As I mentioned in my last blog entry, I'm participating in the 2010 Michigan State University Comics Forum this Saturday, March 27th. It's been going on this week in the form of an impressive comic art gallery show, and will come to a head this weekend with professional comic artists on hand, myself included.
I will have a table at the Lookout! Gallery at MSU's College of Arts and Humanities, which is on the second floor of Snyder-Phillips Hall. I'll be stationed in the creator's alley (with my sidekick, lawyer and occasional roadie, Nick) from 11 am-5 pm. I'll be accepting commissions, selling prints, original artwork, original comic book pages, three rare collectible sketch cards, and will even have a VERY SMALL AMOUNT of Dead Duck copies on sale. As an added perk, I'm including an original Dead Duck sketch on the inside cover with each purchase. So if you haven't got a copy yet, this is a cool opportunity.
There will be an hour-long break from my table from 3-4 pm, where I'll be part of a comic creator panel discussion that will include Guy Davis (creator of "The Marquis" and illustrator of BPRD, both through Dark Horse Comics) and William Messner-Loebs (writer of "The Max`x" for Image Comics during the 1990's). I'm pretty certain the panel discussion will be in the same building and floor as the creator's alley. For further info, you can visit the event's website HERE or contact the event coordinator, Jay Jacot, at jay@comicsobscura.com .
I'd love to see some familiar faces at this event, particularly anyone from the Lansing area whom I rarely get to see. But for the bulk of you who will most likely have to miss it, I'll be appearing at The Motor City Comic Con in Novi this May, and will have more information about that in the coming month. And I will have some copies of Dead Duck to sell there, too, for those who really like waiting 'til the last minute!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Three months….
That's how long it's been since my last blog post. Some of you may have been curious as to my absence. Others were probably glad to not have humongous blocks of text to suffer through for a while. But at any rate, I'm back, with a recap of what I've been doing, and what's coming up…
As of this past January, Dead Duck is no longer being published by Ape Entertainment. This wasn't because of poor sales, and it wasn't Ape's decision. It was entirely mine. I just chose to amicably end my Dead Duck work with Ape, and Ape graciously handed back publishing rights to me. We still have a friendly working relationship and are working on various freelance projects together, but my primary focus is finding a new publisher for Dead Duck (which I'll discuss more below).
I've had a bunch of cartooning gigs since December, most being in the sketch card field. For those unaware, sketch cards are tiny little illustrations that an artist does for a particular trading card set. Typically, one original sketch card is inserted into a pack of pre-printed trading cards, so they're considered very collectable. In the past year, I've been fortunate to work on a set of Archie sketch cards for 5finity and a set of sketch cards based on cartoonist Dean Yeagle's character Mandy. More recently, I drew 105 original sketch cards for Topps Trading Cards' Star Wars Galaxy 5 series. You can view them all here:
This final block of full color cards were my return cards. Typically when you draw a certain amount of sketch cards for a company, you get to keep a few of them as part of your payment. You can then sell them off yourself to private collectors. Because Star Wars is such a popular franchise, I was able to sell my return cards immediately, and was able to put that cash aside for a trip that will hopefully provide a bright future for Dead Duck.
On Saturday March 27th, I'll have a table at the Michigan State University Comics Forum. I'll be selling artwork and will possibly be part of a panel discussion later that day. You can find out more information here.
In April, I'll be attending C2E2, a major comic con in Chicago. And no, this isn't the same con I attended last summer. That was Wizard World, a nice con, but smaller than this one. Waaaayyyy smaller. I won't have a table at C2E2, but will instead be walking the floor for a few days, trying to interest publishers in Dead Duck and possibly net some side work on other properties. I've already been talking with a couple publishers about working on some popular books, so hopefully C2E2 might be the place where such deals are finalized.
On May 14th-16th, I'll have a table at The Motor City Comic Con in Novi, MI. It will be my first time there as a professional, and I'm looking forward to it. I'll be selling prints, and taking commissions on original drawings and sketch cards. I will also be selling issues of Dead Duck, and will include an original sketch inside the cover with every purchase. So I hope to see some of you there.
So that's about it. More news as it comes, and hopefully in less than three months time. I've missed you guys.
