DiceX's Dallas Report!

[DiceX]

This being the first BIG convention I’ve ever attended, I can’t make a comparison to anything else, so bear with me as I tell the tale of my experience at Wizard World Dallas.

 

Friday: I was helping my friend Darin with his booth, so I had an exhibitor pass. Not having to wait in line to get it was a definite plus. I started the day by making a quick walk through and getting a feel for where everything was located.

I made a quick run through “Artist’s Row” and asked Tim Vigil to do me a Ghost Rider sketch.

My next stop was “Comicage.com”, which was just across from where Darin’s booth was. He had a large floor area with tables and long boxes filling it…and TONS of books to look through. Two guys were working the floor, with the “50% off” line. I start looking through House of Mystery and House of Secrets and find a few worth picking up. The pickin’s were pretty slim in those titles. I tried Unexpected and Witching Hour to get the same results. A few keepers, but the rest were bleh. Then I look through the Ghosts. OH…MY…GOD! He had what would be the better part of a full run. Most of them looked to be pretty damn nice, so I started pulling books. I ended up with a stack of about 30 books. This being the first stop on the first day, I didn’t go through the rest of the Ghosts, and figured I’d come back after I’ve scouted out the other dealers.

I talked with the guys who were doing the selling, and found them both to be quite pleasant and helpful. I appreciate sellers who will go the extra mile to be friendly to their customers, and told them I would definitely be back.

 

I went through the same titles at several other dealers. I’d find a cherry here, and a cherry there. Everything was overpriced, but most dealers had the customary “50% off”, while others could be bartered to get a more realistic price.

I realized quickly that “50% off” means they have their books marked at about 3 times guide, so it looks like they are giving them away. The guys at Comicage seemed to be the exception to the rule. Their prices were marked closer to guide price than most of the others. Regardless, it troubled me to think that the average person was so stupid to fall for this, because there was FAR more traffic at the tables with the "50% off" signs.

 

At times through the day, I’d watch Darin’s shop so he could get coffee and take a whiz.

During one of those times, PageFlipper (Jack) stopped by the table, and visited for a while. Jack was the first forum member I met, and was a heck of a nice guy. I found out he lived in Tulsa, so I gave him a suggestion on a comic shop for him to visit.

 

The day was winding down, so I stopped by Mr. Vigil’s table to find this waiting for me…

 

Saturday: This was the day from hell. So many people. It was not the day for getting sketches done. So I just figured I lost the chance I had on Friday, and focused on finding comics.

I made a quick run through the rest of the dealers, and made notes of the books they had, so I could figure my game plan and go back to buy.

I looked through Harley Yee’s books to find a bunch of very nice Bronze Horrors. The problem was that Mr. Yee had the most ungodly prices I’ve ever seen in my friggin life. They started at 5 times guide and went up from there. In-Faulkin-Sane prices! I didn’t bother to ask if he would come off the prices. I would’ve loved to pick up a few books from him, but no faulkin way would I pay stupid money like that for them. I just overlooked his table for the rest of the weekend.

 

Anyway…I went back and picked up a few books here and there. I pretty much cherry picked the entire con for high grade Bronze Horror, as I seemed to be the only person buying them.

There was one dealer I missed, and I ran across him as the con was getting close to ending for the day. So I figured I would finish up at his table on Sunday.

 

After the con was closed up for the day, I went to dinner with Lighthouse, Stronguy, and his friend Lon.

We saw Liefeld having dinner in the corner, and contemplated going over and kicking his arse. Later, we saw Jim Lee walk in for a meal.

By the time I finished eating, I didn’t care to see another cow for a while. I was stuffed!

Lighthouse and Stronguy were chock full of interesting tales, and have been around the block a few times. I enjoyed listening to their tales of battles won and lost. I had a great time!

 

Sunday: Darin and I were planning on blowing the joint early so we could get home at a decent hour. We arrived at his table to find a note from Wizard about not being able to close until the convention was over, so that pretty much shot us dead in the water.

Oh well, I still had money to blow, and several more books to pick up.

 

I made the rounds of a few dealers that I wanted to give another look, and found several books I missed on the first round.

Next on the list was something for the kids. There was a lot to choose from, so I got them all some cool toys, posters, and shirts.

 

I stopped at Comicage's table to buy the rest of their Ghosts. God, what a nice run they had. The guy gives me 66% off this time since I bought so many books from them. Again...two of the most personable dealers at the convention, IMO.

 

The day was nearing an end, so I made it to the dealer from the prior day. He had some sweet books, and I ended up leaving his table with Ghosts #1 and #2, Witching Hour #2 and #38, HOS #106, a cherry copy of FF 100, among a few others.

