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.

Undead Randy Talks Boston Comic Con

This weekend we did a live podcast with our good friend Undead Randy, where we talked about the upcoming Boston Comic Con! Go check it out!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/undeadrandy/2014/08/02/ep10-boston-comic-con-2014-preview-1

Boston Comic Con

If you're going to be in Boston this weekend, stop by Boston Comic Con and say hi. To find out what wares we'll be hocking, check out our Boston Comic Con 2014 Even Page.

Guardians of the Galaxy – THE Summer Blockbuster of 2014

Yeah, there are a lot of cool movies out this summer, but I’m not backing down off that title. Why? I’ll attempt to explain without spoilers. (Sorry, I don’t do them; go somewhere else if you want to ruin the movie for yourself. I mean, c’mon! Who reads the cliff notes to see if they should read the book?)

So why is Guardians of the Galaxy THE Movie of the Summer? Well, for starters, it is compete. Admittedly, I’m fresh off the “I just saw the movie” glow, but I’m struggling to find any real holes in it. Right now I’m racking my brain, but there really isn’t anything that nags at me or bugs me because it didn’t fit. Often during a movie I find myself getting pulled out and engaging my surroundings because something just didn’t ring true. And yes, I’m well aware that Guardians has a psychotic anthropomorphized raccoon and monosyllabic tree in it. It didn’t matter, totally fit. I was focused on the screen for the whole show.

Beyond that, Guardians of the Galaxy had a nice mix of everything you want in a blockbuster. Plenty of action, great fight scenes, lots of laughs (more than most of the “comedies” Hollywood pumps out) and finally a couple emotional moments that are nicely inserted at some key moments. The beginning ties in perfectly with the end and we even get some hints of what might be to come (especially if you’ve read the comics).

So how abut the acting? What about the actors? Spot on. I went in expecting Bradley Cooper to be a great Rocket Raccoon, surmised that Zoe Saldana would make a solid Gamora in light of her past work with Pirates and Avatar, figured Vin Diesel could pull off a deep “I am Groot!” and had no idea what to expect from Batista. Frankly, the WWE Superstar surprised me, in some part because I’ve watched him in the ring and was uncertain how far his range would stretch. He far exceeded my expectations and did a fantastic job delivering a very believable and unique Drax. Last, but not least, Chris Pratt pulled off a great Peter Quill. His opening scene truly sets the tone for the movie.

And Thanos? After all, we’ve only been waiting for him since The Avengers set the silver screen on fire in 2012. Frankly the anticipation seems like it has been building far longer than two years.  Josh Brolin gave us a tantalizing glimpse of the Mad Titan. I can’t wait to see him take the role into the Age of Ultron (why, oh why isn’t it 2015 already? Seriously.). In the interim, Lee Pace made a pretty badass Ronin the Accuser and Karen Gillan pares well with him as Nebula. Keep your eye on Michael Rooker as Yondu too.

I should also add that if you have the choice of seeing Guardians of the Galaxy in 3D or not, choose 3D. Especially if it is IMAX. I very willingly punched and kicked my way through hoards of tourists and fuzzy characters in Time Square to ensure I had the best picture and sound quality I could find. I was not disappointed. The 3D fits seamlessly with a fantastic array of CGI. I literally felt myself get dizzy at least once or twice. You really can't beat that for realism.

Bottom line, I walked away from the Guardians with a desire to go back and see it again. And I will. I know I missed a few lines over the laughter and clapping of the crowds, so I might just wait a week or two until they clear out. I don’t advise that you wait though, go see it now! You don’t want to be the last person to see this flick.

Um, really, why are you still reading this? Go on, get out of here and tell them that Mark and the Wayward Raven Crew sent you. You can thank us later.

- Mark The Destroyer

And then there's this

One of our dear friends, Marlene (@iLikeComicsToo) has done a spoiler free Video Blog.  It's full of win.

- Alex The Mad Olympian

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omKg-XoO-DQ

Electric City Nerds talks Heroes Con

So I'm standing on the line at Bojangles (a guilty pleasure whenever I'm in the south) in the Heroes Con Food Court, and I get to talking to some of the others on line, as I am a social nerd. Turns out I was on the line with some podcasters, Electric City Nerds, to be exact. Beau and Matt were very cool to talk to while I waited for my fried chicken deliciousness. They were nice enough to come by our booth afterwards and gave us a quick interview.

We're at 37:11

http://ecnradio.com/con-chronicles-4-heroes-con-2014/

Be sure to follow Electric City Nerds on Twitter @ECN_Podcast and on Facebook Electric City Nerds