MoCCA Art Festival in NYC: June 10-11

[Ed Cunard]

So, it's exactly a month away, so it's time to ask who will be there and to make with the planning.

The website itself isn't quite updated yet--there's no panel information, no easily found show times or prices (the exhibitor information lists the times the show is open from 11AM to 6PM Saturday and Sunday, though), and other missing things. However, the exhibitor list is up (http://www.moccany.org/artfest-exhibitors-06.html), and it's alternative comics paradise. I think it's something like $5 or $8 for a day pass, or something, but even if it's a little more, it's still cheaper than a Wizard show.

So, who's in? I'll be there, working at the Fantagraphics table on and off throughout the weekend and possibly hitting the Rocketship pre-party the Friday before.

[Joe Rice]

I'll be there this year. Best convention anywhere.

[Winslow]

Where's the Puck Building?

This year marks the fifth anniversary of New York City's independent comics showcase - the MoCCA Art Festival - which will be held once more in the Puck Building. This year's program features ten panels, roundtables, and special events, spread out over a two day period, June 10-11. As before, the programming will take place on the seventh floor of the Puck, in an elegant ballroom that offers sweeping views of downtown Manhattan. We are putting the finishing touches on the 2006 program, which we will post on the MoCCA website in early May.

http://www.moccany.org/artfest-main.html

I really wanna go. Not yet committed though.

[Ed Cunard]

It's at the corner of Lafayette and Houston. It's also the building where the wedding reception scene at the end of When Harry Met Sally was shot.

It's such a gorgeous place. I love SPX and all, but the setting here really amplifies the mood of the show. The area is open, well-lit (huge windows let a lot of light in), and architecturally interesting (every year, instead of opting for a set of tables, Top Shelf sets up at the bar space in the largest room).

[f. chong rutherford]

So, it's exactly a month away, so it's time to ask who will be there and to make with the planning.

The website itself isn't quite updated yet--there's no panel information, no easily found show times or prices (the exhibitor information lists the times the show is open from 11AM to 6PM Saturday and Sunday, though), and other missing things. However, the exhibitor list is up (http://www.moccany.org/artfest-exhibitors-06.html), and it's alternative comics paradise. I think it's something like $5 or $8 for a day pass, or something, but even if it's a little more, it's still cheaper than a Wizard show.

So, who's in? I'll be there, working at the Fantagraphics table on and off throughout the weekend and possibly hitting the Rocketship pre-party the Friday before.

I'll be there! And at the Rocketship party unless they don't let me in.

Who from Fantagraphics is coming out? Is Rhea Patton coming with them this year?

[Winslow]

It's at the corner of Lafayette and Houston. It's also the building where the wedding reception scene at the end of When Harry Met Sally was shot.

I don't remember the wedding recpetion scene - only the diner scene (I'm a closet perv). :D

Sounds like its just a couple of buildings away from the museum.

[Ed Cunard]

I'll be there! And at the Rocketship party unless they don't let me in.

Who from Fantagraphics is coming out? Is Rhea Patton coming with them this year?

Patton isn't on the list the website provides, but that doesn't neccessarily mean anything. Here are all the publishers and organizations setting up at the show:

AdHouse Books
Alternative Comics
Blurred Books
Bries
Buenaventura Press
Buzzworks
Center for Cartoon Studies
Comic Book Legal Defense Fund
Drawn & Quarterly
Dumbrella
Fantagraphics Books
First Second Books
Friends of Lulu New York Chapter
Gingko Press
Global Hobo
Graphic Artists Guild
Houghton Mifflin
Meathaus
MoCCA
NBM Publishing
Open Book Press
Pantheon Books
PictureBox
Slave Labor Graphics
Sparkplug Comic Books
Top Shelf Productions
World War 3 Illustrated

Give me a bib, 'cause I'm drooling.

Winslow:

It's about a block away from the museum.

[Rae Rodriguez]

I want to try and make it.

[i_mmmchocolate]

I'll be there with my bad self.

[Ed Cunard]

I'll be there with my bad self.

