REVIEW: Pizza Sneakers by Marc Streeter

Above: Pizza Sneakers banner by Marc Streeter. Copyright Marc Streeter 2017.

Pizza Sneakers is a new webcomic by Marc Streeter, whose work I've been a fan of for years, dating back to his first webcomic, ActionMan Adam. Marc's comics combine a wry sense of humour with a healthy dose of pop culture, which never fails to bring a smile to your face. Whether he's riffing on the pitfalls of super-human powers or questionable 90's fashion trends,  it's always presented with a bright colour palette and great comedic timing - two essential qualities for any successful webcomic. Rather than an ongoing set of characters, Pizza Sneakers is purely a gag generator, going with whatever topic Streeter decides to put to paper (or pixel).

Above: A page from Fish Guy, by by Marc Streeter. Copyright Marc Streeter 2017.

I picked up a limited print copy of Pizza Sneakers from Marc at Chromacon earlier this year, but you can now read these comics online at the Pizza Sneakers website HERE, and follow the Facebook page for new updates HERE. So what are Pizza Sneakers you ask? According to the comic's introduction, 'they are the greasiest and yet mouth wateringly delicious comics I've ever made. You dear reader clearly love fresh kicks, hot slices, and comics with extra mozzarella'. Dietitians may frown upon it*, but I definitely enjoy my comics with an extra serving of cheese, so head over to the Pizza Sneakers website and check out Marc's offerings for yourself!

* Recommended serving: 1 strip per view. Additional servings may result in a light pain in your sides and facial muscles. If pain persists, consult your local doctor to decide if Pizza Sneakers is right for you.

- AK!

Above: Humble by by Marc Streeter. Copyright Marc Streeter 2017.

EVENT: Auckland Zinefest 2012

Auckland Zinefest returns this year as a part of First Thursdays, taking place this Thursday, 2nd of August on K Road.

First Thursdays is a community-conscious collaboration of artisans and art lovers whose ultimate goal is to showcase new and exciting talent in the fields of visual arts, music and performance. The DIY themed festival taking place from 6pm-9pm, features a variety of free art events taking place at shops, galleries and creative spaces along Karangahape Rd. Some of the activities include: a handmade craft & zine market, zine making and screen printing workshops, light installations, live music, fashion shows and theatre productions. The Zinefest will take place in St Kevin's Arcade with around 30 stallholders, including a great line-up of local comics talent!

Sarah Laing, cartoonist behind the Let Me Be Frank webcomic. She's going to be selling a selection of her autobiographical/fantastical comics, some of which have appeared in her blog. She's also going to be selling some one-off, hand-painted and bound books and her son Otto's book of monsters.

Each of the handcrafted books are 12 pages long and bound with embroidery thread. They are arranged into five groups: eighties pop icons, toys made for my children, significant women, my tea cup collection, and cans in my cupboard. She'll be selling them for a bargain price of $15, so be in quick!

Marc Streeter is the creator of the weekly ActionMan Adam webcomic, which follows the hilarious mis-adventures of a young Canadian looking for love in Christchurch.

He'll be debuting his latest collection at the event, ActionMan Adam: Things Change. Last year Streeter chose to acknowledge the events of the Christchurch earthquakes in the webcomic, and incorporate their effects on the characters in the on-going story. It was a bold creative move which has payed off handsomely for readers. Its sensitively handled, and adds a much greater depth to the characters and proceedings, making the laughs that much more welcome. Highly recommended!

Brent Willis, Wellington cartoonist and editor of the Bristle anthology will be there with his latest creation for the event: Wark! #1. Brent Willis has steadfastly stuck to the DIY ethic and self-published for the last 15 years (because he likes it). Expect to discover a wide range of his other titles at his table: there's just about a comic for every occasion!

Sam Orchard, creator of the Rooster Tails webcomic will be there, representing himself and the Dunedin Comics Collective. Rooster Tails features Sam's charming comics about being a trans and queer dude in Auckland. The Dunedin Comics Collective have so far produced two issues of the comics anthology DUD, featuring comics and a CD of Dunedin music. A third issue is currently due for release soon...

