I never really wrote about attending the Emerald City Comicon, although I really should have. I always seem to pick up really interesting art instead of just comics at these things. It's a tradition. A couple of years ago I picked up Chris Malidore's The Revolution Has Begun penguin art. This has disturbed visitors to my desk ever since. He's expanded since then and created the Survivalist Penguin, and a couple of others that he doesn't appear to have on his website yet. You can pick up his art locally at Spy Comics in Federal Way.

This year I fell in love with a couple of pieces by Katy Hargrove. She grabbed my attention by wearing a massive headdress (relatively effortlessly) while she worked her table). Her portfolio included a lot of fabulous creations, but what really caught my eye were her cockatiel pieces. I quickly snapped up buttons of both, sharing the story of my own recent cockatiel loss.

Never one to shy away from controversy, before leaving the table I had to take a peek under the "18 and over" page that covered a framed piece of art. I was delighted to find a hysterical looking boob streaking across a blue background. I debated buying it then and there, but nearing the end of my set budget for the day, I decided against the purchase.

Over a delicious dinner that evening at Redfin Sushi I told my group of friends that I wished I had the space in my home for a "weird art" gallery. A place where I could place all my odd purchases and never regret them. Not that these pieces wouldn't be beautiful or excellent examples of their genre, just that they may be quirky or bought just for me. A place I could put my framed, freaked out boob; had I brought it home.

I stayed home on the second day of the 'con, while Frinklin wanted to go back with friends. While there, he saw that the boob had not yet sold and made the executive decision to purchase it and make it mine.

While I don't yet have a house large enough to have a room devoted to my own art collection, I'm sure I'll find a space for it. In the meantime, it's making me laugh every time I see it.

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Today I came home from lunch with Jenyum of Tacomamama to find a package on my doorstep. Upon opening the package I found a delightful gift. Some may remember my obsession with the book The Fruit Hunters by author Adam Leith Gollner. I raved about this book when I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) from Simon and Schuster a couple of months ago. The book is an absorbing read from beginning to end and made me care about a topic I previously had little interest in. I can't wait to see how Gollner's work is received and what he chooses to write about next.

So, anyway - the surprise gift. Because I had gushed to my Simon and Schuster contact about the book she sent me a signed copy of the finished hardcover! Not just signed, but signed to me! Adam Leith Gollner knows my name!

OK. He likely had a huge list of books to sign for various people and I was just one of a massive number getting books signed to them. But still! This is cool.

I also just received a couple of other signed finished books that are being republished (after being self-published, then published by Slave Labor Graphics). Ariel Schrag's amazing books Potential and Awkward and Definition are being published by Simon and Schuster. Potential is being developed as a movie to be directed by Rose Troche. I own the Slave Labor Graphics editions, but having signed copies is so nice...

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Today I came home from lunch with Jenyum of Tacomamama to find a package on my doorstep. Upon opening the package I found a delightful gift. Some may remember my obsession with the book The Fruit Hunters by author Adam Leith Gollner. I raved about this book when I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) from Simon and Schuster a couple of months ago. The book is an absorbing read from beginning to end and made me care about a topic I previously had little interest in. I can't wait to see how Gollner's work is received and what he chooses to write about next.

So, anyway - the surprise gift. Because I had gushed to my Simon and Schuster contact about the book she sent me a signed copy of the finished hardcover! Not just signed, but signed to me! Adam Leith Gollner knows my name!

OK. He likely had a huge list of books to sign for various people and I was just one of a massive number getting books signed to them. But still! This is cool.

I also just received a couple of other signed finished books that are being republished (after being self-published, then published by Slave Labor Graphics). Ariel Schrag's amazing books Potential and Awkward and Definition are being published by Simon and Schuster. Potential is being developed as a movie to be directed by Rose Troche. I own the Slave Labor Graphics editions, but having signed copies is so nice...

