Want a FREE SKETCH CARD?

Had an awesome time a few weeks ago at the “First King-Sized Annual ComiCONN” in North Haven, MA.  Show organizers Erik and Mitch put together a solid, fan-focused show, and were incredibly creator friendly.  Once again, I did a solid number of free sketch cards for attendees, as well as some original art commissions.  With a guest from Star Wars in attendance, there was a strong presence from Star Wars fans.  So naturally, I got my Jedi on and knocked out a Vader, Chewie, Yoda, Leia, and a number of Darth Maul sketches during the event.

Sales were good and attendance was steady throughout the day.  I had a number of great conversations with comic fans, and even saw some familiar faces from previous conventions.  I also had a chance to chat with some pros, including Ron Marz (Witchblade, Angelus, Artifacts from Top Cow) and DC’s Jamal Igle (Supergirl, War of the Supermen) as well as up and coming artist Cesar Feliciano and the Luke Foster of the webcomic Moon Freight 3.  Great guys and all super talented.

If you weren’t there, well, here’s a glimpse at what you missed!

Want to catch me at the next convention?  Here’s where I’ll be next:

• THIS WEEKEND! Seacoast Collectible Show, June 6, 2010, Hampton, NH 9 am- 2 pm
  

• New England Small Press Assembly July 18, 2010  Warwick, RI

• Baltimore Comic-Con August 28-29, 2010 Baltimore, MD
  

I finally have a minute to share what an absolute BLAST I had at Larry’s Comics in Lowell, MA last week for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY.

Larry was nice enough to provide me with a table to display my wares and do free sketchcards for his patrons.  I decided to limit my product offerings for this event, figuring I wouldn’t have the space I’d have at a large convention.  Turned out this strategy worked out just fine for me.  Everyone who wanted a sketch card of their favorite character got one, and I was able to expose plenty of new readers to Tears of the Dragon.  I had copies of the standard edition of the book (which sold out) as well as the Artist’s Edition, which also sold well. I even moved a few of my sketchbooks and some original sketches, in addition to the 40 or so free sketchcards I gave out.

Exhibiting next to me was local artist and Zombie Bomb architect Adam Miller.  Zombie Bomb was the HOT book at the Boston Comic Con earlier this spring, selling out completely on Saturday.  Zombie Bomb is an anthology series full of zombie stories by literally dozens of creators.  Adam knocked out a Larry’s Exclusive Zombie Bomb cover just in time for the NBA playoffs.  (See the Zombified Version of “The Big Three” above.)  Adam’s a nice guy, talented artist, and it was awesome to see him move a lot of books at Larry’s.

Also at Larry’s this year were the super talented dudes from Th3rd Wold Studios, the guys behind “The Stuff of Legend.“  In attendance, illustrator Charles Wilson III and publisher Mike DeVito. I can’t stop talking about this book…it’s THAT good.  (Read my review here.)  CP Wilson did a ton of amazing sketches and it was great to see them connect with the fans.  I have no doubt this book is going to be a classic.

One of the great things about Free Comic Book Day is that it gets a ton of people out and into comics stores who wouldn’t normally be there.  (Not these girls above, of course…Requesting sketches of She-Hulk, Green Lantern and The Joker, clearly they know their comics.)  But I talked to plenty of “first timers” who came through the doors and walked out with some great comics in hand.

A big thanks to Larry and the rest of his staff for throwing such a great event.  He really rolled out the red carpet for us creators.  He even took the time to give me some feedback on EPIC, which I’ll be starting to promote this month and is gearing up to make a huge splash later this summer.  Sales-wise, I did about as well as I’ve done at some large conventions last year, so it was certainly well worth my time.  And the opportunity to interact with local comics fans…well, you just can’t beat it.

Can’t wait until next year!

]]> http://www.tylerjamescomics.com/2010/05/free-comic-book-day-2010-larrys-comics/feed/ 0 http://www.tylerjamescomics.com/2010/04/boston-comic-con-2010-recap/ http://www.tylerjamescomics.com/2010/04/boston-comic-con-2010-recap/#comments Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:57:08 +0000 Tyler James http://www.tylerjamescomics.com/?p=799 What a show!

I did this special Silver Surfer cover recreation for Dan D. and his girlfriend. They loved it.

The Boston Comic-Con, which for all intents and purposes is my local show, has steadily grown each year. But the 2010 show set a new bar. With a new location, bigger showroom, and an incredible guest list headlined by JIM LEE, It’s not surprising the show reached capacity at one point Saturday, and the fire marshals had to stop people from coming.

For me, the show kicked major butt. I had done a lot of prepping for the show, undertaking on a massive pre-order campaign which saw me do over 100 pieces of original art for the show. I stepped up my table set up once again (view video of my set up here.)  Saturday, I was sketching pretty much the entire show, and moved a lot of books.  And the Spider-man @ Fenway print sold like hotcakes.  In fact, by the end of Day 1, I had already had my most successful con, more than doubling sales from last year’s Boston Comic Con.  (For a glimpse at Day 1, check out this video.)