Much love,
--Jay
As of this past January, Dead Duck is no longer being published by Ape Entertainment. This wasn't because of poor sales, and it wasn't Ape's decision. It was entirely mine. I just chose to amicably end my Dead Duck work with Ape, and Ape graciously handed back publishing rights to me. We still have a friendly working relationship and are working on various freelance projects together, but my primary focus is finding a new publisher for Dead Duck (which I'll discuss more below).
I've had a bunch of cartooning gigs since December, most being in the sketch card field. For those unaware, sketch cards are tiny little illustrations that an artist does for a particular trading card set. Typically, one original sketch card is inserted into a pack of pre-printed trading cards, so they're considered very collectable. In the past year, I've been fortunate to work on a set of Archie sketch cards for 5finity and a set of sketch cards based on cartoonist Dean Yeagle's character Mandy. More recently, I drew 105 original sketch cards for Topps Trading Cards' Star Wars Galaxy 5 series. You can view them all here:
On Saturday March 27th, I'll have a table at the Michigan State University Comics Forum. I'll be selling artwork and will possibly be part of a panel discussion later that day. You can find out more information here.
In April, I'll be attending C2E2, a major comic con in Chicago. And no, this isn't the same con I attended last summer. That was Wizard World, a nice con, but smaller than this one. Waaaayyyy smaller. I won't have a table at C2E2, but will instead be walking the floor for a few days, trying to interest publishers in Dead Duck and possibly net some side work on other properties. I've already been talking with a couple publishers about working on some popular books, so hopefully C2E2 might be the place where such deals are finalized.
On May 14th-16th, I'll have a table at The Motor City Comic Con in Novi, MI. It will be my first time there as a professional, and I'm looking forward to it. I'll be selling prints, and taking commissions on original drawings and sketch cards. I will also be selling issues of Dead Duck, and will include an original sketch inside the cover with every purchase. So I hope to see some of you there.
So that's about it. More news as it comes, and hopefully in less than three months time. I've missed you guys.
Much love,
--Jay
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Standing in line at the complaint department...
I've been hearing from numerous people who are frustrated about not having received their Dead Duck orders yet. Obviously it frustrates me as well, since I want to put the books in the public's hands, particularly those who so kindly pre-ordered Dead Duck and helped me get my sales up.
Since finding out in late November that there would be a hold up on Dead Duck's release, I have taken it upon myself to keep everyone as updated as possible, and I have apologized profusely, since I know what a bummer this is for all of you. But the fact of the matter is, this delay is not my fault.
I created the Dead Duck graphic novel in its entirety, and handed it off to Ape Entertainment back in March of '09. Once that happened, the book was out of my hands. I know that Ape took the steps to get it to the printer. The fact that there was a problem at the printer, which ultimately caused the book's delay, is not for me to lay blame, nor is it for me to accept blame. I wasn't there, I wasn't a part of that process, and I was only told that the problem was fixed, but the book would be delayed. Two to three weeks delay on orders through Previews was what I was originally told, longer on orders through Amazon and bookstores. As those who haven't received their books must have noticed by now, that information was obviously wrong. This isn't how I wanted it to happen. But it is how it's happening. And again, this is not my fault.
I will certainly continue to inform people about Dead Duck's impending release as that information comes to me. But I'm just the messenger. For a more direct response, I am encouraging you to contact my publisher, Ape Entertainment. They are the ones who talk to the sales reps at Diamond (comic book shop distributor of Dead Duck). They have the connections to the bookseller that will stock Dead Duck in standard bookstores, they have the connections to Amazon.com. And lastly, they are the ones who you should talk to if you ordered Dead Duck directly through Ape's website. They have the answers for all of this, and I have none of that. So please, from this point on, direct all questions about Dead Duck's release to:
http://www.apecomics.com or the store page http://www.apecomics.com/store.htm
This is my final apology for what has happened with dead Duck's release. I've suffered continuous headaches, literal and figurative, trying to compensate for this setback. But it's out of my hands. I hope you all still enjoy Dead Duck when it gets to you. If, heaven forbid, your copies don't get to you by late January, then please, contact David Hedgecock. I have no other answers to give for now.
--Jay
Since finding out in late November that there would be a hold up on Dead Duck's release, I have taken it upon myself to keep everyone as updated as possible, and I have apologized profusely, since I know what a bummer this is for all of you. But the fact of the matter is, this delay is not my fault.
