Cosplayers Go Digital at The 2011 Baltimore Comic Convention

Well we’ve finally managed to unpack and get settled down after a great 2011 Baltimore Comic Con. What a weekend! With three times the turn out of  the previous year BCC proved that the comic book community is alive and well. Of course having such a great focus on comics and creators rather than the latest Hollywood Blockbusters and video games certainly helped. Baltimore provided fans with a chance to really talk with some of their favorite writers and artists making the weekend a wild success for all in attendance.

Of course these days no Comic-Con is complete without Cosplayers, and Baltimore had plenty, not only were costumed fans out in full force on both Saturday and Sunday but many were also stoked to “Go Digital” and get their pic snapped inside of our giant iOS device. Check out some of the fine costumed Cosplayers over on our Facebook Page, representing the characters we all love on the apps you just can’t get enough of.

comiXology Takes Baltimore 2011

All roads led to Baltimore Maryland this past weekend for the 12th annual Baltimore Comic Convention and 24th annual Harvey Awards where fans, creators, and retailers alike got to come together and talk comics! Of course comiXology was there to show off some of the coolest Digital Comics apps around while also giving a select few attendees a sneak peak at some of the super cool stuff currently in the works. Breaking a new record for attendance this past weekend The Baltimore Comic Con proved that the comics community is alive and well, proving that in Baltimore comics take the center stage on much more than just the bookshelf.

A Night at The Harvey’s

After an all epic road trip down from comiXology HQ on Friday, Saturday proved to be a great first day and excellent opportunity to meet with fans and gather feedback on the comic apps you’ve come to love. In the evening, The Harvey Awards were held and comiXology co-founder John D. Roberts was on hand to present the awards for Best Syndicated Strip or Panel and Best Online Comics Work with Stan Lee himself in attendance as The Guest of Honor and recipient of The Lifetime Achievement Award. Congratulations go out to all the nominees and winners many of whom have there work available on comiXology right now!

Going Digital: Day & Date And What you Need to Know

On Sunday the rain came down but the spirits kept up as comiXology played host to the Going Digital: Day & Date And What you Need to Know Panel, where some of the biggest names in comics got to talk about their experiences with Digital Comics and shed some light on some of the things to come. Panelists included: Jeff Smith, Jimmy Palmiotti, Nick Spencer, David Gallaher, Steve Ellis, Scott Snyder and Scott Tuft, with John D. Roberts as Moderator, an epic line up to be sure. Questions were answered, cool things were hinted at and fun was had by all, a big thanks goes out the Panelists as well as the fans who packed Room 303 on Sunday.

All in all the weekend was a huge success, the booth was rocking with Digital Comics and plenty of great discussions, a few lucky fans walked away with t-shirts and comics and some even got featured in our oversized iPhone, we’ll have the pictures up throughout the week, so keep and eye out for more to come and maybe even some info on where we are going to turn up next!

The Eisner’s on comiXology: Best New Series: American Vampire

Vampires aren’t anything new. So how did Scott Snyder’s American Vampire take home the Eisner for Best New Series this year? Easy, It’s awesome!

Skinner Sweet doesn’t Sparkle, (he does however look pretty darn good on a high-rez digital device) he kicks ass, takes names and chews peppermint as the first of a new breed of Vampire ready to reap vengeance upon his foes. Pearl is a down home girl with starry-eyed ambition in the grueling terrifying world of 1920′s Hollywood.

Their story is gory, tragic, and strikingly beautiful thanks to the stunning visuals of Rafael Albuquerque a former Eisner runner up for his work on the 24Seven anthology. Of course having Stephen King share some of the writing duties early on certainly helps, yet as this series hits it’s stride the plot twists, character development and genuine story elements scream original Snyder and rightfully so.

This is a series for fans of Vampires, not necessarily the current pop culture creatures that unfortunately just don’t know when to die, but rather the blood curdling killing machines of old, that didn’t just strike a cord with horror fans a century ago, they ripped it out, chewed up and swallowed them whole.

You can pick up the first 5 issues of the series on comiXology along with Day and Date issues of the mini series spin-off American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest.

American Vampire proved itself as fresh blood this past year and we can’t wait to see what happens next.

Download Dave Elliott’s Sharky and Help out The Hero Initiative

Where would comics be with out heroes? They don’t all have to wear capes, carry magic weapons, or use super cool mutant powers but without them comics wouldn’t be what they are today. Then there are the other hero’s the ones working behind the scenes, the pencil jocks who labor tirelessly to produce outstanding material for often times very little profit. There was even a time in comics when health insurance  was a premium, and for a whole generation of legendary cartoonists and comic book creators some could even say it still is.

Even heroes need help sometimes and that’s where The Hero Initiative comes in. An organization intent on helping professional comic creators get the benefits they deserve when they need them the most. A not-for-profit organization, The Hero Initiative raises money year round through auctions, events and of course comics.

This week comiXology is excited to announce that from now until NYCC, all proceeds from Dave Elliott’s classic indie comic Sharky will go directly to the Hero Initiative. Help support independent comic creators everywhere!

