Art Department Weekly | Issue 82 Vol. 8

ADW A DW art dePartMeNt WeeKlY ISSUE 82 VOL. 8

MAd Love FOR HARLEY

2016 CoNS

POP CULTURE GATHERINGS IN THREE CITIES

You are here

eternal con

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play fair

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Babe in the woods

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Long on Fun

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show floor scapbook

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costumes

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Mad Love

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Benny Convenion

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Big Show

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top Comics of 2016

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Long on Fun

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Babe in the woods

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Great Great Expectations Expectations

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five Things

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boomtastic

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Our biggest iss ue ev er!

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Art Department Weekly is published by Dinosaur Girly Productions, 184 Bay 26th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11214. The entire contents of ADW are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without expressed written consent of the publisher. ADW accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and/or photographs and assumes no liability for products or services advertised herein. ADW reserves the right to edit, rewrite, refuse or reuse material, is not responsible for errors or omissions, and may feature same in other mediums for any and all purporses.

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In this issue 3 Editor’s Letter 4 Mini Board 6 Great Expectations Play Fair followed Toy Fair to allow fans a chance to play with the franchises they love, Madeline Vega

16 Long On Fun Eternal Con on Long Island offered the chance to see a small show in a unique space, Luis Vega

Luis takes in NYCC 2016 with his arm in a sling

22 Big Show: NYCC 2016 New York Comic Con

28 The Happiest 4 Days Luis explains why he loves this convention the most

29 All Kind of Fans NYCC worked to incorporate all its verified fans, Madeline Vega

40 Quick Change Sometimes costumes are finished or touched up on site

50 Films & TV of 2016 57 Top Grossing Video Games 60 Talking Shop Kal explores the con and learns more about Overwatch, MV

65 Top Comics of 2016 The best books of the year, LV

72 Wonder Woman 78 Mad Love Why we love Harley, Luis Vega

84 Boomtastic 90 Show Floor Scrapbook A recap of the main floor, The Block, Experiential Zone, Concourse, and Artist Alley

100 Benny Convention New Jersey Comic Expo was a fun-sized convention

120 Five Things Kal couldn’t stop talking these things in 2016

Art department weekly Luis Vega Chief content officer Madeline Vega Managing Editor Credits Madeline strum photogpaphy (Cover and pages 2-63, 72, 74, 82, 84, 85, 87, 100-120), Luis Vega (Pages 64-71, 73, 77, 79, 81, 83, 86-99)

a year of cons Here at the Dubbs, we love conventions.In 2016 we went to a plethora of them, starting in February at PlayFair (legitamately one of the coldest days I’ve ever experienced) and wrapping things up in November at New Jersey Comic Expo.

I think my favorite part of comic cons is the judgement-free atmosphere. I’ve had friends tell me they hide their comic books on the train because they’re embarrassed about reading kids’ books. I’ve had friends who sneak action figures home so no one knows what they are collecting.

Whatever your particular brand of geek is, there is a larger likeminded community waiting to embrace you at a convention.

Cosplayers of all skill levels, shapes, sizes, and colors stop each other to offer compliments, words of encouragement, or to simply take a picture. Comic writers and artists who were probably once outcasts are the veritable rock stars of the

show. They get to meet fans, share stories of their beginnings, favorite characters and best practices. If you’re in search of collectibles, they are everywhere. Show floors are generally littered with so many vendors that your wallet will scream at you.

All of this is to say, that no matter what you passion is, a comic convention is the one place where you don’t have to be ashamed to fly your geek flag. No one is judging you. In fact they just might be thinking you are awesome and that they have so much in common with you.

We captured as much joy as we could.

Be sure to visit youtube.com/user/ MadelineLikesVideo to see it all.

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mini boArD from page 62

not THAT fAr AheAD of the curVe Madeline spotted this red Stormtrooper in the background of a picture (Page 62) from NYCC 2016 and wondered why everyone was so excited in July 2019 for the Hasbro Black Series toy pictured above. The new Sith Trooper from Rise of Skywalker is the new design of a First Order Stormtrooper compared to the classic Stormtrooper costume. The main design difference is in the helmet, the eyes connect along the side with the breathing tubes on the helmet for a streamlined look. This figure will be one of the hottest collectibles of San Diego Comic Con 2019. I personally will be glued to Hasbro Pulse when the excess figures go on sale later in the month.

This isn’t the first red Stormtrooper figure that has been on sale. That honor goes to the Target exclusive Funko Pop red Stormtrooper in 2016 which was exclusively for sale to redCard members. Also, a red First Order Stormtrooper named Cardinal was featured prominently in the Phasma prequel book that built a lengthy backstory to the mysterious character in 2017. So, while exciting, the idea is not completely new.

—LV

perspectiVe My first thought on seeing this picture was, I hope 400 of the comments are about the size of his hands...

mcfArLAne LiVe On May the Fourth, 2016 Todd McFarlane took to the relatively new Facebook Live and led his fans in a lesson on how to draw the Wookie warrior Chewbacca. McFarlane often took to Facebook Live to engage his fans. It was great access to an icon and living legend in the comic industry.

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secret iDentity Here is a pic of Henry Cavill going incognito in V mask to surprise the cast of Suicide Squad to get autographs on his shirt during San Diego Comic Con 2016.

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“my philosophy is if you worry, you suffer twice” -Newt

stAnD With kAepernick The whole Colin Kaepernick situation makes me sick. We want our athletes to not be generic and stale, to make a stand and say something. LeBron gets lauded for orchestrating the wearing of hoodies in support of Trayvon Martin. LeBron again (who is one of the most socially conscious athletes of this era) with Chris Paul and Carmelo make an impassioned speech at the Espys in support of the black lives matter movement. That group is praised. Michael Jordan was often chided during his career for not taking a stand and even once saying “republicans buy sneakers, too.” He took criticism for his apparent blackballing of Craig Hodges when Hodges questioned Jordan over the work conditions in Nike plants.

