardly anyone is here compared to saturday.

24 Jul

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Walked past the Profiles in History booth and they had Billy Zane signing.

23 Jul

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WOW! I just saw the Frank Miller being escorted out & he did not look good.

23 Jul

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Looking forward 2 sitting down and checking out the Boilerplate panel.

23 Jul

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Just talked to actor Stephen Dorff and asked him if he'd ever make a Decan Frost spin off movie from Blade.

23 Jul

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In line for exclusive "the Immortals" cast signing.

23 Jul

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Wow just heard the artists on the DA panel take a shot at Bluewater...for those artists out there you know what that means.

23 Jul

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Panel is about to start with the CEO of deviantArt.com

23 Jul

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I dont care how big the room is there are no cuts. End of story lady.

23 Jul

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Thomas jane says "hi" or at least thats what i was able to understand.

23 Jul

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Should i be worried that after 3 days that temp tatoo still hasnt wore off?

23 Jul

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Thank yiu Hilton goodnight!

22 Jul

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What?! You are denying me entry into the playboy club after party?

22 Jul

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I just yelled at mike mignolia lol

22 Jul

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Some girl in a skirt and high heals just fell. Good thing she was wearing underwear.

22 Jul

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Chris O'Donnell in the hizzy.

22 Jul

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Falling skies panel was cool.

22 Jul

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Conan jumped up on the table & did the string dance. "it looks good"

22 Jul Favorite Reply Delete

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Conan is killin' it

22 Jul

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OMG! surprise Conan appearence @ the green lantern panel!! They debut a "Flaming C" trailer!!!

22 Jul

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Two words. Free. Icee.

22 Jul

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Just walked past Elijah Wood.

22 Jul

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Jim Lee just jokingly said their new slogan will be "eff you the new 52!"

22 Jul

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Waiting for "new 52" panel to start and iam sitting in front of grant morrison and jim lee!

22 Jul

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One guy just stepped on another guys foot and he acted like he had been shot. I smell oscar nomination.

22 Jul

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I love standing next to people in line who are "know it alls"

22 Jul

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After being awake since 5am its time for some coffee. Now lets see if i can get in early...

22 Jul

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Chillin @ cbldf after party. Nothing like a $6 drink.

21 Jul

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Captain america was awesome!

21 Jul

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In line to captain america a day early!

21 Jul

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I have found food truck-land!

21 Jul

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And yes iam wearing my flaming c cape around town like a 5 year old.

21 Jul

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Cocomooca ft flaming c gallery is awesome! I just got a free shirt and cape!

21 Jul

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Just saw a semi truck all decked out with "walking dead" decals, blood & fake limbs sticking out the back.

21 Jul

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Eff yeah! The art of no! Is in the sdcc souvenir book!!

20 Jul

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Standing in front of the coco moca ft "flaming c" art!

20 Jul

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Huge batman arkham city banner on the side of petco park

20 Jul

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Iam in san diego and its awesome here as always

5th Annual Spokane Comicon Review

The fifth annual Spokane Comicon was held on Saturday May 21, 2011 and like the previous year before it was our best show yet! A record crowd of 1,300 turned out (300 more than in 2010) despite some patchy rain showers in the early morning. Another best for this years con was the increased amount of tables sold (100 in 2011 up 30 more than 2010) and expanded dealer space beyond the main lobby.



This year we were lucky enough to have special guest artists Dave Johnson and Dan Panosian fly up from L.A. to join us. In addition we held our first ever Drink and Draw the night before the con at Cyrus O'Leary's. We had an outstanding turn out with over 40 guests, artists and friends during the night. Everyone enjoyed getting a chance to catch up with old friends and meet new ones. We even poured out a little liquor for the passing of Macho Man Randy Savage.



The line to get into the con was massive. It seemed to go on and on and on. By our count we had 400 people through the doors within the first 2 hours. The first 200 fans where lucky enough to get their hands on exclusive gift bags that included 35mm "Thor" film cells.

Throughout the day fans of all ages took advantage of the many things to see and do. Returning for his second straight con appearance was graphic artist and Keyboard Cat creator Charlie Schmidt. Charlie went as far as painting on a canvass throughout the day.



