Hi Guys Just a little announcemnt in case you hadn't heard and might like to come along - Mark and I (and quite possibly our esteemed editor Mr.Wacker ) will be making an appearance at the Baltimore convention in September.
It's the only convention I've actually been able to attend this year - so it would be great to meet as many of you as can make it along and I'll be happy to do as many sketches for free as time will allow!
As always, thanks for all the support you've shown me here at Legion World. Sorry if I've not been around quite so much recently - but aside from nearly removing my right thumb with a circular saw (not a recommended activity for someone who makes their living drawing ) but lightning has severed my internet connection too!
I will be around as much as I can though - and look forward to meeting as many of you as possible at the convention! Posted by Omni Craig on :
Barry,
Ouch!!!! I bet we can find a few volunteers here to assist you with your home improvement projects if you promise not to use power tools again!! We can't risk you losing that thumb, it does seem to be a bit of a requirement in your profession! Glad you're okay!
I wonder if I can convince my wife to move to the Baltimore area before your appearance? She's usually very supportive of my habit.. Unfortunately that is probably the only way I could get to the con there! Hope you get a great turnout there though! Take care!
Posted by Fat Cramer on :
I'm booked to go to Baltimore, although you never know if you're going to get where you're going these days. Hope to see you there, Barry.
Maybe Craig could tell the Mrs he's going to check out housing/employment options in Baltimore?
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
I'll look forward to seeing you FC!
Sorry you can't make it Craig - maybe we can get someone to wait in line and then post you a sketch Posted by ultrajo on :
I'll probably be hitching a ride with a friend as it has been a long time since I've been to a convention. Dragon-Con 2000 or something.
Posted by Ultra Boy on :
Barry,
Well now that is some great news. Can't wait to see you there. Lightning killing your internet connection. Hmmmmm. Could it be the return of Mekt! ?????
By the way as soon as I post this I am writing DC to beg them to add a condition to your contract that disallows ANY power tools.
Hope the thumb is feeling better!
LLLater!
[ August 22, 2006, 09:22 AM: Message edited by: Ultra Boy ]
Posted by Querl Dox on :
Great! I start looking for my flight right now!
I hope i will be able to be there.
Sorry to hear about your thumb. Hope you will recover well, Barry.
Posted by Omni Craig on :
quote:Originally posted by Barry Kitson: I'll look forward to seeing you FC!
Sorry you can't make it Craig - maybe we can get someone to wait in line and then post you a sketch
That would be fantastic!! Any volunteers? C'mon, you guys know you'd love to have some original Barry artwork that you could share with us here!!!!
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Hi Guys Thanks! I hope we'll be able to organise a Legion event or two over the weekend!
My thumb is pretty much fully recovered now thanks - but I guess some of the secret behind the issues I missed is out now Posted by Lightning Lad on :
quote:Originally posted by Omni Craig:
quote:Originally posted by Barry Kitson: I'll look forward to seeing you FC!
Sorry you can't make it Craig - maybe we can get someone to wait in line and then post you a sketch
That would be fantastic!! Any volunteers? C'mon, you guys know you'd love to have some original Barry artwork that you could share with us here!!!!
I was thinking the same. I'd love to see Barry do an Edgar Allan Poe sketch from Poe's city.
I'm glad your thumb has recovered Barry. And I promise I had nothing to do with the lightning strikes. Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Thanks LL!
Do you think we should have a codeword to recognise fellow Legion Worlders? Posted by opusrph on :
How about "Thumb Fall-Off Boy" as a codephrase?
...Or everyone could have their right thumb wrapped in a bandage.
[ August 22, 2006, 06:20 PM: Message edited by: opusrph ]
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
I couldn't even decide which Graemlin was an appropriate response to that! Posted by Fat Cramer on :
?
Posted by Monkey Eater Lad on :
Bollocks! I've already got plans here on the west coast that weekend
Have fun in that Baltimore town (city? state? city-state?)...
"Do you bite your thumb at me sir?"
"I power tooled my thumb, sir, but not at you sir"
Posted by Nightcrawler on :
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
I wish I could keep up with you guys! Posted by Querl Dox on :
it's worth trying....
Does anyone have been to Baltimore before? How can we go to the place of the convention from BWI Airport? is it far from it?
And does anyone know about an hotel?
Because find my flight is not difficult but i'm a little lost after.
Posted by Outdoor Miner on :
I think you can get most of your questions answered here:
I've never been before, but everyone I've asked about it has been very positive! Posted by Ultra Boy on :
Querl . . & others considering attending,
Baltimore is really a fun show to go to. I have been going there for the past 3 years, traveling from Upstate NY.
It is about 10 miles, or 15 minutes from the Baltimore airport. If you don't have a car, or aren't renting one, cabs are about $25 each way.
Hotels near the airport are about 1/2 the cost of downtown. Sometimes a 3rd.
Best parking is about 1 1/2 blocks west of the convention center. All day parking for $10.
Good early morning coffee is a bit hard to find as the closest Dunkin Dounts is about 6 blocks away & Starbucks at the Harbor doesn't open until 10 (I think).
Food is pretty limited directly by the Con (Burger King across the street). About 1/2 mile away is the Inner Harbor with lots of cool restaurants and shops. A good distraction for the family while one attends the Con! My personal favorite "Chain" restaurant is there. The Cheesecake Factory. Also for those of you who like sports, The ESPN Zone with lots of cool sports games to play.
Also, the Yankees vs the Orioles late Saturday afternoon & early Sunday afternoon. So plan appropriately for coming & going as Camden Yard is very close to the Convention center.
And the guest there are great. Especially this Kitson guy they just signed up!
Hope this helps. Looking forward to seeing as many LW's as possible!
LLLater!
Posted by roguelegionnaire on :
Barry,
Will you be doing commissions in Baltimore?
Thanks.
Posted by Lad Boy on :
I think I'll be able to make to Baw'mor, possibly with kids in tow, so you all be on your best behavior.
Posted by Kid Quislet on :
There are a bunch of restaurants right on the inner harbor not far (walking distance) from the Convention Center, near the Aquarium and sub Nautilus, and sailing ship Constellation.
Lots of stuff packed in that Convention area, as mentioned above.
