Tales From Comic Cons

[The Brain]

I had always wanted to go to San Diego Comic Con.

In 1999, I finally got my chance, I was going because

I would see Neal Addams, Frank Miller, and Jim Steranko,

all at one show. This one is about Steranko. I had done a lot

of research on him, and knew many things about his

past to talk about. When I got to his table to great him, I

congratulated him an obscure award that he had received

for a sleight of hand trick he had been given from France. We

talked for a time, and he then asked me if I had been to see

his gallery display yet. I said no not at this time. He then told

me to go upstairs and check it out. I located where it was and

headed in, only to be stopped at the door because I was wearing a

back-pack. I turned around and headed back to the main floor.

As I was walking around, Steranko stopped me and asked why I

was back so quick. I responded that I was not able to go in with

a back-pack on. He replied, "we'll see about that." We then went back

to the gallery. Steranko then asked the attendant, "Do you know who I am?"

He replayed yes, Steranko then said that I was his "guest", that I was going

to be let in, and did he have a problem with that. He answered NO!, and I

went in.

Now flash forward to 2004 Wonder Con SF. I am with one of my best friends,

he is there to buy a limited print from Steranko. We approach Jim's table.

He is talking to Jim and making a payment for the print. As this is drawing to

a close, Jim looks directly at me and say's, " You are the guy that had a problem

back at SD Comic Con." My friend had heard the story from me about all of this and

goes, " Get the fuck out, how is it you remember this?"

Jim's answer " I'm Jim Steranko!"

[MetalPSI]

awesome post!

[The Brain]

The award that I referenced was from a French Academy of Magic.

It was given to Steranko for a card trick that at the time of the award,

had never been duplicated by any other magician. He was very surprised

that I even knew of the award, let alone the trick.

[IWI Jericho]

Pretty cool story.

[The Brain]

Here is another story from Wonder Con 2004 SF.

My friend from the other story above and I were again

at Wonder Con looking around for books, art, sigs, ect.

We separated, as we sometimes due (different interest).

I go way to the back of the sales floor so as to square the

sales floor. As I am looking at a table with some books in

short boxes, I look over to my left, and see Gary Burghoff.

Radar himself in the flesh. He sees that I have recognized

him, and give me the finger to the lips for silence.

I comply, and he then leans in and speaks softly, he is

trying to go unnoticed and thanks me for being cool with

his wishes. Tell him I was a big fan and hoped he was having fun.

[Top Rawman]

Nice story, thanks for sharing that.

It reminds me of when my parents went to Nevada for a weekend back in the 70's, and rode the elevator with the still beloved Bill Cosby. My mom said he looked exhausted, and as it was late and they were going up, they figured he was done for the day and so let him be. He noticed this and gave them and appreciative look as either he or they reached their floor.

And a story Howie Long once told of a Laker's game he took his 2 [then] young boys to see; He said people were constantly approaching him throughout the game for autograph's or conversation, and at one point one of his sons said he wished their mother had taken them instead. This crushed Howie, and left a lasting impression on me, as I leave "celebrities" alone if I see them on their own time: Stan Lee, Marv Wolfman, Keith Pollard, Ric Flair (I kinda regret not giving a quiet "Wooo" once I realized it was actually him and not a Cosplay, but I did realize too late- Just 5 more seconds would have done it).

[IWI Jericho]

Nice story, thanks for sharing that.

It reminds me of when my parents went to Nevada for a weekend back in the 70's, and rode the elevator with the still beloved Bill Cosby. My mom said he looked exhausted, and as it was late and they were going up, they figured he was done for the day and so let him be. He noticed this and gave them and appreciative look as either he or they reached their floor.

And a story Howie Long once told of a Laker's game he took his 2 [then] young boys to see; He said people were constantly approaching him throughout the game for autograph's or conversation, and at one point one of his sons said he wished their mother had taken them instead. This crushed Howie, and left a lasting impression on me, as I leave "celebrities" alone if I see them on their own time: Stan Lee, Marv Wolfman, Keith Pollard, Ric Flair (I kinda regret not giving a quiet "Wooo" once I realized it was actually him and not a Cosplay, but I did realize too late- Just 5 more seconds would have done it).

That's cool. Flair and the Horsemen were my favorites back when they were in the NWA. Oh, can't forget about Jimmy Cornette and the Midnight Express.