The Boston Comic Con is now just 2 weeks away and so I am nearing the end of my Convention Preparation posts.
Most of my posts have been dealing with strategizing about commissions. But I realize that commissions aren't for everyone.
So I thought I would briefly talk about my approach to meeting creators, getting signatures, picking comics for signatures, and showing your fellow fans a little bit of courtesy. I'll throw in some personal anecdotes.
Signed by Wolfman, Perez, & Ordway |
Now personally I try to limit the number of books I bring to get signed to 5. I will expand that to 10 if it is a creator who I highly admire. But I never break the 10 rule. It isn't fair to the creator or the other fans behind me. I also might try to cherry pick a bit to see if there is an issue that I can get multiple signatures on.
Some creators limit the number of books they will sign. So when putting together a stack to bring, prioritize in your mind which are the ones you want signed the most. Don't be flummoxed trying to figure that out at the table! Preparation is key!
Nothing irks me more than someone bringing a brick of comics up to a creator to get signed. Part of that is my take on these signatures. I think it should be limited to specific issues which I think are special. Sure I'll bring up my share of #1's, first issues of historic runs, or 'important issues' to get signed. That's why I have Crisis on Infinite Earths #7 signed by Marv Wolfman, George Perez, and Jerry Ordway. That's why I have Thor #337 signed. But my guess is those guys have signed a lot of those particular issues.
Signed Kupperberg, Infantino, & Buckler |
It's why, despite having a trove of Adam Hughes covers of Wonder Woman, I brought up a variant cover of Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes to him.
Lastly, I also like to try to pick out an unusual issue that means a lot to me to bring up to a creator as that can sometimes lead to a conversation (should time and courtesy permit).
I adore 1st Issue Special #9 Dr. Fate issue. So I brought this issue to get signed by both Walt Simonson and Joe Kubert. There are plenty of 'more important' issues by those creators to get signed but not for me. This issue is one of my favorite of all times! It merits getting signed.
When Frank Quitely was a guest at a con I went to, I had All-Star Superman #1 and New Xmen #114. But I also brought All-Star Superman #10, my favorite issue of that run. When I mentioned that to Quitely, he said it was his favorite of the run as well which led to a nice little chat.
My buddy met Brian Michael Bendis at a con. Bendis limited to five signatures. One of the issues my buddy brought to get signed was New Avengers #53 because it had a big comic brawl he loved. Bendis actually paused when he saw that issue in the pile, probably because he doesn't sign that one too often. It led to a cool conversation as well.
Lastly, the creator may ask to personalize the signature, adding "To ___" your name on the cover. I suppose it is a way to separate speculators from fans. Let them do it.
As for me, I try to organize the issues I want to get signed by having individual folders envelopes set up with the issues for each creator inside. This way it is easy for me to find the issues I want a creator to sign once inside.
Since I have a big backpack and a car at the con, I can bring a lot of books. I usually decant the bag in the middle of the con, putting signed issues in the car and bringing new folders into the convention. If I didn't have the car nearby, I would probably have to pare down even more.
Hope this helps.
1 comment:
Hi,
Just to let you know, Daring New Adventures of Supergirl #1 has just been released digitally! Whoda thought that'd happen!
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