What if I told you that there were still people who brought comics to, you know, Comic Con? No, really, it's more than just cosplayers ruining the experience; there are still comics to be had for the adventurous soul who seeks them out.
Spongebob Coming To Comic Con!
IDW Publishing, perhaps best known for its film tie-in comics and horror titles, announced several New York Comic Con exclusives for this year. They're bringing a little something for the hardcore collectors, the kids and even fans of other properties that may not be into comics themselves.
Con is an inclusive event, filled with exclusive experiences. IDW is bringing several NYCC-only variants and exclusive products to the Javits Center this October 9 thru 12. You can stop by booth 1844 to pick them up, but be sure to get there. Supplies are limited. Heck, you can even order some right now and pick em up when you get there. Check out the full list here.
Walk Like A Zombie At This Year's NYCC
IDW is bringing two new TPBs. The V-Wars Vol 1: The Crimson Queen collects the first five issues of the best-selling Vampire Wars books by Jonathan Maberry into one bookshelf friendly edition. Each features a limited edition cover by artist Ryan Brown. Only 200 in stock.
Skylanders: The Kaos Trap - one day, all media will be Skylanders. If you're in need of a gift for the pre-teen child in your life, you can pick up this all new hardcover comic adventure for the low, low price of $10.
Edward Scissorhands, still one of Tim Burton's finest films, gets a new entry. Set 20 years after the movie, Edward continues trying to fix himself but accidentally unearths another unfinished creature, which is also missing a vital piece. He also collides with a somewhat familiar face, that of a girl he knew long ago. The NYCC cover variant of Edward Scissorhands #1 has some excellent line work by Gabriel Rodriquez (Locke & Key). $10, and limited to 400 copies.
Little Nemo: Return To Slumberland #1 - Here is the first chance for fans to get a convention-variant cover for issue #1 of the all-new, all-ages series full of magic and whimsy from award-winning creators Eric Shanower (Adventures in Oz) and Gabriel Rodriguez. $10
GI Joe #1 - the Joes have seen a resurgence lately thanks to the two films, but the new comic by military writer Karen Traviss gives it a particularly modern-day feel. In fact, the tides turn so much that Cobra is now the good guy. Or is it? The convention variant cover is drawn and colored by Robert Atkins and Joana Lafuente and available for $10. You can also pick up a blank cover sheet and have it sketched out by an artist of your choice. Now you too can be a member of GI Joe, at last!
Additionally, IDW will be hosting a new feature of variants from specific artists. The "Artist's Edition" presents complete stories with each page scanned from the actual original art. While appearing to be in black and white, each page was scanned in color to mimic as closely as possible the experience of viewing the actual original art-for instance, corrections, blue pencils, paste-overs, all the little nuances that make original art unique.
First up is the Walter Simonson Manhunter Artist's Edition. The new set presents the original run of Manhunter, as well as a classic Batman story, Dr. Fate, Metal Men, and Captain Fear tales with a gorgeous convention-variant cover. $125
Marvel Covers Artist's Edition HC - This unique Artist's Edition features an amazing "Best of" selection of gorgeous covers by a veritable who's who of the medium, from Neal Adams to Art Adams, Frank Miller to Jack Kirby, Jim Steranko to Jim Starlin complete with a convention-variant cover featuring Frank Miller's landmark cover to Daredevil #181. $125, 175 copies.
Variant covers may have doomed the industry back in the 90s, but they're becoming a small way to stay relevant in these con-saturated times. They've become a niche thing, a way for artists to flex their muscles and the collectors (and appreciators) to get something new.
And so much more, too! There's plenty of NYCC to go around. Follow along with GameNGuide here!
