Comic-Con day 4

I have mixed feelings about Hollywood's takeover of Comic-Con. Yes, it sucks that the floor's gut is congested with glorified commercials and cheap T-shirt tosses. And you know that the big studios bring in hundreds of slick marketing people and trend forecasters who take it in as a field trip, anthropology lesson, or mining excursion. But I have to admit that it's pretty neat to see life-sized sculptures of Jabba the Hut and replications of The Office. One company that is completely separate from any debate is Troma, which has been at the Con since the Toxic Avenger days. This low-budget, high-ingenuity company fits right in with underground comix, MAD magazine, and classic genre cinema. Founder Lloyd Kaufman came by to say hi and even invited me to drop by the office and have coffee. Amazing!


Jim and Greg founded Strangeco with the goal of making toys on par with the best of the Asian brands. Today, their vinyl is renowned by toy geeks around the world. I heard the company threw a slick party in conjunction with G4 at some nightclub, but I don't go to those things... I was making LEGOs with my niece that night! (Check out Zuniga from Fantagraphics hiding out in shades in the background.)


I didn't buy anything on the floor, but Charles from Sony and friend gave me a Kubrick made in conjunction with Patapon for the PSP.


Filmmaker Quentin Lee (left) gave me a preview of the comic book that he's making with artist John Hahn.


Ted from Poketo wallets and apparel came by to say hi. Angie must have been tending the booth while he was screwing around!


Remember the high school student who helped copy edit the last issue? Nikki took Amtrack all the way from Pasadena to San Diego, attended the show, and then rode the train home again by herself. Hardcore and awesome!


Jane Yin (right) from the Asian Art Museum in S.F. and friend. Last time I saw her, she drove down to L.A. just for the GR screening of CJ7!


The otro half of the indie comics gods Los Bros Hernandez. When Jamie dropped by, he was stoked because (1) Fantagraphics sold out of the new Love & Rockets book and (2) we were selling a plush Snoopy and Sally set that was perfect for his daughter.


GR store alum Edward is still a serious of fan of the shops and reader of the magazine. Still a nice dude, too.


Alvin Buenaventura (of the mighty Buenaventura Press) ponders paperwork for next year's convention... Sadly, 2008's Comic-Con is over.