San Diego Comic Con 2008 Coverage

General discussion about Usagi Yojimbo, the comics, the stories, the characters, collectibles, TV appearances, Stan Sakai, Space Usagi, Nilson & Hermy, and all other related topics.

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Stan Sakai
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Post by Stan Sakai »

Here is a retailer's recollection of the 1987 San Diego Comic-con. There is no mention of toys, Hollywood, or gaming. But I was there:

http://rogerowengreen.blogspot.com/2008 ... ntion.html
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khyron82
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Post by khyron82 »

Thanks for posting that Stan!

San Diego Comic-Con 1987 was my very first out-of-state convention trip, and while I was riding the Hotel Shuttle "Blue-Route" this year, it would always take us right by the Civic Center where SDCC was held all those years ago (total space roughly the size the current convention center's Sails Pavilion I believe).

I can't remember if it was 1987 or 1988, where this loud, strident voice came over the public address system in the Exhibit Hall, stating that someone had stolen Jack Kirby's award and that nobody be allowed to leave the building until it was returned... This was followed by the bemused voice of a SDCC staffer who identified that "The preceding public service announcement was brought to you by Harlan Ellison" (Loud ripple of laughter goes through the room). Found out later that Jack Kirby's stolen award was just a misplaced certificate.
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Todd Shogun
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Post by Todd Shogun »

Stan Sakai wrote:Here is a retailer's recollection of the 1987 San Diego Comic-con. There is no mention of toys, Hollywood, or gaming. But I was there:
The 1987 SDCC was my first. I remember the day well (yes I was only there for one day). I was 13 years old and totally blown away by it. I got to meet Stan (with jet black hair) and tons of other creators who I followed. I don't remember any toys...I think the first time I noticed toys was the Playmates TMNT booth in '88 or '89. Hollywood had not infected the con, not even slightly...it was ALL about comics. There was gaming, but it wasn't video games, it was RPG.

I don't remember how I got my parents to take me and my sister there. I know a lot of begging was involved.

The big score was 4 copies of UY Summer Special #1. I finally had completed my collection! Well, not really. I didn't have Albedo NR2. That would take 2 more years.

The thing that hasn't changed are the huge lines and total ineptitude of the SDCC Staff. They'll never get it together...but you gotta love 'em for it :)
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Gaffey
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Post by Gaffey »

Another piece from San Diego.

Usagi as Rorschach
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cynlee
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Post by cynlee »

It was my first convention as well.

That is where it all began for me regarding Usagi and Beanworld and Groo and other things...
"Note to self-- arms are over-rated."
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madman31
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Post by madman31 »

While I posted this elsewhere, here's a link to the Priest Sanshobo that Stan did for me at SDCC:

http://www.comicspace.com/kfreeman/comi ... _id=247473
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Marchino
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Post by Marchino »

Awesome Pieces specialy the watchbunny!!!jejeje LOL!!!
:lol:
Abayo,
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estee
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Post by estee »

Felling total fricken jealousy for the Mayhem art.

I might just have to track you down, dude! :wink:
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ShadowSamurai
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Post by ShadowSamurai »

r they showing any new products?
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Post by wick3d_turtle »

Hi everyone! I'm brand new to both the Dojo and the UY fandom. In fact, I only started reading UY two months ago! Yes, I'm ashamed that I didn't start reading this incredible series sooner. I've been a huge TMNT fan most of my life, and I knew about Usagi through their various crossovers with him. I kept telling myself that I needed to find out more about this character, but I put that off for far too long. In June, I finally bought the first 3 volumes from Fantagraphics and I was instantly hooked.

When I heard that Stan would be appearing at SDCC, I just had to meet him. I plotted out where his booth was, and I also planned to pick up volumes 4 & 5 from him. I also asked Stan for a commission featuring a ninja turtle and Usagi (pic coming soon), which I then needed to pick up before Saturday. I managed to find Stan's booth on Thursday, after doing a few circles (I get lost easily, LOL). There were a lot of people around his booth, so I barely had the chance to talk to him! But, I want to tell Stan again: Thank you thank you thank you! I love the commission piece and plan on framing it for my office. Also, thank you for the signed volumes 4 & 5. Stan was even kind enough to sign and sketch in my copy of volume 1!

I came back again to visit Stan either Saturday or Sunday and asked him a few questions about his sources of inspiration and how he and Peter Laird met, all of which Stan graciously answered. I'll have to apologize if I seemed a little fidgety when I was talking to you, but that's because I was truly nervous. I always get that way when meeting artists & writers that I admire. You should've seen me after I first met Kevin Eastman at last year's con... I felt like I was going to pass out, LOL! Anyway, thanks again, Stan! And hello to all of the UY fans! :D
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Todd Shogun
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Post by Todd Shogun »

Welcome to the Dojo, Wicked Turtle!
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Gaffey
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Post by Gaffey »

Usagi Jones from San Diego
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Stan Sakai
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Post by Stan Sakai »

Gaffey wrote:Usagi Jones from San Diego
This one was for my friend from Spain who came to San Diego. I traded him this drawing for two cans of Bitter Kas.
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Post by Knight »

Hey there everyone. I am new to the boards and signed up to send a BIG THANKS to Stan.

I've just returned home from the SDCC08....yup, it is the 24th of August, but I had traveled all the way from Australia for the Con and traveled a bit afterward before returning to the land of Aus.

The opportunity to take some of your time and have a conversation was amazing.

so THANKS Stan !!!!!!

You made the Con for me, Having worked in a comic store for a decade (no longer though) and read your work for almost 20 years it was a HUGE pleasure to meet you. Coming from Australia its not often we get a chance to meet creators face to face so thanks so much for being there.

Being new to Conventions in the USA, I wasn't aware that artists did commissions or even sketches..so I was empty handed and unprepared. Although there was some artwork at the booth and I think I circled and flicked through the artwork (so many good ones) for the first three days of the con before deciding on a piece to buy that would cross oceans back home with me :).

another THANKS Stan !!!!!!

The Con for me was an absolute blast. Something I wouldn't be able to experience over here and worth the long flight :). The Artwork that now hangs on my wall isn't just an awesome piece, Its a reminder of my trip, my experiences, and importantly why I love this medium of story telling.

BIG THANKS Stan !!!!!

Gary
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Mayhem
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Post by Mayhem »

Welcome to the Dojo :)

You travelled about as far as I did now... we're the dedicated fans coming to see our heroes. After Stan I was wanting to get something from David Petersen, and he didn't disappoint either 8)

Hope you will stay about, catching all the latest Usagi news and insight...
With a breeze comes a storm, but then you'll all be washed away...
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