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.

My Review of Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics

Originally submitted at WB Shop

An expansive documentary exploring the 75 years of DC Comics, the memorable characters of its universe and the talented artists and writers who brought them to life.

Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics

Loved it!

By Nathan OBrien from Spokane, WA on 11/3/2010

 

5out of 5

Pros: Broad Appeal, Informative, Good Resource, Entertaining

Cons: None

Best Uses: At Home, Perfect Gift

Describe Yourself: Avid Moviegoer

I was lucky enough to view the advance screening of "Secret Origin" at San Diego Comic con and loved it. Even though I already watched it I still plan on purchasing it. "Secret Origin" is an absolute must for any comic book and pop culture fan.

spokanecomicon.com

(legalese)

What's New?!

What's up with NO! well plenty of stuff thank you very much. I've been keeping busy this summer for sure on all fronts. After a great trip to SDCC I am inspired by some artists to keep doing my thing and creating new pieces. I had a blast seeing some friends and talking art and comics.

***The big news from SDCC (for me) was writer and creator (and pal) John Layman will be putting in more of my fan art in CHEW #16. This time it's a one page (type of epilogue) written by John Layman, pencils by NO! and inks by Levi Skeen [link] ***

My Etsy shop [link] has really been keeping my busy too. I've been selling a decent amount of prints and starting to get some commissions too. Please take a look...makes a great gift hint, hint.

I've been writing a lot for my web comic Weaselman [link] plotting out what's next to come. I've got some fun ideas for the next few chapters and it will all lead into a big blockbuster in the 24 comic challenge on October 2nd. [link]

Somewhere in between all that I find time for my family, and my full time job. I also have to start thinking about getting ready for Jet City Comic book show on September 25th in Seattle. It's a new one day show put on by the same people as Emerald City CC, so I am looking forward to that. I will have a table in the artist alley AA30 so plan on coming!

Thanks for everyone's support and I'll post more updates as they happen.
Cheers,
NO!

Spokane Comicon 2010 recap

"You really put on a great show! Having just attended the Emerald City Comicon two months prior, this was comparable & much more friendly."

The 4th annual Spokane Comicon was held on Saturday May 22, 2010 and continued to grow in a positive direction. Nearly 900 people attended and 75 tables filled making this grass roots con our biggest yet!
Our 2010 special guest of honor John Layman (Creator and writer of Image Comics "CHEW") was a fan favorite. Other special guests included Charlie Schmidt (Keyboard Cat),Matthew Southworth ("Stumptown"), Dustin Weaver (Marvel comics "SHIELD"), Brandon Jerwa (Fajita-man), Eric Trautmann (DC Comics "The Shield"), Mark Rahner ("Rotten"), Chad Hardin ("Warlord"), Daniel M. Davis ("Monster Commute") and local guests Lars Brown ("North-World"), Andy Owens ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer") and Jason Gorder ("Dark Avengers") FEW.

I HUGE HUGE special thanks to Mike "WHOO-HOO" Watson, Rose and the entire Sasquad Comic Book club for all of their hard work and dedication in planning and volunteering the con with me. Without them none of this would be possible. Thank you also to the 501st, Craig from the Comic Book Shop, Uncle's Games and John from Merlyn's for all of their support!

Become of Spokane Comicon on FACEBOOK for the latest updates and to view our 2010 photo album.

Next Show: 5th Annual Spokane Comicon Saturday May 21, 2011 @ SCC

Spokane Comicon 2010 Update #5

It's now May (where has the time gone?) and that means it's time to starting counting down to the 4th Annual Spokane Comicon on Saturday May 22!
We've got lots of exciting things to cover including the much anticipated Program of Events and Gaming so let's get going.

2010 Guests:
John Layman
Andy Owens
Jason Gorder
Daniel M Davis
Dustin Weaver
Eric Trautmann
Brandon Jerwa
Matthew Southworth
Charlie Schmidt
Mark Rahner
Lars Brown
Stephen Lindsey
John Lustig
Chad Anderson *NEW* You can read Chad's bio on our web page under the "Guests" tab

Program of Events:
10am Doors Open (100 exclusive bags)
11am Free Raffle Prize drawing #1
11:30am WACOM tech instructional demo #1 (conf room)
12pm Free Raffle Prize drawing #2
12pm "CD" Comics Panel (auditorium) w/ Eric Trautmann and Brandon Jerwa
1pm Free Raffle Prize drawing #3
1pm Chew Panel (auditorium) w/ John Layman
2pm Free Raffle Prize drawing #4 (+ 50 exclusive gift bags)
2pm Breaking into Comics (auditorium) w/ Creators Edge Press
2:30pm WACOM tech instructional demo #2 (conf room)
3pm Free Raffle Prize drawing #5
3pm Keyboard Cat Retrospective (auditorium) w/ Charlie Schmidt
4pm All $1 raffle prizes names drawn (podium stage)
4pm Spokane Ghostbusters (auditorium)
5pm Costume Contest (auditorium)
5pm End of show

Gaming:

11am (game room opens):
>Learn: Magic The Gathering "Basic Training" (All Day except during booster draft)

>Magic and Brawl registration starts. (ends at 12:30 or until spots are full.)