I created the Dead Duck graphic novel in its entirety, and handed it off to Ape Entertainment back in March of '09. Once that happened, the book was out of my hands. I know that Ape took the steps to get it to the printer. The fact that there was a problem at the printer, which ultimately caused the book's delay, is not for me to lay blame, nor is it for me to accept blame. I wasn't there, I wasn't a part of that process, and I was only told that the problem was fixed, but the book would be delayed. Two to three weeks delay on orders through Previews was what I was originally told, longer on orders through Amazon and bookstores. As those who haven't received their books must have noticed by now, that information was obviously wrong. This isn't how I wanted it to happen. But it is how it's happening. And again, this is not my fault.
I will certainly continue to inform people about Dead Duck's impending release as that information comes to me. But I'm just the messenger. For a more direct response, I am encouraging you to contact my publisher, Ape Entertainment. They are the ones who talk to the sales reps at Diamond (comic book shop distributor of Dead Duck). They have the connections to the bookseller that will stock Dead Duck in standard bookstores, they have the connections to Amazon.com. And lastly, they are the ones who you should talk to if you ordered Dead Duck directly through Ape's website. They have the answers for all of this, and I have none of that. So please, from this point on, direct all questions about Dead Duck's release to:
http://www.apecomics.com or the store page http://www.apecomics.com/store.htm
This is my final apology for what has happened with dead Duck's release. I've suffered continuous headaches, literal and figurative, trying to compensate for this setback. But it's out of my hands. I hope you all still enjoy Dead Duck when it gets to you. If, heaven forbid, your copies don't get to you by late January, then please, contact David Hedgecock. I have no other answers to give for now.
--Jay
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Two signings down, two (or more) to go…!
The "or more" I keep mentioning is in regards to a signing I'm in the process of booking with Wonderworld Comics in Taylor, Michigan. It's looking like it'll happen on January 12th, but it's dependant on the arrival of additional copies of Dead Duck. I'll let you all know when it's finalized.
So my second signing at my ol' alma mater Delta College was just a wonderful experience! I have pictures and further details below, but first, a shout-out for my THIRD signing, which happens TOMORROW!
The poster says it all, though as of this writing, the "presentation" I'd previously mentioned is still up in the air. I had a power point prez I wanted to do at the signing, but various factors have persuaded me to push that aside so I can spend more time meeting people as I sign copies at Vault of Midnight. Regardless, it'll be a fun night, and I look forward to seeing some of you guys there!
So back to my Delta experience! My old English prof and old faculty advisor of The Delta Collegiate, Joan Ramm, had worked with the current advisor (and my first editor in chief at The Collegiate) Kathie Marchlewski in setting everything up for my signing. They had a table and chairs waiting for me, and they put up posters weeks in advance to promote my arrival. I was (and still am) very touched by all the effort they put out in bringing me back to good ol' Delta to unveil Dead Duck. Just a few weeks prior to my arrival, Kathie sent me a Facebook message that simply said, "Can't wait to see you at the Delta signing! C'mon home!" That so perfectly summed up how I felt about returning to my college, and it was a very dear sentiment.
Joan had me speak to her Mass Media class (which I also took with Joan back in 1997). Everything went smoothly, the class was very attentive, and as always, Joan kept the whole thing rolling if there was ever a lull in the Q and A part of my presentation. Here I am addressing the class…
And here is what I'm pointing at. When we talked of doing a power point presentation, at best I thought I'd get one of those old fashioned classroom movie screens. Little did I know Delta had a humongo ginormous screen at their disposal! My illustrations looked even cooler blown up that huge!
After talking with the class, I and my pal/lawyer/manager/transportation and now cashier Nick made our way down to my signing spot outside the library. Here are Nick and I looking totally bad ass (yes, I'm being facetious)…
Here I am with Kathie Marchlewski. As I mentioned, Kathie was my first editor when I came to the Collegiate back in '95/'96, and she was truly one of the best. I recall her being very supportive and encouraging of my cartooning, and she always found an excuse to use my art in some capacity, keeping me gainfully employed that first year. Kathie was no less supportive during my signing, and I absolutely appreciate everything she did for it.
Here I am with my best friend Scott, who skipped work just to come and buy a copy of Dead Duck--despite having already ordered a slew of them off Amazon! Now that's a best friend!