That implies you have a good self. I don't buy it.

If anyone who plans on going wants to find me, I'll have my cell phone on me. Some of you have the number, but if you don't and want it, PM me. Indie nerd gettogether! Woo!

[i_mmmchocolate]

Some of you have the number, but if you don't and want it, PM me.

And leave him dirty messages. It's fun. I'm not talking from experience, just sayin'.

[Jeff Brady]

I will probably be there. My friends' wedding is the day before, so I might be zombified.

[i_mmmchocolate]

I will probably be there. My friends' wedding is the day before, so I might be zombified.

Oh good because I have something I've been dying to ask you. And I can only ask you once.

[Michael P]

*arches eyebrow*

[i_mmmchocolate]

Yes, people, I'm going to ask for Jeff's hand in marriage.

Be there or be square!

[Ed Cunard]

Yes, people, I'm going to ask for Jeff's hand in marriage.

Be there or be square!

Or, in Pullmann's case, both!

...

[Michael P]

Or, in Pullmann's case, both!

...Just for that, you don't go in the novel.

[Ed Cunard]

Just for that, you don't go in the novel.

Just for that, I won't read it.

Novel?

[Jeff Brady]

Yes, people, I'm going to ask for Jeff's hand in marriage.

Be there or be square!

Who in the what now?

[i_mmmchocolate]

Just for that, you don't go in the novel.

You're writing a tell-all book? Jerk.

[Michael P]

You're writing a tell-all book?No, a novel. Pay attention.

Jerk.
This, however, is true.

[i_mmmchocolate]

1 out of 2 isn't bad.

[Sir Tim Drake]

I'd like to go, since I think it's after my school year ends. I don't know if I'll be able to, though-- it's a long and expensive trip, and I have to be out of my apartment by June 15th. We'll see.

[Brandon Hanvey]

I sadly can not make it this year. I had a really good time last year, and I hope to make it back to the con and NY in a year or two.

Be sure to get Brian there somehow.

[Sir Tim Drake]

Unfortunately I won't be able to make it this year. I just realized that it's the same weekend as my graduation ceremonies!

Sorry for the false alarm, and I hope everyone who does go has a great time.

[Archyduke]

I'm planning on going. I'll be going up to CT the day before to visit a friend, and travelling to NYC from her house on the 10th. I haven't been before, but she says its quite the event.

[i_mmmchocolate]

I'm planning on going. I'll be going up to CT the day before to visit a friend, and travelling to NYC from her house on the 10th. I haven't been before, but she says its quite the event.

See you then!

[Ed Cunard]

Alright. Less than two weeks away! The MoCCA site (http://www.moccany.org/artfest-main.html) now has the panel schedule up.

So, here's CBR-esque types that may or may not be there.

Ed Cunard
Joe Rice
F. Chong Rutherford
Immmchocolate
Michael Pullman
Archyduke

Rae Rodriguez (maybe)
Jeff Brady (maybe)
Winslow (maybe)

[Joe Rice]

My attendance has become kinda iffy. Depends on this pre-marital seminar we signed up for that day. Supposedly gets out at three, but we'll see.

[Doug Strange]

pre-marital seminartee-hee-hee!

[i_mmmchocolate]

Alright. Less than two weeks away!

Yay!!

I have both days off.

[Winslow]

Alright. Less than two weeks away! The MoCCA site (http://www.moccany.org/artfest-main.html) now has the panel schedule up.

So, here's CBR-esque types that may or may not be there.

Ed Cunard
Joe Rice
F. Chong Rutherford
Immmchocolate
Michael Pullman
Archyduke

Rae Rodriguez (maybe)
Jeff Brady (maybe)
Winslow (maybe)

I'm a definite for the 10th.

The only "maybe" is whether I come up early for the Rocketship Party the evening of the 9th.

The other "maybe" is whether I stay for the 11th, but most likely I won't

[f. chong rutherford]

I'm a definite for the 10th.

The only "maybe" is whether I come up early for the Rocketship Party the evening of the 9th.