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
I'm not sure if I'll be doing commissions as such, but I will be doing sketches ABSOLUTELY FREE for anyone who has the patience to wait in line to get one...and listen to me babble on incessantly as I draw.
If there's time (and I'm suitably bribed ) I may do a very few commissions - but as I attend so few conventions I go mainly to enjoy myself and meet folks. I don't want it to turn into a 'working weekend'.
I will try to make sure everyone who wants a piece of art from me gets one though Posted by Querl Dox on :
so who is going after all?
Me, i'm still looking for a room, i'm looking in the hotels near BWI Airport. I also think i will have to rent a car, so i can come and go from the airport to the convention center and to the hotel on saturday and on sunday.
[ August 25, 2006, 10:22 PM: Message edited by: Querl Dox ]
Posted by Valor1 on :
I'll be there!
Posted by Querl Dox on :
i just booked my flight, my room and my rental car! i'll be there!
i just need to buy my tickets now.
Posted by Querl Dox on :
I've received this e-mail about my tickets to the convention:
quote:Thank you for purchasing tickets with TicketMaster, however the credit card that was used is an international card therefore we cannot honor ticketfast for your event held in the Washington DC area. Your tickets have been placed at the Will Call window at the box office to be picked up by the card holder on the day of the event, be sure to have your confirmation/order number, photo ID, along with the actual credit card used for this purchase.
Does anyone know what that means? Is there a special place i have to go to get my tickets when i will be at the convention center?
Posted by Fat Cramer on :
They probably have a cut-off date for mailing out tickets purchased with an international (out of USA?) card, so you just pick them up at the convention center box office. To put your mind at ease, you could email Ticketmaster for clarification.
Posted by Mekt Ranzz on :
great galaxies, barry kitson, practice arm-and-hand safety!
don't be like you-know-who. Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Sound advice, Mekt, I intend to follow it in future! Posted by Ultra Boy on :
Well I will definitely be there. How could I miss this awesome opportunity.
I will have on the Frank Miller Legion T-Shirt
& a name tag that says "Chad"!
So please say hi and let me know who you and that you are a Legion Worlder!
LLLater!
PS - Barry between the hurt hand/arm ala The Super-Moby Dick of Space AND your Lightning Strike occurance, are your foreshadowing??
[ September 02, 2006, 02:27 PM: Message edited by: Ultra Boy ]
Posted by Fat Cramer on :
Baltimore Con website finally posted their programming, and there will be panels Saturday & Sunday. 12 pm Saturday is the DC Nation panel, so maybe any legionworlders could meet outside the room for this panel just before it starts.
I'll probably be the only female with gray hair, (unless one of you brings your grandma along ) therefore easy to recognize.
Posted by Lad Boy on :
It looks like I've got spousal consent to attend. I'll probably go to the Wildstorm/Vertigo session Sunday and the collaborators forum with WaK.
I'll be the easy to spot over-40 white guy at a comic convention.
Posted by Pete Ross on :
I'll be there on Sunday.
And both Barry and Mark are listed as participants in the "Collaborators" panel from 2-3 on Sunday.
Posted by Quislet, Esq. on :
quote:Originally posted by Barry Kitson: I'm not sure if I'll be doing commissions as such, but I will be doing sketches ABSOLUTELY FREE for anyone who has the patience to wait in line to get one...and listen to me babble on incessantly as I draw.
If there's time (and I'm suitably bribed ) I may do a very few commissions - but as I attend so few conventions I go mainly to enjoy myself and meet folks. I don't want it to turn into a 'working weekend'.
I will try to make sure everyone who wants a piece of art from me gets one though
A Barry Kitson sketch is well worth the wait.
I kind of wish I was able to go. It sounds like there will be a nice group of Legion Worlders there.
Posted by Lad Boy on :
Baltimore attendees, who, unlike me, will actually get to stay in the city past dark. Bypass the Inner Harbor for serious restarant dining and check out the Little Italy neighborhood 200-300 blocks of High St and 800-900 blocks of Eastern Ave.
Have fun, drive safely and don't let Barry injure himself or become incarcerated.
...oh yeah, and say "Hon" a lot. "Hey, Hon, could you tell me how to get to the Convention Center?" "Come on, Hon, let's go up to my room." "This must be your underwear, Hon, cause I don't own any."
Posted by Outdoor Miner on :
I'll be there both days.
I'll try to wear something offensive so you'll know it's me.
Posted by Querl Dox on :
i will be there both days too.
my flight is arriving at BWI Airport at 8:30 AM. i have to take the car i rent at 9, go to the hotel and then, i will drive to the convention center.
see you there.
[ September 09, 2006, 01:42 AM: Message edited by: Querl Dox ]
Posted by Monkey Eater Lad on :
How's it going Baltimorians?
Posted by Fat Cramer on :
It goes good. We mMade a quick stop at Don Rosa's table then over to Barry & Mark. A fire alarm disrupted everything, everyone had to get out of the building - and somehow all the legion worlders wound up in a group next to Barry. Like minds? Cosmic convergence?
Barry spent all day sketching, only stopped to appear on the DC One Year Greater Panel, then right back to sketching and signing. It was great watching his very detailed drawings develop and I think it's safe to say he charmed everybody!
Mark Waid was either busy signing or off at panels, so I didn't get to speak to him.
(People bring large piles of comics & books to be signed. When I went out at 5:30 pm, there was a guy at the door shouting "Signed comics for sale!" I suppose this goes on at all cons, but I think there should be a limit to the number of things to be signed. Maybe I'm just being grumpy.)
As always, legion world people are the best - but you all knew that.
The line up for Olivier Coipel was also very long; I skipped that one.
I'll try to make the rounds of the people who draw & write those other comic books today and meet up with the "Sunday" legion worlders.
Posted by Lad Boy on :
Barry is the nicest, most easy-going guy on earth. It is a pleasure to watch him work and to chat with him. And, man, can Waid gab a lot; he's nice, too, especially when you take into consideration the fact that he's from the wrong end of the state of Alabama.
I only had a couple of hours to spend at the convention, so other than WaK and Chad, I didn't get to see anyone from Legionworld. Apparently I just missed a cat, a Coluan and a bug.
I saw my favorite comic book retailer at the convention. I had tried to convince him just last week that I'm not becoming a comic geek, guess there's no use in keeping up that ruse any more.
