C2E2 2019: A SMASH-TASTIC Event!

I recently attended C2E2 and thankfully it turned out to be a much better visit then the previous year. I met some great (and legendary) artists and writers. I acquired some new Hulk swag for my collection. And I have the blisters to prove how much fun I had.

Jason Aaron and Marc Silvestri were in attendance. So of course I had to have them sign my copies of Incredible Hulk (vol.3) # 1 and 3 (I wasn’t a fan of the cover on issue #2). The cover on issue #3 has been a favorite of mine for a long time. The story was a bit rough around the edges for me, but I still enjoyed the idea of Bruce turning into a Dr. Moreau and the Hulk needing to stop him.

Ed McGuinness was again available this year. So I was focused on getting a graded signature from him. I managed to have him sign my copy of Hulk #30 (the compound Hulk issue) and his She-Hulk (181 homage) variant cover. In addition, I found he was selling an original splash page from Hulk #30 showing the entrance of Xemnu! Yes, it wasn’t exactly the Hulk, but it has the Red Hulk along the top.

And some of you may or may not know that Xemnu was the first Marvel character to have the name ‘Hulk’. So its a unique addition to my collection that expands on the history of the name, if not the character himself. In any case, I was just excited to own an original panel. The page was penciled by McGuiness and inked by Dexter Vines (sadly he cancelled at the last minute).

And last, but certainly not least – I got up early and waited in line three hours to meet the legendary George Perez (co-creator of The Maestro)!  I requested signatures on my hardcover copy of Hulk: The End (which features the Future Imperfect story line) and my copy of The Incredible Hulk: What Savage Beast (as he did the illustrations for the book).

I also snagged a selfie with the guy – such a nice man. I feel so incredibly lucky to have met him. This is his last year attending conventions, as he is retiring. So this was it or nothing!

In addition I snagged a couple rarer Hulk comics: a Fantastic Four variant exclusive to certain conventions and Incredible Hulk #166 (first appearance of Zzaxx).

All in all an amazing and productive weekend! Cannot wait till next year!

 

Book Review: What Savage Beast

Though the Hulk was born of the comics and continues to rampage within the Marvel cinematic universe, he does on occasion make it into the world of novels.

One such novel is ‘What Savage Beast’ by Peter David. In case you don’t recognize that name Peter David is an award winning writer who worked on the Incredible Hulk over the course of 13 years. Many would argue his stories infused the Hulk with new life and breadth. There is probably not a single Hulk fan who doesn’t have at least one favorite comic written by this man. Much of what the Hulk is today is influenced by Peter David.

That being said it’s not a surprise that Marvel commissioned him to write a novel based on the Hulk. More specifically a story based around arguably Peter David’s lasting contribution to the Hulk, his future. I won’t go into too much detail except to say a fair bit of the story revolves around the events that occurred during the ‘Future Imperfect’ story line. This includes an old nemesis with a beard. I’m sure you can guess who at this point.

The story tackles a number of subjects including family relationships, friendships, and doing what is right in the face of cold logic and deep hate. David brings is many various incarnations of the Hulk so don’t be surprised to see some old favorites. Not to mention Hulk will re-visit some iconic locations. The ending was a bit anti-climatic for me, but of course it couldn’t exactly end on a happy ending. This is the Hulk we are talking about.

Don’t think this story is for kids. The story does explore some deep issues and in some cases very disturbing ones. David is an amazing writer and he doesn’t hold back here. This book is in many ways his love letter to the Hulk, and to the fans. If you are a Hulk fan I truly doubt you will go away from this disappointed. However, if you are a newer fan you may find yourself a bit lost in what is occurring. If you are in this situation I suggest you at least read ‘Future Imperfect’ beforehand.

Another little treat is that despite the book’s cover (which I really hate) each chapter is prefaced by an illustration by George Perez. Perez is a legendary Marvel and DC artist who also just so happened to do the art for ‘Future Imperfect’ along with David. I truly believe the book would have done better had Perez done the cover. The one used makes Hulk look kinda goofy.

Overall I truly enjoyed this book and I think any Hulk fan will as well. New fans may have to brush up a bit, but it’s still a fun ride. The ending is a bit weak, but the rest of the story is strong. Very strong. And green.

Get Smashed!

Indiana Comic Con 2016

From April 29 to May 1st, 2016  Indiana Comic Con was in full swing. I typically only attended conferences in the Chicago Land area (notably C2E2 and Wizard World). Well this year I was able to visit Indianapolis to take part in how they handle geekdom in Indiana.

Right off the bat I should mention the convention center is smaller then what I am used to in Chicago. I would say the convention was about 1/3 the size of C2E2. Half of it was artist alley and the other half was primarily comic dealers with other assorted shops in-between.

But I did not come here for shopping. I came to meet and get autographs from some legendary artists. The first being George Perez. His work spanning both DC and Marvel in various books including Hulk, Wonder Woman, and The Avengers to name a few. His specific contributions to Hulk is his collaboration with Peter David on the Future Imperfect story line. Perez did the art for the comic. He also did illustrations for the novel ‘What Savage Beast’ written by Peter David (I highly recommend this book by the way). I was able to secure a signature for both copies of Part 1 and 2 of Future Imperfect. They were sent out to also be co-signed by Peter David. So if all goes well I will be the proud owner of Future Imperfect signed by both creators.

The second artist I was interested in was Bernie Wrightson. Though admittedly he did not do much regarding the Hulk. He is responsible for the cover for Incredible Hulk #197 and he did do the art for a Hulk Vs Thing graphic novel #29. I was there more for my interest in his Frankenstein work.

In addition to these I planned to submit a comic to a CGC partner to attain a Stan Lee signature. I had a comic in mind, but then a miracle happened. While going through each of the comic vendors at the show I noticed a lot of interesting comics. But nothing truly amazing within my price range. I decided to check out one last vendor, just about to give up, and I discovered a gem. I located an Incredible Hulk #105! An early issue from the series rebooted years after the initial release was cancelled. I always loved the cover. I even own a canvas print I have hung in my room. Not only was it rare, it was only $17! Yes, the comic was a bit beaten up, but for that price (when most places online were asking easily $50) I couldn’t walk away. So I bought it!

I then had to decide which I would send out to get signed. That is until I looked at the first page of the comic and noticed who the editor was. My decision was made then and there. So the comic is now set to be signed by Stan (the man) Lee at the convention in Florida.

I will not see my comics for quite some time, but I am excited. I wish I could’ve attended to see Stan Lee or Peter David in person. But time and money being what it is this is the best I could do. I am happy I got to meet Stan Lee briefly a couple years back. And hopefully Peter David will return to Chicago in the future. I have plenty more comics he can sign for me.

 

In the meantime I shall wait patiently for an amazing day when my comics shall return.

Get smashed!

The ads in this comic, being from 1968, were very interesting. Especially this ad offering autographed photos of Stan Lee for only a $1.00