Then I stopped at another table and picked up the ONLY copy of Tec 400 that I saw at the show.

Lucky for me, it was an extremely nice one.

 

The Dice-X-Factor: I had a great time, and picked up some incredibly nice comics. I wish there had been more of a selection of original art, but that would have cut into the comic fund.

I enjoyed getting a chance to meet a few of the forum members, and loved every minute of their company.

I just wish we had more time to visit.

 

Now time for my

The porn stars were a bit much to have them sitting where the kids walk by. If I’d brought my kids, I would have complained big time. I thought it was in very bad taste, and I wish Wizard would do something about that at future conventions.

 

Aside from a select few…comic dealers are arrogant, egotistical, unsociable [#@$%!!!]. I can’t count the times I saw someone walk up to them with extremely nice silver age keys for sale, and listen to them blow smoke up their arses about how they “didn’t really need it” but they’d do them a favor by giving them 1/100th of what it was worth. It was like watching a vampire talk a woman into bearing her neck.

Then as the person walked away, you'd hear the dealer tell their buddy or coworker how hard they stuck it to them because they fell for their line of BS.

Then, you look at their “wall books” and find mid grade books with NM prices. And the few true NM books were priced as if they were printed on 24 carat gold.

Oh…I almost forgot…They’re actually losing money because they almost give them away with the “50% off sale”.

The majority of comic dealers are worthless scum, and should be tied to a steak, their skin removed, and their flesh salted.

I can't believe some of the ruthless [#@$%!!!] I saw go on this past weekend. I've almost lost hope for humanity.

[Stronguy]

Nice write up.

 

It was nice meeting ya Dice. The next time you're in town (or I'm up your way) we'll definately have to hang out.

 

I got to agree with you. The porn chicks were a bit much. I mean just 'cus they cover up the naughty parts on their pictures with little dots doesn't mean it acceptable for viewing by everyone. I talked to a few of the artists (and their significant others) and they didn't really like it either -- Tim Vigil excluded.

 

After all was said and done Lon and I ended up with quite a few nice pieces of art.

[DiceX]

Tim Vigil excluded.

 

 

After all was said and done Lon and I ended up with quite a few nice pieces of art.

 

You must post some of them. The ones I saw were awesome!

I didn't get a chance to see what you picked up on Sunday.

[Stronguy]

Here you go... WW Dallas art

[Jayman]

Nice report!

I think we all have run into dealers (the bad ones) as you described, what makes me laugh is when you walk away from their line of BS they act as if you are passing up a deal of the century!

 

BTW: that is a KILLER sketch!

[DiceX]

I'm impressed. They're all fantastic.

You scored big time!

I wish I'd spent more time getting sketches.

That will give me something to do next year.

[Kevin Boyd]

Aside from a select few…comic dealers are arrogant, egotistical, unsociable [#@$%!!!]. I can’t count the times I saw someone walk up to them with extremely nice silver age keys for sale, and listen to them blow smoke up their arses about how they “didn’t really need it” but they’d do them a favor by giving them 1/100th of what it was worth. It was like watching a vampire talk a woman into bearing her neck.

Then as the person walked away, you'd hear the dealer tell their buddy or coworker how hard they stuck it to them because they fell for their line of BS.

Then, you look at their “wall books” and find mid grade books with NM prices. And the few true NM books were priced as if they were printed on 24 carat gold.

Oh…I almost forgot…They’re actually losing money because they almost give them away with the “50% off sale”.

The majority of comic dealers are worthless scum, and should be tied to a steak, their skin removed, and their flesh salted.

I can't believe some of the ruthless [#@$%!!!] I saw go on this past weekend. I've almost lost hope for humanity.

 

Yikes!

 

Must say I've worked the other side of the table a few times in my career and people do walk up to you with all kinds of different books for sale and sometimes you have to dash a lot of hopes and dreams, especially when people think that they have found the Ark of the Covenant in their basement (like Marvel's Raiders of the Lost Ark mini) Thankfully I don't have to make those decisions, since it's either not my table or, if it is, I don't buy because I'm just there to sell. Generally I feel bad for the people that do come in to comic book shows like WW Dallas expecting to be able to sell their comics for guide or higher, but it can be a good place for advice if you talk to the right people.

 

I realize you aren't talking about run of the mill books, but I wonder which silver age keys you are referring to? There were many dealers at that show that stake their reputations on buying (and having the books to sell), so while yes, I can certainly see SOME of the dealers at that show being like that I can't see ALL of them being like that, so while I empathize and agree that there are a lot of bad apples, not all dealers are as bad as you paint them out to be.

 

But I think it can be tough finding a good apple in the basket. That's why you should follow your physician's advice and always get a second (or third or fourth) opinion before you agree to sell.