Hope to see you all here in 2007.
Posted by roguelegionnaire on :
I was in Barry's line for a while, but it was moving soooo slow I had to bail for the Titans panel. I didn't end up getting a sketch, but I did buy 3 pages from Barry (good deal, Thanks Barry). The problem with Coipel's line is he didn't show up until after 1 PM.
Posted by Querl Dox on :
great weather, great city, and great convention. Really not bad after all i had to do.
And i've met two great guys. One boy who really is Ultra, and one artist who is one of the nicest i've ever met. Thanks Ultra Boy and Barry!
Because of the delay of my flight, and i had to go take my car, and check in for my hotel room, i didn't arrive at the convention center until noon on saturday.
First thing, find the Will Call to have my tickets for the week-end, and first good news, the organisation is much better, and unlike at Motor City, i don't have to wait in line, they know me, i'm on the list, and in a few seconds, i can enter the convention.
I'm looking around, and i'm rapidly at the booth of Barry and Mark, and there is already so many people in line to see Barry! So i continue to go around and i see that Olivier Coipel is really not far, in a booth just on the right of Barry, so i go see him, say hi, and we start talking because i hadn't seen him since my departure for the USA.
After a while, Olivier being so occupied and having so many commissions to do and knowing that he is not sketching too fast, i let him work, and after looking at the original pages brought by Barry, i take my place in the line.
Later, while waiting, i see a page i was considering buying is not there anymore, so after a long reflection, i settle for another one, and i bought my very first original page.
I'm really happy that it's a Legion one and one from Barry, and it has been big for me as i can't afford that kind of money very often.
So now, page 19 of issue 12 is now mine. (Karate Kid and Ultra Boy against the army of Lemnos)
As said by roguelegionnaire, the line is moving really slow, so i wait, and as i keep waiting, i spot a group of people in the line that i'm pretty sure is a group of Legion Worlders. I will have my confirmation of it later that day.
After waiting for a while, i finally can speak with Chad when he's taking the names of those in the line because Barry won't have enough time for all of us as he is going to a panel from 2pm to 3pm, even though he almost didn't stop all day! He didn't even eat his sandwich!
So speaking with Chad,and recognizing his t-shirt, i ask if it's him and i introduce myself too.
After that, as we were free to go anywhere else because we were on the list for sunday,i've been to the panel DCU: One Year Greater where Barry and Mark were, and it was so much fun, with a lot of jokes and weird answers, as much as real answers. You can look the article on Newsarama about it, it's pretty accurate, almost word for word, but they skip the parts where Barry didn't want to answer the questions asked to the panel by Dan Didio, like "Who's your favorite hero, and why?", "Who's your favorite villain?", "Which character do you think should we reaaly kill?".
Later, i spent my time between talking to Olivier, and going back to Barry to see him do amazing sketches one after another, and talk Legion art with Ultra Boy.
I left at 6pm, and i try to find my way back to my hotel.
On Sunday, as i hadn't sleep a lot the days before and with the long day on saturday, i overslept a little, and i'm arriving at the convention center around 11am. Ultra Boy is telling me i'm next, so i stay there, and i will stay there all day, talking with him and Barry and other Legion fans that were there. At 1pm, it's finally my turn, so i watch as i see a beautiful Atom Girl being drawn right before my eyes by Barry.
After that, i'm prettty much forced to leave, so i quickly go see Tony Harris and he signed my The Legion and 2 Starman, and as i'm going for the exit, i made a quick stop and buy some Legion issues, and i was outta here.
I had to leave early, because i needed some time to find my way out of Baltimore, find where to return my rental car, and go to the airport, pass the security checks and all that, going home near Detroit. Home sweet home, Michigan. Sunday as been a long day too.
Barry, Ultra Boy, and all the others, i hope you had a safe trip back home too.
[ September 11, 2006, 06:10 PM: Message edited by: Querl Dox ]
Posted by Ultra Boy on :
Hey everyone!
Just wanted to post a quick note to say it was great meeting all the Legion Worlders in attendance.
I am still in Baltimore, won't be home until late tommorrow.
I will do my best to get up a post on Wednesday with some great looking skteches by Barry!
LLLater!
Posted by Outdoor Miner on :
It was a good con.
Baltimore's big enough that it gets a large and fairly diverse bunch of guests but not so large that it becomes impossible to approach people.
I wasn't interested in buying a lot of stuff, so I didn't spend too much time in the Dealers' Area. I did get several fine sketches, one of which you may actually get to see if I read Ultra Boy's post correctly. (The Miner household still lacks a scanner.)
It was great hanging out with the LW folks. Sorry I didn't get to meet all of you. It was also fun to watch two non-LW friends go completely bats at their first ever big convention.
It was also great to get the chance to tell creators whose work I enjoy that I enjoy their work. Someday I hope to be able to do that without tripping over the English language in the process.
Anyway, good show. Shout outs to our LW volunteers who worked Barry and Mark's booth during the show, and to Barry and Mark themselves for making the trip.
Posted by Lad Boy on :
Sorry I missed you, Miner. I assume you were at the "collaborators Forum," too.
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Hi Guys Well I'm back in the UK and back at the drawing desk. I do have to say a huge thanks to all of you for making the convention such a pleasure for me to attend!
I think the best thing I've ever seen done at a convention was by a Legionworlder (who will remain nameless until he gives me permission to say otherwise) - who having stoof in line for at least two hours for a sketch...and after I'd actually started his sketch gave up his place and told me to stop working on his sketch as it was getting near the end of the day and there was someone in the line who couldn't come back on Sunday. Not anly did he do that but the three guys behind him in the line did too! AMAZING! Great to see!
I'm only sorry I didn't get chance to chat with more of you individually - we'll have to organize a Legion World dinner or something where I can do sketches exclusively for you guys?
Anyway, it was it was a real honour to meet those of you who made it - thanks again!
I'll hopefully write something a little more cogent once I'm past the jet lag! Posted by Ultra Boy on :
Baltimore Comic Con Day 1
Baltimore Comic Con 2006 was an absolutely wonderful experience. It was such a pleasure to meet Barry for the first time. In person he comes across even nicer than on the boards here. Genuine, friendly, and considerate. Thanks Barry for not spoiling a “fan boys” image of his favorite artist.