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Frinkling brought a really great interview with Alison Bechdel to my attention. She discusses her bestselling work Fun Home, the experiences following that publication, as well as the upcoming graphic novel she is working on.

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Today's Sheldon (click to enlarge):

Hee. Snort.

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Technically, at the moment, I'm in New Jersey, but I was in New York all day, so does that count?

I've been walking my feet off at Book Expo America over the last couple of days. Very, very exciting to see all the new titles coming out, and to pick through the piles of galleys (uncorrected book proofs) to find the jems. The haul home for this event will be relatively small, as shipping the books is incredibly expensive and I can't check another bag. So far I've sent a couple of boxes home and will try to cram another 15 books into my already overstuffed suitcases. I have a strong feeling I'll be paying the $25 fee for a heavy (over 50 lbs.) case.

I'm staying at the Sheraton Suites on the Hudson River, which is adequate. Nothing too fancy for Bob's Hogs employees. The air conditioning is good, which is all I've really been concerned with. It's been incredibly hot and humid - temperatures in the 90s with rain falling in the afternoon and evening. Each morning and afternoon I take the ferry into New York. The water is disgusting, but the breeze is heavenly.

I took off my wedding ring because the heat and exhaustive days are causing my fingers to swell a little bit and it's uncomfortable. Apparently I've opened the door to getting hit on - I had one guy chat me up on the ferry and another ask me my name in the elevator. He also asked my room number, but when I declined, he watched me get off at my floor and watched while I went to my room. I walked well down the hallway, then when the elevator doors closed, I returned to my room which is almost directly across from the elevator! I was going to go down to the bar to get a drink, but on the off chance I run into the guy, I think I'll pass and hit the city for dinner instead.

I met Alison Bechdel today, which was awesome. She was signing the paperback edition of Fun Home and when I introduced myself as the Buttock Champion of the World she laughed and asked to get a couple of pictures with me (!!) The woman behind me in line was asking for pic with Alison, and I felt slightly special having Alison ask me.

My last hour at the Javits Center today was spent at a librarian session about how to select and purchase graphic novels for a collection. It was an excellent panel, very funny. The speakers consisted of librarians who assist with developing their own libraries' gn collections, a comic book owner, and a couple of consultants. One librarian has her own site, no flying no tights, and another developed the manga rating system for publisher TokyoPop. The panel ended their discussion with recommendations, which is what everyone really wanted (Just tell me what to buy! Don't make me research this scary thing!). Several manga items were listed, and Bone, Owly, and Amelia Rules were the kids suggestions. For teens I suggested Invincible, someone yelled out Runaways, and the comic book store owner mentioned Walking Dead, which I think should probably fall into adult, especially considering the torture issue that came out recently. Strangers in Paradise was recommended for adults. I wish there was more time, I could have suggested several more.

Time to change for dinner! More soon...

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If you don't know about this great comic, especially if you're a comic book reader, you need to check it out:

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In addition to visiting our friends at Comic Book Ink, today is a good day to check out some other South Sound comic book shops:

Atomic Comics in Tacoma
4020 S. Steele St.
Tacoma, WA 98409
253-472-1908
(between Borders and Wendy's)

Spy Comics and Books in Federal Way
1500 South 336th Street
Suite 12-A
Federal Way, Washington 98003
253-874-3084

Olympic Cards and Comics in Lacey
4129 Pacific Ave
Lacey, WA 98503
(360) 459-7721

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I won!

I am the Buttock Champion of the World!

This is really cool, as the prize for knowing just who's ass belongs to who and the context of the bare-assedness is a bunch of DTWOF stuff! Stuff that Alison Bechdel discontinued some years ago, but I still have the catalog for, because I loved it so much.

You can see the various cheeks here.

Can't wait to see the "whatnot"!

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The 2007 Eisners were announced yesterday, and I am very happy to see Alison Bechdel's name all over them, as she writes my favorite strip, Dykes to Watch Out For. Her non-fiction graphic novel about her father, Fun Home, topped several "best book" lists this year, including being chosen as Time Magazine's #1 book of the year.

