So it’s no secret, I’m kind of a nerd. Case in point, yesterday, I went to the Wizard World Comic Convention (with Chris). And here’s my proof.
Wizard World Badge
While I will admit that simply by going to a Comic Convention (two years in a row) I’ve gained a few nerd points and lost a few cool points… I think I’ve kept my cool status above some convention goers… Like these guys…
No, they’re not getting paid to walk around like that… They just are… And while there is a costume contest on Sunday… It’s only for kids. So yeah… Although I have to admit some of the costumes are very cool and have amazing detailing, I won’t be dressing up like that for Comic Con… Ever. But back to the convention.
I find it tons of fun. There are 3 main areas.
1. The presenters which include game manufacturers, colleges and others. Sony was there last year with all sorts of PS3 games to play, Dell was there this year with laptops and computers to play World of Warcraft and Guitar Hero among other things.
2. Retail which includes comic book sellers, nerd clothes, toys, swords. Anything you could possibly want to buy to fulfill all of your comic fantasies.
3. The Artist. The place to meet all of your favorite artists and have them sign your comics… Awesome.
So lets see… I think Sony did their booth way better last year than Dell did this year. Last year we stood in line to try out some games, this year, we practically skipped the Dell booth, only stopping long enough to glance at the screens of what others were playing. It wasn’t that exciting. Plus, Sony gave things out last year, just for walking by the booth, Dell didn’t
It’s always fun to go see what’s in the retail section, tons of toys you don’t really see anywhere else, it’s just.. Fun. I got a fun little toy that I’ve almost ordered online several times, but somehow, having it there in front of me I had to have it. It’s a Ninja, yeah that’s right.
Ninjas!
They’re from a site called shawnimals.com and they have tons of cool stuff there, you should really check it out. While I think the big ninjas are great, I wanted something smaller. The micro plush answered my request…
Micro Plush
Can’t tell which kind is inside? Neither can anyone, it’s a secret and a surprise… But I bought one anyway and here’s what’s inside of the box.
I don’t know if the black bag is really necessary, but…
Oooh… It’s White and comes with a little pamphlet and a sticker too…
I have to admit I was hoping for the black ninja, but white is cool as well. 
But what’s wrong with my sticker? According to the book these ninjas have story’s behind them (I love little details like this). (the next two pictures have lots of text on them so if you are like my family and are still on Dial-up internet, i know sometimes my picture heavy posts don’t load all the way… So here are links to the individual pictures which should load quicker so you can tell what I’m talking about… White Ninja and Ninja Consultant)
My Plush is a White Ninja
My Sticker is a Ninja Consultant (it all makes sense now)
The toy was $6 and has amuses me (who wouldn’t like something that talks about Stealth Hugs), and it will be finding a new home on my desk at work on Monday… Apparently there is going to be a Ninja Town DS game soon… I can’t wait.
At last years comic convention I met the author (Ben Avery) and illustrator (Casey Heying) of “The Oz/Wonderland Chronicles” (available here buymetoys.com). The story is great and the art is amazing. I bought Issues 0 – 2 last year
Oz/Wonderland Chronicles 0-2
And this year I was able to pick up the issue 3 as well as an issue that is special and apparently takes place after the issue 4.
Oz/Wonderland Chronicles 3 and Jack & Cat Special
Ben Avery wasn’t there this year… But Casey Heying was and he explained that the Jack and Cat Special was done by a new artist Ryan Sergent who will be doing the special issues now.. Pretty Cool.
Last year I got my comics signed, this year I was so happy to just get the next issue that I totally forgot to ask, I was kind of bummed but I did some digging on the internet and found Ben Avery’s email and wrote him on a whim to ask him if there was a way to get it. Long story short, I got to talk with Ben Avery (who is really nice) and I should be getting a signed copy (signed by both of them) sometime. It’s always nice when you find out that someone you admire, is also a nice guy.
Perhaps the most exciting thing about comic con was meeting two of the authors of Cyanide and Happiness (an online comic that is SO funny, check them out at Explosim.net).
Cyanide and Happiness
Chris (being the awesome older brother that he is, I’m so lucky to know him) bought Max this T-shirt (and had it signed)!
Cyanide and Happiness T-shirt (click for a link to buy)
Then they asked if we wanted a free drawing. We said yes one for Max. They asked if it should be about anything in particular and we said no so away they went…
Drawing Max’s Drawing
Drawing Max’s Drawing 2
Since we hadn’t given them any guidelines, they drew the most appropriate picture.
Awesome
Ha ha ha…. Really you should check them out. They’re always funny.
And our last exciting thing of the day. We passed a little Hot Dog / Hambuger joint on our way to the convention (around 1:00)
Paradise Pup in Des Plaines IL
There was a really long line out the door and we thought “they must have really great food”. When we were coming home at about 4:45 we noticed the line was still just as long… So we stopped because we thought “it must be good if people wait.”
And then we waited in line.
The line
We met some very nice people in line that told us that the line is always like this. The one guy said that he teaches at a high school up the street and that he cannot come here for lunch because one period is not enough time to eat here. He was right… We waited 40 minutes in line (and then about 8 for our food). While we were waiting we realized that this place had been featured on the Food Networks Diners, Drive ins and Dives. But it was worth the wait. The food was delicious. The Cheesebuger, oh man, it’s hard to explain why a cheeseburger is good. But this one… Was superb. It was cooked to perfection and had mayo, grilled onions, pickles, tomato (no we didn’t get salmonella from it), Cheddar cheese, and a cheese spread on it. I just can’t tell you how amazing it was. And although I wish I had taken a picture to show you how great it was… Once I started eating it was too good (and too messy) to stop.
Being spontaneous, sometimes works to your advantage. What could have just been a great day at the Comic Con, turned into a great day at the Comic Con AND the discovery of a great place to eat…
Life is Good.