I will do my best here to explain how the weekend went, forgive me if I missed someone or important details. Sorry for any poor pics, but it was con lighting & a digital camera.
The story of the Con.
The Con doors opened at 10 am on Saturday, and Barry & Mark Waid arrived at the table shortly after that. What they arrived to was a long line, a common theme to be followed throughout the weekend.
Before the Con I had discussed with Barry that if he needed any help at the show I would be available. Well based on the line to start the day, Barry took me up on my offer. (Yes!)
Barry’s sketch policy was as such. If you were having it drawn in a sketch book or had it dedicated to yourself, the sketch was absolutely free, as long as you were willing to wait. Otherwise the cost would be $60. Needless to say, no one paid for a sketch AND whether it was in a sketchbook or not, the recipient wanted it personalized. Based on the faces, none of the 19 sketches done, yes 19, will ever make it to ebay.
Now you Legion Worlders who got sketches. I am not going to “out” you, so please post up to claim your sketch if you want!
So below are the sketches, with commentary as needed. If a person has already posted the image in there own online gallery, I have provided the link to there gallery.
Barry started out with a Wonder Woman for Steve, only to be interrupted by a fire evacuation that required EVERYONE leave the Con building. After about a 30 minute wait Barry was back at it.
And after that was out 1st Legion, albeit L.E.G.I.O.N Character Lobo. To arguably the happiest fan of the entire weekend Kurt. I saw him on Tuesday & he was still smiling.
Next up was Mary Marvel & Atom Girl!
And the parade of Legion Ladies continued with Shadow Lass.
With only about an hour left in the Con, I was checking with the next several people in line to inquire who was going to be back on Sunday. Unfortunately for Mike he was #4 on the list and with 1 hour left there was no way Barry could make it to him. THEN a LW’er jumped in and offered to switch spots. What a guy. Thanks. So next up was Powergirl. Which I personally like way much better than the typical, ummmmm, say….. “larger” version. She would look very good in the Legion as well!
Last sketch of the day was The Scarlet Witch. Check it out in Steve's Gallery here:Scarlet Witch
So in the 1st 8 hour day, with a 30 minute fire alarm break & a 1 hour panel break Barry made it through 10 sketches. With most of the recipients waiting in the line the entire day, with only a break for the panel. Which was not required of them, but they wanted to watch Barry draw. What dedication, a theme to be repeated the next day.
Special thanks to Barry from all as he basically chained himself to the table, surviving on coffee, 2 bites of a ham sandwich, and the 5 pm consumtion of a hotdog in 15 seconds flat. It was like he was on a deadline. Absolutely amazing. Wow!
More in the next post, Sunday!
[ September 20, 2006, 02:05 PM: Message edited by: Ultra Boy ]
Posted by Ultra Boy on :
SUNDAY
Sunday started out with Stealth.
Following that was a Scarlet Witch Captain America combo. Check out Mark’s description in the link for more on that. Scarlet Witch & Captain America
Next up was Ryan on a “quick” Cap sketch. Cough, cough. More about that in his link. WW II Captain America
Next up was Paul, who got the award for the longest in line, and the reward was Atom Girl. WOW!
Back to the Marvel Universe with Ms Marvel after that.
Following that was a Kingdom Come Superman. Jason had successfully found a comic that proved Barry right from the previous day’s panel, and was rewarded well.
Next was Queen Amidala from the Star Wars series, straight from photo reference. Nice!
And a quick Braniac 5 (5 minute too) to end the Con.
Whew. Another marathon day for Barry. Sunday was a 7 hour day, with a 1 hour panel break, and he still got through 9 sketches & 3 quickies. Judge Dredd – 3 minute sketch.
Morbius – Giant board. Superman – quickie head sketch.
That AND signing Hundreds if not a thousand comics over the course of the 2 days!
Fortunately I was able to purchase some of the great art that Barry brought along with him & I hope to post that up soon. That & a little something special. Those who were there know what I mean!!!!!!
Personally I was really surprised by the number of non legion sketches, and wide variety of books signed. Opened up my eyes a bit to Barry body of work. Empire is up for me next.
Thanks to all for making the 2 days so great, and fast I might add. Hope Barry makes it next year, and those who came can come again, and those who didn’t can make it next time!
OK, carpal tunnel is now setting in. Time to stop.
LLLater!
Chad
[ September 20, 2006, 02:08 PM: Message edited by: Ultra Boy ]
Posted by Matthew E on :
That sounds cool.
Was anyone privy to any interesting or enlightening Legion-related discussions while at the con?
Posted by Faraway Lad on :
UBoy
Thanks for sharing these with us. Having seen Barry work like that at Bristol and a Con in London, I can confirm that that is just what the man is like. He never seems to stop and genuinely wants to get every one a sketch or something.
That WWII Cap is amazing. And like you I Loved the Power girl sketch, so much nicer to see her a shall we say thinner up top.
Posted by Marko on :
Barry!
I want to thank you so much. The kids loved what you did for them. I am going to out myself as one of the guys who stood in line and watched for two days to get what I would call the, "Grail" of my Comic art. It was great meeting fellow Legion fans. It was a fun time watching the master at work.
Check out my comic gallery.
[URL=http://www.legionworld.net/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=004345 ]My CAF Gallery[/URL]
Posted by Marko on :
Now that the con report is out of the way, here are my thoughts.
Great to meet Longtime Lw'ers, Outdoor Miner, Fat Cramer, Stu, Lad Boy, & Querl Dox.
Thanks to Querl for bringing over some really cool convention sketches. Nice stuff.
And a special hello to Fat Cramer. It was a treat to run into you at the harbour on Monday. Made for a "post con" enjoyable afternoon.
Special props to Miner for being a upstanding and kind guy. A great representation of Legion fans.
Also a BIG welcome aboard roguelegionnaire & Marko! Hope you stick around awhile and share your thoughts (And any Legion art) on the Legion!
Everyone couldn't have been any nicer. And patient I might add.
Looking forward to the next one.
LLLater!
Chad aka. Posted by Monkey Eater Lad on :
*Cries* I wish I could have gone! Glad you guys had so much fun, met up, found some new members, and Barry avoided thumb-severing obstacles. Awesome sketches too!
