Likwid6

PM'd!

I saw Sam at FanExpo Dallas this year and he was a real chill guy. We chatted for a while and even found out that we go to the same gym in San Antonio. (I think I played a pickup game of basketball against him!) Anyway, at the last minute I decided against having him sketch on my Lethal Protector and instead had him remarque a Maximum Clonage: Alpha for my (non-graded) collection. He's got a sense of humor too: a guy next to me asked for him to autograph the program, Sam ended up sketching a Venom face onto Batman and wrote a "Sorry Jim!" note to Jim Lee who was going to sign the program later.

So how was this con? I'm moving to Ohio this summer and am curious about the different cons there.

I just want to thank everyone on this thread and across the boards wholesale. All the advice here, whether specific (how to window-bag a comic for SS) or general (get sigs/commissions/remarques done early, make your minor purchases on the last day at potential heavy discounts) worked out great for me. My best friend flew down from Baltimore and I had a blast navigating the con like a pro & even walking him through his first CGC submission! FanExpo Dallas was my first major con, first out of town con, and first con where I went all three days. (I don't count the sh*tshow that was 2016 Alamo City on Saturday, navigating my wife & kids through an overpacked cramped area). After being stationed overseas for 7 of the past 8 years, THIS was the experience I always imagined a con should be. THANK YOU to everyone who made it possible. Highlights: Cynthia from CGC customer service who was super helpful on the phone prior to the con, answered all my questions about membership, and guided me through setting up a premium account. (I seriously cannot say enough good things about her!) Great staff at the CGC booth during the con. At times it got pretty packed & hectic but they were constantly churning at a good clip while maintaining a positive attitude. Meeting Sam Delarosa, chatting and finding out we go to the same gym in San Antonio. In fact, I think I've played a game of pickup basketball against one of my fave Spidey artists without knowing it! He did an awesome remarque of a lesser book to most but one that has significant meaning to me (Maximum Clonage: Alpha) Waiting in line for 45 minutes for Tom King's signature, only to get to the front of the line and have a great brief conversation with him. Super personable guy who now has solidified my appreciation for both his work and demeanor to his fans. Finally meeting Stan Lee & getting a picture with him! (even if it only lasted for ~12 seconds before we were hurriedly rushed off) Attending awesome panels and realizing just how much of a character Greg Capullo is during a Q&A (seriously, the guy is going through the crowd like Jerry Springer). Also, Jim Lee snapchat'ing a fan's question speaking to the recently slumping Marvel sales. Lowlights: Dealing with Excelsior & the entire process of getting a book signed by Stan. During this time my friend & I had two experiences that make me seriously question their ability to keep positive control on high dollar books. I don't know the board rules on shedding light on a facilitator/partner like Excelsior so I'll just leave it at that. Waiting 50 minutes for Adam Kubert, only to have our line moved by his handlers & merged behind another line of people who had been waiting a lot shorter than we were. Then waiting another 90 minutes for him to finally show (an hour+ late) and watching as he did not interact with the fans during signing but rather chatted with his handlers while shuttling off books. Disappointed. Guys who would come to the CGC booth with a signed book & no witness demanding they get SS. I watched a couple guys get downright rude when told they couldn't get their yellow label because they didn't pay attention/research in advance/listen to the CGC facilitator at their paid "experience" to follow them to the booth immediately afterwards. Overall, wayyy more positive than negatives and I can't think that I would have enjoyed the show & gotten as much accomplished without your guys help.

Stan Lee made it! After canceling his last two shows I was getting concerned!

(Long time lurker, but first post!) First time going to a major con out of town and just want to say the info on these boards has been tremendous--thanks you guys! Can't wait to stand in line for some sigs this weekend.