WinterCon 2014: comic books and gambling fun

Greetings and salutations, The outrageous fortune of 2014 comes to a close, the convention season is in the wind down, but we will be at WinterCon 2014 in Queens, NY on December 6th with fun comic books and more to sling as some of you can go a' gambling. That's right. It's at the Resorts World Casino http://nywintercon.com

Beyond just comic books, but that's enough for us, there will be cosplay by the likes of Yaya Han and Jennifer Rose. Nut if you're just in it for the comics, there are some fantastic guests besides us: Neal Adams http://www.nealadams.com/ , Frank Tieri https://twitter.com/franktieri , Billy Tucci, Herb trimpe, Bob Camp and Jim Salicrup to name but a few.

If you need any tips on attending comic book conventions, we got wrote a list on how to survive

So come for the comic books and head to the slots and blackjack tables when you feet get weary. You never know what luck may fall upon you but we'd feel quite lucky if you happened to stop our table.

Here's some items we'll have with us:

Hope you come down and see us. Check the convention's website for information on free shuttles from Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Be safe and have fun.

Ars longa, vitae brevis.

New York Comic Con Wrap Up - NYCC Was The Place To Be

Although exhausted and a sad to see the fun end, we had a blast at New York Comic Con! It was awesome to see old friends and make plenty of new ones. New York Comic Con was definitely the place to be! We heard that it was the biggest show of the year, pulling in over 151,000 people. So if you couldn't be there this year, we'd love it if you stop by and see us next time. In the spirit of things, we wanted to do a quick photo wrap up to celebrate a great show. Maybe we can convince those of you who missed it to join us next year. We have already signed the paperwork to come back next October, so expect the fun to continue again in 2015!

So without further ado, here is part one of our pictures from a spectacular event. Enjoy!

-The Wayward Raven Crew

How to Survive NYCC - Part 2

We continue Josh's list of tips on How to Survive NYCC. If you missed the previous installment, you should check that out.

4) Check the weather before getting dressed

Attire: comfortable and with opportunity for adaption. NYC in October is a surly and cantankerous variable. The morning can be comfortable for Frost Giants but by the afternoon you'll need to be Hellboy to enjoy it. So bring a light jacket in the morning, one you can stash in a backpack or tie around your waist, and wear cotton that breathes nicely. As for cosplayers, you're sh*t out of luck ;)

Also, the lines are vast and foot traffic moves very slow so  breaking in those new shoes is a bad idea. Whatever kicks you don, make sure they are comfortable for walking and standing around for a long, long time.

[note: if you are going to wear perfume or cologne, in moderation please. We know you want to smell pretty or musky, or whatever sensibilities that threads itself through your perception, but if people start blinking rapidly in your presence or flies wings' shrivel as they plummet to the ground, you might have applied more than the desired amount. Also, showers are your friend... and ours.]

5)Plan for panels

Panels fill up quick. Use the NYCC website and create a guide. Most artists will be at their tables in Artist Alley most of the time so it's not the end of the world if you miss one of the exclusive panels. Be prepared to wait in line though and plan on adding 30 minutes so you can get there on time as you will need to navigate the throngs and thick crowds that will inevitably get in your way. We recommend bring some light reading, digital comics perhaps. Maybe like ours on ComiXology?

6) Cash Rules Everything Around You

Save some cash for Sunday. We know you need to put aside the money to grab art from Greg Capullo or Skottie Young right when the doors open, but on Sunday there are deals to be made. Most vendors want to leave as light as they can. Might get a nice discount. We do it.

7) Be Nice. And Patient. And Respectful.

Yes, there is a ton of cool stuff to see and do. We promise you'll get to enjoy more than your fair share. In fact, expect to go home feeling exhausted and overstimulated. You cannot possibly see and do it all.