The one thing that I am sure many of you that attended are wondering about, "What was up with the fire alarm?" Well, here's how I understand it. First off it wasn't deliberate, nor was it someone deciding to sneak out of an emergency exit. According to campus security there was a faulty fire alarm in the building. It was also the third time that week that the same alarm had gone off. I am sure the Fire Dept enjoys wasting their time to keep coming back again and again to turn off the same alarm. On a more serious note I was impressed on how cool everyone was when the alarm went off. All guests, vendors, volunteers and attendees all cooperated and evacuated to the nearest exit. The 30 minutes lost until we got the clear to return back inside was unfortunate but we moved up the costume contest almost 45 minutes to give fans something to cheer about.



Speaking of the costume contest I was really impressed with the increased amount of participation in all ages groups. I really do feel the level of costumes went to another level too. The duo of The Beast and Mystique where fantastic, as was the female Booster Gold. Tip of the cap to the group that dressed up in all colors of the Green Lantern spectrum.



Reflecting on five years of doing this con has been a blast. Sure it looks easy but sometimes things don't always go as planned. Still the positive steps we've made over the years has been great. I couldn't be more happy helping to provide a slice of the comic convention and pop culture world to the Inland Northwest. One of the best parts of the con is seeing kids faces. Seeing the look in kids eyes when they see a member of the 501st strolling around, or handed a sketch from an artist. That's what motivates me to want to continue. That's the type of things that I would have loved when I was a kid. Is there anything better?



Thank you to all the Guests, Vendors, Artists, Volunteers and Attendees who helped make the 5th annual Spokane Comicon another success. I hope you all had as much fun at the con as I did putting it all together. Please join our facebook fan page to keep up to date with anything and everything about the Spokane Comicon.



Thanks and good Con!
Nathan O'Brien
Spokane Comicon Founder & Coordinator

Spokane Comicon 2011 Update#3

Hello fans, Time continues to fly by as we are now less than 2 months away from the 5th annual Spokane Comicon. Here's the latest breakdown.

Basic Info:
5th Annual Spokane Comicon
Saturday May 21, 2011

10:00am-5:00pm
@ Spokane Commmunity College Bld 6
1810 N Greene St Spokane, WA 99217

$5 general admission at the door.
Kids 10 and under are fee.

Special Guests:
Dave Johnson: Eisner Award winning artist (100 Bullets, Detective Comics, Deadpool)
Dan Panosian: Artist (X-Factor Forever, Irredeemable, Chaos War: God Squad)
Matthew Southworth: Artist (Stumptown, Amazing Spider-man)
Brandon Jerwa: Writer (Battlestar Galatica, The Shield, The Mighty Crusaders)
Mark Rahner: Writer (Rotten)
Brian Churilla: Artist (the Anchor, Avengers, Creepy)
Colton Worley: Artist (Kato Origins)
Scott Allie: Editor/Writer (Dark Horse Comics)
Chad Anderson: Writer (The Heroic Age X-Men)
Eric Trautmann: Writer (Vampirella, The Shield)
*NEW*Thomas Cook: Animator (He-Man, Thundarr, Super Friends tv series)

*NEW* Lars Brown: Artist (North-World web comic)

*NEW* Jeremy Barlow:Writer (Star Wars Adventures/Tales/Clone Wars comics)

Dealer/Artist Alley Tables:
The revised 2011 pdf application is currently available to download directly from our website. Please email me with any questions you may have that aren't covered in the 2011 application.

All Artist Alley tables are SOLD OUT for 2011. Please email me if you want to be on the waiting list.

We have less than a dozen Dealer tables left so another sell out is imminent very very soon.

Special Events: (mark your calendars)

"Spokane Comicon presents Superhero storytime at Auntie's Bookstore"
Bring your kids and join us Saturday April 23rd at Aunties Bookstore - in downtown Spokane for a special superhero book reading at 11:00am.

*In addition there will be fun freebies for kids, and don't forget to enter the FREE RAFFLE for chance to win a copy of "Tiny Titans/Little Archie" #1 signed by artist Art Baltazar and writer Franco.

*NEW* Drink and Draw: Spokane edition at Isabellas Restaurant & Gin Joint http://www.isabellasspokane.com/

Friday May 20th, 2011 7:00pm-11:00pm 21 and older

Admission is FREE but please be respectful of Isabellas. They are a business so plan on buying a beverage or appitizer if you come, don't brown bag it.