[Kevin Boyd]

I like the Spectre that Stuart Sayger did for you! Stuart is incredibly talented and I think that with the right exposure he could be a fan favorite artist.

 

I own the original to his Dr. Doom print that he sells at shows... if I had the means to scan it I would. But it's a gorgeous illustration.

[Stronguy]

I saw the Doom print and loved it. That kid is uber talanted. I'm trying to get him hooked up with some art dealers and show promoters. Hopefully he can get some more exposure.

 

He's working on a commission for a friend of mine and I might be sending some more work his way once some of my cash frees up.

[Foolkiller]

kev:

 

I agree to some degree that not all dealers try and blow you off and lowball you -- but the reality is, many of them will roll those lines out first thing when you walk up with something in hand.

 

I'm not saying these dealers might not be very nice people, but... I've had dealings with guys like Michael Goldman, for instance, where I just was turned off. If you sticker your books at rediculous prices (as Motor City often does), then it's kind of laughable when you are telling others that their books are "not hot" books. Believe me, I'm very well aware that dealers have to be careful when buying books, and many prosepctive sellers come up with garbage they think is a gold mine... BUT I think a lot of dealers are trying to fleece people.

 

It's why I try and support a very narrow set of dealers... you develop relationships with certain ones, and hopefully you meet other honest ones.

 

In Baltimore I met a dealer from Kentucky who was a great guy, fabulous books and very fair prices and he was willing to work with you. Straight up, honest guy. Sadly, more dealers fall into the scammer category more than anything else.

[chrisco37]

Sweet stuff, Stronguy!

 

I've been meaning to get a sketch from Stuart Sayger. Love his stuff! That Spectre is nice!

[chrisco37]

I own the original to his Dr. Doom print that he sells at shows...

 

 

You are a lucky man! That piece rocks!

[DiceX]

In Baltimore I met a dealer from Kentucky who was a great guy, fabulous books and very fair prices and he was willing to work with you. Straight up, honest guy.

 

Dale Roberts?

[Kevin Boyd]

You are a lucky man! That piece rocks!

 

Tell me about it! Stuart reminds me every time I see him about how everyone loves the Doom print. Peter had second thoughts about giving it to me when it arrived at Paradise with some other commissions last winter.

 

Stuart will be at next year's Toronto Comicon. We love Stuart's work here in Toronto and he's built up a nice fan base.

[Kevin Boyd]

kev:

 

I agree to some degree that not all dealers try and blow you off and lowball you -- but the reality is, many of them will roll those lines out first thing when you walk up with something in hand.

 

I'm not saying these dealers might not be very nice people, but... I've had dealings with guys like Michael Goldman, for instance, where I just was turned off. If you sticker your books at rediculous prices (as Motor City often does), then it's kind of laughable when you are telling others that their books are "not hot" books. Believe me, I'm very well aware that dealers have to be careful when buying books, and many prosepctive sellers come up with garbage they think is a gold mine... BUT I think a lot of dealers are trying to fleece people.

 

It's why I try and support a very narrow set of dealers... you develop relationships with certain ones, and hopefully you meet other honest ones.

 

In Baltimore I met a dealer from Kentucky who was a great guy, fabulous books and very fair prices and he was willing to work with you. Straight up, honest guy. Sadly, more dealers fall into the scammer category more than anything else.

 

Brian,

 

That's exactly the ticket, talk to a lot of dealers, ask them questions and you will know pretty quickly who you will want to do business with. Sure, there are guys that will try to fleece you - generally that's why I don't sell to dealers - even the ones I consider my friends. They are there to make money, so they will make you an offer - sometimes to "fleece" you, but often it's an offer based on what they think they can make on a book and how quickly they can turn it around.

[chrisco37]

You are a lucky man! That piece rocks!

 

Tell me about it! Stuart reminds me every time I see him about how everyone loves the Doom print. Peter had second thoughts about giving it to me when it arrived at Paradise with some other commissions last winter.

 

Stuart will be at next year's Toronto Comicon. We love Stuart's work here in Toronto and he's built up a nice fan base.

 

What was the damage (if you don't mind telling )?

[Kevin Boyd]

What was the damage (if you don't mind telling )?

 

No idea. It was a thank you gift from Peter for my work on Comicon.

[Stronguy]

Is it in color like the print? What size is it?

 

Based on the quote he gave my friend to do his 11x17 commission I would guess in the $200 range. Quite affordable if you ask me.

[Kevin Boyd]

It's in black and white. He scans the black and white art and adds color on the computer for his prints.

 

Size is roughly 14" x 17". It was too wide to fit in my 12" x 18" art portfolio.

[Stronguy]

Probably in the $200-$250 range then. Still one heck of a deal.