My Signing Experiences and Time at Heroes Con

After accepting that I wasn’t going to get Scott Snyder signed, I decided to stop worrying about what I couldn’t get and focus on what was actually possible. I knew some of the biggest names were going to be tough, but I still felt a little thrown off when spots disappeared so fast (before the doors opened for regular ticket holders). Instead of standing around, I started moving through the convention looking for shorter lines and creators who were actually available.

Jay Lee

One of the first people I came across was Jay Lee. He was just sitting at his table with basically no line, which felt almost too casual for how popular he is. I ended up getting a few books signed by him, including the 1:100 ratio Odin #1 variant and a set of Absolute #1 reprint covers (Absolute Batman, Absolute Superman, Absolute Wonder Woman). It was actually a really nice way to start the signing portion of the day. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed (perhaps overstimulated) with everything going on and had some nerves, so having a relaxed, low-pressure signing right away helped settle me in.

Todd Beats

Later, I tracked down Todd Beats. I had brought one of his Battle Beast covers — the one with the matte white and black Battle Beast and the blood foil (already signed by Ryan Ottley). In person, that book looks dramatically better than it does in photos or online. We talked a little about how some art just doesn’t translate well digitally, and he came across as someone who understood what it felt like to be on the other side of the table. It was one of the more genuine creator interactions I had all day.

Che Grayson (Absolute Catwoman)

I also stopped by Che Grayson, the writer of the new Absolute Catwoman series. I only brought the Cover A of issue #1 with me, but I ended up buying a second book from their booth while I was there. Originally, I thought she would be too hard to squeeze in, so I didn’t bring more books. She was set up right next to Snyder’s area. We talked a bit about how closely the Absolute writers coordinate, especially since Absolute Catwoman spins out of Absolute Batman. You could tell she was excited to be there, she seemed more measured in her conversation (but probably had more secrets to keep than others).

Pornsak Pichetshote (Absolute Green Arrow)

After Che, I made my way over to Pornsak Pichetshote, the writer of Absolute Green Arrow (he actually shared the line space with Che Grayson). I had an Absolute Green Arrow #1 that was already signed by Rafael Albuquerque, and I wanted to get it dual-signed. I also brought one of Tula Lotay’s variant covers. Interestingly, I had actually gotten that Tula Lotay variant remarked by her at a local signing just a few days earlier. Pornsak seemed genuinely happy to see the other artist’s signature already on the book. We talked a bit about how the Absolute writers stay coordinated, including regular Zoom meetings.

Hayden Sherman (Multiple Visits)

I ended up going back to Hayden Sherman three different times throughout the day (well four, if you count the first time they were taking a break and I thought I had missed out).

The first time, I got two books signed — one of Jay Lee’s covers (which ended up double-signed) and Absolute Wonder Woman #15 that crosses over with Absolute Batman. Later in the day, I went back again after buying an Absolute Wonder Woman Cover A #1 at the con and had him sign that one as well.

The third time was when I helped my friend get a few books signed and CGC witnessed. Hayden and his manager were really cool about the whole process and my inexperience. (The full story of how that went down is probably better saved for another time. Read it here)

Other Moments Around the Con

Throughout the day, I had a few random experiences that stood out. I stopped by a t-shirt booth where the guy was screen printing shirts on the spot. He messed up the first one he did for me (I probably distracted him), felt bad about it, and ended up giving me both the messed-up gray shirt and a new black one. It turned into a longer conversation than I expected. Can you believe he was pressing tee shirts with a comic press? 😝

I also spent some time at a charity booth (Comics Appreciation Project) that was selling graphic novels and using the proceeds to get books into the hands of kids in foster care, hospitals, and schools. The guy running it was really knowledgeable and easy to talk to. I ended up picking up a couple of books for my girls since they love graphic novels.

I also came across the creator (H.H. German) of Calico, a comic about a superhero who fights against animal abuse, and ended up buying a trade paperback (vol 2 as suggested) from him. It wasn’t something I had planned, but I liked the cause and the conversation (both he and The Punisher’s Mike Baron, signed it).

Toward the end of the day, I wandered over to Matt Kindt’s table after seeing all the promotion for his new Mind Management book. I was a little embarrassed I didn’t know more about him and his previous books, but he was really cool about it. I grabbed one of the blind bags, which came with an early copy of the new issue. It was a fun, low-pressure interaction that ended with me trying to put a bag on my head (get the blind bag, you’ll get it).

I also tried a few times to get in line for Dragotta, but between the long lines and the confusion around how everything was being managed, I eventually gave up. Skottie Young was another whose line just seemed to get worse and worse.

One other small win came from digging through some back issue bins. I found Absolute Batman #2 and #3 along with Absolute Wonder Woman #1, #2, and #3. The total value was around $130, but I ended up getting them for about $110 after paying cash. It was a nice little score and a good reminder that bringing cash can sometimes save you money at these shows.

Wrapping Up the Day

By the time the convention started winding down, I had gotten a decent number of books signed. More importantly, I actually enjoyed the day (perhaps more than I expected). A lot of the best moments came from the things I didn’t plan for — random conversations, helping a friend out, and just walking around instead of being stuck in lines the entire time.

If I go to another big con, I’ll definitely bring more backup books so I can pivot if certain signings don’t work out. I also won’t stress as much about getting specific signatures. The day ended up being better because I stayed flexible (see what I wish I knew before I went).

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