San Diego Comicon — not this year!

Above is an image that’s making the rounds on Facebook, not sure who put it together, but I found it amusing. I’m breaking a 21-year streak by not going this year. My reasons? Ellen and I wanted to save some moneyafter our spending slightly exceeded our income last year, never a good thing, and San Diego seemed a reasonable place to save a few thousand dollars. Also, we had other things going on in July before and after that are easier to manage if I don’t go. I’ll miss it, I love going, and am starting to get withdrawal symptoms already.

I’d heard lots of great things about the San Diego Con from friends in the business, but what finally got me out there in 1993 was my first Eisner Award nomination, and I was really happy to be there to accept it from Will himself! I loved the con, the city, and the company of many comics pros I’d worked with over the years but rarely got to see in person. It was all good. I had no problem signing up again and again.

1994 was the only year I arranged for and received a table in Artist’s Alley. I learned it was not as much fun sitting behind a table all day rather than walking around talking to friends, shopping, going to panels, and enjoying myself. Lesson learned. The only other time I’ve had a table was in 2008.

That year I was an official guest of the con. I couldn’t believe it when they asked me, I was beside myself with delight! Ellen and I went out with all expenses paid. We had con volunteers helping us with everything, I had a spotlight panel where I was also given an Inkpot Award, and I was on cloud nine the whole time. I don’t think any other San Diego experience could top it.

What I’ll miss most are the friends I’ve made in the business over the last 37 years who I might have seen there, like Kevin O’Neill. He’ll be at the con for the first time since 2003, when I took the picture above. There are dozens more. You know who you are if you’re reading this.

Meanwhile, I’ll be checking Facebook and the comics sites for the latest hot news, but it won’t be the same as being there. Maybe next year I’ll be back…