Baby's First BookExpo America

I attended my first BookExpo America today held at the Javits Center in NYC. I never applied for press as it's a book show but friends have said that some comic book publishers attend each year. First impression is that it's really well organized. So much nicer that New York Comic Con (NYCC) and the atmosphere is lively. Everyone is well dressed too! Far different from the sweaty nerds that overpopulate comic conventions. One thing I noticed that needs to happen at NYCC. There are stickers/markers with the booth number that are VISIBLE on the floor in front of each booth. Can't tell you how many times I get frustrated trying to find someone at a booth at NYCC because there are no clear markers. 

I knew the show wasn't open to the public. Only exhibitors, retailers, distributors and press. I walked around the whole floor starting at the beginning. Finally ran into a comic book publisher. Michael and Keith of Rebellion in the UK. They publish the 2000AD trade paperbacks and are really making a push in the American market. Great guys. And not just because Keith says he listens (and likes!) to my podcast, COMIC NEWS INSIDER. Eventually, I ran into a few folks I know. Where else? In the area I called "Comics Row". Diamond, Dark Horse, IDW and Image had booths set up there. I met Sarah at Image, Kari at Dark Horse and chatted with folks I knew like Alan (IDW) and Jeremy (Dark Horse). Also saw pal Heidi MacDonald of The Beat and the Timony Brothers (Peter & Bobby) of Night Owls web comic fame. They kidnapped me after for a quick post-expo beer.

As for the rest of the show, well...lotsa book companies hawking their wares! I did see a bunch of great children's books. But you know me, if it doesn't have pictures, then I can't read it. So, not much interest except for the comic book stuff.

I wasn't sure how the show "worked". Nothing was for sale but were they just giving it away? I ran into my pal Phil of Indie Spinner Rack fame and he explained that some just display, some give away or offer to send you in the mail. Since I wasn't interested in much, I didn't walk away with anything. Well, Image Comics was smart and had about 10-15 of their $1 comics in stacks for people to pick up. So I grabbed a few that I hadn't read yet. Dark Horse and IDW had some of their big beautiful collected books for display that I sure WISH I could have walked away with, but alas, not to be. That's okay though! It was great to see them all there. 

I didn't have much to tweet about but it was frustrating as the Javits has spotty service as usual. Get on that, Javits!

I'm heading back tomorrow for a few interviews and to maybe check out anything else that might relate to the podcast. Any suggestions, please let me know!