Emerald City 2012: Day 1

Seattle, despite being cold and rainy, is one of the warmest and most hospitable cities I've ever visited. Blame the people. The Emerald City Comicon continues to be the best managed convention I attend, which is why I return year after year. That said, this year's appearance got off rocky start when I arrived at the Prism Comics booth (#902) to discover that through a communication error with the inventory manager, they failed to ship most of my books. Luckily I brought some backup product of my own, but owing to risk sales on Friday, I am all but certain to sell out on Saturday. The good news: When a customer is wavering on whether to buy now or come back later, I tell them this is all the inventory I have and I may be sold out by the time they return. Works every time!

WonderCon 2012: Day 3 and Beyond!

It's official: WonderCon Anaheim was a bust. Everyone I knew there reported much slower sales than last year in San Francisco. The change in venue, the economy, and the unusually poor weather were certainly all contributing factors. Prism Comics, which represented me and other LGBT creators at the Con, suffered 50% sales declines from last year, which mirrored my own experience at the Prism booth, mitigated only by a flurry of last-minute sales as I threatened to pack up. Maybe that should be my strategy from now on.
At least Sunday started off promisingly with a delightful breakfast with "Kevin Keller" creator Dan Parent from Archie Comics. It's always a pleasure to talk shop with Dan and get the inside scoop on Archie's future plans, some of which are still under wraps. Did I mention that I've always wanted to work for Archie Comics? You might notice a slight similarity in my drawing style. Anyway, with openly gay Kevin making headlines at Archie -- a phenomenon I thought I'd never see in my lifetime -- maybe my dream of working there is within reach after all. 

Next it's on to Seattle for Emerald City Comicon, taking place March 30 thru April 1 at the Downtown Seattle Convention Center. I will once again be a booth partner with Prism Comics, so look for me there throughout the Con!

 

WonderCon 2012: Day 2

A rainy day at WonderCon made it feel just like San Francisco -- drat! Traffic was heavy but sales were light, probably because nobody felt like carrying stuff in the rain.
At least my Jayson bookmarks are a hit. Granted, they're free! But people actually like them and whenever they use them, no matter what they're reading, they'll think of me.

I connected briefly with Batton Lash and Mark Evanier, and had a good converation with Scott Shaw and friends about Kevin Keller's dating woes. I explained that, at least when I was growing up as a closeted gay teen, I got a much later start on the dating scene than my straight peers -- no teen romances, no prom date for me! -- that I really had a lot of catching up to do, just like Kevin. Just remember, dear readers, It Gets Better!

WonderCon 2012: Day 1

This is the first (and maybe the only) time WonderCon will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center instead of San Francisco's Moscone Center. No on-site parking was available by the time we got there, so we had to drive miles away to the Anaheim Angels Stadium and still pay $10 to park and then take a shuttle back to the convention center.
When we arrived, it was not clear where registration area was and the on-site personnel didn't know either -- scary. Things looked up considerably when we found it and were not only whisked through, but we got 6 free Guest passes without having to show any evidence of guests. So we have several extra free guest passes if anyone is interested!
Prism Comics has primo real estate at booth 200, on the aisle and right next to Marvel. One of the volunteers is an animator who's going to try his hand at animating a "Jayson" story ("Jayson's Christmas Party") from "Jayson: Best of the 90s." If all goes well, we should have a short film to debut at Bent-Con in December (just in time for Christmas) and post on YouTube. Stay tuned!
Traffic and sales were slow but steady. I sold books to several people who were not familiar with "Jayson" before. One fan at a time, people!

I also checked in with Dan Parent, creator of Archie Comics' gay character Kevin Keller, to get the latest scoop from Archie. In addition to a planning a new fantasy wedding story between Archie and Valerie, and second mini-series featuring KISS, Dan informed me that Archie is planning something else huge that will be announced shortly!

Convention Season Begins!

I can't believe how long it's been since I posted here. Time flies when you're busy as snot. This weekend the 2012 comic-book convention season kicks off (for me anyway) at WonderCon, which is being held in Anaheim this year rather than San Francisco -- much more convenient for me!
You can find me at the Prism Comics booth, which is booth 200 in Hall D, right next to Marvel. I will be a booth partner there with dedicated hours as follows:

• Fri., Mar. 16 -- 3:30 - 7:00pm
• Sat., Mar. 17 -- 2:30 - 7:00pm
• Sun., Mar. 18 -- 11:00am - 2:00pm

I will be signing and selling all my "Jayson" graphic novels and Ralf König translations. You can even buy my convention-exclusive Jayson Comics #1. Hurry before it sells out and the variant-cover second printing takes its place!

San Diego Comic-Con 2011: Day 0

Just in time for San Diego Comic-Con, I have published a brand-new "Jayson" comic book containing key chapters from my upcoming graphic novel "Jayson Gets a Job." "Jayson Comics #1" is available exclusively through Prism Comics, which represents me at comic-book conventions and throughout the year. The title just went on sale at the Prism Comics website; check it out!

Prism Comics has also mounted a campaign to promote the creators it represents, including me. To view their awesome new video, click here.

Prism Comics will be at Booth #2144. I will have a dedicated space at the booth, where you can find me every morning and most afternoons hawking my "Jayson" books and Ralf König graphic novels. Stop by and pick up your personally autographed, Convention Exclusive edition of "Jayson Comics #1" for just $3, or free with the purchase of any of my graphic novels.

During the Con I will also be appearing on a panel called “Bent Comix: The Next Wave of Gay Cartooning," moderated by J.D. Glass and featuring Dave Davenport (Hard to Swallow), Steve MacIsaac (Shirtlifter), Brad Rader (Harry and Dickless Tom), Jody Wheeler (DoorQ.com), and Sean Z (Myth). Sat., Jul. 23 from 4-5PM in Room 4.

"I love your screenplay -- but I can't sell it!"

After years of hearing producers, agents, managers, and other bottom feeders tell me that they love love love my screenplays -- with nothing to show for it -- I finally have some good news to share:

• I optioned one of my screenplays to a Polish producer, who wants to make American-style romantic comedies that can enjoy international success. They are now translating the script and raising money for an expected 2011 shoot in Warsaw.
• While attending Movie Night at Chalet Edelweiss, a restaurant that screens Swiss movies on Wednesday nights, I met the producer, who happens to be the brother of a woman I knew from 10 years ago. When he announced that he was looking for comedy scripts, I jumped at the chance to pitch him. He invited me to send him several scripts, which he sent to his reader, whose glowing coverage included the following: "This in my opinion was a great example of a romantic comedy... I would absolutely recommend it... It has the potential to be a great film." Here's hoping the producer agrees!
• I just posted one of my favorite screenplays, which I've used as a writing sample for several years because everyone seems to respond to it (although no one seems to want to produce it), on Amazon Studios, a user-generated online development and production venture built around monthly contests and community feedback. They have a first-look deal with Warner. Bros., so please click the link today and give "The Work of Art" your highest possible ratings!