Wizard World Chicago 2006

'One view of the Wizard World floor'

Twenty years ago I sat behind a table at comic book convention in Atlanta promoting Shatter for First Comics. And now, after a two decade hiatus, which included designing laser shows, computer games, theater posters, web sites, business strategies, and software, I'm back behind the table.


'A boy and his table'

I had a great time, mostly because of the people I hung out with, the artists I met, the old friends I saw, and the new folks who came up to the table and showed an interest in my work. Plus, I sold a few things.


'Deb and Alex Wald hawking his wares'

Sharing the table with me was Alex Wald. A great artist who is getting back into the game with both feet (and his talented hands), many people were happy to see his work at the con. The owner of Mimoco (designer toys) said it best when he saw Alex's table, "Amazing artwork!" Alex's better half, Deb, came by for support and to see her first comic book convention.


'Bill Reinhold, comic book artist extraordinaire and the nicest guy in comics'

Sitting to our right was Bill and Linda Reinhold, two of comics' longtime talents. I have known them since the First Comics days and they are a tremendous pleasure to hang out with and learn from. Plus, Mike Reinhold is the coolest kid in the comic book world.


'Michael and Bill'


'Alex Wald, Andy Wachowski and Geof Darrow'

Sitting to our left was Geof Darrow, concept designer for the Matrix movies and currently blowing people away with his book, Shaolin Cowboy. Another friendly Chicago talent. Helping him out was two more cool folks - his nephew, Gayne, and Andy Wachowski.


'Andy and Geof'

Andy's name may seem familiar because he and his brother, Larry, are the publishers of Burlyman Entertainment. Oh yeah, they've done a couple of movies, too.


'Denise Dorman, Alex, Linda (Lessman) Reinhold, Dave Dorman'

Also stopping by were Dave and Denise Dorman. Dave is a master illustrator who was also sitting next to me twenty years ago in Atlanta. Now he's another Chicago area guy.


"Master Chief inspects Burning City'

The gaming world was definitely represented and to prove it, Halo's Master Chief, came by to inspect the goods. Some of the costumes people were wearing were pretty amazing this year.


'A very cool Battle Angel Alita tattoo'

The manga world was also there in force, but the coolest version of it was this young woman's Alita tattoo. This website has some interesting takes on potential casting of the upcoming movie version of Battle Angel Alita.


'Batgirl, Batgirl, Batgirl'

I thought I would end this tour with a classic figure, pardon the pun, and a shout out to Internets pal, Ray, who dropped by in the flesh to prove he wasn't a 14 year old girl messing with our minds online. A couple of other stalwarts whom I see every year were Zack and Eugene. And, of course, John.

Before I go I would like to thank James Mortensen of Comix Revolution in Evanston for supporting the cause and buying a Burning City t-shirt. I also thanked Michael Turner in the hotel elevator for helping my wife love comics via Fathom. He was happy to hear that.