Comic Convention advice

[etos45]

I know we have a lot of con vets in here, so I need to pick everyone's brain on how to approach this (HeroesCon is the first real comic con for me).

Okay, I was thinking about getting some books signed, but I'm not sure how to go about carrying them around so that they don't get damaged. Also, is there an etiquette to getting the books signed? I mean, I know Stan Lee costs money, but what about the guys in artists alley? I don't know if those guys sign for a fee, a tip, or just to promote themselves. What do you usually do when you get books signed?

On about the same line, with Stan Lee, I wanted to get the inside cover of my Spider-man Omnibus signed, but that's a heavy book. Am I ridiculous for doing this? I had thought about just bringing the sleeve to sign. Or, I have a few of the original issues is "meh" condition. Am I smarter to take those?

Last thing, is there anything else I should plan to bring or do while I'm there? I know I'm doing the Valiant panel, but I don't really have anything else planned.

Any other advice would be cool too.

[Dr. Solar]

Folks sign for free, unless it's a special "pay to play" signing.

Talk to the creators, don't hover around them.

Wear comfortable shoes.

[Elveen]

Be honest and friendly. Carry a comfortable backpack.

[Blood of Heroes]

Walk softly and carry a big stick.

[tarheelmarine]

Be honest and friendly. Carry a comfortable backpack.

good shoes help. i will be lugging bound books to get signed and sketched.

[aggr1103]

If you want to prevent your comics from getting damaged both before and during the signing, my recommendation is to make window bags, triple board the books you want signed, and then place the window bagged comic in a archival mylar. I send my books off for SS prep, and this is how I pick them up. While this is for CGC SS, its also a safe way to keep your books from being manhandled by some creators even if you're not submitting them.

Here's a good reference:
http://boards.collectors-society.com/ub ... ost2947137" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Also, if you're CGC'ing the books you're getting signed, some creators will charge a fee. I know that Neal Adams usually charges $10. Some creators also schedule signing times, find out what they are. I personally think Friday is the best time for getting autographs because the show isn't as crowded as Saturday. Especially this Saturday, since Stan is in town.

Heroes is awesome. I wouldn't recommend trying to take it in all in one day. Take short breaks from the con floor. The concrete will have you aching by the end of the day. I use a backpack when I'm on the floor for a short period of time. For longer periods I have a luggage dolly and a shortbox. I just have to be mindful of other people when pulling it. I probably will not have it on Saturday due to the crowd.

[tarheelmarine]

awesome print! getting this bad boy signed!

[aggr1103]

When I went in 2010, my Hellboy print was already signed and numbered by Mignola.

[Chiclo]

I have a small accordion file that is slightly larger than comic size and I will put comics in that and carry it in a backpack. I also carry a much larger portfolio (11x17?) for prints. My backpack has three pen slots on the side of the pack so I carry a pen, a black sharpie and a silver sharpie in those slots. You may also want to have a few backer boards on hand in case an unanticipated sketch is offered.

[etos45]

Wow! Thanks for the awesome tips! I was definitely thinking backpack, I just didn't want my books getting damaged. I think I have one of those accordion folders, so I'll probably test that with some extra backboards. I have my comfy shoes all ready to go, now I just have to decide what books to bring. I think my biggest problem is I don't know a lot of creators and their work. I think, outside of the Valiant guys, the only name I recognized was Mark Bagley.

[Tim]

Here's what I do:

1. I have all my comics listed in database software so I can easily search my entire collection for creators that are going to be at the convention. It is from this that I make a list of what creators I will be getting signatures from and what books I will be getting signed.

2. I make an index card for each creator and below the name I write what books I will be getting signed by them.

3. I unbag every book I am taking unless it's something very valuable. I have these great tupperware boxes that are just the right size for comics and protect them very well. Each holds about 30 comics. I put the books in alphabetic order.

4. Conventions usually have the table locations listed on the guest list beside the creator. I write this down on card and then organize the cards by location.

You end up with something like this....



5. Bring your own markers! I try to bring 3-4 Sharpies and a few QUICK DRYING gold and silver and white markers. Black is fine for covers with a lot of negative space, but the silver, gold and white ones really pop put on dark or very busy covers. MAKE SURE THE INK IS DRY before the books go back in the stack. Getting a signature from someone who's work you love just to have it smudge is a bad feeling.

At the convention I just hit the tables in order (or as close as I can) and I have the cards already organized by floor location. All you have to do before you approach the table is go through your books and pull what is listed on their card. Doesn't take more than one minute usually. That way when you get to the table all your books are ready and unbagged. Nothing more annoying than waiting in line behind someone who hasn't got their books together or unbagged.

When you are getting your books signed try to limit it to no more than 4-5. I have broken this rule before but only in extreme cases when I am meeting someone who I've been dying to meet and who I may never get the chance to see again. I've only done this once (with Scott Kolins) and I plan to do it again with Ron Marz at Heroescon this weekend. Be sure when you're doing this to be gracious and explain why you have so much stuff to sign. Odds are they'll be flattered and gladly sign everything you have.

When getting books signed that have already been signed by others, be sure if the signatures are a little hard to see to politely point them out. Getting a signature on top of another signature is a bummer.

Don't just slap the books down on the table and stare at the artist / writer!! Ask them if they're having a good con, ask them how they're doing, and most importantly SHOW SOME KNOWLEDGE OF THEIR WORK! If you have a question about something, ask. If you have a memory associated with the issue or issues, share it. If that issue or story means the world to you, tell them. Ask to have books personalized too. Let them know it's something you will cherish (not something you're going to flip on eBay first thing Monday. THANK THEM GENUINELY!!! Not many people change for signatures, so these people are doing you a favor by signing your stuff. If you see them at the hotel or after party, buy them a drink. Sometimes I will buy little 50-cent bottles of hand sanitizer and give them out to whoever I meet. I tell them them "Hey, you're probably going to be shaking a lot of hands and handling a lot of nasty books....stay safe, yo!!!" Little things like this can really show these guys you appreciate them (and we do).

After you get the books home and back in bags and boards, be sure to record who the book was signed by (artist signatures can be a little illegible) and when and where it was signed. This will help when you get old and senile. I just type these up and slip them in the bag like this:



Also, if there's a really cool story or experience you have while meeting the creator or any insight you get, write it up and slip it in the bag also. When your collection is passed on after you're gone or when you give it to your heirs they will have a lot more than a scribble on a comic book. They will have a very special record of a moment of something that meant a lot to you.

And that is How to Get Comics Signed 101 by yours truly.

[etos45]

You end up with something like this....

You had a lot of good tips, but this is genius!

Thanks for all the advice. Looks like I have a lot of work to do tonight.

[tarheelmarine]

See you guys tomorrow. Bet you had a blast today!