Who's Going to WizardWorld Chicago?!

[Free-Man]

Eh? Anyone going?

[TomStillwell]

I'll have a table there for Honor Brigade.

[mortari]

We'll be walking around doing interview for our cable show.
Haven't gotten a table yet.
Last year was our first year with a table. It was fun.

I am smart this year though. I took a couple of extra days off work before and after.

[KevinTBrown]

Not me.

For the first time in 30+ years I'll not be going to a Chicago Con.... I just cannot justify the cost in terms of what they give you in "product".

BUT if there's anything going on Friday in terms of a YABS-type dinner, I'll be there for that. :smile:

[Stressfactor]

I'll be there picking up swag and doing a little coverage for Broken Frontier (www.brokenfrontier.com come join our community! We're small but smart. OK, shill over)

I live in the living wasteland of comicons so Chicago is, so far, the best bang for my buck and a couple of my friends love it and look forward to it every year and I just couldn't disappoint them.

Count me in for a YABS get together, though. And if someone wants to suggest it being downtown I've got no problem with hopping the train. Me and my con buddy are going to be staying out in Rosemont but we're good with the train.

[KevinTBrown]

I'll be there picking up swag and doing a little coverage for Broken Frontier (www.brokenfrontier.com come join our community! We're small but smart. OK, shill over)

I live in the living wasteland of comicons so Chicago is, so far, the best bang for my buck and a couple of my friends love it and look forward to it every year and I just couldn't disappoint them.

Count me in for a YABS get together, though. And if someone wants to suggest it being downtown I've got no problem with hopping the train. Me and my con buddy are going to be staying out in Rosemont but we're good with the train.

Are you going to come up in April of '10 for the new Con being done by the NYCC guys??

[THEDOC]

I wasn't but might if tables are still available. The C2E2 con sounds just like WW, and it's downtown so it ain't worth the effort. That launch party they had was a joke.

[TomStillwell]

Have you ever been to their NYCC convention? Because that is nothing like WWC. NYCC is a great show. I don't know why C2E2 would be any different.

The launch party was a joke? Everyone I know said they had a good time. I was miffed something came up at the last minute and I missed it.

[Stressfactor]

Are you going to come up in April of '10 for the new Con being done by the NYCC guys??Dunno -- going to have to play it by ear.

Like I said, I go with a couple of friends and if they can't make it I'm not going alone -- that's no fun. One of these friends is an old and very dear friend who is, in fact, the person who got me into comic books as an adult but he lives in Detroit now and I only get to see him once a year... at WWC -- its the only time that seems to work for both our schedules. I can only afford to go to one con a year and I'm going to go to whichever one will allow me to see him.

Also, going to have to look at how much it will cost relative to WWC. Hotels and parking will be more expensive downtown and we'll have to see what will availible re: hotels.

[Crowforge]

I still can't justify going since I don't know what it's about and plus I really don't know if I'll survive this massive lay off in the news. *shakes fist* Daley!!!!

[Duxdoom]

I know I'm going. I usually work as a volunteer during the whole con so I tend to enjoy it and have time to do the stuff I like. Plus, free T-Shirt.

[Chris Hansbrough]

trying to find a place to stay but I intend to.

[Stressfactor]

trying to find a place to stay but I intend to.Try the Aloft Hotel https://www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3124

It's still pricey bit it's cheaper than several of the con hotels and they're brnad spakin' new so they're offering some pretty good room rates if you book in advance. They're within walking distance of the con.

This will be the first time staying at one for me and my Con buddy. We usually do the Marriott Suites down the street but they were all booked up this year :frown: So we're trying the trendy "loft hotel" thing.

[NickThompson]

Try the Aloft Hotel https://www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3124

It's still pricey bit it's cheaper than several of the con hotels and they're brnad spakin' new so they're offering some pretty good room rates if you book in advance. They're within walking distance of the con.

This will be the first time staying at one for me and my Con buddy. We usually do the Marriott Suites down the street but they were all booked up this year :frown: So we're trying the trendy "loft hotel" thing.

Heh, I'm there too.


The fun thing with that hotel? All the directions I found gave different places (More or less the same), and it is so new it's not on Google maps. I think I found the building site for it :smile:

[Cam63]

Still can't fly that far.

[THEDOC]

Have you ever been to their NYCC convention? Because that is nothing like WWC. NYCC is a great show. I don't know why C2E2 would be any different.

The launch party was a joke? Everyone I know said they had a good time. I was miffed something came up at the last minute and I missed it.

Well maybe "suck" was too harsh. I was late getting there but it was a speech, (announcing Alex Ross as Guest of Honor) a raffle...and that was pretty much it. Saw Brian Azzerello and some of my local creator buddies, but I don't remember what was the point, there were no Q&A. I guess if you were networking, that was the place to be. I just found it strange that a small time card dealer who used to do stuff with my old shop was there. Didn't see Jamie Graham (Graham Crackers Comics), there though he could have been.

