Baltimore Comic-con Reflections part 2:

[wardevil0]

The CGC experience (live!), day one at the con

 

The first batch of comics I sent off for slabbing was done via Wizard World Anaheim in 2011, so I had a pretty good idea what to expect. The details were different this time, as I sent four books to be pressed by CCS prior to grading and had five to try to get signed. The outcome, however, was nearly the same. In each case I had pre-filled my submission form using the PDF invoice, which saved vast amounts of time and frustration. I thought that at worst I might have to line out an item if a creator didn't show. My friend and I arrived at the Convention Center at about 10:05, expecting to have about a 20 minute wait in line. At 10:48 we finally crossed the threshold and headed straight to the CGC table.

 

My CCS dropoff was almost instantaneous. A quick scan of my forms, a quick scan of my books, and we're moving on. Signature Series, however, was a different story. My forms were filled out, my books were all window-bagged for convenience, but the furor surrounding such big names as George Perez, Neal Adams, and Mark Bagley coupled with Sal Buscema's rare signing opportunity made the CGC table quite busy indeed. At one point I saw three people trying to hurriedly fill out forms for their Peter Parker: the Spectacular Spider-Man #1s at the same time. Mental note to check eBay for PPtSSM sig series in a few weeks.

 

As stated, I only had five books I wanted signed and slabbed: Strangers in Paradise #1 and #3 from the Abstract Studios run for Terry Moore, Uncle Scrooge #219 and #285 for the great Don Rosa, and a Justice League America #1 to be hopefully triple-signed by Kevin Maguire, Keith Giffen, and J.M. DeMatteis. Because my creators were relatively low-wait, I got bumped a few times by mobs headed to one of the bigger creators with mountains of books. When I finally did get a witness, I sped through the process in part because I had a map of the convention floor with my creators' tables marked. Another guy was with us, who had no idea where his creator was located. My map and program got us there right away. Important lesson for signings: Failure to plan is planning to fail, or for those who prefer alliteration, proper prior planning prevents poor performance. The only real holdup was in Don Rosa's line, because he was happily providing sketches for any and all who came by. I enjoyed being there and watching him at work, but I know there were people at the CGC table waiting for my witness to get back there. I regret the inconvenience to all who were delayed, but I must admire Mr Rosa's appreciation of his fan base. I was finished with all my CGC work at 12:52 according to my text message log, almost exactly two hours. It was time for lunch and a break after three hours on my feet, counting the walk from the hotel. The first day at the con ended for me with the Fables panel from 3-5 pm. The Fables panel was enlightening and entertaining; I wholeheartedly recommend sitting in on this one if you have even a passing interest in the current Vertigo flagship.

 

All essential tasks were complete, and we still had all day Sunday to mill around. I'll conclude with a photo of Don Rosa sketching.

 

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[bagofleas]

I absolutely agree with you, Garlanda!

 

I too was at Baltimore along with my newly acquired big brother, Tnerb. I have done a few con's now where getting books signed for CGCing has been the focus and I have learned that good preparation saves A BOATLOAD of time!!!!

 

This show was my biggest one yet in terms of sheer numbers. I had exactly 80 issues to be signed by 12 different creators in Baltimore and unlike the previous cons I have attended, Baltimore was a much bigger crowd.

 

The only reason I got it all done was with TNerbs help and with massive preparation. I had all of the comics window boxed and ready. I had all of the CCS and CGC forms printed and filled out. Tnerb provided me with a cart for hauling everything around the show floor. Plus having done these events before, I knew what to expect and how to go with the flow as far as CGCs organization of everything went.

 

It was full speed ahead during the whole show, with the first day taking until about six fifteen until I was done with what I could do, and Sunday took until about four o clock, but I was able to get it all done.

 

If I hadn't prepped everything like I did, and Tnerb hadn' t been there to help, there was no way I would have accomplished it all.

 

I'm glad you also got what you wanted done and it's too bad we didn't know ahead of time or we could have met up with you. I love actually meeting fellow registered CGC collectors.

 

Congrats , and may all your comics come back with the grades you desire!!!

 

[wardevil0]

I saw on the journals that several people I read regularly would be at Baltimore, but I wanted to get some journals of my own in and establish a bit of a presence before throwing myself out there. This way, at least, others will have a little better idea of who this guy is. I mean, anybody who got hooked into comics by second-hand New Mutants must be good people, but how do you know that until I post it?