The other "maybe" is whether I stay for the 11th, but most likely I won't

MoCCA sounds like fun! I'll be the getting old bald Korean guy with the beard and glasses. NOT FAKE BEARD AND GLASSES--if you see an old bald Korean guy with a fake beard and glasses, that's someone else.

[Winslow]

MoCCA sounds like fun! I'll be the getting old bald Korean guy with the beard and glasses. NOT FAKE BEARD AND GLASSES--if you see an old bald Korean guy with a fake beard and glasses, that's someone else.

I'll be the tall thin middle aged guy with the Homer Simpson beard line. If it's hot, I'll be in shorts and sandals (hopefully I won't scare the kids).

Should we try to meet some place? Lunch or Dinner on Saturday?

[Jeff Brady]

I'm becoming closer to a definite instead of a maybe.

I just have to remember to get out of bed before 3 PM.

[i_mmmchocolate]

Did you go last year, Jeff?

[Winslow]

I'm becoming closer to a definite instead of a maybe.

I just have to remember to get out of bed before 3 PM.

There is a panel session listed at 3 pm on Saturday for your proposal to Lena.

Don't let me down, man.

[i_mmmchocolate]

There is a panel session listed at 3 pm on Saturday for your proposal to Lena.

Don't let me down, man.

Hilarious.

But I won't accept any proposal from Jeff because he's not...

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/lena212/hasselhoffian-recursion.gif

[Nate C.]

Hilarious.

But I won't accept any proposal from Jeff because he's not...

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/lena212/hasselhoffian-recursion.gif

Is it legal to marry David Hasselhoff's crotch in NY?

[Joe Rice]

tee-hee-hee!

I hate my life.

[Austin]

I hate my life.

Will there be trust falls between you and your betrothed?

[Austin]

Oh yeah, and I'll be there on the 10th. And at Rocketship on the 9th.

[Brandon Hanvey]

Someone must kidnap Brian and get him to the con.

[i_mmmchocolate]

The con might be pushing it, but maybe he'll go to Rocketship on Friday.

[Jeff Brady]

Did you go last year, Jeff?

Yes, on Sunday, for about 1 hour before it ended...because I worked on Saturday and slept till 3 PM on Sunday.

[Jeff Brady]

There is a panel session listed at 3 pm on Saturday for your proposal to Lena.

Don't let me down, man.

She's supposed to propose to me first.

And I've been brushing up on my Gaelic...

[Joe Rice]

Will there be trust falls between you and your betrothed?

Just failed trust.

[Ayo]

I'll be walking around...

[Winslow]

I know quoting yourself is bad form, but:

Should we try to meet some place? Lunch or Dinner on Saturday?

[Winslow]

Mocca etiquette?

Do artists draw sketches? If so, how much is a reasonable fee?

Will most of the tables have comics we can buy? Do I need a lot of cash?

Any other tips for getting the most out of my first Mocca?

[Ed Cunard]

It depends on how much you want to spend, I guess. I usually budget between $200-300. Just about everyone there will be selling comics of some kind, and others will be selling original art. Some artists draw sketches, others don't. I'm not sure what kind of prices people ask for sketching, but it never hurts to ask someone for a sketch.

I'm not sure about lunch or dinner plans, myself. I know I'll get time for lunch, but I don't know when. Have you decided when you're coming out?

[Ed Cunard]

Oh, and here's a big tip, and one I'm still working on myself--never, ever buy something because you want to help someone out, or because no one else is buying from them. There's enough quality stuff there that no matter how much you spend, you'll regret that you didn't spend more. So, stick to things you think you'll truly enjoy or appreciate.

[Jeff Brady]

Mocca etiquette?

Do artists draw sketches? If so, how much is a reasonable fee?

Will most of the tables have comics we can buy? Do I need a lot of cash?

Any other tips for getting the most out of my first Mocca?

There's gonna be a ton of comics ready to buy. Bring lots of cash. The first one I went to, I spent $200 in three hours. Subsequent years, I've been broke off my ass, and barely spend $20.

