A Bitter View

Wizard world in the chi…wow.

Man, I did it up. I was ballin without regret. My main goal was my new fetish collecting art and getting my peter parker taking pictures.
This year I was blessed to go V.I.P. If getting free swag but entering the convention at the SAME TIME as everyone else and NO extra perks is considered V.I.P. then I can do without. Thursday was premier night. On that day I made my way through the center to see what I wanted to buy. It was about a good 200 people that showed up which to me was good because of breathing room. I stayed afterwards for the hulk cover exhibit. It was a cool atmosphere because I was able to mingle with artists and writers like Brian Bendis & Peter David.

Friday the show got bigger. The key elements that I loved were the forums between Marvels Bendis vs. DC’s Johns 2 of the best writers in the game. I had never seen or heard an experience like this so it’s was great. Although i’m still trying to find out where Olivier Coipel nationality is. Cool guy and looks like a brother yet his english needs work. I figure he’s Dominican.

Saturday was a Madhouse. I predicted it would be the busiest time of the weekend and I was right. It was like the scene was airtight. I met Gail Kim of TNA and as attractive as she was her arms made me intimidated. She didn’t seem that built on TV. I gave a pound to Lou ferrigno who’s here every year. I went to the Image comics founders forum and asked Todd McFarlane why hasn’t he gone back to do a little something for marvel and he kept it real for me showing he got his business head on tight. I also got new respect for Marc Silvestri. The dude is smooth & cool as hell. I can see why most of his comic franchises are becoming movies, the dude has charisma! I need to step my game up cuz now I have somewhat of a model to go after. The evening ended with the premier showing of The Batman Animated Movie. I enjoyed it enough to go cop the blu-ray once it comes out.

Sunday the last day. I felt it was just as packed as Saturday if not more. The highlight of this day was going to the Toyfare twisted theatre show. For the first 60 people they gave a white castle burger and giving out their paperbacks. YAY! They also showed their Robot chicken web exclusives that were straight comedy.

The only downside to the event was hearing that Artist Michael Turner died Friday night. I couldn’t say I was a real fan of his art but I supported him by buying some exclusive art pieces from him. I will never get them autographed now but regardless I can say I own something he has done. After it was over i was depressed. It was time to go. all together i spent way over what i should’ve but the pics and fun to prove it; priceless.

Its was 1989 my parents was eager to send me to the annual Chicago Comicon at the Rosemont center. I was geeked and it showed even though I would deny it when people busted me on it. Everyone was eager to meet their favorite artists while the little kids were eager to meet their favorite superheroes. I was in the lobby chillin when I heard people whispering “its Stan” “he’s here” I looked up at the escalator and there he was.

Stan “the man” Lee

I was definitely in awe. It was like time stopped once I saw him. To me it was kind of like the scene in Wayne’s world when he saw Tia Carrera and the song ‘dreamweaver’ came on. Naw, bump that, that sounds kinda gay. Anyway I was frozen and I heard my stepfather say towards me “look at him, he star-struck” I never heard of that phrase till then. My mother was wondering why are all these kids going nuts for some artists? My cousin defended me saying to them their celebrities, Stan co-created the marvel universe. That means a lot; in his community they’re your equivalent to oprah. That was real right there.

I’ve met quite a few musicians & actors and to me their just normal people like me. I can compose myself and even have a brief conversation if allowed. The 2nd time I ever got star struck was seeing Jim lee & Frank Miller together in one room. My brother again made fun of me being in awe but I looked up to them. Well Wizard world is coming up and since im goin V.I.P. I know im bound to get star struck again. This time I may have the pics and money to show that!

Mood : contemplative
Music : Nocera - Summertime, Summertime

• Friar Tucks
• Washington Square mall
• Woolworths
• Toys r us on 87th
• Rock & roll mcdonalds on blackstone (a.k.a. Arnolds)
• Night life
• Deejays
• North pier
• Child world
• Excalibur
• Venture
• Shakeys
• Metro Music
• Crows nest
• Funtown
• Goldblatts
• Photon
• WBMX
• 106 Jamz
• Disco Dave (& u kno it!)
• Pinkhouse

I’m glad i survived it. Despite the bullshit. I truly believe i’m a survivor now. The past few days ive been getting my sleep on setting up merch on ebay to sell. trying to keep as much cash as possible for Wizard world next week. I’m still searching for Dj lessons, MMA lessons, Applying for new jobs and talking to the deans about re-admittance.

My summary of my first year as a teacher:

• Staff will expect you to work for them no matter how long without extra pay
• Unions don’t care unless no money is coming in
• Everyone just wants to be left alone
• Parenting is lost with kids in low income areas
• Administrators wont answer questions till you go over their heads.
• If the child does nothing in your class you can best believe his/her parents aren’t available to be contacted or can’t control him/her
• It doesn’t get any better

Mood : good
Music : My Mine - Hypnotic Tango