[KevinTBrown]

Well, it looks like I'll be going after all. My wife surprised me by buying me my ticket.

Even though she knew I was hesitant in going this year, she knew I would probably miss it if I didn't go.

No idea if there's anything planned for after-the-con, but Thursday and Saturday nights are totally free. I unfortunately have plans for Friday night.

[mortari]

I was even able to the day before and after the con from my day job. So I have a day to pack and day to unpack.
Any night looks good from something.

[Crowley]

I'll be there:
http://www.wizardworld.com/briancrowley.html

[Ben Morgan]

I'd love to, but it's too far for me.

[NickThompson]

Have you ever been to their NYCC convention? Because that is nothing like WWC. NYCC is a great show. I don't know why C2E2 would be any different.

Well firstly, it's not like the NYCC is perfectly planned. The first year I went Artist's Alley was a joke because it was in an upstairs area where nobody was leaving, so it was too packed to even see the tables at times. This year the panels were in places that appeared to be underground warehouses and were organised badly so that you had scenarios like where at one point there was a Marvel panel, a DC panel and (IIRC) a Brian Lee O'Malley panel at the same time. Good cons, but not perfect. Like WChicago for me really.


The big important factor is the guests and the panels (Which is kindof linked). C2E2 will be different from New York because the city of New York has more creators and the major two companies which means it's easier to pile up the names. Plus since Marvel and DC can use it as an excuse to do creator retreats that adds to it even more.


I'm sure it'll be good, but I wouldn't expect a NYCC-level.

[Lester C.]

I'd love to, but it's too far for me.

Can't quite peddle the tricycle that far. .:redface: :tongue:

[KevinTBrown]

Bringing this thread back to life now that SDCC is past and the next one is in Chicago.... well, Chicago area.

[Crowforge]

Oh, I had thought I missed it.

[websbestcomics]

Eh? Anyone going?

I'll have a table in artist alley, selling copies of THE OVERMAN trade and doing commissions.

http://websbestcomics.net/blogimages/overman_tp_cov.jpg

http://www.wizardworld.com/scottreed.html

[worstblogever]

I have it on good authority that former WWF Legend the Honky Tonk Man will be there. He told me as much on the plane back to Phoenix.

Go chat the guy up, he's old school, and worked his ass off for the business back in the day. He's got great stories, too.

[Crowforge]

I must hit him with a guitar!

[TomStillwell]

I'll be at table 4602 in Artists Alley.

[Quarterwolf]

I'll be at table 4602 in Artists Alley.
I will be there to get my copy. YAY.

Does anyone know if Gail is gonna be there this year?

[TomStillwell]

I will be there to get my copy. YAY.

Does anyone know if Gail is gonna be there this year?

Unfortunately I won't have copies of my trade yet. It's only available online.

The last time I talked to Gail's husband he said they won't be there.

[THEDOC]

I'll be there Sunday so will look out for you folks, maybe we can have a nice group shot and send it to that great guy in Mohawk Valley!!:biggrin:

[Abomination]

Does anyone know why all the big publishers pulled out of Chicago this year? No Marvel, No DC? No Dark Horse? etc.

Anybody have the scoop?

[NickThompson]

Does anyone know why all the big publishers pulled out of Chicago this year? No Marvel, No DC? No Dark Horse? etc.

Anybody have the scoop?
Probably just money saving.

[Stressfactor]

The word I'm hearing is that it's the economy. I would imagine the fact that WWC is less than a month after SDCC (which is a BIG financial layout) is also a factor.

That being said, apparently DC and Marvel ARE going to have some form of floor representation at WWC. It may not be as big as in years past but at least they're going to be there.

[KevinTBrown]

It seems the ONLY cons they're pulling out of is Wizard...

[NickThompson]

It seems the ONLY cons they're pulling out of is Wizard...
But outside of Wizard cons, their big presense is on their front door in New York and SDCC. Is there anyone else?

[Wind-Breaker]

I will and it will be my first convention. I'll passing out copies of my comic book and meeting up other local aspiring creators there (how original right? :wink: )

[Flamebird]

So are we gonna do a Yabs/CBR meet up?

Show 'em we can have fun even if Gail and Nicola won't visit. :wink:

[Linkara]

I MIGHT be going. The Con guy screwt the pooch on the potential TGWTG booth, but I should still be in Chicago during the time of the Con and might be able to come. ^^

[TomStillwell]

I don't know if I'll be able to do a meet up. My wife will be with me this time around and I think she's planning to take advantage of our time without a child for date nights.

But I'll certainly be happy to see any YABSters that come to my table!

[Stressfactor]

I don't know either. One of my very good friends that I only get to see once a year at WWC is making this one a fast trip. He's flying into O'Hare Friday night and flying back out Saturday night and my other comicbookbuddy and I agreed to pick him up and drop him off at the airport.. We're trying to squeeze at least one dinner with him in there somewhere....

But by now many of you know who I am and what I look like so if you see me just yell "Stressfactor!" or "Tonya" and I'll know.