Posted by Fat Cramer on :
We wish you could have gone too! And everyone else, for that matter. It was a treat.
Thanks U-Boy for posting all those wonderful sketches and thanks of course to Barry for drawing them, non-stop (and managing to converse with people at the same time).
All the exhibitors & creators I met were really friendly and upbeat, even by the end of the day on Sunday. It must have been something of a marathon for them.
Matt Wagner did a quick sketch of Superman and Dean Haspiel did "Kraftwerk Bizarro" (it just came out that way ) - these were small sketches for the CBLDF. I hope they continue that program because it looks like that's pretty much my comic art "collection" (in Chicago I got one by Carla Speed McNeil).
Posted by Querl Dox on :
yeah, these 2 days have passed so fast! I wish i could have stayed longer, i had to rush out almost just after Barry finished my sketch, and i didn't like that.
I confirm that everybody was so nice and patient, it was really great, and looking at Barry sketching was even better.
I really like the Timber Wolf one, it is absolutely beautiful!
I wish you could have gone too, MEL. It would have been great to meet you too.
I'm already looking forward to next year.
[ September 14, 2006, 05:08 PM: Message edited by: Querl Dox ]
Posted by Quislet, Esq. on :
quote:Originally posted by Fat Cramer: Matt Wagner did a quick sketch of Superman and Dean Haspiel did "Kraftwerk Bizarro" (it just came out that way ) - these were small sketches for the CBLDF. I hope they continue that program because it looks like that's pretty much my comic art "collection" (in Chicago I got one by Carla Speed McNeil).
FC,
It seems like you have become a convention maven.
Posted by Valor1 on :
Great Job at Barry's table, UB!
Thanks for posting all the sketches. They demonstrate not only how hard working an artist Barry is but also how talented and versatile he is.
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Hi Guys Thanks yet again for being so friendly and patient.
I'd also officially like to thank Ultra Boy - We only met in person on the Friday night before the convention and there had been no suggestion at all that he and 'M' would 'work the booth' as they did. They just volunteered the moment they saw what chaos was likely to ensue once the line started and never left their posts the entire weekend. I am totally sure that no where near so many sketches would have been completed - nor so many people kept happy while waiting if not for their efforts! Can't thank you guys enough for the tireless help you gave Mark & me! Posted by Ultra Boy on :
Barry,
Thanks for the opportunity to watch you draw & take pictures all weekend. That was SO cool. Valor1 & I really appreciated the chance to help you too.
Wow! what a great piece. Congratulations Ultra Boy, you deserve it for all you've done this week-end. Posted by Ultra Boy on :
quote:Originally posted by Barry Kitson: I'm only sorry I didn't get chance to chat with more of you individually - we'll have to organize a Legion World dinner or something where I can do sketches exclusively for you guys?
I really hope the next time Barry does a Con, preferably soon and with a bit more advance notice; we can all get together and have a Legion World dinner.
Fried Jovian Attack Squid anyone??
Even if we didn’t get around to the sketch part, I am sure that it would be a blast!
LLLater!
Posted by Ultra Boy on :
Hey everyone.
I guess the thing that surprised me the most about the Baltimore Con, was just how many fans Barry has from titles other than the Legion.
Even Barry was surprised that of the 19 sketches completed, only 3 of them were from the current Legion series.
So I spoke to Barry about starting up a Yahoo Group for fans of his art. He was more than receptive, and agreed to join the group and keep the group up to date on what is going on.
I often feel that we are wonderfully spoiled by having Barry here at Legion World, so while I know this group is not a substitute for Legion World site, it might be a nice entry point for those “non” Legion Kitson fans.
Plus I put a Legion World link in the “links” section!!!
The cool thing is, so far I have talked a few “Kitson art fans” into trying out the Legion, so the more we can get on the title the merrier!
Say hi, make people feel welcome, then we can lure them into our lair here!
LLLater!
Posted by Pete Ross on :
I should give my con report too.
As someone who only had a limited amount of time at the con on Sunday only, I wasn't able to get in Barry's line until around 3:30pm. I knew I had no chance for a sketch, but I did get him to sign a copy of LSH #1 for me (that Mark had signed last year), as well as L.E.G.I.O.N. '89 #1 and LSH Annual #4 (probably his earliest LSH work way back in 1988). As reported by others, Barry was quite gracious, even signing all 30 or so comics (including all 12 issues of JLA Year One) from the guy in line ahead of me.
I mentioned that I was from Legion World, and thanked him for participating here. He responded by saying that he considered that part of being a comic creator; sharing the love of the hobby as much as he could. He said a similar thing when I thanked him for being on L.E.G.I.O.N. for so long.
I asked how long he'd stay on the current book, and he said as long as they would let him, referring back to a panel the day before when George Perez admitted (again) that he'd like to do the Legion. Since I hadn't attended that panel, I asked if they announced anything about that (maybe All Star LSH), and he said no; George just would like to do it. I then said I remembered some other hot artist recently mentioned he'd like to do it too, with Matter Eater Lad, but couldn't remember who it was at that moment; when Mark Waid piped up (sitting next to Barry), and reminded me it was Jim Lee.
Barry also said he is glad that comics have moved back closer to more realistic art, which Barry is obviously so good at (and is my own preference).
I also got Jim Starlin to sign my copy of Superboy and The Legion #238, a new Starlin cover around a reprint of one of my favorite stories (Adventure #359 and #360; The Legion Chain Gang). He told me he never could really get into the Legion (his loss). He did give me a little factoid about his current series (Mystery in Space, with Captian Comet). Did you know Captain Comet is the longest-running super-hero that has never been invited to join the Justice League?
I tried to get Olivier Coipel to sign Legion Lost #1 for me, but he was always too busy. Oh well, I prefer Barry's art style anyway.
Kitson: "Ultimately, what we have planned for Dream Girl is . . . Ow ! That camera flash is so bright, I can't see anything . . . I forgot what I was talking about."
Busiek:"Well that concludes the collaborators forum here at the Baltimore Conventions. Thanks to all of you for coming -- except for the guy with the killer digital camera."
Posted by Querl Dox on :
It will be hosting the Harvey Awards like last year.