Here's Joan Ramm, as supportive and great as ever. Like Kathie, Joan always found a use for my cartoons on the Collegiate, and also kept my hands in everything else the Collegiate was doing, which began my education in print production and graphic processes. All this still serves me well today with my comics, and Joan started it all. It's with no small feeling of gratitude that I write these words, and it was a thrill to get to thank her in person for all that she's done for me.
Here’s Nick and Joan. Nick was also an employee and section editor of The Collegiate back in 2000, and had the benefit of Joan's experience and encouragement as well. I think he had as great a time as I did coming back to the school and people who helped make us what we are today.
Here I am with LeAnne, one of my closest and oldest friends (again, old in longevity of friendship, not age. I have a good year or two over LeAnne). LeAnne and I went to school together, worked for many years at Thomas Township Parks and Rec together, and have remained close all the while. She brought her sister and two little boys with her to my signing, and it was wonderful to see her again.
And here is Jason, an old pal from my CMU theater dept. days. Jason actually attended Delta for one semester, and I encountered him in a broadcasting class there as my friend Pat and I edited our horror film, "Son of Scurvy". I'd meet Jason again the following fall when he transferred to CMU, and we've been friends ever since.
I need to mention the other friends who came that I didn't catch in front of my camera lens. Tim Sandison, friend and step dad to Laura's best friend Jenn, came to see me and grab a copy. Liz Dewey, my director from "Duck Hunter Shoots Angel", a great friend and Delta College employee came over to get a copy. Liz's daughter Robin also trekked up from Flint to see me. Tom Caylor, a friend, Delta employee and fellow Bay City Players member came over to my table for a book and a chat. My mother in law Julaine and her son Adam showed up for the signing. And Ashley Niedzwiecki, The Collegiate's current editor in chief, came over for a copy and a chat as well. Ashley was as big a help as Joan and Kathie in making this signing happen--from writing a great article on me and Dead Duck a couple months back to printing off the posters for the event--I couldn't have done it without her. A warm thank you to everyone else who came out to see me--students and passers by alike. It was my best signing experience to date!
So there you have it. Hope to see some more of you at my signing at Vault of Midnight tomorrow. Hopefully you'll find me and Dead Duck entertaining, with or without a power point presentation. I'll be looking for you!
Much love,
--Jay
So my second signing at my ol' alma mater Delta College was just a wonderful experience! I have pictures and further details below, but first, a shout-out for my THIRD signing, which happens TOMORROW!
The poster says it all, though as of this writing, the "presentation" I'd previously mentioned is still up in the air. I had a power point prez I wanted to do at the signing, but various factors have persuaded me to push that aside so I can spend more time meeting people as I sign copies at Vault of Midnight. Regardless, it'll be a fun night, and I look forward to seeing some of you guys there!
So back to my Delta experience! My old English prof and old faculty advisor of The Delta Collegiate, Joan Ramm, had worked with the current advisor (and my first editor in chief at The Collegiate) Kathie Marchlewski in setting everything up for my signing. They had a table and chairs waiting for me, and they put up posters weeks in advance to promote my arrival. I was (and still am) very touched by all the effort they put out in bringing me back to good ol' Delta to unveil Dead Duck. Just a few weeks prior to my arrival, Kathie sent me a Facebook message that simply said, "Can't wait to see you at the Delta signing! C'mon home!" That so perfectly summed up how I felt about returning to my college, and it was a very dear sentiment.
Joan had me speak to her Mass Media class (which I also took with Joan back in 1997). Everything went smoothly, the class was very attentive, and as always, Joan kept the whole thing rolling if there was ever a lull in the Q and A part of my presentation. Here I am addressing the class…
And here is what I'm pointing at. When we talked of doing a power point presentation, at best I thought I'd get one of those old fashioned classroom movie screens. Little did I know Delta had a humongo ginormous screen at their disposal! My illustrations looked even cooler blown up that huge!
After talking with the class, I and my pal/lawyer/manager/transportation and now cashier Nick made our way down to my signing spot outside the library. Here are Nick and I looking totally bad ass (yes, I'm being facetious)…
Here I am with Kathie Marchlewski. As I mentioned, Kathie was my first editor when I came to the Collegiate back in '95/'96, and she was truly one of the best. I recall her being very supportive and encouraging of my cartooning, and she always found an excuse to use my art in some capacity, keeping me gainfully employed that first year. Kathie was no less supportive during my signing, and I absolutely appreciate everything she did for it.
