Cape Girardeau Comic Con 2009: The Recap

I went to Cape Comic Con 2008 with some reservations. I wasn't really sure it was how I wanted to spend my Saturday afternoon. I was on a budget, so I couldn't spend my brains out. I wasn't really familiar with any of the exhibitors. And on top of everything else, the Cardinals were playing the Astros that afternoon and the NFL Draft was in progress!

But at the last minute, something clicked--the comic lover in me told me this was probably the only opportunity I was going to get in the near future to browse extensive collections of comics, graphic novels and collectibles, and maybe get a word in with a comics creator. Regardless of whether or not I could spend a lot of money, I decided I needed to at least go and check this out.

It became an important decision.

I browsed the selections of the vendors, found a couple of things I wanted, and generally had a good time soaking up the comics atmosphere. But then I approached the booth of Nathan Bonner, creator of the webcomic Indavo, and we had a brief, but great discussion about webcomics. I was freshly back into the webcomics game at the time, and our conversation was really inspiring. It was at that moment that I realized that while my experience at Cape Comic Con 2008 was really fulfilling, I knew I wanted to come back the next year with a product and booth of my own.

And, with a little bit of help and the support of friends, family, and readers, I made it happen at this year's Cape Comic Con. It took a lot of working ahead and planning and organizing, but it was so worth it.

I didn't really know what to expect. I didn't know how big the con was going to be this year or how many people would show up. I didn't know if I would be adequately prepared, or if my work would look like the math class scribblings of a bored 3rd grader compared to the other artists there, or if anyone attending the con would give a crap about some webcomic they'd never heard of called Mike and the Ninja. Even with the ever wise and encouraging DL Moore presenting Night of the Dragon at the booth to my immediate left, exhibiting was kind of scary at first, but I didn't let it stop me. I was determined to have a good time and to promote my comic with gusto. Even if I didn't sell any books all weekend, it was okay--the thought of having the opportunity to present my work to a big audience and to interact with and meet new people was all I wanted. I'm a pretty introverted individual, so having a chance to break out of that in an environment I'm comfortable with is always a welcome opportunity.

DL and I both had a really great show. My experience at the con, as well as the response to my work, was both encouraging and humbling--everything went so much better than I ever could have expected. With the exception of the air conditioner not being on within the confines of the convention, it was a ton of fun, and much of it is a blur. A lot more people stopped by the booth than I thought would, which was very inspiring and dispelled any fears I had about the community tossing me to the wayside in favor of superior products. On top of that, a lot of people completely unfamiliar with Mike and the Ninja bought the book outright, which was super encouraging and for which I am immensely grateful. All in all, a cavalcade of friendly faces--both familiar and unfamiliar--kept me company at the booth both days of the con. By the end, I had that exhausted, but extremely satisfied feeling--the same feeling I get after a day-long dodgeball tournament or upon completing a big project. It felt great. I also ended up selling 15 books and I traded two more, so I moved about three times as many books as I optimistically predicted I would. I was really humbled by the volume of people who gave their support to the comic. I was also able to make some connections with some other local artists and comic enthusiasts.

Thanks to everyone who made the 2009 Cape Comic Con a great success for Mike and the Ninja. After the show, I found Ken Murphy, the promoter, and I told him I had a great show and a great time. He said that really meant a lot to him and that they would be happy to have me back next year. I fully intend to be there, and although I probably won't have a new book ready by then, I have a feeling the booth will be bigger and better, and maybe there will be a new piece of swag or merchandise of some sort available.

I also have a few pictures from the con. Enjoy!

Booth Shot #1. Check out the sweet banner! Booth Shot #2. I didn't show it, but deep down, I was really proud. Close-up of the booth. Front and center is the flyer given to interested passers-by. Cardboard standie of Stu the Ninja! He was actually just taped to a chair, but I think he worked out really well. Will probably return bigger and better in 2010. Brian, Stu, and DL Moore pose for trading card photo. DL seems skeptical of the photo-taking shenanigans. DL's Night of the Dragon booth.

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