Tuesday, July 26, 2011

SDCC Tweets recap

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Friday, May 27, 2011

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

Saturday, April 2, 2011

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/

Sunday, February 27, 2011

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/

Saturday, January 15, 2011

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/

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

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.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

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.


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

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Thursday, August 12, 2010

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!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

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

Sunday, May 2, 2010

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