Some artists will draw sketches for MOCCA donations (Klaus Janson for example). Most will sketch for free, but some will charge. Price depends on the artist.

Expect the floors to be CROWDED and CRAMPED. Juggernaut himself would not be able to get through.

Bring extra deoderant, and prepare to lament the fact that some people don't know what deoderant is. The air conditioning can do only so much with the extremely high ceilings. The geekstank factor has increased each year. MOCCA 1 was stank-free. 2 had some mild offenders. Last year was slightly worse.

Bring a heavy duty bag/backpack to store your purchases.

Bring a bottle of water or two, and a snack.

Beware the men's room on the main floor at all costs.

*grips Winslow by the collar*

AT ALL COSTS, DO YOU HEAR ME?
Sneak downstairs, go through the long corridor, take a right, and use THAT bathroom.

"Should we try to meet some place? Lunch or Dinner on Saturday?"

Good question.

[Archyduke]

To my knowledge, Bryan Lee O'Malley doesn't charge for sketches, which is good enough for me.

[Jeff Brady]

Another handy thing is my office is about 10-13 short blocks away. If anyone needs to unload their digital cameras (bring your USB cables!) and burn a CD, or print a couple of them out, the option is there.

[Brandon Hanvey]

Mocca etiquette?

Do artists draw sketches? If so, how much is a reasonable fee?

Some artist do sketches for free, some only if you buy something, and some charge just for a sketch. As for a reasonable fee, it depends on how much you are willing to spend. I've seen anywhere from $5 to $100 depending on the artist and the level of detail of the sketch.


Will most of the tables have comics we can buy? Do I need a lot of cash?

Most tables will have at least some mini comics, comics, gns, t-shirts or other items for sell. Most only take cash. So bring as much cash as you are willing to spend.

Plus indie guys will love you if you give them singles. Paying for a $3.00 book with a twenty can make it hard to make change sometimes.

[i_mmmchocolate]

I'll be there most of the day, so yeah, I'm up for a lunch at some point.

Almost around the corner...yay.

[Austin]

I always spend too much money at MoCCA. But that was all before Rocketship came along. It's like MoCCA every day in there. Plus, a bearded Alex is way cuter than Craig Thompson. Way cuter.

[i_mmmchocolate]

Another handy thing is my office is about 10-13 short blocks away. If anyone needs to unload their digital cameras (bring your USB cables!) and burn a CD, or print a couple of them out, the option is there.

I missed this post the first time around. It's funny you mention that because yesterday a co-worker and I were discussing digital cameras and how she wishes she could go back to days of regular film. I told her she could, in fact, get prints just like before, all she has to do is bring in her camera and USB cable.

"So have you ever done it before?"

I said no, but today I'm going to a local place to see. I only have a 25 or so I want to print out before I accidently delete all.

[Winslow]

Thanks for all the advice very helpful . . . *THUMBS UP*

I may start a "comics you recommend I purchase at MoCCA" on the Indy forum . . . stop by if you have a "can't miss" recommendation."

[Jeff Brady]

What time is the Rocketship party?

[i_mmmchocolate]

I'm not sure.
---
My plan is to arrive at Puck Building at noon.

[Winslow]

Anyone interested in any of the panels?

All the ones I want to attend are on Sunday . . . might be an excuse to stay another day.

[i_mmmchocolate]

Maybe The Art of Cartooning and the New Yorker on Saturday...

[Ed Cunard]

Well, I'll be missing all the panels, but I'd probably hit the MOME panel Saturday and all the Sunday panels if I had the time.

[Merey]

Hi folks,

Jeff very kindly PMed me and invited me to join in on some of the NYC CBR fun. I just very recently discovered the MoCCA (I was planning on going to the Dark Knight Returns lecture yesterday but work got in the way). However, I'm thinking of going to the Art Festival this weekend. I'd definitely be interested in meeting some fellow CBR posters. :D

[Michael P]

Mwah-hah-hah-hah! Fresh meat!

[Jeff Brady]

Mwah-hah-hah-hah! Fresh meat!