Here I am with my best friend Scott, who skipped work just to come and buy a copy of Dead Duck--despite having already ordered a slew of them off Amazon! Now that's a best friend!
Here's Joan Ramm, as supportive and great as ever. Like Kathie, Joan always found a use for my cartoons on the Collegiate, and also kept my hands in everything else the Collegiate was doing, which began my education in print production and graphic processes. All this still serves me well today with my comics, and Joan started it all. It's with no small feeling of gratitude that I write these words, and it was a thrill to get to thank her in person for all that she's done for me.
Here’s Nick and Joan. Nick was also an employee and section editor of The Collegiate back in 2000, and had the benefit of Joan's experience and encouragement as well. I think he had as great a time as I did coming back to the school and people who helped make us what we are today.
Here I am with LeAnne, one of my closest and oldest friends (again, old in longevity of friendship, not age. I have a good year or two over LeAnne). LeAnne and I went to school together, worked for many years at Thomas Township Parks and Rec together, and have remained close all the while. She brought her sister and two little boys with her to my signing, and it was wonderful to see her again.
And here is Jason, an old pal from my CMU theater dept. days. Jason actually attended Delta for one semester, and I encountered him in a broadcasting class there as my friend Pat and I edited our horror film, "Son of Scurvy". I'd meet Jason again the following fall when he transferred to CMU, and we've been friends ever since.
I need to mention the other friends who came that I didn't catch in front of my camera lens. Tim Sandison, friend and step dad to Laura's best friend Jenn, came to see me and grab a copy. Liz Dewey, my director from "Duck Hunter Shoots Angel", a great friend and Delta College employee came over to get a copy. Liz's daughter Robin also trekked up from Flint to see me. Tom Caylor, a friend, Delta employee and fellow Bay City Players member came over to my table for a book and a chat. My mother in law Julaine and her son Adam showed up for the signing. And Ashley Niedzwiecki, The Collegiate's current editor in chief, came over for a copy and a chat as well. Ashley was as big a help as Joan and Kathie in making this signing happen--from writing a great article on me and Dead Duck a couple months back to printing off the posters for the event--I couldn't have done it without her. A warm thank you to everyone else who came out to see me--students and passers by alike. It was my best signing experience to date!
So there you have it. Hope to see some more of you at my signing at Vault of Midnight tomorrow. Hopefully you'll find me and Dead Duck entertaining, with or without a power point presentation. I'll be looking for you!
Much love,
--Jay
Saturday, November 28, 2009
ONE SIGNING DOWN, THREE (OR MORE) TO GO…!
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Me, I had my best one since fall of '02 when I first introduced Laura to my family! Great food and fun with the fam, and the addition of my first Dead Duck signing at Coy's Comics the day after made it an incredible holiday. But before I tell you about that signing, I need to promote my NEXT signing (click on the image to make it larger)...!
The sign says it all! As I've recounted before, Delta was my home from 1994-2001, and the best education I got there was serving on staff at The Delta Collegiate from '95-2001. So to be able to have a signing at my alma mater and to have my old newspaper sponsor it is an absolute thrill and honor. I hope to see some of you there, and to introduce Dead Duck to Delta's student body!
Now, if you're still curious about how my Coy's Comics signing went, I got pictures!
I arrived at Coy's around 11, and hour in advance to allow for set up, and I got to talk with Steve, my pal and manager of Coy's. I told him how huge a thrill it was for me to sign my comic at my childhood comic shop, a wonderful and almost surreal experience. Any comic creator who gets the chance to revisit his old comic shop and do a signing should jump at he chance. It's the sort of nostalgia that warms you to the core of your soul, an experience not to miss out on.
As usual, I snapped a photo or two of myself. Though I was certainly emotional, my tears weren't fogging up the lens here. I was just stupid and left my camera in my car overnight. Yay for condensation. Fortunately I was wise enough to bring my comics indoors.
Here's a brief overview of Coy's selection. Though the books have been rotated over the years, this is pretty much the same layout Dave Coy had for his store in the early 80's when I first started patronizing his shop. I can still smell the newsprint…sigh….