Day 2 of the show was a lot more of the same.  While the crowds weren’t quite as big, they were definitely steady.  Tears of the Dragon made its convention debut , and I was quite pleased with how that book sold.  Most of the rest of the sketches and sketch cards I did pre-show were picked up, and I had a chance to have some great discussions with some fans.

Special thanks to Eric Ratcliffe from Comic Related, who manned my booth from time to time Sunday, giving me a chance to stretch my legs a bit.

For a video look at Day 2, check out this video.

I will definitely be back again next year.  I hope the show keeps growing.

Here are a few more pics.  To see all of the pics I took, check out my Facebook photo album.  And while you’re there, make sure to check out the album of sketch cards I’ve done this year.

Look for this banner!

That’s right, this year’s Boston Comic Con, the biggest and best comics show in Boston in years is finally here.  The show is at the Westin Boston Waterfront on Saturday and Sunday April 10-11 from 10am to 5pm each day.

For me, this is the official kick-off to convention season.  I’ve been prepping for the show for months!  I’m launching a new book at the show and have done more than 75 pieces of original art, free sketch cards, and commissions.

If you’re looking for me at the show,  I’ll be in artist’s alley.  This is going to be a packed show, so to find me, keep an eye out for my convention banner.  My table will also be sporting a brand new red table cloth, which will hopefully help me stand out a bit from the crowd.

If you’ve put in a sketch request, just stop by and say hi.  It should be ready for you to pick up.  In addition to original art, I’ll also have the following products available for sale.  I hope you’ll check them out!

Boston Comic Con Exclusive! Spidey at Fenway Print

Especially designed for this show, this year’s limited edition 11 x 17 full color print features everyone’s favorite webslinger doing his thing in Beantown for a change.

Supplies will be limited, so one early!

Making its Convention Debut! Tears of the Dragon #1

Tears of the Dragon tells the story of a well-traveled Old Manand his two young grandchildren, who are taking a long journey to the homeland of the old man’s beloved and children’s grandmother, the Kingdom of Vapolany. To pass the time, the children request a story. Young Callum wants to hear one of the old man’s legendary war stories, while little Cayla would prefer a love story. They’ll both get their wish, as the old man spins a grand tale of swords and sorcery, dragons and demons, revenge, regret and redemption, and above all…love.

Tears of the Dragon is a fantasy comic written by Tyler James, drawn by Koko Amboro and colored by Paul Little.

Also Available! Tears of the Dragon #1- Artist’s Edition

The one-of-a-kind Artist’s edition to the first chapter of Tears of the Dragon!

• A signed, numbered edition, limited to 100 copies!
• Original , one-of-a-kind dragon sketch cover drawn by Tyler James!
• Full Color!
• Cardstock cover!

Readers favorite! Over #1 – Standard and Artist’s Edition

After being dumped by the woman he planned to spend the rest of his life with, indy comic book creator Felix Hughes makes a graphic novel recounting every painful detail of the failed relationship. Convinced he’s written a work of romantic brilliance, Felix is shocked when his publisher trashes it- literally. And when his ex discovers the graphic novel, things go from bad to worse.

Collects the first act of “Over” the romantic comedy online graphic novel by Tyler James.

Get a Sampler of my best work! Tyler James Comics Presents Vol. 1

Pick up a great sample of my comics, featuring collaborations with up-and-coming comic talent.  This full-color book features three stories written by me and drawn by outstanding artists from around the world.

Stories Included:

• ICE: Interrogation Control Element(Art by Damian Couceiro)
• Tears of the Dragon (Art by Koko Amboro)
• CounterTERROR (Art by Stefano Cardoselli)

And much more…

See you at the show!

Would you like a FREE SKETCH CARD?

ComiCONN 2010 has invited me as a guest for their 1st annual super-sized show on May 15, 2010!  Looks like my convention schedule is expanding.  Should be a fun show, and of course, I’ll be doing a free sketch promotion, and hopefully debuting a new book or two.

If you’re in New England, I hope to see you there!

It’s never too early to plan, therefore I’m announcing my initial convention appearances for 2010 now! Today I’m announcing four major shows I’ll be attending in the new year.

First up will be the Boston Comic Con.  The Boston show, a local one for me, has always been a successful one for me in the past.  This spring’s Boston show should be the biggest ever, featuring a brand new location and an expanded guest list.  Two words…Jim Lee.

I’m also announcing two major summer shows.  The New England Small Press Assembly in Warwick, RI is a no-brainer.  I’ve heard good things about this indy-friendly show, and look forward to checking it out.  And then, once again, I’ll return to the New York Comic Con (just 300 days away, their website assures me.)  This time, I’m looking to have a spot in artists alley, and hope to debut the Over graphic novel at that show.

And finally, next fall, I’ll be returning to the Baltimore Comic-Con.  I had such a great time at this show last year, that I’d be a fool not to return.

So there it is.  Hope to see many of you at one of these shows.  I’ll also be looking to add additional shows to my schedule where time and cashola permit.

UPDATE:

I’ll also be attending the first annual ComicCONN this year (May 15, North Haven, CT.)  The organizers have been nice enough to invite me as a featured guest.  I’m donating art to their raffle, and much looking forward to the show.