Shh! You'll scare away the prey!

Anyway, Rocketship has announced their MoCCA Kick-off party. It starts at 8 PM Friday night. That's three hours after my friends' wedding stuff ends, so I'll definitely be around for that.

[Ed Cunard]

Shh! You'll scare away the prey!

Anyway, Rocketship has announced their MoCCA Kick-off party. It starts at 8 PM Friday night. That's three hours after my friends' wedding stuff ends, so I'll definitely be around for that.

I'm still not sure if I'll be out in time for that. I'm leaving from work instead of from home, so that tacks an extra hour or so on my travel time. Then, I'm doing dinner with one of my distributors, so once we're done, we'll see where I'm at. I can't be out too late, as I have to get up very early in the morning for the Fantagraphics set-up stuff.

[i_mmmchocolate]

I'd definitely be interested in meeting some fellow CBR posters. :D

Uh oh.
_____

[Winslow]

Shh! You'll scare away the prey!

Anyway, Rocketship has announced their MoCCA Kick-off party. It starts at 8 PM Friday night. That's three hours after my friends' wedding stuff ends, so I'll definitely be around for that.

I'm not going to make this either . . . .

I'm taking a train up from Philly Saturday am.

[Joe Rice]

Then there's the burlesqe party at Shades on Saturday.

[Typo Lad]

Wait, WINSLOW'S coming?

Okay, maybe I am.

[Kid Omega]

Then there's the burlesqe party at Shades on Saturday.


Okay folks, you heard it here first...

Rocketship is hosting a party at Shades of Green on Saturday night, with a Burlesque Revue at midnight.

There will be a 3 dollar cover, and things will get start after 10:30.

The bar is at 125 E. 15th St. (between Third Ave. & Irving Pl.) The girls are here: http://sweetandnastyburlesque.com/

It will be hosted by the hilarious Dirty Daddy, and will be totally retro-kinky fun.

You heard it here first!

[Jeff Brady]

Burlesque aside, does anyone have plans/ideas for meeting up Saturday after the show ends?

[i_mmmchocolate]

I'll be there at noon and as long as I get to eat lunch at some point, I wouldn't mind sticking around longer after that. During the last two MoCCAs, I would just leave once I was hungry.

[Jeff Brady]

I'll be there at noon and as long as I get to eat lunch at some point, I wouldn't mind sticking around longer after that. During the last two MoCCAs, I would just leave once I was hungry.

I hear you can get back in if you have to leave for lunch. They stamp your hand again on request.

[i_mmmchocolate]

I hear you can get back in if you have to leave for lunch. They stamp your hand again on request.

I know, but I've just been lazy in past years. Once I've eaten, I just end up not returning.

This year will be different! *said confidently*

[Jeff Brady]

Excellent.

[Brian Cronin]

I'm up for a Saturday late-afternoon/evening meet-up. You folks can pick the venue!

-Brian

[i_mmmchocolate]

Party At Brian's, Everyone!!!

[Brian Cronin]

Hehe...I sincerely doubt folks would like to spring for the train fare to Westchester. :D

-Brian

[Typo Lad]

So... nothing happening SUnday? I'm actually free.

[Jeff Brady]

So... nothing happening SUnday? I'm actually free.

I'll do whatever you want me to do.

[Typo Lad]

Okay, buy me a new Mac.

[Ed Cunard]

So... nothing happening SUnday? I'm actually free.

I'll be there until the end, so lunch? Dinner? 15 minutes of punching you in the stomach? Whatever works for you--just remember that I can't stay too late, as I have a five hour plus drive ahead of me afterwards.

[Winslow]

I'm kinda bummed the panel with Jessica Abel is so late on Sunday . . .I really wanted to go to that one - but would like to get home at a decent time too.

decisions . . decisions . . .

[Michael P]

I'm kinda bummed the panel with Jessica Abel is so late on Sunday . . .I really wanted to go to that one - but would like to get home at a decent time too.

decisions . . decisions . . .
Whatever you do, don't call her "Jessica Alba."

