Legion World Forums LEGION COMPANION The Anywhere Machine Baltimore Comic-Con 2009 - Questions...

I've never been to a Comic Convention before and was thinking about trying this one.

1) Has anyone here been to Baltimore's before?

2) What kind of agenda does it normally have, outside of the Harvey Awards?

3) How much cash should I bring for artist commissions?

4) Is anyone planning on going this year?

5) What kind of friendly advice can anyone give me about anything there?

Thanks, Worlders!

KQ,

I have not been to Baltimore, but have been to a few other cons. Will you be going for both days or just one?

Artist commissions: Are you going for individual pictures or using a sketch book? If you are using a sketch book, have your name and address on the inside cover and tell the artist that you will present your id before taking the sketch book back. Commission prices do vary based on how popular the artist is and what you are asking for. 2 figures cost more that 1 figure. inked costs more than just penciled. I don't get a lot of sketchs myself (usually for other people) from what I remember in general sketch run from $20-$30 through a couple of hundred

Generally at the Cons there are different panels to attend. You get a program when you check in that will list these. I did a quick check of the con's website. They have a link to a myspace page & the myspace page lists the artists that will be in artist alley.

If you are looking to fill in holes in your collection, bring your list. Also check different dealers for prices. The dealers should have bags for any purchases, but having a shoulder bag or backpack would be a good idea.

You might also want to bring some non-perishable snacks . I don't know what the area around the convention center is in terms of food and food at the con is pricey (although you probably will break down and buy something there)

Above all, have fun!

Well I learned recently that the backs and boards for comic bags can be used for stuff like quick sketches and stuff like that if you want to save room by not bringing a sketch book.

I'll try to take your questions in order here:

1) I've been to the Baltimore show a few times.

2) No real agenda, though it has stayed focused on comics where other shows have gone for a more overall "pop culture" feel. Sundays have featured kids-based programming in the past.

3) Sketch prices tend to be set by the artists. Don't be afraid to ask them about pricing if it isn't posted at their table. I second all that Quis says about protecting your sketchbook, if that's the route you go.

4) I will probably be there this year. I'm still working out whether or not to get a hotel nearby.

5) Well, you'll be real close to scenic Inner Harbor, but you probably know that already. There's also a food court across the street from the convention center, but it never seems to prepare for this show so I would expect long lines if you go there. I have not yet checked to see if either the Orioles or Ravens have a home game that weekend, but if they do, expect parking fees to jump apropriately. Consider showing up early if you drive in.

Wow, this is great stuff - thanks for all the responses!

I was initially planning on attending the one day, Saturday, because I am only an hour drive away and the Ravens do have a home game on Sunday at 1pm. The Orioles finish their season the weekend before.

For the artist sketches, there are a couple of artists I would REALLY like to get a Legionnaire sketch from - preferably an ink suitable for framing. I was going to bring $100 for this purpose, along with a 9x12 Bristol Vellum sketch pad (nothing else inside). I will definitely check the Cons MySpace to see who will be in the Artists Alley (I did look for that info at the BCC site but didn't see anything, which surprised me. I knew it had to be somewhere).

I know my way around the Inner Harbor somewhat. I've been to the Aquarium numerous times, as well some ballgames, a class trip on the Constellation, and even to the Convention Center once for a conference. The Inner Harbor really is a great place - last time I was there I had some of the best Buffalo-Style wings ever, in Hooters of all places! I just have to get the day off from work confirmed before I can say I'm there!

KQ,

If you are going just the one day, get there early. You will be waiting in line to get in, even if you buy your ticket early (which you should do)

If you know which artists you want a sketch from, you might want to see if the artist has a website with prices for sketchs listed.

Update - It looks like I will have to work on Saturday, October 10 but I will be attending BCC on Sunday the 11th. Getting excited about it and looking forward to hopefully meeting some Legion Worlders there!

The Baltimore Comic Con is this weekend (already!)
I WILL be there on Sunday, wearing a red Maryland Terrapin t-shirt and a lost look on my face. Introduce yourself if you spot me! Hope I'll get to meet some Legion Worlders there.

Well, I made it to the convention on Sunday afternoon, and I'm glad I went. From talking to vendors, they said Sunday had an OK crowd, compared to Saturday which wasn't as busy as in past years. I got to see and talk to some artists and writers - it was good to attach faces to creators whose work I'd long admired. I didn't come away with any artwork like I'd planned. I almost asked Barry Kitson to do a Micro Lad drawing for me, but he was busy all the time and looked kinda tired at the end of the day. Watching him draw was amazing and great fun and worth the price of admission alone. I did see some hometown friends there I hadn't seen in a while, but I didn't get to meet any Legion Worlders. Did anyone make it?

All in all, I got to plug a few holes in my Legion collection, to see some really cool costumes, and talk with some interesting people. I'm going to try it again next year.

Kid Quislet,

Glad you had a great time. Barry Kitson is great to watch. I saw him at the Dallas con back in 2004. Outdoor Miner got a sketch from him. Miner had been going between Wildfire and Hawkman, which Barry heard. Miner choose Wildfire. Barry drew a head shot of Wildfire with Hawkman reflected in the faceplate.

The next thing is to go to San Diego.

San Diego sounds great, but I might have to leave the wife and sell the kids in the near future to go out there, and I don't really want to do either of those things.

Being on the east coast, I might try Philadelphia or New York or even Chicago next. Are there any Comic-Cons in Boston?