>Zombies and Doorways d20 Demo (All Day)

>Opening Console Gaming "Wii, PS3" (All Day)

12:30pm
All registration closes, Magic Draft Begins (DCI Sanctioned)

Gift Bags:

The Gift bags will be full of fun freebies from our sponsors that will surely not disappoint.
In celebration of Iron Man 2 we are excited to be giving away authentic 35MM film cells in each gift bag!

We will be giving away 100 gift bags for the first 100 paid attendees starting at 10am while supplies last.

For those of you that can't make it out in time to get a gift bag at 10am we've got you covered. For the first time ever we will be giving away an additional 50 gift bags at 2pm with paid admission while supplies last.

One lucky gift bag will have a certified Iron Man 2 trading card that has a piece of costume worn by actor Don (Jim "Rhodey" Rhodes) Cheadle! Estimated value $50!!

Costume Contest:

I promise details will be posted in our next update. All I can say is we have more sponsors, so we will more categories for you to win!

Blood Drive:

Do something good and be a real hero. This year the Inland Northwest Blood Center will be set up all day from 10am-5:00pm outside of Building 6 during our show.

We encourage you to register on site and donate blood to help save lives.

When you show proof of donation you will get a FREE DOLLAR RAFFLE ticket to enter into any prize of your choice. Dollar raffle prizes will be drawn at 4:00pm.

The countdown to con is here! Don't miss it!!

4th Annual Spokane Comicon
Next show: Saturday May 22, 2010
Location: Spokane Community College Bld 6 Lair
Time: 10:00am-5:00pm
---------------------------------
Nathan O'Brien
Spokane Comicon Founder & Coordinator
www.spokanecomicon.com

Spokane Comicon 2010 Update #4

Hello fans, it's only nine weeks until Spokane Comicon! This will be a short but important update.

Here is our current list of guests:
John Layman
Andy Owens
Jason Gorder
Daniel M Davis
Dustin Weaver
Eric Trautmann
Brandon Jerwa
Matthew Southworth
Charlie Schmidt
Mark Rahner
Lars Brown
Stephen Lindsey*NEW*
John Lustig*NEW*

You can find out more about our guests on our web page http://spokanecomicon.com/

Dealer/Artist Tables:
First off all of our Artist Alley tables are SOLD OUT! As a result a waiting list has been created so you can email me (spokanecomicon@yaho.com) if you want to be added to the list.

We are on pace to sell out of dealer tables for the second straight year as we only have about a dozen dealer tables left. A friendly reminder that the price break ends April 22 then it goes up $10. When you go to our site click on the dealer tab and download the dealer application word doc.

Sponsors Update:
I am very excited to announce Creators Edge Press as a new sponsor. Creators Edge Press will be debuting the Devil's Trail (for mature readers) exclusively at the fourth annual Spokane Comicon! Additionally writer Stephen Lindsey will be on hand to sign his new comic at the Creators Edge Press tables. Finally the talented folks from CEP will be doing a panel about "How to break into comics". Time of the panel TBA. To learn more about Creators Edge Press, including appearances, upcoming releases and submission guidelines take a look at their site. http://creatorsedgepress.com/

Additional local sponsor and dealer added are Uncles Games. Uncles will be sponsors our gaming tournaments. More details coming soon. http://www.unclesgames.com/

Finally since our last sponsor update both Oni Press and Arcane Comics both sent me 7 boxes each of comics to give away this year! I think we'll have a few to go around.

The last thing I wanted to mention is a special thank you to all of the people that turned out and I had to a chance to talk to at Emerald City Comicon. It was a great con and I was amazed at how many fans from the east side of Washington/Idaho stopped by to show their support for the Spokane Comicon. Hope to see you all in May!