I'll also either be wearing my light blue Superman T-Shirt, my pink Hong Kong Phooey T-Shirt or my red Scooby-Doo T-Shirt.

[websbestcomics]

I'm trying something a little different with my schedule this time, going to be there from Thursday until Saturday around 2pm, then I'm packing up and hopping a plane back home. In the past, Saturday afternoon and pretty much the whole day on Sunday just always seemed dead in artist alley.

[Crowley]

I'm at 4118B.

Look for the banner:
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v5205/42/38/503385921/n503385921_2358359_951057.jpg

[Flamebird]

I don't know if I'll be able to do a meet up. My wife will be with me this time around and I think she's planning to take advantage of our time without a child for date nights.

But I'll certainly be happy to see any YABSters that come to my table!

Your wife let's you date?!?

Damn, she IS cool. :wink:

Oh, well. guess I'll just have to bug you at your table again.

[TomStillwell]

Your wife let's you date?!?

Damn, she IS cool. :wink:

Oh, well. guess I'll just have to bug you at your table again.

No no, for her dates. I'll be in my hotel room drinking and crying.

[THEDOC]

Hmm saw a commercial on WGN this morning where they are calling WW-C Chicago Comic Con. Is this some sort of a PR ploy to out do C2E2? No big publishers?? You mean this will be a 70's type convention?

[Flamebird]

Hmm saw a commercial on WGN this morning where they are calling WW-C Chicago Comic Con. Is this some sort of a PR ploy to out do C2E2? No big publishers?? You mean this will be a 70's type convention?

I wish.

Just looking at the Wizard site, trying to figure out what's going on and I'm getting lost. :frown:

Guess I'll be hanging out in Artists Alley and digging for cheap comics all weekend.

Seriously, it looks like there are more wrestlers than comic people at this thing.

And what, exactly does Taylor Dane have to do with comics, anyway?

[KevinTBrown]

Hmm saw a commercial on WGN this morning where they are calling WW-C Chicago Comic Con. Is this some sort of a PR ploy to out do C2E2? No big publishers?? You mean this will be a 70's type convention?

The ORIGINAL name for the con was Chicago Comicon. They're just going back to the past. Way too little and WAY too late.

[TomStillwell]

Hmm saw a commercial on WGN this morning where they are calling WW-C Chicago Comic Con. Is this some sort of a PR ploy to out do C2E2? No big publishers?? You mean this will be a 70's type convention?

They've been calling it that for about six months.

I think it's their effort to distance themselves from the Wizard World brand. WW conventions don't have a great rep and if you notice all the new conventions that they've just announced are ones bought by Gareb Shamus directly and not Wizard World.

I honestly think this will be the last Wizard World covention in Chicago, if not anywhere.

[THEDOC]

I wish.

Just looking at the Wizard site, trying to figure out what's going on and I'm getting lost. :frown:

Guess I'll be hanging out in Artists Alley and digging for cheap comics all weekend.

Seriously, it looks like there are more wrestlers than comic people at this thing.

And what, exactly does Taylor Dane have to do with comics, anyway?

Well it's beats having those "model" and "actresses" there but there ya go the problem with these mega cons, no emphasis on what made these cons great in the 1st place.....Comics!!
Yeah Kevin and I am sure Joe Sarno and Larry Charet are both REAL thrilled about that. You're right too little too late. See you both on Sunday.

[Flamebird]

Okay, if there isn't gonna be a get-together; I hope one of you locals can point me to a decent pizza joint.

I haven't been to Chicago in nearly 20 years, so I'll be lucky to find anything on my own.

[THEDOC]

Okay, if there isn't gonna be a get-together; I hope one of you locals can point me to a decent pizza joint.

I haven't been to Chicago in nearly 20 years, so I'll be lucky to find anything on my own.

When was the get together.. I will be there Sunday and there is a Giordano's down the street about a couple of blocks.

[KevinTBrown]

No get together has been planned unfortunately.

Only nights I'm free are Thursday and Saturday. We could always do lunch some place....

[Flamebird]

No get together has been planned unfortunately.

Only nights I'm free are Thursday and Saturday. We could always do lunch some place....

We could go to Dennys and send the bill to Gail. :evilsmile:


Edit: We'll be getting in sometime Thursday and be there till sometime Sunday, so breakfast, lunch; whatever.

If people are busy that's cool, as I can just bug anyone I run into, anyway.

[Stressfactor]

My friends and I usually hit Gino's East. We've never been able to get our foot in the door at Giordano's without at least and hour's wait.

At least at Gino's East if you have a half-hour to 45 minute wait they let you put your pizza order in, that way your pizza gets there almost as soon as you hit the table!

Gino's also has pretty good pizza. Last year Gail's husband declared it: "What is this substance which has spoiled me for all other food and possibly even sex?"

[mortari]

All be there all 4 days, and staying down there Friday and Saturday.

They finally have evening programming setup and we do want to go to Movieco 1 night.
Still Gino's was fun last year.