And...and... They are already announcing a very interesting list of artists! Judge by yourself!
quote:Guest of Honor: Mike Mignola. Adam Hughes John Romita Sr Barry Kitson Frank Cho Todd Dezago Billy Tucci Brandon Peterson Howard Chaykin Eric Powell Al Feldstein Jim Starlin Michael Golden Herb Trimp Mark Waid Kyle Baker Mike Oeming Dean Haspiel Mark Chiarello
and many more to come.
i'm really looking forward to it.
[ February 02, 2007, 09:12 PM: Message edited by: Querl Dox ]
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Me too - be good to see you again!
...and anyone who couldn't make it last year too! Posted by Valor1 on :
Looking forward to being there again. Barry and Mark were seated together last time and probably will again. So for all those Legionworlders that missed it last time, it will be a great opportunity to talk to and get your books signed by both creators.
I know Chad will be helping Barry out at his table again and I will be the 'gofer'
Posted by Querl Dox on :
Since it is this week-end, i just thought of bringing this thread up for this year's edition.
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Hi Guys I'm looking forward to seeing as many of you who can make it at the show! Posted by Lad Boy on :
quote:Originally posted by Querl Dox: Hey everyone!
And...and... They are already announcing a very interesting list of artists! Judge by yourself!
quote:Guest of Honor: Mike Mignola. Adam Hughes John Romita Sr Barry Kitson Frank Cho Todd Dezago Billy Tucci Brandon Peterson Howard Chaykin Eric Powell Al Feldstein Jim Starlin Michael Golden Herb Trimp Mark Waid Kyle Baker Mike Oeming Dean Haspiel Mark Chiarello
and many more to come.
i'm really looking forward to it.
and DENNIS CALERO
Posted by Matthew E on :
I made a request in my recent article on Mon-El, but I'll repeat it here because it makes sense to repeat it here... could someone who goes to Baltimore please try to squeeze an answer out of someone at DC about how we seem to have too many Mon-Els running around?
(Not that I imagine they'll give us a good answer. I'm really just wondering if they realize there's a problem in the first place.)
Posted by Superboy on :
quote:Originally posted by Matthew E:
(Not that I imagine they'll give us a good answer. I'm really just wondering if they realize there's a problem in the first place.)
It could be a screw up...I've thought that myself.
But the reason I am looking forward to it instead of dreading it is because Mark Waid wrote Mon-El into the Legion and Geoff Johns wrote the Mon-El story in Action #10. And they came out almost simultaneously....and it's not like Mark and Geoff weren't talking at that time...they were working on Countdown together.
I think the paradox is by design...and even it isn't they probably aren't going to go public with the screw up.
If it was a screw up, and screw ups do happen, even to comic book creators...hopefully they'll find a positive solution...
Posted by googoomuck on :
The paradox with Mon-El is not new. I wonder what Mon-el in the Phantom Zone thought when he saw himself, Superboy, Duo Damsel & Shadow Lass appear from the future in Adventure 369-70?
Posted by Superboy on :
quote:Originally posted by googoomuck: The paradox with Mon-El is not new. I wonder what Mon-el in the Phantom Zone thought when he saw himself, Superboy, Duo Damsel & Shadow Lass appear from the future in Adventure 369-70?
It probably gave him a sense of joy that one day he would be freed. That's what I always thought.
This isn't the same paradox...this paradox is what seems to be the same Mon-El, appearing in Legions from 2 different worlds. Since Mon-El was actually immaterial at the time of the Mordru story...the typical comic book science of a character being unable to be two places at once doesn't really apply...his younger self was an immaterial ghost.
This 2 Legion thing is a whole new world of paradox, literally.
Posted by Vee on :
quote:Originally posted by Superboy:
quote:Originally posted by googoomuck: The paradox with Mon-El is not new. I wonder what Mon-el in the Phantom Zone thought when he saw himself, Superboy, Duo Damsel & Shadow Lass appear from the future in Adventure 369-70?
It probably gave him a sense of joy that one day he would be freed. That's what I always thought.
This isn't the same paradox...this paradox is what seems to be the same Mon-El, appearing in Legions from 2 different worlds. Since Mon-El was actually immaterial at the time of the Mordru story...the typical comic book science of a character being unable to be two places at once doesn't really apply...his younger self was an immaterial ghost.
This 2 Legion thing is a whole new world of paradox, literally.
For all we know, the Phantom Zone is like the Bleed, intersecting all the worlds of the multiverse. Mon could have been released from (and returned to) the PZone in Waid's version and then released into the Lightning Saga version. Same person, different continuities, very interesting concept. He could well be the only DCU hero that knows the truth about all 52 worlds in the mutltiverse.
Posted by Fat Cramer on :
Phantom Zone like the Bleed - that's a great idea, Vee!
Posted by Lad Boy on :
Damn, damn, damn, damn, damn !
Just got back home from a big u-turn on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. My nine year old, in her "S" logo t-shirt to match mine, got sick in the car when we were about 15 minutes away from the convention.
I had planned for a year to take her with me to meet Barry and get him to sign JLA Year One for her. It was the only Barry Kitson work I knew of that was age-appropriate for her and of interest to her, and nice alternative to the toonverse comics she reads now.
I may try to go to Baltimore in the morning, but that's a pretty unlikely.
Barry -- hope you're coming back in 2008!
Posted by Quislet, Esq. on :
Sorry to hear that Lad Boy. I hope your daughter is OK.
Posted by Lad Boy on :
she's fine. thanks.
Posted by ultrajo on :
Yeah, sorry that happened.
I actually had a lot of fun this year. I was able to talk with Shooter for a bit and have him sign one of my Adventure issues. I also got a Matter-Eater Lad sketch, not to mention two great prints of Legion work from Dennis Calero.
Barry's table had a line that seemed a mile long, so I wasn't able to drop by and meet with him. I also saw that Greg Laroque was there.
Posted by Lard Lad on :
Any nuggets of the Shooter talk you might wanna share with us, ultrajo?
Posted by ultrajo on :
Nothing that hasn't been said already. I definitely think he was surprised when I pulled out "The Ghost of Ferro Lad” issue to be signed. It was interesting to listen to him critique the artwork of the two guys in front of me.
