Friday, January 20, 2012

Albuquerque Comic Con on YOUTUBE

Remember when?

Artist Alley

Anime Costume Contest

Comic Fans are Daydream Believers

Here is a video on the opening of Albuquerque Comic Con as the first guests trickle in

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Michele's memories of gum and flirtations

This is Michele Donkin. I was at the Help Stephen table I have a few great stories from Comic Con.

  • So, Brent Spiner put up a sign on his table which I have a pic of - "Questions $5 Answers $10". I so wanted a picture of the sign. I asked him if I could take just a picture of his sign. He said "sure, I could take a picture of the sign. And that would be $5 because I asked a question". My reply was "and you answered so that's another $10. Aw man!". His answer "That is correct"
  • Cody came and asked me for gum or mints. I told her I had both, which would she prefer. Cody told me that it was for Claudia Christian and she would probably prefer gum. I gave her the gum. When I was able to meet Claudia I told her how lucky I felt to be able to give her gum. She gave me the biggest hug and kiss on the cheek. Then she asked me if I wanted the gum back and I told her no. She was so incredibly delightful to meet!


  • As Brent Spiner was coming out of the green room I asked him how his day was going and we briefly chatted. Then I told him I had to confess that I had a crush on him since First Contact. He looked at me straight-faced and said "Why should you be different than anyone else?" I told him "I know, right? I just had to tell you". He then smiled and said "You and everyone else" and walked away. He was so totally awesome with a wicked sense of humor!

Stories from the Con Continued

More stories shared by Jodi
Lou "The Hulk" gave a very nice talk about his career, from start to present. He answered questions and gave very detailed answers about his journey. I am looking forward to the several movies that he has coming out soon.





I worked along side Jake Busey as he met his fans, on Friday. He was very happy to shake hands and chat with his fans. He took ALL of the questions and answered them nicely (even though some questions might not have been appropriate). He shared some personal stories with me and we got to know each other. We both live in LA, and my husband had even gone to a house party of his once. All in all, I enjoyed my time working with Jake. He signed a Starship Troopers poster for me and wished me well for my time in ABQ



I loved this photo op, so did everyone else. The young children thought it was so great to stand next to Darth Vader and have their parents take their picture. I saw the storm troopers shopping a bit later. I enjoyed hearing them talk with the vendors. What made it great was the microphone/intercom that they had to talk through. They were carrying on an everyday conversation through a speaker. I thought it was pretty funny, but maybe you just had to be there.
I had never seen a "Meanie" before. Being a collector of "beanies" in my youth, I thought these were GREAT. This one was my favorite! I know they were being offered- for a donation for the little boy with medical needs. I do hope that donation booth was a success.


I was able to sit in on Brent "Data" Spiner's panel discussion. It was very obvious that he is in the right profession. He worked the room, advertised his newest project, and never let there be a dull moment. He polled the packed room as to where to get the best New Mexican food. I think he was satisfied with the MANY answers he got. As an observer, I was happy that he took that poll. I am new to town and actually wrote down some of the most popular answers. I was most impressed with the impersonation that he does of Patrick Stewart. It was amazing!

Monday, January 16, 2012

Positive attitudes bring positive results. Take that frown and turn it upside down

Here is a funny anecdote from Jodi


She writes: "This is a little story that I think was hilarious. However, I don't know if it should be printed. I will leave it up to you. Maybe you can spin it."


I totally am posting because it is funny!!! And it also shows how we as volunteers are professionals and always have a smile. :)


On Saturday, I was asked to go to every vendor and ask if they would be willing to keep their booth open late, if there were still customers. Most vendors were very willing, saying "I will stay here till midnight if I am making money". As I approached one particular vendor, he was asleep in his chair. I decided to not disturb him and moved on. When I came back 10 minutes later he seemed to be awake. I nicely asked him my question, I was not ready for his response. He was angry and said he was not selling anything and will NOT stay later. With a smile on my face, I tried to encourage him. All I got was a lecture on insurance laws about booth rules. Of course I thought of a million things I could have said to him. "Maybe if you were awake you would have more customers. Positive attitudes bring positive results. Take that frown and turn it upside down". ECT! I hope his weekend was all that he wanted it to be.

