As always, I had an amazing time at a comic book convention.  While I go to check out the latest releases and the new talent in Artist’s Alley, it’s the friendships I’ve made that makes it worth it (sappy I know).  The 2011 New York Comic Con was fantastic and seemed about a quarter to 50% bigger this year than last.

While the floor was amazing, the convention rooms were a bit packed and there were quite a few panels I wasn’t able to get into (bummer).  Hopefully that gets fixed next year.  The people attending were fantastic with great costumes and attitudes that made it fun for everyone. The displays weren’t as impressive, I saw most at San Diego earlier this year.  But, I got to see my name on the cover of Archaia‘s Critical Millennium hard cover, I giggled every time I saw it.

Here’s the checklist of the thoughts on top of my head:

• Always great seeing Charles Soule and Len Wallace (and Jessica), good friends and great talents.  I especially had fun sitting behind Charle’s table and selling some of his comics for a bit (27 and Strongman).  Also chatting with Drew Gaska as always was fun, some day we’ll figure out a time for a radio interview.
• Fantastic to hang out with Chip “Cuddles” Mosher and get to know the comiXology crew.  They’re an upcoming tech company everyone should be watching.
• I bumped in BOOM! Studios and Ross Ritchie and some of his team.  Such nice folks.
• The CBLDF deserves your support people!  Get involved!
• I still don’t get anime and manga but the GEN Manga folks were so nice.
• I got to meet a great talent Palle Schmidt and can’t wait to spotlight him more.  So smart and interesting to talk to.  He opened my eyes on a few things I’ve covered with a better perspective.
• The Reed Pop crew do an amazing job putting together shows.
• Mel and Archaia, Filip and Top Cow are class acts, so happy to see them every show.

Best items I returned home with besides the stacks of comics and graphic novels to read…

• A new guitar pic for Charles Soule‘s 27 in honor of the launch of the second volume
• I finally bought show exclusives including Hasbro‘s Hulk and the Spidey/Fireman Mini-mate
• I got Spidey Mega Blocks!
• DC had one of the oddest promotions, a light up Kryptonite ice cube to promote Smallville.
• I grabbed both AKA video games, such a creative promotion.

And that’s it for convention season for me…. until 2012.