I am curious if any body else from here that went to Baltimore visited Callero's table. I have to say he had some beautiful prints available. I picked up a 4C of the cover for issue #32 and a bw of the panel with Cosmic Boy surrounded by Dominators. He also had some nice Green Lantern prints. Callero had great things to say about Manupal.
I have to say, for me, this year was a much better experience. My friend told me that he had heard the attendance had over doubled last year's. The main floor was definitely larger. Though I do have to say that I was appalled at the lack of tact and manners that some of the attendees displayed. I can understand giving artists and writers some copies to sign, but when people pull up with their long boxes and tie up the line, it is very inconsiderate of the rest of those waiting, not to mention the professional's time. These people should be charged a fee.
I also went to the Weiringo memorial panel and listened to colleagues and friends reminisce about him. They seemed like a tight-knit family. Very close. Some of the stories were very funny. A nice end to the day.
Posted by Lad Boy on :
ok something weird happened when trying to post via mobile device.
[ September 09, 2007, 04:37 PM: Message edited by: Lad Boy ]
Posted by Lad Boy on :
so now I'm just editing multiple duplicate posts with random words.
Well I couldn't make it to Baltimore this morning. Kind of a drag -- especially since I had been emailing Barry and Dennis ahead of time and planning to take my daughter with me. I had even gotten around to making my list of missing LSH and JLA issues to look for in the bins.
Oh well, hopefully 2008 will be better.
[ September 09, 2007, 04:42 PM: Message edited by: Lad Boy ]
Posted by Lightning Lad on :
quote:Shooter talked about his run on the Legion, pointing out that he started writing Legion 42 years ago, and the last time he wrote the characters was 30 years ago. "That's got to be some kind of record," he said. Shooter said the series will be keeping the continuity that has been built during
Shooter said the run will start with an epic 16-issue story -- pointing out that of course there will be smaller stories within the larger story. "The two main villains are Geoff Johns and Brad Meltzer, who are stealing the Legion," he joked. He said he's enjoying revisiting the characters, but is coming up with "new and different stuff" as well. "The Legionnaires are all about defending life, so I like the idea of them going out and doing that," he said, adding that comics characters have a "tendency to hang around the HQ until somebody attacks you," and he wants them to go out and make things happen.
Waid said he's thrilled that Shooter is taking over the version of the Legion that he began, adding that he had wanted -- way back when he was doing Action Comics Weekly -- to have Shooter do a Legion Academy comic for DC, but it never happened. "If I'm going to pass the baton to anybody, there's nobody I'd rather pass it to," Waid said.
Just got back home from a big u-turn on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. My nine year old, in her "S" logo t-shirt to match mine, got sick in the car when we were about 15 minutes away from the convention.
I had planned for a year to take her with me to meet Barry and get him to sign JLA Year One for her. It was the only Barry Kitson work I knew of that was age-appropriate for her and of interest to her, and nice alternative to the toonverse comics she reads now.
I may try to go to Baltimore in the morning, but that's a pretty unlikely.
Barry -- hope you're coming back in 2008!
Sorry to hear about your daughter LB.
Posted by Lightning Lad on :
Shooter was also asked about character ownership in regards to his original work on the Legion:
quote:Can Shooter speak to him owning the Legion characters because he wrote his first Legion issues when he was 13 years old? Shooter said he knew what he was doing when he signed the characters over -- he knew DC would own them. He said he was told, when he was writing for Marvel, that he could actually sue DC for ownership because he was not an adult when he signed over the characters -- and there had been no contact with his parents by DC. "I thought about it," he said. "And I said, 'No. I knew what I was doing at the time'" Shooter said it would be "dishonorable to backtrack on that deal."
Didio joked, "Is somebody taping this, please?"
Shooter said he later found out that Ditko was underage when he signed over Spider-Man. "If it's good enough for Steve, it's good enough for me."
Posted by He Who Wanders on :
Ditko was born in November 1927. That means he was 34 when Spider-Man debuted in August 1962. Either Marvel sat on the character for a very long time or New York has a very high age of consent.
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
Jim Lee Baltimore-Legion related.
"Which DC characters does he want to work with? The Legion of Super-Heroes still top Lee’s list, and he could see himself doing a Wonder Woman project."
Geez, DC give the guy a chance. He's been saying this since about 2000.
Posted by Dennis Calero on :
Hi guys!
Thanks to everyone who came and said hello, and who may have bought a print or a sketch.
Legion fans are the best, and I appreciate how you guys have really taken me in and made me feel welcome even tho Tony and I are the "fill in" team. Thanks!!!
Posted by Superboy on :
quote:Originally posted by Ultra Jorge: Jim Lee Baltimore-Legion related.
"Which DC characters does he want to work with? The Legion of Super-Heroes still top Lee’s list, and he could see himself doing a Wonder Woman project."
Geez, DC give the guy a chance. He's been saying this since about 2000.
Yeah but he produces like 2 comics a year now. I don't look forward to him working on a title I like because he can't, or doesn't, produce work at a decent rate now.
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
Superboy, well he did state he wanted the "original" Legion not another one. I guess him doing an arc or mini with the LS Legion would make him happy...but more importantly it would make me happy.
Posted by Tamper Lad on :
Could you imagine the last year or two of Lee's output at Marvel Comics back when Shooter was EiC. Picture it just for giggles.
Posted by Matthew E on :
quote:Originally posted by Dennis Calero: I appreciate how you guys have really taken me in and made me feel welcome even tho Tony and I are the "fill in" team. Thanks!!!
You guys aren't the 'fill in team'; you're the real thing. Unfortunately, they're not letting you be the real thing for very long, but it doesn't mean that those five, six issues count for any less.
Posted by Lightning Lad on :
Like Matthew said. No such thing as a fill in team. You work on the Legion, even one issue, you become part of their history.
Posted by Superboy on :
quote:Originally posted by Dennis Calero: Hi guys!
Thanks to everyone who came and said hello, and who may have bought a print or a sketch.
Legion fans are the best, and I appreciate how you guys have really taken me in and made me feel welcome even tho Tony and I are the "fill in" team. Thanks!!!
You and Tony have done some nice and interesting work to this point with a really eclectic feel. I've enjoyed it. Interesting stuff and an interesting view of the Legion.
I try to come up with a way of describing it...gothic? Atmospheric? It's almost got a horror feel to it...it's cool stuff.