The lights are off, the table covers gone, the displays are down, but the memories will last

Everyone, on behalf of Albuquerque Comic Con thanks for making it a huge success.  Thanks to all the volunteers who made this possible.  Thanks to all the vendors, artists, stars, caterers, cleaning staff and security!!!!

Wonder Woman had a great Birthday Party!!!!


My last day of the Con started off well.  I went around Artist Alley asking everyone to sign Phil's Card.  Gene Ha---awesome, Billy Tucci------awesome, Brian Pulido-----awesome, Frank Cho, David Mack, Andy Kuhn, William Tout, Nei Ruffino, Joseph Michael Linser---awesome, awesome, awesome, awesome, awesome, awesome, James O'Barr---crazy.

Ran the Create a Character Contest table, ran a few errands for Jake Busey. Posted pictures and blogs, and then went to lunch. 

After lunch, we pranked Sabrina.  We, with the help of Cody and Tina, got George to tell Sabrina that Max, William, and I had run up a tap of 157.82 cents.  Well, George did one better, he asked for a sales analysis and got a huge receipt.  Security was in it at that point and we went to show Cody and Tina, which at that point Sabrina walked right into the fray.  The look on her face was priceless, but then she sees me and say, "these guys? no BLEEP way.  Stop BLEEP with me."

The con was winding down at that point, I saw Brent Spiner buying some bronie ears for his kids, or so he says.  Then it came time to get our t-shirts signed.  For the most part, the celebs were cool.  I got my picture taken with Kristin Bauer, whom I told she was my favorite Vampire.  I told her I could recite my favorite Pam line, but it wasn't PG.   Claudia Christian is awesome as well, she took our pic.  She told me , "I take good pictures."

Well, I ended my day at Artist Alley. I had all the artists sign my shirt.  Gene Ha was so overwhelmed that he apologized for not doing a sketch, and I was like, I already have two autographs and two sketches.  David Mack, Joseph Michael Linser, Andy Kuhn, David Harrigan, and James O'Barr sketched something awesome on my shirt.

Jim gave me my autographed photo, everyone hugged, and then we made plans to see each other in October at Tri-Con.

And the winner is.......

Kirin, submitted by Keenan Darden, from Capitan, NM



Second Place goes to

 Aceblade, submitted by Danny Quick, Durham, NC

 Third place hasn't been awarded since no one else got votes, I will talk to Jim about how to award Third place.

Congratulations!!!!!

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Convention Friends

Day three, so far

The day has been quiet, but for a Sunday it is expected.  I got my picture taken today with Nei Ruffino, Joseph Michael Linser, and Andy Kuhn.   Also, we have gotten more votes on the create a character contest.



A message from Phil to the Con

Phil has been following us, and he messaged me on Facebook this for all the comic con,
Phil Jimenez Tell them all thank you for me, Rodney. :)

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Albuquerque Comic Convention Day 2 in review

Today I arrived about 9:30 because I had to make copies of all the entries for the contest.  To my surprise, I went over to the table where the Hero Initiative was yesterday, well it had been assigned, no one was manning it.  It was now assigned to Aaron Campbell.  I was in a panic, where was I going to "host" the contest.  If you don't know about my contest, it is the Create a Character Contest.  I will talk more about the genesis of that contest later in another post.  I saw Cody, then Sabrina, and finally Jim, and he said to use Phil Jimenez' table.  I could also take care of his cards.  So it was cool.

We had a lot of traffic at our table, which was close to the panel room.  I would like to thank Jasmine and Jonathon for helping out today.  We had fun seeing people in costumes and we took pictures.  It wasn't as hectic as other places, but it was still super busy.

About 45 mintutes later, my friend Max appears that they need my help.  More specifically, Gene Ha needed my help.  Well he needed my computer, and he was trying to scan a picture but his computer did not interface with his scanner.  In the end, his scanner did not work, he believe it was the fault of the baggage handler.  I offered to have my brother bring my Magic Wand scanner, but he said he probably was not going to scan.  But because I was nice, he wanted to sketch me anotther picture of Wonder Woman.  Ok, Gene designed the Tangent Wonder Woman which I am sure no one remembers, but I do.  This is a character from 1998, way back.  I was walking that aisle and I saw hims drawing my pic and it was so beautiful.  Later I saw him finishing it up and we began talking about the character and t characher design.  He said he had designed it and was curious how others would draw her. Well, I told him the way he was drawing her was the way people were supposed to draw her. I mentioned that my family was made up of all muscicians, and that my mother always tells us, if we want to know how a song goes, listen to the original recording or the writer of t song.  He agreed and we started talking about Gershwin and about his music and how others play his music so differently. It is so fun and exciting to get to know your favorite comic creators and talk about things other than comics. 