With that in mind, remember everyone else wants to have a good time too. Don't push and shove. Watch where you are going, be respectful of the booths and tables that the exhibitors have spent so much time preparing for your enjoyment. Don't do stuff you wouldn't do in a normal setting. Ask that nice cosplayer if you can take a picture. And no, don't take it of her (or his) butt when he/she isn't looking. Before doing something, ask yourself if you do that in your home town. If the answer is no, shut that behavior down ASAP.

Basically, just be cool to everyone and we promise they will be cool to you.

8) Make Friends

You're going to make friends if you play your cards right. Everyone who attends a NYCC is there to share their love of comics, so don't be afraid to mingle or say hi to someone who loves what you love.

If you're a bit nervous, stop by Booth 1266 in the Small Press. That's where you'll find us, Wayward Raven Media, and we'd be happy to talk with you. We'll be right by Marvel's booth, so you can't miss us.

Mention this post and you'll get a $1 off anything!

Ars longa, vitae brevis!

-The Wayward Raven Crew

Machnerds ComiCONN - Who to REALLY Lookout For

It's day 2 of ComiCONN 2014 and we're having a blast. It's always fun to do a convention right in our own back yard (at least for Josh and Mark, I still gotta commute!). While looking through most of the media and reporting for ComiCONN 2014, we stumbled upon a blog post by MachNerds who did a nice write up on some of the talent that you should be on the lookout for at ComicCONN 2014. Looks like we made the cut, as well as a few other really talented creators.

Be sure to check them out, and stop by our table if you're in the area.

Machnerds ComiCONN - Who to REALLY Lookout For

Thanks to MachNerds as well. If you guys are at the con, stop by and we'll thank you personally!

-Alex

8 More Tips for Comic Conventions: The Second List

We just got back from the Boston Comic Con and are exhibiting at a another convention, ComiCONN, at the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, CT this weekend. We will be at Table C52, right as you walk in the front door. For more details, check out our ComiCONN 2014 Event Page!

Though there are many who are wise to the ways of a convention, still, we see so many issues of consideration and vexation  that could be easily avoided. Here's a second list of tips for comic conventions if you are a new to the scene. If you missed the first list, you go back and read our 20 Tips for Attending Comic Book Conventions:

1. Don't take photos of an artist's displayed work without permission. Remember, they are trying to make a living by selling art be it originals or prints. We know people do this because they like the images or the witty caption but it is a no-no. Buy a print instead and help an artist out.
2. Please do check out comic book publisher's titles that are presented on tables and booths. That's what they are there for but don't stand there and try to read the whole comic without purchasing. If you like it, buy it and make everyone happy. (Yes, this is a reiteration of the first tip but you'd be amazed what people do at conventions)
3. Don't hold your drink over an artist's table while talking to the vendors. Spilling makes for much regret. (Note from Alex: I have throat punched people for less!)
4. Well fitting pants are a good thing. Unless you are cosplaying as a sad version of Mario or Luigi, butt crack only causes needless suffering.
5. As much as all of us behind the tables enjoy lively discussions on things comic book, pop culture, and scifi-fantasy related, we have limited time to engage everyone. If you really want to chat, find us at the hotel bar or come by at the end of the day when the crowds thin out.
6. Get change. It's hard for most artists, vendors or smaller publishers to break $100, especially in the morning.
7. The last hours on the last day are great for picking deals so put aside some money to go shopping then and you will save a few bucks.
8. Don't be a dick. (Again, Alex has throat punched people for less!) This goes for everyone: vendors, artists, staff and vendors. These conventions are overwhelming to most. Have patience. Smile. We're all there to have fun. Being a jerk can ruins a person's day and then they might just pay nastiness forward.  But also, being kind is contagious and that's the kind of infection we all need.

Okay. That's all for now. But if you happen to be going to ComiCONN, please swing by as we have new deals and discounts on new items such as artwork.  If you come see us at table C-52, right by the front entrance, mention this post and get a dollar off a print or a book.

Ars longa, vitae brevis.