Richard Fairgray, creator of Blastosaurus will be present with a host of new material, including collections of Ghost Ghost and I Fight Crime!

And lastly, the Sheehan Bros creators of The Inhabitants and Into The Woods will be there, along with myself, representing the New Zealand Comics Collective: selling locally produced comics from creators across the country, including newly arrived stock from Toby Morris and the latest issue of Radio As Paper!

The Zinefest market will be taking place Thursday 2nd of August, 6pm-9pm in St Kevin's Arcade on K Road. You can find out more information about Auckland Zinefest HERE and First Thursdays HERE.

-AK!

Auckland Zinefest 2011: Comics Preview

Above: a page from Into The Dark Woods by the Sheehan Bros. Copyright Sheehan Bros 2011.

At this weekend's Auckland Zinefest there will be a number of new NZ comics making their debut.

Here's an exclusive art preview of issue #3 of the Sheehan Bros' graphic novella Into The Dark Woods. It's only $3 and if you've missed the earlier issues, you can pick them all up for just $8!

Above: Into The Dark Woods by the Sheehan Bros. Copyright Sheehan Bros 2011.

Marc Steeter will also be there with a new comics collection ActionMan Adam: First Impressions (based on his popular webcomic that you can view HERE). It follows the romantic misadventures of Adam, an outgoing Canadian guy making his way in Christchurch, New Zealand. It's a huge 44 pages and comes in a pack with a badge and stickers for only $10!

Above: A box of customised ActionMan Adam: First Impressions. Copyright Marc Streeter 2011.

The print run is strictly limited to 46 copies, and to make it extra special: each and EVERY cover has been personally customised by Marc! (yes, that's 46 separately hand drawn backgrounds, you can view them all HERE). So be in fast to get your favourite cover.

Above: A page from ActionMan Adam by Marc Streeter. Copyright Marc Streeter 2011.

Marc's ActionMan Adam webcomic has recently started a new story-line reflecting the effects of the Christchurch earthquakes on Adam and his friends; it's a bold move and definitely worth checking out. You can follow the latest updates HERE.

Above: Darkest Day: Comics for Christchurch. Copyright Funtime Comics 2011.

Speaking of the Christchurch earthquake, the charity issue of Funtime Comics Darkest Day: Comics for Christchurch, devoted to raising funds for the victims of the Christchurch earthquakes will also be on sale from the NZ Comic Creators table. It features an all-star line-up of NZ comic creators for only $10, with all proceeds after printing costs going directly to the Red Cross.

The Zinefest Market takes place tomorrow at St Kevins Arcade, 179 Karangahape Road, Newton, from 12 noon - 5pm; so set aside some of your zine buying budget for these essential NZ comics!

-AK!

EVENT: Auckland Zinefest 2011

Auckland Zinefest is already well under way, with plenty of events for fans of traditional DIY self-publishing in all it's forms; from magazines to comics and everything in between. The featured centerpiece of the event will be this Saturday's Zinefest Market, held at St Kevins Arcade, 179 Karangahape Road, Newton. From 12 noon - 5pm you'll be able to buy and browse a wide variety of zines and comics, as well as take part in special talks and activities.

Above and below: Photos from Auckland Zinefest 2010.

Featured events include: a talk by cartoonist Sam Orchard of Rooster Tails on 'Trans and Queer Web Comics'; a panel discussion 'Zines as a Tool for Resistance' organised by Rebel Press; and a binding workshop 'Inside Out' by David Merritt from Landrover Farm Press on how to recycle hardback covers, scavenged cardboard and flour sacks.

The New Zealand Comics Creators store will be there on the day, distributing the best of NZ comics from across the land. Web-cartoonist Marc Streeter will be on hand with a new comic-book from his popular web-comic ActionMan Adam, and the Sheehan Bros will have the latest issue of their immaculately presented graphic novella, Into The Dark Woods (return here for a special preview later this week!).

After a long day of Zine purchasing, you can unwind at the official Zinefest After Party held downstairs at The Wine Cellar from 8pm, featuring live band, karaoke and punch specials all night long.

