Baltimore Comic-Con 2012 Part 1

Images © Todd Klein.

Saturday morning I drove down to Baltimore for this year’s Comic-Con. I’d been once before about five years ago I think, and I can’t say the show has changed much, but it’s a good show for comics fans. The vast majority of the show focuses on comics; no TV or Movie personalities or studio presence, almost no video game stuff. There are lots of old comics in every price range from 10 for a dollar to thousands, and everyone seemed friendly and welcoming to the fans.

There were quite a few people in hall costumes, this was one of my favorites: Marvel villain Thanos. That younger boy doesn’t look too sure about the photo op.

I did my usual con thing: wandering around looking at everything and talking to friends and workmates. Here’s Cliff Chiang, whose work on WONDER WOMAN I’ve been loving, with a sketch. He also has some terrific prints for sale.

I hadn’t seen Kevin Maguire in quite a while, he was busy doing lots of sketches, like this one of Tom Strong.

Here’s former DC staffer Bob Greenberger and his daughter Kate, who I last saw when she was about two feet high I think. Kate lives in the area, so it was a fun show for both of them to share.

The show had a few dealers specializing in original comics art. I looked for logos I need for my FaceBook “Logo of the Day” feature, and only found one, but it’s a great one.

Here I am with former DC Editor and workmate Jack C. Harris. We’ve gotten back in touch through FaceBook, and agreed to meet here. I’m not sure when I last saw Jack in person, but it has to be at least 20 years ago. We had lunch and caught up. Jack is still teaching once a week at the School of Visual Arts, and occasional other classes, but calls himself “semi-retired.” He hasn’t been involved in comics for a while, but did write an article for Craig Yoe’s new book about Steve Ditko. Jack and Steve have stayed in touch.

Here’s colorist Danny Vozzo, who hasn’t been doing much comics work lately, but would like to get back into it, and was here looking to make some connections.

I always enjoy talking to Paul Levitz, who was telling me about a class he teaches.

I’ve worked with Frank Quitely several times, but met him for the first time at the show.

In addition to comics there were lots of comic-related toys, t-shirts, and other such paraphernalia.

Don Rosa was at the show selling his prints and doing sketches. I love his t-shirt, which reads: DON ROSA — I’M BIG IN EUROPE (especially Finland), which is quite true. When he does appearances there he’s treated like a rock star!

Barry Kitson was at the show, someone I haven’t seen in a long time. We had a bit of time to chat on Sunday.

I met writer Todd DeZago for the first time; we’d both been involved in a motion-comic project last year that fell through. Next to him is his artist partner Craig Rousseau on THE PERHAPANAUTS, which I plan to read soon.

Brian Bolland and Mark Buckingham were both busy signing and sketching. Two more people I had time to talk to a bit on Sunday.

The day was showery, as seen in this photo of the harbor in the afternoon. I took a break from the con to come back to the Hyatt to check into my room, and then was stuck there for about an hour while it rained torrentially. Just as well, my feet needed a rest! I went back to the con for another hour or so before returning to the hotel to get ready for the Harvey Awards dinner and ceremony in the evening. I’ll cover that in Part 2 tomorrow, along with Sunday walks around the city and a bit more comics stuff.