When Words Collide: NYCC vs. The Universe

If the pics and bullet points aren't enough -- and, clearly, they're not -- then you need to check out this week's "When Words Collide," in which I run through my various weekend adventures at the New York Comic Con.

Read about "Osamu Tezuka's Depression Funnies," marvel at "The Invisible Lounge," and learn how "The Doctor is In." And more.

Aw, yeah!

NYCC!

NYCC 09 Random Bits

This week's WWC column will have a more coherent essay on my weekend experience at the New York Comic Con, but here are some random moments that I didn't include:

• Jeff Kinney, author of "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," had a gigantic crowd of fans at his speech/book signing. My son is in love with the Wimpy Kid books, and he waited patiently to get his book signed, even though the coordinator of the signing decided to announce that they would call up the kids row by row, and almost everyone RUSHED to the front rows when she said that. That is a bullshit move, parents. And you know it.

• Jeff Kinney gave a really inspirational speech, by the way, and he seems like a genuinely nice guy. Good for him, and I hope he enjoys continued success.

• Sterling Gates showed me a preview of the next issue of Supergirl, but he wouldn't let me see pages 15-18. Wonder what that was about. Oh, Sterling, you rascal.

• I gave Rick Remender some advice on how to end his first Punisher arc: with a high five between Punisher and the Sentry. He thought a Punisher/Hood high five would be better, and then they could team up as an odd couple for the rest of the series. The look on his face indicated that he was seriously considering it. He definitely should.

• Brian Azzarello gave me a lot of shit for my CBR review of "Joker," in which I said that the book seems informed by the Heath Ledger performance. He was just messing with me, though, and I knew it. Or was he? Yes, he was. But he is definitely not a fan of that "were you inspired by Heath Ledger in the Dark Knight?" question.
  

• I ran into Keith Dallas of "The Flash Companion" and Comics Bulletin fame like a dozen times. He is awesome.

• I also ran into most of the Funnybook Babylon guys (except David U.), along with bloggers David Brothers, and my bitter nemesis Tucker Stone. All of those guys are awesome, too. Also, Tucker is in no way my nemesis, and he was full of compliments. (Just not toward Jim Lee. Seriously, Jim Lee, don't mess with Tucker Stone.)

• Jock has never eaten french toast or maple syrup, and can't imagine why anyone would want to. I would personally prefer that every meal involve maple syrup somehow, but I'm from New England and he's clearly not.
  

More Pics from Saturday and Sunday -- First, Mo Willems rocks the Kid's Zone stage:


Then Mario strikes a pose:


Elektra yucks it up:


And a Tiny Titans fan loves every second:

Back from New York!

We got back home late last night, and I'll be doing my "Adventures at NYCC '09" thing as this week's "When Words Collide." Posting should return to normal this week, maybe, if I can get out from under this massive pile of work.

For now, I will say that it was great to meet all of you in New York! Thanks for tracking me down to say hi!

New York Comic-Con 2009: Day One Pics

Julian and Mike taking a brief pause from setting up the Sequart booth to make handsome faces for the camera:


Dean Trippe respectfully worshipping at the altar of Geoff Johns. Ivan Reis, in the background, indicates how much better he is than anyone else drawing comics today:


Is there some kind of "Watchmen" resurgence for some reason? The DC booth slamdance jubilee:


Rick Remender writes comics in between moments of cosplay appreciation. He wishes he could be Slave Leia for just one day:


"Look at my package!" declared Captain Champion, referring, one supposes, to the Champions Online monthly subscription deal, and not, you know, the other thing:

NYCC 09: Who's Going?

I'll be at the NYCC all weekend, hanging out at the Sequart booth and generally just wandering around. Who else is going? Are YOU?