admin
22 December 2023
This year, I was able to attend the Wizard World 2001 in Chicago sans family. I had the freedom to "geek out" to my heart's content. I saw many things, got many autographs, and sat through many panels. Here's a little sample of my adventures:
THE PEOPLE: Ahh, the writers and artists responsible for taking care of my heroes. Jeph (Superman) Loeb and Greg (Detective Comics) Rucka turned out to be as enthusiastic about comics as I am. Todd (Young Justice) Nauck and his wife were the nicest people at the show. Mark (Crux) Waid remains the human comic book encyclopedia. George (JLA/Avengers) Perez, as always, was an absolute gentleman. I had a chance to talk about Plastic Man with Joe (JLA) Kelly, and Firestorm with DC editor Dan Raspler. And I had a moment with Jerry Ordway. I also remember telling Brian Michael Bendis that his letters' page surpasses all others for its obscenity, and watching him give me a "you-ain't-seen-nothin'-yet" grin.
THE PANELS: Now, I'm a major Marvel fan who wants them to succeed along with (not at the expense of) their “Distinguished Competition”. However, the panels were perfect examples of the current differences between the two companies. DC talked about upcoming projects, while Marvel talked about ditching the Comics Code. DC talked about publishing plans, while Marvel tried to explain their over-printing and re-order policies. DC talked about taking care of the characters, and Marvel talked about the new people now working for them. Other panels worth mentioning were "The Big Three" (discussing Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman); the amusing, somewhat restrained McLauchlin Group; and, of course, the Silver Age Trivia panel-- Mark Waid versus everyone else in the room, and Waid won (as usual). He even answered a question correctly before the Quiz Master finished asking it!
THE PURCHASES: On Sunday, my shopping started. My main target was cheap Tick action figures for my daughter, Erica. She's only recently discovered the Big Blue Goof, and I scoured every booth looking for realistically-priced figures. I was successful in my quest, and even found eight comics for myself that I really, really "needed"!
All in all, I had a good time. The most enjoyable moments happened with my friends back at the hotel, when we gathered to discuss the day's events. It was not unlike what you see people doing when you stop in a comic shop. Comic fans sharing their love of the medium. That's what the convention is all about. If you can, try and attend next year.
THE PEOPLE: Ahh, the writers and artists responsible for taking care of my heroes. Jeph (Superman) Loeb and Greg (Detective Comics) Rucka turned out to be as enthusiastic about comics as I am. Todd (Young Justice) Nauck and his wife were the nicest people at the show. Mark (Crux) Waid remains the human comic book encyclopedia. George (JLA/Avengers) Perez, as always, was an absolute gentleman. I had a chance to talk about Plastic Man with Joe (JLA) Kelly, and Firestorm with DC editor Dan Raspler. And I had a moment with Jerry Ordway. I also remember telling Brian Michael Bendis that his letters' page surpasses all others for its obscenity, and watching him give me a "you-ain't-seen-nothin'-yet" grin.
THE PANELS: Now, I'm a major Marvel fan who wants them to succeed along with (not at the expense of) their “Distinguished Competition”. However, the panels were perfect examples of the current differences between the two companies. DC talked about upcoming projects, while Marvel talked about ditching the Comics Code. DC talked about publishing plans, while Marvel tried to explain their over-printing and re-order policies. DC talked about taking care of the characters, and Marvel talked about the new people now working for them. Other panels worth mentioning were "The Big Three" (discussing Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman); the amusing, somewhat restrained McLauchlin Group; and, of course, the Silver Age Trivia panel-- Mark Waid versus everyone else in the room, and Waid won (as usual). He even answered a question correctly before the Quiz Master finished asking it!
THE PURCHASES: On Sunday, my shopping started. My main target was cheap Tick action figures for my daughter, Erica. She's only recently discovered the Big Blue Goof, and I scoured every booth looking for realistically-priced figures. I was successful in my quest, and even found eight comics for myself that I really, really "needed"!
All in all, I had a good time. The most enjoyable moments happened with my friends back at the hotel, when we gathered to discuss the day's events. It was not unlike what you see people doing when you stop in a comic shop. Comic fans sharing their love of the medium. That's what the convention is all about. If you can, try and attend next year.
artid
162
Old Image
4_3_tick.swf
issue
vol 4 - issue 03 (nov 2001)
section
entertainmental