Some of you may know that artist Gene Colan has recently suffered from liver failure and has been hospitalized. Gene is the artist who worked on Daredevil, Howard The Duck, Tomb of Dracula, and many others, inspiring many comic creators through the years. His family is facing huge medical bills and the comic book community is asking for your help. There are a couple of ways you can help out. You can bid on their ebay auctions or make a direct contribution via Paypal to their email account under - genecolan@optonline.net. The Comics Reporter has more information on how you can help.

Oh the memories are still fresh from this last weekend at the Emerald City Comic Con. Jim Demonakos and his crew did a great job and the tales from the creators on how they were treated keep coming back more and more positive. I enjoyed the expanded panel lineup, the larger floorspace, and the huge amount of creators. Not to mention the fact that it was right smack dab in downtown, making doing other things much more easy to do. I had some great experiences at the con, meeting some great people, getting cool new comics, and experiencing the con through new eyes. Take a look at what I did and saw in this report of the Emerald City Comic Con for 2008.

Image Copyright Aaron Albert

I came back from the Emerald City Comic Con with some really great stuff this year. I walked the con the first day, taking a lot of pictures and making a few purchases, but the second day I found some comics I had been looking for, as well as some things I didn't know were out there. Probably my favorite of the bunch was this really neat "trading card" that artist Jeffrey Brown was doing for guests. He drew them right there and the subject matter was amazing...for me that is. I had a great time at this years Emerald City and am very glad I went. The con is very comics focused and this was something that was continually mentioned by many creators I met. Take a look at some of the great swag I picked up at this year's Emerald City Comic Con.

Image Copyright Aaron Albert

Well the Emerald City Comic Con was this last weekend, and even though it is just only over the memories are still fresh. I met a ton of people, got some great stuff, and had myself a very nice time. I took a ton of pictures at the con and here are some of the best. I'm still updating the gallery, so be sure to check back and see some great moments in this photo gallery of the 2008 Emerald City Comic Con.

Image - DC Editor Dan DiDio
Copyright Aaron Albert

What the Marvel panel lacked in size it more than made up for in personality at the Emerald City 08 Mondo Marvel Panel. Panelists Ed Brubaker, Robert Kirkman, Scottie Young, and Jeff Parker talked all things Marvel and there was even a surprise visit from missing scribe Brian Michael Bendis, albeit without his pants. The panel talked Secret Invasion, Skrulls, Captain America, whom they would like to get a chance to work on, and what is coming up this year from Marvel Comics. Take a look at this energetic and fun panel at this years Emerald City Comic Con.

Image - Skrulls!
Copyright Aaron Albert

The DC Nation Panel was informative and amusing as host Dan DiDio fielded questions for the packed stage of creators and equally packed room of fans. The mood was light and there were plenty of "no comments" but we did glean some good information from some of the top names in the DC creator stable. Information was gleaned about a potential new Batwoman series, how people can check out DC without Final Crisis, and what DC is doing about fans waiting for comics. Check out what happened at the Emerald City 08 DC Nation Panel.

Image - DC Nation Panel and Crowd
Copyright Aaron Albert

Some may know this, but others might not. Talented artist Josh Medors has been fighting cancer for several months now, and the staff at the Emerald City Comic Con, as well as many comic creators, have worked to bring together a fantastic group of art and signed items for auction. You can see more of it at the ECCC site under the Josh Medors Benefit section. There is a lot of great stuff, original art from many comic talents such as Norm Breyfogle, Phil Hester & Ande Parks, Jim Mahfood, Ben Templesmith, Michael Avon Oeming, and some fantastic pieces of art by Joseph Michael Lindser, not to mention a great sketch by comics legend John Romita Sr. The cool thing about this auction is that you don't have to be present to win. You can email the staff at medorsauction@emeraldcitycomicon.com. They say to, "include the lot number, your bid, name, address, and phone number so we can contact you. Please note that the minimum bid is $20.00." Either way, this is a great way to get some original comic book art and to help someone out at the same time. Don't miss out on this chance for some one of a kind comic book items.

The Emerald City Comic Con happens this weekend in sunny...scratch that...mostly rainy but ever beautiful Seattle, Washington. This is Northwest's largest convention and is running strong in its sixth year. The convention is in a new home though, in the Washington State Convention Center, so time will tell if the move is a wise one or not. Having been to last years convention in the Qwest center and seeing what is planned for this years con, I am excited to explore the grounds and it looks like the space will be much more suited for a comic book convention like Emerald City. The guest list is huge and there are more events that look like a lot of fun. Before you go, take a look at what this convention has to offer comic book fans in the Emerald City Comic Con Profile

Image - ECCC Exhibitor
Copyright Eli Loehrke

The Emerald City Comic Con is going to happen this weekend in the heart of the Northwest - Seattle, Washington. This con has quickly become a favorite of many creators and fans for its focus on comics, intimacy with creators, smooth operation, and the ability to draw big and small names. There has been a man behind the con all this time, and that man is Jim Demonakos. Some might think that name is familiar, and you would be right. The one time PR man of Image Comics and owner of the largest chains of comics in Washington state has been in and around comics for quite some time now. I got a chance to interview Jim about the con - what to expect, what it's like to run a convention, and many other topics you might want to know coming from the man who is running the largest comic book convention in the Northwest. Read an interview with Jim Demonakos, commander in chief of the Emerald City Comic Con.

Image - Emerald City Comic Con 07
Copyright Eli Loehrke

I had a blast this last Saturday at Free Comic Book Day, and went to not one, not two, not even three, but four different comic book stores in Portland, Oregon. I met some great store owners, patrons, creators, and got some neat comics. My favorites so far are the sketches from Colleen Coover and Anne Timmons, both very talented ladies. You can see my journey through the different comics, as well as some scenery of the city of Portland on the way. All in all it was a great day and I was glad to be a part of this very cool event. What about you? What did you get from Free Comic Book Day? Post below.

Image - Guapo Comics
Copyright Aaron Albert