Wizard World Chicago 2002
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undoubtedly been the topic of countless conversations since. Despite
disappointments that headliner Stan Lee was unable to attend at the last minute,
fans were still able to find plenty of other attractions that made for one
amazing weekend.
From Friday’s featured DC guest Leonard Kirk
(Supergirl/ JSA), who “sold enough art and commissions to pay for an
extended stay in Chicago to visit friends,” to independent cartoonist Pam Bliss
(Dog and Pony Show, B-36), to Claypool Comics’ David Seidman (Elvira:
Mistress of the Dark, Deadbeats), people all over were heard commenting on
increased sales and the overall healthy state of the industry.
Panel
discussions gave fans the chance to meet some of their favorite creators in
person, while some were even able to rub elbows with the likes of celebrities
Michael Rosenbaum (Smallville), Luke Perry (Jeremiah), and the
legendary Lou Ferrigno. Special effects junkies were thrilled when Stan Winston
(Terminator 2, Aliens, Jurassic Park) unveiled his new Mutant Earth
and Realm of the Claw comics and action figures, while Tim Savini
(Night of the Living Dead) displayed some brilliantly gory sculptures.
The X-Men and Marvel Heroes panel mentioned a new X-Men character to be making
its debut later this year, and also gave details on a new Mangaverse:
Spider-Man mini-series. Marvel Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada hinted at a
possible Origin 2, and also announced news of a $200,000 copy order
placed by a Baltimore retailer for Fantastic Four #60 – perhaps the
largest order for a single book by a single retailer ever.
At the top Cow
booth, Guest of Honor Marc Silvestri delighted fans by chatting up the success
of Witchblade, while at the Wizard booth, a few lucky fans received some
original sketches from creators.
The Wizard show wasn’t just for fans,
however. Artists and writers trying to get their foot in the door of the
business found plenty to smile about as well. At the CrossGen (who created quite
a buzz with rumors of a possible publishing partner) booth, Director of Business
Ian Feller met with creators wanting to work under their new Code 6 and CGE
independent artists’ banners, while at DC Comics, creators could have their
portfolios reviewed and participate in a “breaking in” panel.
Over in
the sprawling retail area of the show, fans could find favorite comics, books,
action figures and collectibles – some of which were selling for amazing prices.
Many fans showed their devotion to the hobby by dressing up as their favorite
characters, meaning there were also many junior Supermen, Spider-Men and Wonder
Women in attendance.
py (i Earth vs. the Flying Saucers) i0 to the internationally beloved classics (i Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Gone With The Windi0f1fs20 ) f0fs24 and a ton of original artwork.cf1f1fs20
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par Stan Lee’s phenomenal consignment included his personal file copies of key Marvel comics such as i Fantastic Four i0 #1, i Amazing Spider-Mani0 #1, i Daredevil i0 #1, i X-Meni0 #1 and others. ”The Stan Lee File Copies, all graded and certified by Comics Guaranty LLC, surpassed everyone’s expectations, even mine,” said Petty. ”In fact Stan’s books brought anywhere from 2 to 45 times our estimates.”
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par Not only these big names, but also secondary titles broke records. Stan’s copy of i Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. i0 #1, CGC graded 3.0 with cream to off-white pages, which would normally be worth about $20, sold for $899. A non-pedigreed copy of i Avengersi0 #1, CGC graded 8.0, sold for $1,840 while Stan’s copy grading only 3.0 sold for $2,357.50! The total realization of the Stan Lee-consigned lots came in just shy of $200,000, about triple the presale estimate. When asked to comment, Stan Lee said, ”cf1 Far as I’m concerned, the real superheroes are those great guys at Heritage. I really lucked out when I met ’em ’cause they got me prices that exceeded my wildest expectations, plus it was a real kick to work with them. I don’t want this to sound like a TV commercial but, so help me Spidey, there’s no one I’d rather entrust with my collection.”cf0
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par Steve Geppi, owner and founder of Diamond Distribution and another high-profile consignor, was equally pleased. ”The team at Heritage did a great job on the July Signature Auction,” said Geppi. ”They got the word out, increased the general public’s awareness of the value of collectible comics, and