A shot of my table. This is similar to my set up at Wizard World Chicago, except I had less giveaways and original art. I did, however, sell a few prints at this signing, which was very cool.
My mom and her husband Scott arrived just after noon, my first customers. She took this picture of me.
This is me and my mom. I owe her more than I can ever express. Not only was she always supportive of my art and my dreams, but she never complained when I asked her to drive me to Coy's Comics as a kid. Sometimes she'd sit outside in the car reading a book while I pawed through the back issue boxes. Other times she'd come in the store with me, taking an active interest in MY interest in comics. She never dissuaded me from buying more "adult" comics, like "Batman: The Killing Joke" (even Dave Coy tried to talk her out of letting me have it), and she once stood through Dave Coy's thorough explanation of why Flaming Carrot is such a great comic book (p.s. I'm still a huge Flaming Carrot fan today). That's just a small part of why I love my mom, and why it meant so much for me to have her at my Coy's signing.
Here's my mom and her husband Scott…
Gradually, people started coming in, and to my great pleasure, they were all some of my oldest and dearest friends. Here's me and Becky, one of my closest friends and fellow Delta/Delta Collegiate/CMU alum…
And here is Ray, my oldest friend ever (as in longevity of our relationship--he's actually close to two months younger than me). Ray and I met in elementary school, and Ray was one of my earliest converts to comic book appreciation. Because of the now infamous day 20 years ago that me, Ray and our friends Bill and Danny rode our bikes to Coy's without Ray and Bill asking their mom's permission--and consequently got busted by Ray's mom before we could step foot in Coy's door--I signed Ray's copy of Dead Duck: "We finally made it to Coy's, Ray!" Similarly, I signed a copy for Ray's mom, saying: "Haha! We finally made it to Coy's, Mrs. Peters!"
And here is Premo, my second oldest friend, and beyond a doubt one of my very best. Premo even brought his baby girl Juliet with him. I offered to autograph the baby, but we suspected his wife Andrea would disapprove.
Here I am with my old CMU theater department friend Kristi Bogart, aka Kristi Fradette (or Fraday)…
My old Swan Valley high school friend Julie showed up with her boys Nathan and Justin. I gladly accepted her patronage of Dead Duck, and advised her that she may want to wait a couple years before letting them read it. Boobs abound, after all!
My old Thomas Township Parks friend Lindsey (who also modeled for a character in Dead Duck!) came out to see me…
…along with another old parks friend, Lindsey's sister Jo…
..and the queen of the parks herself, our old boss, Shelly and her nephew Levi. I worked for Shelly for thirteen years, and she allowed me to put my art to use in a job that was decidedly non-artistic. So she deserves a lot of credit for keeping me gainfully employed for over a decade. However, I felt enough time had passed that I tell her about all the times I drove the work truck down to Coy's when I was supposed to be working. If she only knew half the crap I got away with…
It's to my regret that I didn't get photos of my other friends who came to see me--my pseudo sis Emily and her finance Chris, my old Collegiate friend Gina (aka Gina Bo-beena), my old Swan Valley friend Theresa and my old Swan Valley English and drama teacher Mr. Bird (who's teachings were a huge influence on Dead Duck). If any of you guys have pics from Coy's that you took, please e-mail them to me or link me to them on Facebook. I'd love to show them off!
So my thanks to Steve at Coy's Comics (the absolute best comic shop in mid Michigan) for allowing me to hold my first signing there. It was such fun, and just one more piece of my childhood dream puzzle to fall into place!
To the rest of you, all my best, and I hope to see you at my next signing on Monday at good ol' Delta College!
--Jay
The sign says it all! As I've recounted before, Delta was my home from 1994-2001, and the best education I got there was serving on staff at The Delta Collegiate from '95-2001. So to be able to have a signing at my alma mater and to have my old newspaper sponsor it is an absolute thrill and honor. I hope to see some of you there, and to introduce Dead Duck to Delta's student body!
Now, if you're still curious about how my Coy's Comics signing went, I got pictures!