---------------------------------
Nathan O'Brien
Spokane Comicon Founder & Coordinator
www.spokanecomicon.com

ECCC 2010 Wrap Up

Where do I even begin, since there was so much that happened over the weekend. I've been attending ECCC as a fan for the past 7 years, but this was the first time I attended as an artist. It's been an amazing run for me personally since I've started the Spokane Comicon [link] back in 07 because of all the great people in the industry I've gotten a chance to know. Two of them are artists Levi Skeen [link] and Ben 1314 Hansen [link] Both are crazy talented and invited me to join them along with the rest of the Sketch Crew [link] at ECCC. I graciously accepted as I could help promote my con and do my art thang.
Right from the get go when the trumpet blared on Saturday I was instantly busy selling prints and doing commissions. I don't think I took my first real break until 3pm. It was really cool besides seeing many of the pros I've gotten to know over the years, but also friends from all over Washington who came by and said hi. I was also amazed how many people where from the east side of the state and where also stoked to see me cross promoting for the Spokane Comicon
On Sunday I had a girl come up to me and look through my portfolio and said she was looking for Punisher prints, which I didn't have. She commissioned me to do a color/inked piece of the Punisher that she would then take to Thomas Jane to sign, no pressure. Some other commissions I did were Deadpool, Clone Trooper, Batman, Poison Ivy, Catwoman just to name a few (pics coming soon).
My personal favorite part of the con was being able to get into the con an hour and half prior to the doors opening. This gave me a tremendous opportunity to talk to fellow artists and vendors. My personal agenda was accomplished by getting to talk to (name dropping time) Tim Sale, Greg Rucka, J.H. Williams III, John Layman, Matthew Southworth, and Dustin Nguyen to name a few. I got some prints, signed comics, a few sketches and talk Spokane Comicon boo-yah. Fingers crossed that maybe we might see one of those guys come to the Inland Northwest some day.
I am looking forward to doing Jet City Comicon in September (new sister con to ECCC) and returning to ECCC in 2011. I took lots of notes on how to improve and I can't wait for the next con. I only wish I had time to do some sketches at my own show, but I'll be to busy making sure things are running smooth.
Talking with a few friends considering how well I did at ECCC they are trying to tell me I should start doing commissions on Deviant art here. Anyone want to give me their thoughts?
A couple other notes to wrap up my thoughts on ECCC. One, was that I debuted my first 3/5 guest comic panels to Monster Commute [link] artist Daniel M Davis. Daniel really liked my interpretation of his characters and thought I captured the essence nicely. For those of you who don't know Daniel asked me to be a guest artist for his Monster Commute web comic so while Daniel travels to cons in the summer he can run the guest artist strips.
The other second item worth noting was on Sunday when creator/writer of Image Comics Chew came by my table. I've had the please of having a few conversations with John prior to ECCC so he knew who I was, plus he will be coming to the Spokane Comicon [link] as a guest. Anyways, he checked out my portfolio and commented that he liked my Chew tribute drawings. John then asked me if I've seen the latest issue of Chew. I said no not yet, and he said "well you should, you're in it!"
"what do you mean?" I asked."I published one of your tribute drawings in the back" he said. I think I swore to some degree in my ecstatic state of mind. For the record I think it's in Chew #8, because that's the only issue I don't have, and it's not in #9. Go me. UPDATE! I got a scan of it and it was in issue #8.
Anyways, thanks for reading. It was great being surrounded by so many talented people and I am still on an emotional high from the entire weekend. I came home on Monday to read this [link]Cheers

How was my weekend at ECCC you ask? Well there's an insane amount to tell but for now here is a good start.

http://downtownseattle.komonews.com/content/next-generation-talent-emerald-city-comicon

The Next Generation of Talent at the Emerald City Comicon

Submitted by AJ Roberts on Sunday, March 14th, 05:17pm

Though everyone knows the big names like Stan Lee and Leonard Nimoy, the Emerald City Comicon offered more than just long-established superstars. The ECCC also showcased a wide range of up-and-coming talent, artists and writers who have yet to make their big break. The Sketch Crew is one such group of gifted comic artists that are on the cusp of breaking into the mainstream. The Sketch Crew consists of Tony Dela Cruz, Levi Skeen, Nate O’Brien, Harrison Wood, and Ben Hansen. Most of the men hail from the Puget Sound area, and Levi Skeen, of Spokane, heads up the Sketch Crew. The group started 4 to 5 years ago and mostly met through the art showcase website, Deviantart.com. They have been coming to the ECCC ever since. Individually, they have not done anything big, just a few good small gigs here and there. But they come to Comicon every year to get their names out there, meet people, and just to do what they love, draw comics.