There are plenty of other Zinefest events taking place this month, so visit the website HERE for more information and details.

-AK!

Road To Armageddon Auckland 2010: NZ Comic Creators

Above: The Imposter by Lee-Yan Marquez. Copyright Lee-Yan Marquez 2010.

The Auckland Armageddon Expo 2010 is once again crashing down upon us; like a tidal wave of pop culture madness, overloading the senses and emptying our pockets! The Expo will be taking place over Labour Weekend, October 23rd-25th at the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane. It features a wide variety of popular culture guests and attractions from the latest videogame releases, to film, animation and comic guests.

As well as international comics guests (which you can read about HERE), the Expo will also be feature some of NZ's finest cartoonist, signing at the New Zealand Comic Creators Booth (booth 86, Pavilion #1).

Above: A spread from Into the Dark Woods a new graphic novella by the Sheehan Bros. Copyright Sheehan Bros 2010.

So let's have an exclusive look at some of the new local comics releases on offer at this year's Expo:

First up, the Sheehan Brothers have two new graphic novellas debuting at the show: Into the Dark Woods and Frozen. Hot off their Eric Award winning series The Inhabitants, these dark fantasy offerings are the first two chapters of an interconnected series of short stories, which will form a future boxed collection. It marks a return to the more lyrical nature of their first collaboration The Longman, which is where an earlier version of Frozen originated (as an insert in Longman #5).

Above: A spread from Into the Dark Woods a new graphic novella by the Sheehan Bros. Copyright Sheehan Bros 2010.

Darren Sheehan's artwork continues to evolve in both detail and atmosphere, reaching an Aubrey Beardsley level of mastery in the dark art of inking. If you drop by the booth may get to see some of the original artwork, which is even more stunning up close. Both writer Kelly and artist Darren Sheehan will be appearing during the weekend.

Above: The cover of Dr. Connie Radar PH.D Daily Funnies by Karl Wills. Copyright The ComicBook Factory 2010.

After an extended leave in advertising, the twisted comic strips of Karl Wills, creator of Jessica of the Schoolyard, returns with Dr. Connie Radar PH.D. Collecting his online daily strips from The ComicBook Factory website, it features the scientific adventures of space babe Connie Radar and her brainy robot sidekick, Julius.

Available in the same Tijuana Bible format as Jessica, your collection won't be complete without it. It's a limited edition run, so make sure you get in quick! Karl will also have some very affordable original artwork for sale, so stop by the booth to pick up some great artwork, from one of NZ's most polished cartoonists.

Above: The cover of Funtime #25. Copyright Funtime Comics Collective 2010.

The latest issue from New Zealand's longest running Comics Collective is out in time for the convention season! The Christchurch based Funtime gang, have produced what looks like another winner with this literally earth-shattering cover (what...too soon for bad puns?). Featuring a variety of creators and stories for all tastes, Funtime never fails to entertain, and issue #25 looks like it won't be any exception. Funtime editor Isaac Freeman will be on hand all three day of the Expo, to regale you with stories of cartooning from NZ's earthquake central, and get you to participate in what's sure to be another classic round of Jam Comics! (who could forget Welly Armageddon's Dr. Cheetah?).

Above: The cover of Bristle #7 by Brent Willis. Copyright Brent Willis 2010.

This Wellington based anthology continues to go from strength to strength, as Brent Willis heads up a team of talented contributors in Bristle #7, including: Chris Cudby, David Piper, Matt Kelly, Ari Freeman, Renee Lyons and others. At $5 this is a steal, and since it takes a pot-shot at Paul Henry on the cover, you just know this is going to move fast! Editor Brent Willis will also be on hand for all three days of the Expo, no doubt bringing with him a wide variety of his solo efforts including a selection of 'blue' comics which are always a hit with our mature readers (perhaps a reprint of the rare 'double blue' rated Man Hole?...one can only dream...).

Above: The Imposter by Lee-Yan Marquez. Copyright Lee-Yan Marquez 2010.