I was sitting right next to Yaya Han and we almost saw Brent Spiner try on som ears, ahem, apparently he was buying them for the kids.  I met face to face some more of my facebook friends which is always exciting, I took a picture with Daniel Giles.  Later I hung out with fellow aspiring creators Derrick Smith and Hellbabe about our new Comic Universe.

Ate lunch, and walked around, a busy day all together and I will post videos later.

Some down time and I just colored the picture of Tangent Wonder Woman that Gene Ha painted for me


Me at Albuquerque Comic Con







The First Family of New Mexico Comic Conventions

I was able to meet Jim's family today, whom I called the First Family of New Mexico Comic Conventions, not because they are related to Jim, but because they sacrifice so much for Jim to set this all for us!!  Thanks to the Burlesons!!!

Views from my table 2

Some more pics








Views from my table

Here are some views from my table, Create A Character Contest/Phil Jimenez Card







Albuquerque Comic Con Day too is busy so far

Well, today starts off with my table missing for the Create A Character Contest so Jim tells me to use Phil's, which I know, he wouldn't mind.  So now I am squating on his table, but I am also asking peoplel to sign his condolences cards.  Next, my friend Maz asks if Gene Ha! can borrow my computer, and of course I say yes.  Well, I get me a second picture of Tangent Wonder Woman.


Here are some pictures so far!!!!






Friday, January 13, 2012

I am home and I am sleepy. Thinking about tomorrow

I am home and I am sleepy, today was a good day I hope everyone enjoyed the coverage of ACC.  I have come video of the Anime Costume Contest which I will post later on youtube.  Please check out our youtube channel, Albuquerque Comic Con Youtube Channel

Tomorrow the Create a Character Contest starts, and I received two new entries today.  So come by booth 41 and vote with your donations.  The money goes to the Hero Initiative.

I interpreted in sign language for Brent Spiner




I was really nervous to meet Brent Spiner, since he is one of my favorites, I hesitated to ask him for his picture until some friends gave me the courage.  I was sitting a table away and started a conversation with him.  I told  him that when I worked for ARCA, the Association of Retarded Citizens of Albuquerque, as a residential caretaker at a group home, one particular Sunday was Brent Spiner day because we watched Phenomenon, First Contact, and Independence Day.  While talking to him, a deaf gentleman came over and handed him a note stating that Brent was his favorite actor. He wanted to ask more questions, but the communication barrier was there.  My sister is deaf and I have known sign language since I was small.  I immediately began to interpret.  They talked about Star Trek, the new continuity, and which was their favorite episode.  The deaf gentleman, Robert, began to sign his name, and then asked Brent if he remember any signs from the "Loud as a Whisper" episode.  Brent said he remember nothing.  But I am so glad I was able to connect a fan with Brent.  Brent thanked me and said it was very nice of me to have interpreted.  This is clearly a highlight of the con for me.

William Tout

William Tout not only signed my book, but sketched a picture of a T-Rex.  He asked which was my favorite dinosaur, and since I didn't remember anyother name, I said T-Rex.

Local Talent!!!


Bian Pulido tells me "See you in Heck!!!!"

Brian Pulido wrote "See you in  Heck" in my Lady Death book LOL  Well he wanted to write "See you in Hell,"  but he saw my expression.

Gene Ha!!!!

Well, I got a picture by Gene Ha!!! of Wonder Woman.  He asked if I liked the New 52 Wonder Woman and of course I said yes!!!!  And then he asked which version, Lee's or Chiang's and I said his choice.

Maddison Lintz is the cutest thing ever!!!



I met Maddison this morning and she was so kind and I asked to do a welcome promo for ACC.  She was gracious.  Later, I spoke with her about her role in The Walking Dead.  She mentioned that she is from Atlanta and that it is extremely hot during filming.  She said there was a scene that never made it to the tv show.   Here are some pics of Maddison playing hangman and with me, one regular and one zombified.