[Typo Lad]

Stay late enough to see me!

[Winslow]

Stay late enough to see me!

Cool . . . I'll be around.

I'm tied at the hip to that Cunard guy Saturday.

But Sunday I'm dumping him.

[Winslow]

Whatever you do, don't call her "Jessica Alba."

Heh . . . .

I could see me doing that in some sort of Freudian slip type thing. . . .

[Typo Lad]

PM me cell numbers people, so we can meet up Sunday. I may bring another chum too.

[Ed Cunard]

Alright, kids--I'm heading on the road. If you need me in the meantime for MoCCA-related things, call my cell phone (if you have the number).

[Joe Rice]

Cool . . . I'll be around.

I'm tied at the hip to that Cunard guy Saturday.

But Sunday I'm dumping him.

Come to Shades Saturday night! It's gonna be a blast!

[Winslow]

PM me cell numbers people, so we can meet up Sunday. I may bring another chum too.

Robin? . . . .

[Winslow]

Come to Shades Saturday night! It's gonna be a blast!

That looks like fun . . . .

But I can tell I probably wouldn't be comfortable. I haven't been to a strip/burlesque place in 16+ years . . .

I realize its intended to be funny rather than arousing, but I think I'm too uptight to find it funny . . . alas . . .

[Joe Rice]

That looks like fun . . . .

But I can tell I probably wouldn't be comfortable. I haven't been to a strip/burlesque place in 16+ years . . .

I realize its intended to be funny rather than arousing, but I think I'm too uptight to find it funny . . . alas . . .

We'll be uncomfortable together! And I don't think anyone (other than maybe me) will get nekkid!

[Typo Lad]

Robin? . . . .
Rubin, actully, but close enough.

[Brian Cronin]

I can come to NYC Sunday, too, by 5:15 pm!

-Brian

[i_mmmchocolate]

Guys, I can't make it and I feel absolutely terrible because I've been waiting for MoCCA for the longest time. I feel really crappy right now.

[Brian Cronin]

Guys, I can't make it and I feel absolutely terrible because I've been waiting for MoCCA for the longest time. I feel really crappy right now.

I hope all is well at home.

-Brian

[Jeff Brady]

Good golly, I've spent so much money this weekend.

Ahh, who needs to pay rent, anyway?

Went to the Rocketship party Friday night right after my friend's wedding (while competely zombified). Many, many thanks to Alex & Mary for being kind and helpful hosts while my brain ceased functioning.

It was cool hanging out with Ed & Winslow and some other very cool people. Bumped into Michael Pullmann once or twice and lost track of him. The Fest itself was PACKED as usual, and I found so many wonderful books. The Fantagraphics/CBLDF party was pretty packed as well.

Going back tomorrow to see if I can go completely bankrupt.

[Archyduke]

I didn't get as much as I would've liked, since I wound up spending a lot of money on food on the preceding days, but I still hit pretty much everything I wanted to, and got most of the things I was looking for. Unfortunately, we were out of NYC by around three or four on Saturday, but what time I did get to spend there was pretty fun.

[Ed Cunard]

I have a headache that won't quit. My legs are on strike. My stomach is queasy. I don't think I've been happier in a long, long time. More tomorrow when I'm coherent.

[Winslow]

I had a blast.

Highlights:

Picking up some fun all-ages Indy comics, have the artists make a sketch for my kids on the inside cover – and seeing the look on my kids faces when I got home.

The panel with Charles Burns was excellent. His presentation regarding his motivation, work strategies (story pacing, plot & characterization development, etc.) was very cool. Unfortunately I had to leave early to catch my train.

The panel with Miriam Katin was emotionally compelling for me. Miriam is 63, and was a child in Hungary during the Nazi invasion in WW2. The graphic novel is an auto-biography. We Are On Our Own (http://www.drawnandquarterly.com/shopCatalogLong.php?st=art&art=a4277ec7c94305). I had run out of money by the time of the panel, but I’ll be ordering this in the future. (Morts – this has your name written all over it, she’s Jewish – and the memories of the war translated into a faith struggle for her.). She could have used some help with presentation skills – but the content was powerful enough to make me connect with it.