Lee-Yan Marquez made a splash last year with part one of her mystery/psychological thriller series The Imposter, and issue #2 will be making it's debut at this convention.

Set in the totalitarian state of New Haven, social worker Lucy is rescued from a robbery by a mysterious stranger know only as 'K'. Their brief meeting lingers with Lucy, who has her own secrets that continue to haunt her waking world. Does she have more in common with this vigilante than she'll willing to admit, or will her attraction to 'K' lead her closer to danger instead of answers? Issue #2 ratchets up the tension as Lucy is drawn further into 'K's world. If you want to find out what happens next, as Jack Kirby would say, "don't ask, just buy it!".

Above: The Cover of Clip Show, a collection of Richard Fairgray's early uncollected cartoons. Copyright Richard Fairgray 2010.

And an Armageddon Expo would be complete without a round-up of Blastosaurus creator Richard Fairgray's latest offerings. Never one to rest on his laurels (...or sleep for that matter), Richard has a wide variety of new products on offer at this year's convention. So rather than rattle off the list, I'll turn things over to Richard to expertly showcase his wares:

Above: A page from Blastosaurus Halloween Special 2. Copyright Richard Fairgray 2010.

Blastosaurus Halloween Special 2: The four kids get trapped in an abandoned amusement park ride with an escaped monster and a child murderer with a foot fetish and only blastosaurus might save them. It's like a really fucked up Scooby Doo story...and has a board game on the back cover.

I Fight Crime: Three new books of I Fight Crime (plus the 2 that came out at the Wellington show but haven't been seen in Auckland yet). This takes us to strip #450 of the web series.

Clip Show: An anthology of my early work, some that was published in New Ground, some that has been out of print for a number of years and some stuff that has never been seen before. Every year I get a number of people asking for stuff of mine that I did years and years ago that they've seen in friends' collections or...I don't know...dumpsters or

something so I figured I might as well release what I still had access to. The whole thing is tied together by a new story that links all the separate pieces and is in fact about Terry and I and our adventures as comic writers...yeah, it's THAT self indulgent.

Yellow Girl: This is a webcomic that made it to #30 on Unfortunatecreatures.com before the site stopped existing. Now, forthe first time we have collected all 90 of the completed strips. It's about a brother and sister who fall through a mirror into a world of ravenous mutant lemmings, incest jokes and creepy troll things.

We'll also have the first season of Chewing Zombies on DVD which includes 4 bonus episodes of Stavros the Contractor and a 1 minute animated documentary about Terry and I and the creation of Blastosaurus.

We've also reprinted the final 4 issues of the NZ run of Blastosaurus because they were my favourites and haven't been available for quite awhile. We'll also have the usual duck throwing game and (the new and exciting feature) dinosaur candy!

-Richard Fairgray

There you have it. If you haven't checked out Richard's web-cartoon, Chewing Zombies, it's well worth a look! (and it's a surprising accurate primer on what to expect from a comic convention if you're a newbie...but we're preaching to the converted here, right?;)

Above: The cover of the new edition of Hicksville, by Dylan Horrocks.

And of coarse no NZ Comics booth would be complete without copies of the perennial favourite, Hicksville by Dylan Horrocks. Unfortunately Dylan won't be in attendance this year, as he'll be in Toronto for the International Festival of Authors (rubbing shoulders with indie comics royalty: Charles Burns and Seth, no less!). But to make up for this we'll be selling his exclusive mini-comic collaboration with Emily Perkins, All Hail Ellie, Destroyer of Worlds! (previously only available at the Orcon Great Blends event). This will be a rare item, and is Emily's first stab at creating comics, so seek out a copy, it's a steal at only $5!

Above: The Cover of All Hail Ellie, Destroyer of Worlds!, by Emily Perkins & Dylan Horrocks.

Above: ActionMan Adam by Marc Streeter. Copyright Mark Streeter 2010.

Marc Streeter, author of the always appealing webcomic ActionMan Adam will be appearing at the booth on Sunday, be sure to stop by to check out his artwork and related ActionMan Adam merchandise!

