Cape Girardeau Comic Con 2010: The Recap

I had such a blast at Cape Comic Con 2009 that naturally I vowed to return to the convention in 2010. C'mon, it's literally a 5-minute jaunt across town--why would I not?

My approach to this year's show was a little different. Well, not so much my approach...I'm a little different this year. Last year I was so nervous that I couldn't stand still or sign my name without my hand shaking like a loose window in a thunderstorm. This year, I knew what to expect and what I was going to say to people passing by the table, so I entered the Osage Center with a confidence and poise I didn't have last year. I was able to deliver a definite, non-rambling pitch to con-goers, and a lot more people walked away from the table with genuine interest and swag than last year. Unlike last year, I couldn't bring myself to worry about whether or not people would care about my product--I just wanted to have a good time and make some memories, which is really what this whole comic-making thing should be about.

The Mike and the Ninja booth, back once again to take over the world.

My cardboard stand-up version of Stu the Ninja was unfortunately damaged beyond repair when I moved last May. I intended to make a new version, but then I elected to go one step further: use real ninjas to help promote the comic! All I could offer them in return was a half a sandwich and a packet of "mild" sauce each, but they got the job done.

My friend Josh as the ninja on Saturday.

My friend Thomas as the ninja on Sunday.

In all seriousness, Josh and Thomas both poured their hearts into the role and dished out more flyers and stickers than I ever could have on my own, and I can't thank them enough for volunteering their time and energy to help me and my fledgling webcomic out. I think they had a pretty good time donning the mask, too.

No Cape Comic Con would be complete without exhibiting next to the inimitable DL Moore. Being able to talk shop with DL and Janice over the last 21 months or so has been immensely encouraging and an inexhaustable resource. Read DL's books if you're looking for a fresh and incredible story about dragons.

DL and wife, Janice.

DL and I ham it up.

The rough-and-tumble ladies of the Cape Girardeau Roller Girls, Southeast Missouri's all-female roller derby league, were a major force at the convention. I designed one of their logos earlier this year, so we did a little bit of cross promotion at the con. They're really great and a lot of fun, so check out their Facebook page!

Things were going well....

...then right about here, I may have done something wrong.

I also had a chance to catch up with Nathan Bonner, the creator of Indavo. I told this story last year, but I'll tell it again: I had just restarted Mike and the Ninja after a long hiatus when I met Nathan at Cape Comic Con 2008, and we had a talk about webcomics in which he offered me a lot of advice and well wishes when I really needed that extra boost. Nathan's mantra is to create what you want to create and have lots of fun doing it. I admittedly lose my focus from time to time, but I am adhering to that formula more and more as I continue to draw, and it's definitely the way to go. Make sure to read his comic--it's a huge and deep space adventure.

Nathan's Indavo booth (with LOTS of wares).

Nathan and me pose for trading card photo.

I don't have any photos, but on Sunday I talked to artists Terry Huddleston, Lin Workman of Bushi Tales (who sent me some pictures from the con--thanks, Lin!), and Martheus Wade of MAW Productions. I wish I had talked to them earlier in the show, but I'm still introverted at heart and it sometimes takes me awhile to open up to people. Of course, they all ended up being the nicest people in the world and shared some of their experiences in art and conventions, and were happy to offer info and advice and encouragement. They are immensely talented folks, so check 'em out!

I love this show. Like I said in the news update earlier this week, Cape Comic Con is my Super Bowl--I get such a rush getting to talk shop with the other creators, meeting and interacting with people, seeing cool costumes, shilling Mike and the Ninja, searching for comics and collectibles, you name it. By the end of the weekend, my feet hurt, I'm hoarse, I haven't exactly eaten healthy, and I'm terribly exhausted. But every last bit of that is worth it--it's the good kind of exhaustion, the kind you feel after you've had a really good time or accomplished something major. It also seems like my creative and motivational juices flow fastest right after something like this--all I want to do is make comics, or do work related to making comics.

It feels really great.

To close, here are some more pictures from the convention. I wish I had taken more--I always regret not taking enough pictures.

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