This is your chance to rub elbows with some special guest artists and talk like a sailor all while drawing. Facebook event page coming soon.

Program of Events:

The full program of events will be release 2 weeks prior to May 21st. In the mean time here are a few teasers.

WACOM technology will be holding 2 demo classes during the con. Wondering if getting a tablet is for you? Now is your chance to view them in action all day at their table and or at one of their hands on classes. Time TBA

Dark Horse Comics Portfolio Review: Think you got what it takes to make it in comics? Dark Horse comics publisher and special guest Scott Allie will be holding Portfolito reviews starting at 3:00pm. Location TBA.

More details coming soon including Costume Contest guidelines and Gaming Tournament details.

Lodging:

For the 4th straight year we are proudly sponsored by The Comfort Inn Hotel here in Spokane, WA.

For anyone who will be looking for affordable accomidations while coming to Spokane for the con please call 509-467-7111 and ask for Shaun or Echo.

Make sure you mention you are coming for the "Spokane Comicon" to receive your nightly room discount.

For more hotel info you can check out their website http://www.comfortinnspokane.com/ but you will only get the discount rate if you call.

Stay Connected:
If you are reading this, chances are you've already been to our main site spokanecomicon.com, but we are also are on facebook/spokanecomicon and twitter twitter.com/spokanecomicon. "Like" us on facebook to stay on top of any updates and events around town. There will be plenty of updates as we keep getting closer to May including Exclusives, Gift Bag details, Costume Contest guidelines, Gaming info and more!


Thanks for your support and good comics.
Best,
Nathan


__________________________________
Nathan O'Brien
Spokane Comicon Founder & Coordinator
http://www.spokanecomicon.com/

Spokane Comicon 2011 update #2

Hello fans, Time continues to fly by as we are now less than 3 months away from the 5th annual Spokane Comicon. Here's the latest.

Basic Info:
5th Annual Spokane Comicon
Saturday May 21, 2011

10:00am-5:00pm
@ Spokane Commmunity College Bld 6
1810 N Greene St Spokane, WA 99217

$5 general admission at the door.
Kids 10 and under are fee.

Special Guests:
Dave Johnson: Eisner Award winning artist (100 Bullets, Detective Comics, Deadpool)
Dan Panosian: Artist (X-Factor Forever, Irredeemable, Chaos War: God Squad)
Matthew Southworth: Artist (Stumptown, Amazing Spider-man)
Brandon Jerwa: Writer (Battlestar Galatica, The Shield, The Mighty Crusaders)
Mark Rahner: Writer (Rotten)
Brian Churilla: Artist (the Anchor, Avengers, Creepy)
*NEW* Colton Worley: Artist (Kato Origins)
*NEW* Scott Allie: Editor/Writer (Dark Horse Comics)
*NEW* Chad Anderson: Writer (The Heroic Age X-Men)
*NEW* Eric Trautmann: Writer (Vampirella, The Shield)

more guests TBA

Dealer/Artist Alley Tables:
The revised 2011 pdf application is currently available to download directly from our website. Please email me with any questions you may have that aren't covered in the 2011 application.

Reminder for the second straight year we sold out of all tables about 6-8 weeks prior to show time. Last year we filled up 75 tables. Our goal this year is for 100 tables. Currently we have 70 tables filled (up +30 since our last update last month), so don't think it won't happen again.


Special Events: (mark your calendars)
*NEW* "Spokane Comicon presents Superhero storytime at Auntie's Bookstore"
Bring your kids and join us Saturday April 23rd at Aunties Bookstore - in downtown Spokane for a special superhero book reading at 11:00am.

*In addition there will be fun freebies for kids, and don't forget to enter the FREE RAFFLE for chance to win a copy of "Tiny Titans/Little Archie" #1 signed by artist Art Baltazar and writer Franco.

Look for facebook event page coming soon.

Stay Connected:
If you are reading this, chances are you've already been to our main site spokanecomicon.com, but we are also are on facebook/spokanecomicon and twitter twitter.com/spokanecomicon. "Like" us on facebook to stay on top of any updates and events around town. There will be plenty of updates as we keep getting closer to May.