Above: An Anime inspired print by Jianran Pan. Copyright Jianran Pan 2010.

And to showcase a slightly different side of NZ Comics, illustrator and concept artist Jianran Pan will be selling prints of his highly polished manga/anime inspired artwork. It caught my eye earlier this year at Auckland's Doujin Overload Anime Convention, and I think you'll agree it's pretty top notch stuff.

I'll also be at the NZCC Booth on Saturday and Monday reporting on the event; so stop by and say hi, and I may even share with you some NZ Comics gossip, and hints about what's coming up in the new year (new projects and plans for a NZ Comics Convention!).

There's a massive amount of local talent at the Auckland Armageddon Expo this year, so make sure that after you've fought your way through a wall of stormtroopers and goth vampires, you take the time to come down to Booth #86 in Pavilion #1 for some of the best NZ Comics on offer this year! For more information visit the official Armageddon Expo website HERE.

-AK!

EVENT: Auckland Zinefest 2010

Zinefest makes a mighty returns to Auckland this year, moving venues to St Kevins Arcade on K Road, taking place this Saturday, August 14th from11am-4pm in both the Alleluya Cafe space and Wine Cellar. There will be zines and comics galore for you to purchase and enjoy, plus guest speakers and interactive workshops throughout the day (see the Zinefest website HERE for a timetable).

Above: The cover of 'Pig #1: Bucklame' by Jerome Bihan. Copyright Jerome Bihan 2010.

The NZ comics community will be well represented, with stalls featuring local comics creators: The Sheehan Bros ('The Inhabitants'), Marc Streeter (webcomic 'ActionMan Adam'), Jerome Bihan (with 'Radio As Paper #5 and 'Pig' #1), and the NZ Comics Creators Stall (with sells NZ comics on behalf of creators across the country). The Cross Street Zine Library will also be on display in it's own reading area.

There will also be a 'Zine of the Fest' competition running on the day, so bring along your own zine and submit it for judging. Winner will be announced at the after-party, and a glass trophy made by ex-Cross Street artist Tes Clark will be presented by sound-artist Nich Rogan.

Speaking of the after-party, it's free of charge and takes place at the Wine Cellar and Whammy Bar from 7pm, featuring local poetry troupe The Literatti, an OHPJ performance by Aaron Cole, and local musicians Ghost Wave, Mothers Of Darkness, Wilberforces, Canadia, and Hold Dear!

So brave the wind and rain this weekend for some locally produced DIY goodness!

For more information check out the Zinefest website HERE.

-AK!

The Auckland Armageddon Expo '09 Review

Above: The Auckland Armageddon Expo '09 Poster.

After a decade at Auckland's Aotea Centre, in 2009 the comics and pop culture convention know as Armageddon Expo returned to the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane. This announcement was met with some uncertainty and speculation in local comics circles: was the show being down graded? Had it being edged out of the Aotea centre by rising rental costs? In recent years the show had being showing signs of stagnation (same stalls, same stock), and whatever the reason for the change of venue, a face-lift was definitely necessary. However, the biggest question raised by changing venues had to be: would the city crowds follow the convention to the suburbs?

The answer was a resounding yes, with an attendance of 40,000 people making their way to the new location for the three event (with a two hour line for entry tickets on the first day). The change of venue turned out to be the show's saving grace, giving it and it's audience a chance to breathe, with more room to move and a generally less cluttered layout.

Above: The Gotham Comics stand.

According to store holders, sales were also on the rise, with an increase in comics awareness due to the mainstream coverage of comics related movies like 'Dark Knight', 'Ironman' and 'Watchmen'. Much like the overseas conventions, there was a sizable increase in female readers, drawing in fans of the teen vampire franchise 'Twilight', but also taking an avid interest in graphic novels. More than ever, the event positioned itself as a truly family orientated show: with plenty of giveaways, TV and animation guests aimed at a younger audience and an outside area of carnival rides (conveniently wheeled out from storage from the Easter show).

Above: The Head Comics stand.

