The Scene is Set
A Big Fat Return to Houston's Comicpalooza
The weekend was a raving success!
So, I’ve been working with a comics collective for the last year or so, and this year we made the bold move to purchase an endcap space at this year’s Comicpalooza. The thing about working without other dedicated folks is that they’re, well, dedicated, so everybody was all in. Nobody squirmed about it or was wishy-washy. Once we decided we all stuck to our guns; special layouts were attempted, banners and graphics were made up for the space, and even additional badges were purchased.
And then we did it! The weekend rolled around, we each collected badges and brought stuff in when we could, and then we just manned the table for the weekend. The time just flew by, and we each pulled in our audiences and introduced them to the other artists next to us.
Not only that but with an official title as Houston Comics Scene we kept getting inquiries from up-and-coming artists and writers who saw there was an official club they could someday be a part of. A community of like-minded creatives that want to tell stories and share experiences, and here we were front and center facing the central promenade.
Banding together for table space not only saved us loads of money (each share was a mere fraction of what we’d pay for our own individual tables), but the comradery kept the time moving and the boredom away, and with 8 people holding it down taking breaks away from the table wasn’t a big deal. Somebody is always there to watch your stuff, even help you make a sale when you aren’t there.
I don’t think I could ever go back to tabling solo at Comicpalooza.
I even brought in a smaller table to help with other miscellaneous tasks we would need to do not on the main tables. It came in handy for holding bags, art supplies, snacks, and was a great place to sketch without getting in the way.
The show itself, while still very popular, is having less and less to do with actually comics and comic books. There were very few comic vendors, both in retail and in Artist Alley. While that’s a very sad thought, I couldn’t help but think that’s a big boon for us, seeing how that’s what we’re here to sell, COMICS!
Walking up and down the aisles were countless print and trinket vendors, and although I didn’t look to closely, a lot of AI artists selling their junk wares. I wasn’t looking too closely cuz I was just gravitating to the stuff that interested me; indie comic creators and unique artists.
One exhilarating moment was meeting Edward James Olmos and Esai Morales, as they were signing autographs at the show. I found some unique prints on eBay to get signed, and when it was my turn I was just star struck.
What an epic weekend! The Comicpalooza Experiment was a raving success. We’re getting the formula down, so expect to see the Houston Comics Scene more and more. We can’t be stopped!
Starboob Returns June 5th
I’m putting the finishing touches on Chapter 4. 36 fresh pages are coming your way with a new chapter up on Webtoon next week. Click the link to subscribe so you don’t miss it!
The grey tones truly take the longest time, even more so than actually drawing the art. But we’re coming up to a checkpoint; after Chapter 5 I’ll have enough work to make a printed book! Once the greys and post production is finished I’ll begin work on Chapter 5.
This story has truly been a joy to work on. Did I mention I’m already penning issue 15? Oh yeah, it’s just writing itself. Be sure to check back with Starboob dot com for character bios and upcoming chapter sneak peeks!
Big shout out to all my ongoing fans and new ones I’ve made this weekend! As always, if you know someone interested in creating comics shoot this blog over to them, let them know they’re not alone.
And become a paid subscriber! I’ll put that money to good use.
See ya next time, Toonsters!