Veteran comics creator and publisher Dave Elliott is launching a web comic version of his book Sharky. Image Comics originally published Sharky as a four-issue mini-series in 1998, written by Elliott with art by Alex Horley. The comic guest-stars a “who’s who” of independent comics’ greatest characters: Erik Larsen’s Savage Dragon; Harris Comics’ Vampirella; Mike Allred’s Madman; Dark Horse’s The Mask; Evan Dorkin’s Milk and Cheese; Michael T. Gilbert’s Mr. Monster; Joe Quesada and Jimmy Palmiotti’s Ash; Keith Giffen’s Trencher; and Al Gordon and Jerry Ordway’s Wildstar.

Download Sharky issues #1 and #2 today to help a great cause and read some great comics.

The Eisner’s on comiXology: Read Return of the Dapper Men

Another year of Eisner awards has come and gone. Last week many great creators and professionals across the industry came together to celebrate and recognize the best of the best in comics and graphic novels at the San Diego Comic Con. With many of the winning books apart of the comiXology library there has never been a been a better time to check out these award winning books. In honor of the Eisners this week we’re enlisting the help of our out of this world summer intern to take a closer look at the books that took this year’s Eisners by storm.

First up is Archaia’s Return of Dapper Men by Jim McCann and Janet K. Lee. It won the Eisner for best Graphic Album. Check out the review below:

By: Chanelle Reyes

This is a book to be prized by anyone who understands how to take the second star to the right, and while you may see bits from classic fairy tales such as Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Willy Wonka and others right from the beginning of the world of Anorev, Return of The Dapper Men takes its own unique course in the way it hits so close to the real world yet still has that imaginative spark. This book has taught me a valuable lesson after an afternoon of slowly taking in all of the colorful illustration work by Janet K. Lee and lyrical expression by each individual character. It’s taught me to keep moving forward no matter how scared I am of change. It isn’t hard for children to understand, yet it isn’t so childish that adults will become bored with it.

Time had left Anorev for years to the point where children and machines did not know “Which was work nor what was play.” Memories became useless because there would never be yesterdays nor tomorrows. Dreaming was a lost word for there would never be night but only day, and children and machines were forever separated when one day long ago they were joined.

Only the innocence of friendship of a human named Ayden, a boy with many questions, and a robot named Zoe, a machine with few words, would change how their world continued when 314 Dapper Men fell from the sky. The relationship between these two characters was both mesmerizing and enjoyable to see as they struggle through their questions and fears about their destinies. #41 of the Dapper Men acts as the helping hand for Ayden to mature, answering his questions, but always in a witty response.

Within moments you find yourself connecting with the characters as they begin to witness a sunset and bedtime and fear of what is “tomorrow”. To read Return of The Dapper Men is not only diving into a world of mysteries, but finding the mystery within our own world. I have always wondered what the world would be like if there was no time, and for me #41 has answered this question, but if you want you want to know what he has to say, you’re just going to have to download the book to find out.

Be sure to check back here at the blog as we continue to look at some of the great digital comics that swept this years Eisner awards as the week continues. Until then check out  the FREE preivew of Jim McCann’s and Janet K. Lee’s Return of the Dapper Men on comiXology. Then pick up the entire 129 page Graphic Novel from Archaia for only $9.99.

Going Digital at SDCC 2011

So the biggest con of the year is once again upon us! This year’s San Diego Comic Con is gearing up with some great panels and events all weekend long. It’s no secret that 2011 has been a big year for digital comics (And it’s not over yet!) with this year’s SDCC catering more than ever to creators and fans alike when it comes to the world of digital comics and beyond. Of course with so much to see and do this year those in attendance may easily find themselves at a loss. Luckily comiXology is here with a quick to all things Digital at SDCC, so you don’t have to miss out on the big announcements that everyone will be talking about:

Thursday the 21st (11:00-2:00) Marvel Digital: What’s Next?! Comics…and Beyond!—
Members of the Marvel Digital Media Group give you the first word on Marvel digital comics, casual games, original streaming video productions, social media outreach, and the future of Marvel’s ever-expanding digital endeavors. Room 7AB

Saturday 23rd (2:30-3:30) Digital Disruption: Comics, Webcomics, and the Business Model of the Future—
The explosion of online digital distribution — not all of it authorized — has created both challenges and opportunities for comics creators and publishers. What is the business model of the future? What can we learn from the webcomics movement? How have other media created innovative money-making solutions for creators? Comics industry legend Mark Waid (Daredevil) and webcomics pioneer Scott Kurtz (PvP) conduct a no-holds-barred discussion on competing with “free,” confronting the torrents, and bringing marketable value to the comics audience today. Moderated by Bruce Lidl (PeerPress.net). Room 8

Saturday 23rd (4:00-5:00) IDW Digital—
The IDW digital team lives on the bleeding edge where creativity meets technology. From iPads to phones to game devices to TVs, each platform brings something different to the digital comics experience. And what about original digital comics? Learn all from IDW’s director of ePublishing Jeff Webber, iVerse CEO Michael Murphey, andDr. Who writer Tony Lee, along with special announcements and surprise guests! Room 9