I arrived at Coy's around 11, and hour in advance to allow for set up, and I got to talk with Steve, my pal and manager of Coy's. I told him how huge a thrill it was for me to sign my comic at my childhood comic shop, a wonderful and almost surreal experience. Any comic creator who gets the chance to revisit his old comic shop and do a signing should jump at he chance. It's the sort of nostalgia that warms you to the core of your soul, an experience not to miss out on.
As usual, I snapped a photo or two of myself. Though I was certainly emotional, my tears weren't fogging up the lens here. I was just stupid and left my camera in my car overnight. Yay for condensation. Fortunately I was wise enough to bring my comics indoors.
Here's a brief overview of Coy's selection. Though the books have been rotated over the years, this is pretty much the same layout Dave Coy had for his store in the early 80's when I first started patronizing his shop. I can still smell the newsprint…sigh….
A shot of my table. This is similar to my set up at Wizard World Chicago, except I had less giveaways and original art. I did, however, sell a few prints at this signing, which was very cool.
My mom and her husband Scott arrived just after noon, my first customers. She took this picture of me.
This is me and my mom. I owe her more than I can ever express. Not only was she always supportive of my art and my dreams, but she never complained when I asked her to drive me to Coy's Comics as a kid. Sometimes she'd sit outside in the car reading a book while I pawed through the back issue boxes. Other times she'd come in the store with me, taking an active interest in MY interest in comics. She never dissuaded me from buying more "adult" comics, like "Batman: The Killing Joke" (even Dave Coy tried to talk her out of letting me have it), and she once stood through Dave Coy's thorough explanation of why Flaming Carrot is such a great comic book (p.s. I'm still a huge Flaming Carrot fan today). That's just a small part of why I love my mom, and why it meant so much for me to have her at my Coy's signing.
Here's my mom and her husband Scott…
Gradually, people started coming in, and to my great pleasure, they were all some of my oldest and dearest friends. Here's me and Becky, one of my closest friends and fellow Delta/Delta Collegiate/CMU alum…
And here is Ray, my oldest friend ever (as in longevity of our relationship--he's actually close to two months younger than me). Ray and I met in elementary school, and Ray was one of my earliest converts to comic book appreciation. Because of the now infamous day 20 years ago that me, Ray and our friends Bill and Danny rode our bikes to Coy's without Ray and Bill asking their mom's permission--and consequently got busted by Ray's mom before we could step foot in Coy's door--I signed Ray's copy of Dead Duck: "We finally made it to Coy's, Ray!" Similarly, I signed a copy for Ray's mom, saying: "Haha! We finally made it to Coy's, Mrs. Peters!"
And here is Premo, my second oldest friend, and beyond a doubt one of my very best. Premo even brought his baby girl Juliet with him. I offered to autograph the baby, but we suspected his wife Andrea would disapprove.
Here I am with my old CMU theater department friend Kristi Bogart, aka Kristi Fradette (or Fraday)…
My old Swan Valley high school friend Julie showed up with her boys Nathan and Justin. I gladly accepted her patronage of Dead Duck, and advised her that she may want to wait a couple years before letting them read it. Boobs abound, after all!
My old Thomas Township Parks friend Lindsey (who also modeled for a character in Dead Duck!) came out to see me…
…along with another old parks friend, Lindsey's sister Jo…
..and the queen of the parks herself, our old boss, Shelly and her nephew Levi. I worked for Shelly for thirteen years, and she allowed me to put my art to use in a job that was decidedly non-artistic. So she deserves a lot of credit for keeping me gainfully employed for over a decade. However, I felt enough time had passed that I tell her about all the times I drove the work truck down to Coy's when I was supposed to be working. If she only knew half the crap I got away with…
It's to my regret that I didn't get photos of my other friends who came to see me--my pseudo sis Emily and her finance Chris, my old Collegiate friend Gina (aka Gina Bo-beena), my old Swan Valley friend Theresa and my old Swan Valley English and drama teacher Mr. Bird (who's teachings were a huge influence on Dead Duck). If any of you guys have pics from Coy's that you took, please e-mail them to me or link me to them on Facebook. I'd love to show them off!
So my thanks to Steve at Coy's Comics (the absolute best comic shop in mid Michigan) for allowing me to hold my first signing there. It was such fun, and just one more piece of my childhood dream puzzle to fall into place!
To the rest of you, all my best, and I hope to see you at my next signing on Monday at good ol' Delta College!
--Jay