Despite a late change to the schedule, there was a healthy line-up of comics guests including: Greg Rucka ('Queen & Country', 'Detective Comics'), Peter David ('The Incredible Hulk', 'Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man'), Matthew Clark ('Outsiders', 'Doom Petrol') and legendary artist Bill Sienkiewicz('Electra Assassin', 'Stray Toasters').

Above: Greg Rucka at (the mercy of) the Gotham Comics stand!

Greg Rucka and Peter David gave insightful talks on the ins-and-outs of writing comics for corporate companies, like the 'Big Two': Marvel and DC Comics. David spoke of the balance of writing for yourself and maintaining your individual voice while keeping editorial happy and following the company's direction. The discussion also touched upon the nature of serial storytelling in comics, and the difficulty of navigating the often convoluted continuity of corporate owned characters like 'Batman' or 'Superman'. David used the 'drive-by' analogy to describe a writer's quick run on a book, changing the status quo of a character and leaving another writer to pick-up the pieces. This lead to an amusing moment as David used the resent changes in 'Wonder Woman' as an example ("oh look, Wonder Woman kills now!), leading Rucka to point out that HE had actually written that book. It was now Rucka's turn to explain the flip side of that argument: when you are writing a turning point in a character's life and you are removed from the book before you can pay-off that event and write it's natural resolution. As a result there are plot points from Rucka's run on 'Wonder Woman' (2004-2006) which have not been resolved, but at this point he feels that to much time has passed, and it's best to let the character's story continue on it's current course.

Above: Greg Rucka signing at the Gotham Comics stand.

Both writers were asked for advice on breaking into comics as a writer. As Rucka observed, "writer's write. If you want to be a writer, you write every day; it's that simple. Now, what else can I tell you about writing?". Rucka then provided a visual example: he pulled out his laptop and started typing quickly. "This is NOT writing; this is typing. I can type extremely fast, but it's NOT writing. THIS is writing..". He pauses, thinking. He starts to type again, then stops and puts his head in his hands...a moment passes. "...and then you think some more. THAT'S writing".

Above: Peter David reading one of his scripts for 'Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man' (with his daughter).

On Sunday morning Peter David proved the point that good dialogue should be readable, by delivered a dramatic reading of one of his 'Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man' scripts. It focused on an emotional face-off between J. Jonah Jameson and Peter Parker, who had recently being unmasked as Spider-Man. It took half an hour for David to read, and really showcased his skill for delivering a dramatic story with both humour and heart.

Above: Bill Sienkiewicz working on a commission at the Gotham Comics stall.

Bill Sienkiewicz also gave an insightful talk on his creative process and his work on a variety of projects, including movie conceptual artwork (which is what he currently works on, between inking comics here and there). Recently he had produced a series of promotional illustrations based on 'The Dark Knight' film, which he was selling at the show as a sketchbook. He was also doing commissions (if you had a spare couple of grand!).

Above: The NZ Comics stand, manned by Claire Harris and the Sheehan Bros.

New Zealand comics were well presented at the convention, both at the NZ Comics stand and by solo exhibitors. Organised by Claire Harris, the NZ Comics stand was selling comics from all ends of the country, with books on hand from Wellington, Christchurch and local Auckland creators. The Sheehan Bros were present for the weekend, selling their recently completed epic 'The Inhabitants' as a complete graphic novel package. Kelly Sheehan had this to say about their Armageddon experience at the new venue, "we were very happy with Armaggeddon. The NZ comics stall was well organised and well run by Claire. The foot-traffic was a little slow at times, but over all steady. At the end of the day we walked away with a reasonable amount of comics sold. The new venue is great, I hope Bill decides to keep it there in the future. I should add a thanks to Bill. Over the years he has made his events accessible to the NZ comics creators and doesn't ask much in return. In a lot of ways he is the reason Darren and I continue. We are provided with a public and feedback once a year, and a we get to hang with other creators. So, cheers Bill - your efforts are much appreciated".

Above: Richard Fairgray at the 'Blastosaurus' stand.