I arrived too early on Sunday to get in, so I walked up to Washington Square Park, found a place under a tree, and read my two volumes of Scott Pilgrim (http://www.scottpilgrim.com/)while smoking a stogie. Man that was relaxing. Scott Pilgrim is hard to describe – but for me, it helped me remember the drama of being single, in my 20’s, full of angst, and dating - and made me laugh at it.

Meeting Ed Cunard & Jeff Brady - really good people – but not a surprise.

Sleeping with Ed Cunard.

Things I’d do different:

Introduce myself as “Winslow” to CBR New York folks. When I introduced myself with my real name, it was social “shock and awe.”

Figure out a way to spend more time with CBR folk. I met Alex in passing, and had a great time conversing – but it was only about 10 minutes or so.

I spent most of my money on trades. But I can always order trades, or purchase them in a comic shop. The cool part of the Art Festival is the enthusiastic displays of many amateurs and their mini-comics. I think I’d do more research into the minis and spend more $ purchasing those next year.

Bring my wife & kids. This really is a comic convention for families. No porn, or questionable content on display. I missed them, and probably bored poor Ed with my constant conversing about them. In fairness – he always brought up his dogs – and even showed pictures like a proud Papa. Funny, Ed’s a “homey.” Feel like I’ve known him for years – but I guess I have through the ‘net.

There’s more I could say, but I think I’m rambling.

[Joe Rice]

Dang, Win, wish I got to meet you. Life always conspires to keep me away from the only con I actually like.

[Ed Cunard]

Dang, Win, wish I got to meet you. Life always conspires to keep me away from the only con I actually like.

You missed a good show. Well, I think--I mean, I was working the whole time, and then got way to tired to hit the Rocketship afterparty (in fact, I think we ended up leaving the Fantagraphics party by 10:30ish).

More later--I'm still trying to catch up with work.

[Winslow]

Dang, Win, wish I got to meet you. Life always conspires to keep me away from the only con I actually like.

Depending on what life brings me, I hope to make it up next year.

I love New York in small doses.

[Kid Omega]

The irony about meeting CBR people at this point in my life, is that I usually meet them at Rocketship events and NY cons, but I'm too busy working to actually spend any time getting to know folks.

Hopefully there will be a CBR NY event where I can actually take the weekend off and hang out.

But it was good meeting you Winslow! And cool seeing all the NY folks.

MoCCA is a great event; Winslow's highlight reel pretty well nails it. But it is an incredibly busy/stressful three days for us.... On top of hosting two parties, checking out the minis/new books, meeting publishers and artists that we might work with in the future, purchasing stacks of product, and seeing hundreds of friends.... we still have to keep the shop open and running!

So it's a crazy weekend. But it was great seeing everyone, and I aplogize if I was on another planet.

My personal highlights: Meeting Winslow (albeit briefly), seeing CBR folks (for mere moments) getting great minicomics (including ones from Charles Burns and Farel Dalrymple), hanging an art show with work by Johnny Ryan, Jordan Crane, Jaime Hernandez, and Steven Weissman, buying a LOCAL page (set in Park Slope!) from Ryan Kelly, meeting piles of great creators, seeing old friends, and getting a Scott Pilgrim sketch for our cashier.

It was a good weekend, though crazy.

[Typo Lad]

I totally Cronined out. Sorry guys. I had too much family stuff to deal with. Mostly housework. Ick.

[Ed Cunard]

hanging an art show with work by Johnny Ryan, Jordan Crane, Jaime Hernandez, and Steven Weissman...

Before I forget, I have to say that Steven and Jordan were probably two of the nicest people I met all weekend--those guys are just awesome, from an artistic standpoint and a personal one.

[Joe Rice]

Before I forget, I have to say that Steven and Jordan were probably two of the nicest people I met all weekend--those guys are just awesome, from an artistic standpoint and a personal one.