Alison/Fun Home is nominated for Best Writer/Artist, Best Graphic Album - New, and Best Reality-Based Work.

I, personally, would like to thank Alison for helping me survive my last year of college at Concordia University. Trying to come out at age 19 at a small, Lutheran college was terrifying, and her books made me feel far less alone.

Other books/writers/artists I'm rooting for:

Best Publication Design
Castle Waiting graphic novel, designed by Adam Grano (Fantagraphics)

Best Penciller/Inker or Penciller/Inker Team
Niko Henrichon, Pride of Baghdad (Vertigo/DC)

Best Graphic Album-Reprint
Castle Waiting, by Linda Medley (Fantagraphics)

Best Reality-Based Work
I Love Led Zeppelin, by Ellen Forney (Fantagraphics)

Best Continuing Series
The Walking Dead, by Robert Kirkman and Charles Adlard (Image)

Frinklin Sez: I like Robert Kirkman, and I read Walking Dead every so often, but c'mon, you might as well give All-Star Superman the win right now.

Watch that come back and bite me on the ass in a couple months.

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Congratulations to John Munn, owner of Tacoma's best comic book shop, Comic Book Ink, and his new bride Sarah.

We spent the day at their lovely wedding at the Temple Theatre and wish them many happy years together!

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THIRTEEN BOOKS I PICKED UP AT EMERALD CITY COMICON (in no particular order)

1. Wet Moon book 1: feeble wanderings by ross campbell - I finally found the first volume of this book after seeing the second volume at Zanadu forever. The art is AMAZING. I'm not much into goth, but it's seductive in this book. The story is good enough I want to read the second one now.

2. Banana Sunday by Root Nibot & Colleen Coover - Cute. Kinda pointless. I wanted to like it more than I actually did. The duo also has a porn book that I think I'd rather have picked up. Go-Go does rock though.

3. drunken MOMENTS by drunkenmoments@comcast.net - I was drawn in by a poster the artist had of the "Aflac" duck standing over a dead body asking, "Aflac?" The comic was $1. It's nothing special, but I did get a manga portrait of myself out of the deal.

4. For Your Safety: Matrimony Comfort Guide by John Aegard and Molly Friedrich - This might be the best thing I picked up at all of Emerald Con. It's a guide that teaches you the correct behavior at weddings. Any guide that includes a detailed description of the use of Optimus Prime on a wedding cake, correctly and incorrectly, has got to be good. Oh, and they had a flaming toilet on their table at the con. I initially bought it for my sister as she is getting married at the end of May, but it's so cool I want to keep it for myself.

5. Conversation #2 by Jeffrey Brown and James Kochalka - I heart Jeffrey Brown, but I am indifferent to James Kochalka. I haven't made any definite judgments as I need to check out more of Kochalka's work. This is OK - it's a discussion on art and life and the meaning of art in life...if you're a fan of either or both I'd recommend it.

6. The Elves of Iax #1: Finding Lorgo by Jeremy Kayes - What to say about this book? The author/artist grabbed my attention at the con immediately by wailing, "I don't exist!" and I bought the book off his chutzpah alone. It's a webcomic, the art could be better, but it's an interesting idea, and I would read the next book if there is one. There were some funny lines and if anyone can sell this book, this dude is it. Good luck Mr. Kayes!

7. Will You Still Love Me If I Wet the Bed by Liz Prince - The female Jeffrey Brown. Funny and sweet, small snapshots of everyday life and intimate conversations. I was very happy to find this book and will happily purchase anything else Liz Prince puts out.