There was also a decent representation of solo NZ Comics exhibitors. Richard Fairgray made a welcome return with the 'Blastosaurus' stand, debuting the 'Blastosaurus Halloween Special' and a cheque book sized collections of the 'I Fight Crime' web-comic.

Above: Drake at the 'Ninjet' stand.

Right next door to him was Drake, selling comics, T-shirts and art from 'Ninjet': the high adventures of a ninja cat! You can sample this fun series online HERE.

Above: Ed Butler at the 'Wulfpak' stand.

Across the way, Ed Butler was back at Auckland Armageddon this year in force, with a new kids friendly manga-sized series 'Wulfpak'. Produced with Munro Te Whata, this book went down a treat with the family target audience of the convention, so expect to see more from these guys in the future!

Above: Copies of 'New Ground' #12 on sale at the DMC Comics stand.

The latest issue of 'New Ground' from DMC Comics made it's debut at the convention, with an eye-catching cover from Jared Lane.

Above: Marc Streeter at the 'ActionMan Adam' stall in the Artist's Ally.

This year there was an added bonus: an artist's alley, championed by Jeremy Bishop of Gotham Comics. It featured a collection of stalls selling everything from comics to jewellery, toys, posters, badges, finger-puppets and more. It was a lively addition to the show, adding a friendly market vibe to contrast the usual promotions heavy businesses crowding the other areas of the hall. Amongst these punters was cartoonist Marc Streeter, selling his comic 'ActionMan Adam' (which is now a full-colour web-comic that you can follow HERE), along with T-shirts and badges.

Above: Fox's 'Avatar' stand.

That was the comics side of Armageddon, so how did the rest of the convention hold up? As per usual, promotions and marketing were assaulting you from every side, but it's hard to complain when it's this marketing that's largely picking up the tab for the show. Fox's 'Avatar' stand wowed crowds with it's plasma screen trailer, while over in the 18+ XBox 360 zone, a 3D version of the tie-in videogame popped eyes (and left me with a slight headache).

Above: The Activision stand.

There was a huge Activision Sing Star/Rock Band stage, which well and truly dwarfed it's performers. A SkyCity Cinemas stand took up an unnecessary amount of floor space at the back of the main hall, which could have been put to better use. In future, perhaps the celebrity photos/signing area would be a better candidate for this space. Unfortunately this year they were housed in the second hall AKA the dilapidated rusty warehouse!

I'm not sure if they were going for an 'old school depression era hollywood studio' approach here, if so, kudos on the attention to detail. Overall it wasn't a good look. They may be TV stars, but selling their pictures in a rundown warehouse surrounded by stalls selling day-glow sticks and other products that wouldn't be out of place in an underground flea-market will probably have them thinking twice about taking part in the australasian convention circuit. That whole second hall definitely needs a re-think.

Above: Storm Troopers and friends with a Fett.

Now it wouldn't be an Armageddon without massive amounts of Cosplay!

After a decade of attending Armageddon (god, did I just type that?) you think you've seen it all...and then some dude walks in dressed as 'Doria the Explorer', in a costume three sized too small that leaves nothing to the imagination! Unfortunately there are some things you just can't un-see. Aside from that, there was a great deal of Star Wars stormtroopers, a neat R2D2, jedi Knights, several jokers, Batman, Spider Jerusalem, Dr Zoidberg, a massive amounts of anime characters (with over-sized weapons not for the weak of wrist) and that staple of sci-fi conventions: slave-girl Leias (a note of caution: it's not a costume that should be attempted if you can't pull it off).

I understand there were Anime screenings on the main stage during the weekend, including the NZ premier of 'Superman/Batman: Public Enemies' the DC animation adaptation of the Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness comic series (which I hear isn't quite as good as the previous releases, but I'll reserve my judgement till I see it).

Above: At the show there's always something for everyone: I got a little carried away by 'Watchmen' mania! (but I'm cool with it, as long as my money goes straight to Dave Gibbons' pockets!).

Overall, it was a vast improvement on previous years; Bill Geradts and the team put on a great show and I expect the next Auckland Armageddon will take the convention to new heights of success.

-AK!