Finally, for those of you that will be going to Emerald City Comicon March 4-6 http://www.emeraldcitycomicon.com/ I will be sitting with "The Sketch Crew" in the artist alley A-15/16/17 all weekend long. Look for the Spokane Comicon banner and come say hello! I'll have new postcard flyers on hand, buttons and magnets while supplies last.


Thanks for your support and good comics.
Best,
Nathan

__________________________________
Nathan O'Brien
Spokane Comicon Founder & Coordinator
http://www.spokanecomicon.com/

Spokane Comicon 2011 Update #1

Hello fans and friends! It was great seeing some of you at the Robert Picardo signing back in December. Now that we are in the new year the countdown is on until the 5th Annual Spokane Comicon on Saturday May 21st. I just wanted to take this opportunity to catch people up on where we are currently.

Special Guests:
Dave Johnson: Eisner Award winning artist (100 Bullets, Detective Comics, Deadpool)
Dan Panosian: Artist (X-Factor Forever, Irredeemable, Chaos War: God Squad)
Matthew Southworth: Artist (Stumptown, Amazing Spider-man)
Brandon Jerwa: Writer (Battlestar Galatica, The Shield, The Mighty Crusaders)
Mark Rahner: Writer (Rotten)
Brian Churilla: Artist (the Anchor, Avengers, Creepy)

and more guests TBA soon

Dealer/Artist Alley Tables:
The revised 2011 pdf application is currently available to download directly from our website. To keep up with the spirit of giving we are offering $10 off dealer tables through January 31st so take advantage of the savings. Please email me with any questions you may have that aren't covered in the 2011 application.

Reminder for the second straight year we sold out of all tables about 6-8 weeks prior to show time. Last year we filled up 75 tables. Our goal this year is for 100 tables. Currently we have 40 tables filled.

Stay Connected:
If you are reading this then chances are you've already been to our main site spokanecomicon.com, but we are also are on facebook/spokanecomicon and twitter twitter.com/spokanecomicon. "Like" us on facebook to stay on top of any updates and events around town. There will be plenty of updates as we keep getting closer to May.

Basic Info:
5th Annual Spokane Comicon
Saturday May 21, 2011
10:00am-5:00pm
@ Spokane Commmunity College Bld 6
1810 N Greene St
Spokane, WA 99217

Special Events:
Planning is underway for the Spokane Comicon to sponsor some special events around town as we get closer to May 21st. More details TBA.

Thanks for your support and we'll be talking to you all soon.
Best,
Nathan
__________________________________
Nathan O'Brien
Spokane Comicon Founder & Coordinator
http://www.spokanecomicon.com/

2010 wrap up

I know I don't blog much nor do I believe many people even actually read this. I just wanted to take a few moments to touch upon a few hi-lights for me in throughout 2010.

Conventions
2010 was a busy year for me and conventions. I was lucky enough to have another successful convention of my own. The fourth annual Spokane Comicon was on May 22, 2010 and it was a blast. The positive trends continue as we sold more tables, added more special guests, and increased our overall attendance through the doors. John Layman is the man BTW. Year 5 (May 21, 2011) is already shaping up to be bigger and better.

I was also lucky enough to attend Emerald City Comicon (March), Otaku Con (July) and Jet City Comic book show (September) as an artist. I had a lot of fun getting to hang out with fellow artists as well as meet new people. I am looking forward to doing more cons in 2011.



Finally, I was able to go back to San Diego Comic con Int for my 3rd time. It's always a geekgasim of over stimulation and head turning. I think I had more fun this time around because I seem to make more and more connections with other professionals in the comic book biz. It's a real treat to get to talk to fellow artists and writers who actually remember me.



My favorite moments from the SDCC was a tie. Getting to go see writer director Kevin Smith's panel again was hilarious fun as was getting to see Stan "the Man" Lee in person for the first time. I was lucky enough to get there early both times and sit about 10 feet away from both of them. Big shout out to artist Andy Owens and his family who were nice enough to let me bunk with them in San Diego.

Family wise things went great as could be. My wife's online business continues to grow and I am so proud of her. My daughter started Kindergarten and is doing very very well. She really likes her teacher and is excelling in all categories.

Here's to hope 2011 is as positive and successful as 2010 has been.