Costumes! Hotties! New movies! Why it's cool to be a nerd...
If you think you have to drive hours for a comic book convention, Mike Olivares is here to save you some gas money. After a successful turnout at last year’s inaugural Tucson Comic Con, the event's director is anticipating the 2nd annual Con on Nov. 7 to be another great meeting of artists—more than two dozen, including Jonnie Allan ("Stykman") Brian Pulido ("Lady Death") and Max Cannon ("Red Meat")—local comic book sellers and those who just love the artform.
In an email interview, Oliveras discussed the first comic book he ever bought, the pinnacle of his comic collecting and the inspiration behind starting the Con in the first place.
How did you get into comic books?
I remember my big brother had this Spiderman book that I would read cover to cover. I could not stop reading this book...It was so captivating to me as a kid. From then on I was hooked!
Do you remember buying your first comic book?
After I inherited the Spiderman book from my brother, the first book I ever bought myself was "Predator: Cold War." Great stuff!
Do you collect? If so, do you have an estimate of how many you have?
I did collect at one point, but it was apparent that my closets would not hold any more. I think at one point I had about 10,000 books, but that has changed over the years. I find myself now collecting issues that I must have and really need, but with any comic book fan that means everything.
How long have you been doing comic art?
I wouldn’t say I’ve been doing art, more just involving myself with artists. I would really like to write for comics. I hope to have something out with this group I’ve been working with called NeonKnightProductions. Hopefully, Tucson Comic Con 2010.
When did you decide to start Comic Con—and why?
Well it really became a goal when an artist that I really liked passed away from his battle with cancer. Michael Turner ("Witchblade," "Fathom") battled cancer, but still had the drive to finish some of his work and show up to conventions. His love for comics gave me the drive to do the same thing, more or less. People can say what they want about his style, but he was just like you and me, he loved comics and found himself at peace when creating them. I wanted to create something too, so I did.
How did the first Comic Con go?
The Con last year went really great. A lot more people showed up than I expected, and I was running around like a chicken with no head.
How many people came out?
I was hoping for 200 hundred or so people, but got 500-plus…maybe more.
Do you expect the turnout to be higher this year?
I hope we have a lot more this year. Looking back at the little promotion we did last year and the turnout I am hoping to see a giant increase, being that we have been doing flyer promotions for a good chunk of the year.
What's the most unique thing that people can expect to see this year?
I would have to say the Tucson Roller Derby gals and the 501st Dune Sea Garrison [a worldwide "Star Wars" costuming group]. We have a lot of Phoenix vendors as well.
How many different artists do you expect?
I would say well over two dozen. That might not sound like a lot but the fact that we have these guys in our own backyard creating comics, we have to showcase them as much as possible.
Is there a certain artist you think people are most looking forward to seeing?
Eric Schock, Taylor Garrity, Dave Baker and even Brian Pulido (creator of "Lady Death") and Jay Fotos (Frazetta Comics) from Phoenix! Too many to keep track of…great stuff!
And from Tucson?
Tons of Tucson artists: Dave Baker, Eric Schock, Pete Arriola, Max Cannon… so many! I feel bad that I can’t name them all but there are many more!
Will people be able to talk with them?
Talk, laugh, take pictures, buy their art and even get some free sketches from them. It will also be a good area to network with the local talent in case someone was wanting to know more about the industry or just how they can create a comic or anything related.
What types of items will be available for purchase?
Anything from comics to toys to DVDs. We should have lots to choose from.
Are there any scheduled events, or is it just kind of a walk around at your own pace event?
More or less just a walk around at your own pace. We have free raffles every half hour and all kinds of goodies to give away to any unsuspecting attendee! This is a win/win for anyone that loves comics and the culture, mainly just a big melting pot of people that love one thing or another and also a free event for the Tucson masses! Yes, free!