I hope all the furor over the LS Legion and Shooter's return doesn't make you guys feel like chopped liver...you aren't. The truth is you guys could be putting out the greatest Legion work ever but since no one was expecting you guys to be permanent additions, it would still be kind of lost in the shuffle at this particular moment in time.
Everyone is trying to figure out what is going on with the various Legions coming up.
I've enjoyed the work of Calero and Bedard...I never got too attatched to it because I knew it probably wasn't going to be a permanent thing, no matter how good, or bad, it was...
Could be a blessing or a curse depending on how you look at it...if you guys had been the regular team, eveyrone unhappy with the current state of the Legion would have put you guys in their crosshairs. Now, instead you guys get to be the "I'll never understand why DC didn't keep them on the book, they were really good" team.
There's no doubt, even to this point, the Legion work you guys did stands apart and is one of the more unique intepretations of the Legion in it's 50 year history. Well done :tu
[ September 10, 2007, 02:19 PM: Message edited by: Superboy ]
Posted by Vee on :
quote:Originally posted by Dennis Calero: Hi guys!
Thanks to everyone who came and said hello, and who may have bought a print or a sketch.
Legion fans are the best, and I appreciate how you guys have really taken me in and made me feel welcome even tho Tony and I are the "fill in" team. Thanks!!!
Not fill ins by any means. More like the second or third leg of relay race. You've taken hold of the baton from the runner before you and you will eventually pass it off to runner ahead of you. But while that baton is in your hands, all the hopes and expectations of thousands upon thousands of Legion fans rest safe & secure in your very capable hands.
Thanks for putting so much care and effort into the "race" so far. You certainly have a unique style and have earned your place on this team.
LLL!
PS: Te felicito, compadre. Posted by Language Arts Lad on :
quote:Like Matthew said. No such thing as a fill in team. You work on the Legion, even one issue, you become part of their history.
And we will find something about your work to disagree with one another about until the 31st century!
Posted by Lightning Lad on :
quote:Originally posted by Language Arts Lad:
quote:Like Matthew said. No such thing as a fill in team. You work on the Legion, even one issue, you become part of their history.
And we will find something about your work to disagree with one another about until the 31st century!
That's what makes us Legion fans!
Posted by Lad Boy on :
quote:Originally posted by Lightning Lad:
quote:Originally posted by Language Arts Lad:
quote:Like Matthew said. No such thing as a fill in team. You work on the Legion, even one issue, you become part of their history.
And we will find something about your work to disagree with one another about until the 31st century!
That's what makes us Legion fans!
No, it isn't!
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Hi Guys Having just got back from the Con I just wanted to drop by and say how great it was to see so many familiar faces from Legion World...and even meet some of their relatives
By the way just because there may be a long line to get a sketch from me - don't worry about coming up to the front and saying 'Hi' I'm always happy to talk while I'm sketching and there will always be a welcome for Legion Worlders. Chad and Miki will want to meet and chat with fellow Legionworlders even if I'm busy for a minute or two!
Sorry to hear about your daughter too Lad Boy - the good news is that I have been invited back again for 2008 so hopefully we'll get a chance to meet then.
If I can ever get organised enough it would be so good to have a little LW gathering one evening after the show closes!
It was a pleasure to meet Dennis too - we had a chance to chat a little - I'm looking forward to seeing more of his work in the years to come.
I couldn't get away from the booth to go hear any of the announcements, but I'll look forward to catching up with develpoments from you guys!
Thanks again to everybody who dropped by - and expecially to those of you who waited so long in the line for sketches - hopefully a few of them will appear here soon - I think about half dozen were of LSH characters! Hope you thought the wait was worth it and that you made some good new friends while in the line!
Looking forward to Baltimore 2008!
[ September 12, 2007, 02:23 PM: Message edited by: Barry Kitson ]
Posted by CJ Taylor on :
Ain't he just that cool!
Posted by Lightning Lad on :
Barry, any chance you are going to be able to join us at SDCC next year?
Posted by Lightning Lad on :
quote:Originally posted by CJ Taylor: Ain't he just that cool!
He's the bee's knees!
Posted by Ultra Jorge on :
Barry you travelling to all these cons from UK??? Those are some miles man.
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
I do travel from the UK - and that's part of why attending coventions is something special as far as I'm concerned - not only do I get a rare chance to meet the readers and fellow professionals - I get to see the world too!
I'll pretty much attend any convention that invites me, providing I'm not committed elsewhere and deadlines allow! Posted by Star Boy on :
quote:Originally posted by Barry Kitson: I do travel from the UK - and that's part of why attending coventions is something special as far as I'm concerned - not only do I get a rare chance to meet the readers and fellow professionals - I get to see the world too!
I'll pretty much attend any convention that invites me, providing I'm not committed elsewhere and deadlines allow!
Would this apply even to cons all the way Down Under? Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Definitely!
One of the few regrets I have is that about 15 years ago I was offered a trip to Australia for a convention, but I had just started work on The Adventures and couldn't afford to miss any deadlines so I had to say I couldn't make it. I've been wondering if I'd get a second chance ever since! Posted by Star Boy on :
It seems I have a new mission. Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Then I shall look forward to meeting you 'down under' Posted by Lad Boy on :
I'm planning to host a convention on my back porch.
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Did I mention that the invitations have to include travel expenses being paid? Posted by Lad Boy on :
Did I mention I have a brother in law who flies for UPS?
You don't mind traveling "coach"?
[ September 13, 2007, 06:38 AM: Message edited by: Lad Boy ]
Posted by Barry Kitson on :
Seems like this proch convention might just be coming together!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Lightning Lord]](graemlins/LightningLord.gif)
?????![[Ultra Boy - Re-Imagined]](graemlins/UltraBoy3.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Calamity King]](graemlins/CalamityKing.gif)
?
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[Arm-Fall-Off-Boy]](graemlins/ArmFallOffBoy.gif)
![[Splitter - Arm-Fall-Off Floyd]](graemlins/Splitter.gif)
![[Confused]](confused.gif)
) - these were small sketches for the CBLDF. I hope they continue that program because it looks like that's pretty much my comic art "collection" (in Chicago I got one by Carla Speed McNeil).
![[LOL]](graemlins/lol.gif)
![[Yes]](graemlins/nod.gif)