8. The West Seattle Middle School Comics Class Giveaway Sampler - I picked up a sampler last year and did so again this year. I love these things. Typically there will be a few gems in each one, although each one is fascinating in its own way, and this was no exception. Each student draws a page, and styles differ dramatically. The back cover featured a manga style with a dark spot labeled "emo corner," and another student drew herself and friends as cats "because I can't draw humans to save myself" although she draws humans certainly better than I can a panel later. Greg Hatcher of Comics Should Be Good! teaches these kids, and to him I say, "THANK YOU!" I wish my brother went to school up here instead of San Diego. He would have LOVED this sort of thing.

9. Feeble Attempts by Jeffrey Brown - Frinklin asked me the other day, "Would you leave me for Jeffrey Brown? Of course not." I told him. I lied.

10. Lost Souls in Love by Steve Rolston - This was originally a 24-hour comic. A sweet little story.

11. The Cat With a Really Big Head and one other story that isn't as good by Roman Dirge - Wrong. Then wronger. But always funny. I've been eyeing this book for a few comic-cons and never bought it for some reason. But thank God I finally did. It makes me laugh every time I did. Magic lung beasts...? Haha. I think I just made a poopies.

12. Lions, Tigers, and Bears TPB #1: Fear and Pride by Mike Bullock and Jack Lawrence - A really wonderful idea executed very, very well. This is the type of comic that I enjoy reading, but could just as easily give it to someone who is 12 years old and have them enjoy it equally well. The art is fantastic, the writing is solid, and the characters are sweet and likable. Who didn't grow up believing that their stuffed animals had some life in them? Or maybe still do?

13. The Virgin Project: A Collection of True Stories by K.D. Boze and Stasia Kato - I paid $5 for this self published work, which I think is a cool idea, but I nearly fell over when a guy at the table I bought it at said, "Yeah, it's a neat piece. People are comparing it to Maus." Seriously? Maus??! A Pulitzer prize winning work about the horrors of the holocaust? I was relatively disgusted at that moment, and I'm afraid it's colored my opinion of this book. Anyway, you can participate in The Virgin Project by going to the link above.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

1. A Gentleman's Domain
2. Desert Diva
3. (leave your link in comments, IÂ’ll add you here!)

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One of the excellent perks of working for Bob's Hogs (holy Christ I almost typed the words "book biz" - shoot me now) is staying abreast of all the cool books that are coming out. Right now that means that I am beating on the door of the the publisher of this:

I've been trying to get an advance reader copy, without much success.

In 1995, I was lucky enough to be familiar with Ellen Forney's work from a collection of lesbian cartoonists, Dyke Strippers. I admired her art and thought she was very talented and funny. A few years later, Forney's collection of her "Seven in '75" comic was published in the form of a book, Monkey Food, and she toured in support. Toured right on down to the Bob's Hogs I happened to be working at in San Diego at the time.

I immediately spazzed. I was so excited. Until fate stepped in and demanded that something - I don't recall now what - force me to be elsewhere that evening. I do remember that I impressed strongly on my co-workers that they were to tell Ellen that I was very sorry I could not attend, as I was crushed (she was also very attractive and I believe we were both single at the time!).

Upon my return to work the following day I picked up my signed copy of Monkey Food and was very pleased to discover something special with her signature.

Jump to the here and now - Ellen Forney lives in Seattle and has a new book out, I Love Led Zeppelin, which is fantastic. She will also be at the Emerald City Comic Con next weekend, giving me a chance to finally say hi and embarrass myself in person.

Check out Ellen's blog and hey - still hot.*

*(A big thanks to my husband for being the understanding sort).

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1 I still have some of my Sassys. I find this post most impressive.

Posted by: Eden at March 23, 2007 07:33 PM (n1Ahm)

2 Thanks for the compliment. I have a box of all of my Sassy magazines - most from a subscription that my grandmother supplied when I was 13, a few others that were swiped from a friend's older sister. She had thrown them out and I stuck them in my backpack while spending them night. I still look through and enjoy them...

Posted by: ensie at March 25, 2007 04:44 PM (6We+3)

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