Saturday 23rd (5:00-6:00) comiXology, Creators, and Retailers: How Digital Empowers All Players—
A traditionally fragmented market, the comic book industry has come a long way in terms of closing the gap between publishers, retailers, and creators. comiXology’s recently announced Digital Storefront Affiliate program has further catapulted the industry into transition by empowering publishers and retailers to strengthen synergies and tap into the vibrant digital marketplace to sell more comics. On the verge of another breakthrough within the industry, creators and independent publishers will soon be able to increase visibility in the digital marketplace through a standard format and ubiquitous platform using comiXology’s Guided View Authoring Tools. Learn more with David Steinberger (CEO of comiXology), P. J. Bickett(CEO of Archaia), Riley Brown (comic artist), and more to gain an inside perspective on how our recent programs are empowering and unifying the comic book industry to leverage the full the power of the digital marketplace. Room 4

Saturday 23 6:30-7:30 Dawn of the Digital Era—
Join Thomas Jane (Hung, The Punisher, RawStudios.com) in person with industry stars Tim Bradstreet(The Punisher), Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex, Painkiller Jane), David Uslan(Graphicly.com, Branded Entertainment), and Pepe Moreno (Batman Digital Justice, Rebel, Amusedom.com) to discuss the rapidly emerging digital distribution platform of comics! They’ll provide an in-depth look at the creative and business aspects of the digital medium, aiming to demystify the taboos associated with digital comics and demonstrate how they can be more accessible for consumers and profitable for artists. You will learn how it all works together: from social media marketing to worldwide simultaneous distribution on multiple devices. With a moderator like Geoff Boucher (LA Times Hero Complex), this will be a panel you won’t want to miss! Room 8

Whether your looking for the latest news on digital comics or big time announcements from your favorite publishers This year’s SDCC is the place to be. For more on all the great panels going on all weekend long be sure to check the official San Diego Comic Con website.

NYCC redux

A year and a half in the making, New York Comic Con 2010 was a great success. San Diego-like crowds on Saturday were insane, and our schedule of panels kept us hopping, for sure.

First, John and I would like to thank our incredible employees for manning the booth. You were amazing!

We did three big things at the con:

Jim Lee painted iPad

1) We gave away the Jim Lee painted iPad. Wow, we were sorry to see that go!

2) We launched all 40 Farscape comics from BOOM! Studios in the BOOM! Studios App. Fantastic stuff. Go get them!

3) We previewed our internal “authoring” tools at our creator self-promotion panel, which gave everyone a taste for the tools creators will get to eventually use to get their comics onto our platform.

We met a bunch of great retailers, had some super debates in the Scott Kurtz and Vision Machine panels, and I got to shake hands with Stan Lee at the MTV Geek Panel. Comic nerd heaven!

Congratulations to ReedPOP on a great show. We look forward to next year!

Here are some photos of NYCC:

David with Stan Lee!

The pictures below are curtesy of Nate Tubbs, aka Sciencenate

Greg with his Green Lantern ring

Comixology booth

John with Nate Tubbs

Nate and David

Matt Petz singing at comixology booth

Dr. Doom and the Red Hood at the comiXology booth

Get in on all the action with comiXology at NYCC

Jim Lee painted iPad for raffle at NYCC!

comiXology CTO and co-founder John D. Roberts Speaking Engagements:

Booth signings:

The Mad Magazine awards

Sorry, I mean the Harvey awards, named after Harvey Kurtzman, creator of Mad Magazine.  Though…it might be a more apt description of the events that unfolded.

I have a sad self-truth to admit:  despite whatever claims of mega-nerdiness I claim to subscribe to, I’ve only been to 2 cons in my entire life.  Three, if you count the time I went but couldn’t get into NYCC and woefully walked home in my green Robin hot pants.

The cons I went to were giant productions, crammed to the gills with geeks, so when we arrived at Baltimore con and found something more intimate, I was very pleasantly surprised.  All of the fans were exceedingly nice (and well dressed!), books were cheap, and you got lots of face time with creators.  All the while, though while I am always first and foremost a professional, I excel in the art of girly giddiness when I’m around said creators (even when I’ve already talked to them for our highly entertaining podcast).

Embarrassments aside, after the con finished, we attended a very drama filled Harvey Awards.  The theme that was supposed to have come across was that digital was good (!) and that creators had nothing to worry about in terms of pirating and their monies (Euros, dollars, rupees, gold pieces, etc).  However, I couldn’t help but get the distinction that I was actually attending another person’s family reunion.  Everyone knew eachother, and each of the individual families were getting along just fine.  But there was the occasional crazy sommersaulting uncle (I’m looking at you Bryan Glass), the sincere aunt, and then grandpapa telling your uncle how much of a screw up he is and how he’s about to take him out back for a beat down.

Oh, and there were awards.

My exaggerations may sound just like that – exaggerations – but I assure you they are spot on.  But seriously, someone should write a comic about the Harvey awards…and if that won a Harvey award, would that be a paradox?

Baltimore Comic Con 2010

We had a great time at the Baltimore Con again this year. It was great to have guests again at the Harvey Awards show, and to have a booth for the first time in Baltimore. The crowd for our panel was great, too.

Some photos: