And no, actually, it didn't rain.

Just back from the Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle, where a splendid time was had by all! The folks who put the con on truly care, and it shows. They treat the talent there as good as anywhere I've seen, and that warmth radiates back to the fans. If you get a chance next year, I recommend you go—and if you do, take the Underground tour as well. It is super-cool.

Things were thronged pretty much all weekend, such as when Bill Willingham was in attendance to do some sketches (Hero volunteer Paris in background).

Things got especially busy when Mighty Mike Oeming swung by on Sunday afternoon to arm-wrestle the crowd. For $20, you could challenge Mike. If you won, you got your choice of ANY original Powers page Mike had brought to the con with him! Even if you lost, you got a super-swell autographed Mice Templar print. Skottie Young sketches in the foreground here, and note the spiffy 1969 Jim Bouton Seattle Pilots replica jersey sported by yours truly:
Oeming took on all comers, including the Queen of Hearts:

And big, burly, Seattle-looking guys:

Mike took on 20 opponents, and went 14 wins, five losses and one tie. Last year, he REALLY cleaned up, but this year, folks came back looking for revenge. Seriously. There were guys who were still pissed from last year that Mike beat ’em.

And of course, the first 50 of our Hulk #1 covers were on display. See:
http://heroinitiative.org/NewsDetail.asp?NewsId=118
for full info, and take note: ALL 100 WILL BE ON DISPLAY FOR THE FIRST (AND ONLY) time at Wizard World Chicago this year, June 26-29.
Special steel-belted radial thanks to the writers and artists who showed up to help us: Whilce Portacio, Skottie Young, Mike Oeming, Karl Kesel, Jimmy Cheung, Matt Haley, Gail Simone, Bill Willingham, Dan DiDio, Mike Choi and Jeff Parker.

And above all, thanks to the volunteers who worked their butts off to keep me sane: Brian, Paris, and Chris.

All photos by our photo-buddy, Gabe.

And no, it didn't rain the whole time we were there.

Jim McLauchlin

Mike Wieringo book: 20/25 JUN

Casey Jones has penciled the final page to be completed for June's What If? The Fantastic Four Tribute to Mike Wieringo. That makes the final creative lineup (I think!) Mike Wieringo, Jeff Parker, Art Adams, Paul Renaud, Stuart Immonen, Cully Hamner, Alan Davis, Casey Jones, David Williams, Sanford Greene, Humberto Ramos, Skottie Young, Mike Allred, Barry Kitson, Paul Mounts, Val Staples, Nate Piekos and Nathan Massengill. The 48-page book will feature the 27-page What If? story that Mike started before his untimely passing, and additional tributes from some of his many friends.

It's a June-solicited book, which will first be available at Heroescon in Charlotte, NC June 20-22. It's be in stores the Wednesday after, June 25. There are 11 participants in the book who will be at Heroescon, so look for a massive, 11-man signing opportunity as well.

Jim McLauchlin