No doubt. Really great guys, both of them. I enjoyed being in bathroom line with Chip Zdarsky sharing how people thought that the photos of him as Elektra were me.

We don't look alike in person at all.

[Kid Omega]

Before I forget, I have to say that Steven and Jordan were probably two of the nicest people I met all weekend--those guys are just awesome, from an artistic standpoint and a personal one.

Those two are the best. Super nice guys, and incredible talents. It was a blast hanging with them.

[Kid Omega]

No doubt. Really great guys, both of them. I enjoyed being in bathroom line with Chip Zdarsky sharing how people thought that the photos of him as Elektra were me.

We don't look alike in person at all.

He's awesome. i have a hetero-crush on him.

[Joe Rice]

I should get Jinah's pictures from the party up tonight. There's a bunch and they're good.

[Winslow]

Oh yeah - another thing I'd do different - grow my beard back, wear my glasses, and wear a black T-shirt.

I was soooo suburban middle-aged Dad in my Navy polo.

(posted with tongue firmly in cheek)

[Winslow]

. . . .(in fact, I think we ended up leaving the Fantagraphics party by 10:30ish).

Ed was quite the socially connected partier!

. . . . it was fun until the "Indy music" started.

[Kid Omega]

http://www.comicon.com/thebeat/2006/06/rocketship_party_photos.html#more

[Ed Cunard]

Ok, I've had some time to process, so.

Friday night was a blast. Rocketship's really becoming the place to be in New York for comics gatherings--like, it's crazy how many people came, and the vibe was relaxed, social and engaging. I ended up picking up some WALKING DEAD trades for my wife, and my friend Kristin who tagged along spent a bunch on comics, too (ACTION PHILOSOPHERS, PERSEPOLIS, GHOST WORLD and, I think, the SPOUTNIK 2 anthology--something I bought once not realizing it was in French). That was one of the highlights for me--I really can't think of another shop or event where a "civilian" not only felt really at home--I mean, she loved it--but thought, "hey, let's give a bunch of nerdshit a try," and she's already finished AP and loved it.

Saturday--geez. It was a madhouse at the Fantagraphics table. I e-mailed those guys today, and much respect for them--I had no idea how crazy it gets for the people behind the table. I probably screwed everything up--I know I dropped the cash box, sending change all over in a direction away from me, and bringing all sorts of funny looks back in return in some kind of karmic-embarrassment-boomerang theatre. I'm still all achy from being on my feet all day (because I'm a big weakling). The only times I sat down were lunch with some CBR and non-CBR folk, dinner with Winslow and Gina, and at the Fantagraphics afterparty (and I ended out punking out early, because I was exhausted). Still, though, it was awesome--especially spending most of the evening with Winslow, as we've known each other through a few forums over the years and have some friends in common (and, as it turns out, may actually be related). Couldn't have had a better roommate, either.

The problem, though, is that I had just soooo much on my plate--between Rocketship and MoCCA, I feel like I got very little time with the people I wanted to talk to, and I'm regretting it now. Like, I maybe spent 20 minutes with Jeff the whole weekend, and I only got to see Alex, Joe, Mike, F-dot, Ayo and some other non-CBR friends Friday night. I feel like the whole festival flew by me--I took maybe 45 minutes to shop the whole time (but, crap, did I make up for it--while I missed out on some things I planned on getting, I ended up having so much it wouldn't fit in my expandable bag; luckily, I parked right behind the Puck Building on Sunday). At this point, I don't even remember what I came home with, but I know it filled the space on my nightstand bookshelf stacked top to bottom. At this rate, I won't need new comics until 2007.

I'm actually miserable now--the whole high from the weekend is wearing off, and I feel like I spent the whole weekend doing blow, and now I'm coming down and crashing hard. So, it was intense, and I wish I could do it all over again tomorrow--I'm going to try to squeeze some time between my school, work, and home-building schedule to get down to SPX for at least a day just to get a little fix before summer rolls around again, and at least two more Rocketship events, just because.

[Joe Rice]

Photos found easily here (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=129040).