Kaepernick decided to stand for something by taking a knee. Isn’t this what we want from our athletes? Now a QB who completed 60 percent of his passes, threw for 16 touchdowns versus 4 interceptions, and rushed for another 468 yards and 2 touchdowns can’t find a job. Basically, it ensures that athletes will now be even more generic, not say anything controversial (save for richard Sherman) or protest, and simply toe the line in fear that they will be blacklisted… This is sad for the NFL and sad for all sports in general.

—LV

LAss kicker Before she was the man, she was the Lass Kicker with a steampunk-inspired gimmick. Becky also liked a picture I drew of her before performing on SmackDown Live later that night, Nov. 1, 2016.

Be sure to be on Twitter to see my latest work @ADDubbs and follow a strong game with @BeckyLynchWWE. —LV

“some people build fences to keep people out, some people build fences to keep people in” -Bono (No, not that Bono)

“only assholes drink mr. pibb” -tanner

“i am not a princess” -Moana

“i am one with the force, the force is one with me” -Chirrut

“rebellions are built on hope” -Jyn

“i have just confirmed that theory to be horseshit”

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-Spock

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greAt eXpectAtions

out In the Cold Play Fair used the north

building of the Javits Center in February 2016, the same weekend Toy Fair was in the building. Betty was about six months old and, even though it was zero degrees outside, she made the trip with us. We made use of the nursing room event staff constructed. It was like a giant porta potty: obviously not supposed to be there but totally useful.

Play Fair was supposed to be an extravaganza of toys and beloved characters

There were toys and beloved characters but not on a scale I couldn’t have created in my own basement

underwhelmIng Lego set up tables for

constructing cars. Midtown Comics’ booth was the only vendor. Batman’s tumbler was available for pictures. Business Santa did not seem impressed.

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Rather than hop on line right away to take pictures or test products, we played with Legos... a lot

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buIldIng momentum Boom built a car rather quickly with the pieces he was able to reach, then went straight to testing it. Then he modified it while Kal was still meticulously building his first car. Most pieces seemed to be standard blocks, but, if you look closely, someone added a Unikitty head to their car.

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Kal was taking pictures with anyone in a costume

fAmIlIAr fACes The boys were able to easily stop Night Wing and Vanellope (who gave Boom a sticker) for quick pictures. Saber Guild and Mandalorian Mercs members were also at Eternal Con, New York Comic Con, and New Jersey Comic Expo.

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CAn’t resIst The boys had to choose between PJ Masks or Paw Patrol for pictures because the lines were so long. We didn’t really consider Sky Whale from Game Shakers even though they loved that show.

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We had not advertised Play Fair as Stand In Line Fair to the kids, but they were willing to do it

Around the bloCk The line to get into

the Nickelodeon area wrapped around its space, so we used our view of the sign to let us know how much progress we’d made. We ate popcorn and played with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle masks and Tracker hats. Once inside, they waited in one line to go down the slide and another to play with the Game Shakers’ apps.

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Our Play Fair 2016 recap is now on YouTube

WAtCh the video veRSioN! https://youtu.be/Mr7-lm9p3mY

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fun to borrow The boys have the

Crayola app, crayons, and coloring pages for Skylanders, but they acted like they’d never seen it before. I’ve seen the airbrush kit in stores, so I might have been more interested than they were in watching them test it.

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Long on fun Hoping to make more videos, we hit record in Garden City

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Something new on the Island I had never been to Eternal Con. I had never even heard of it before. Then a co-worker recommended it to me. He said not only was the Con a hidden gem, but the location in the Cradle of Aviation Museum was a huge plus. Aircraft of all sorts are on display as a backdrop to cosplayers—plus kids could play in the usual kids’ areas of the museum.

While on the smaller size, the show floor was jampacked with vendors. I was able to find really nice deals on Legos, Star Wars Black Series figures, and even a Spider-Man-inspired Hot Wheels car for Boom.

The show’s organizers did a great job in terms of getting all kinds of vendors to this show. However, artist alley was lacking creators. While a few local names filled the ranks, there weren’t a ton of what one would deem A-listers. Interestingly, comicartist Buzz was in attendance. He was a legend in my high school. I can’t help but think that this show will soon graduate to a larger space as the demand is definitely there.

—LV

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Cradle of Aviation Museum on Long Island is filled with historical aircraft

fun for everyone Besides the usual

sights and sounds of a convention, Eternal Con was set inside a museum, so the walls were covered in artifacts and displays. Kids were able to take a break and interact with the museum’s regular play areas. We recapped our experience of shopping and playing at https://youtu.be/MKPsUYlb9Js

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Kal took a microphone and hit the show floor to look for people to interview. They talked about fungus, chimichangas, and combining forces.

Watch the videos now on YouTube https://youtu.be/ZkYNGmRMzwU

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freeze frame In his Kylo Ren costume, Kal not only talked to a Ghostbuster, a Wild Woman of Wongo, and his little brother, but also a collective of Jedi and Sith eating lunch, Deadpool, and some Star Trek fans. See his work at http://youtube.com/user/MadelineLikesVideo

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We had time to take in the view of NYPD and security supervising the flow of pedestrians and traffic blocks away from the Javits Center because the line was so long and so slow.

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Inside the Javits Center, one needed to get in line again immediately to obtain a wristband to join more exclusive lines later that day.

This is Luis’ wristband to wait in line to see Jim Lee at the end of the day.

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The happiest 4 days October is quickly becoming my favorite month. Few events bring me as

much joy as New York Comic Con. It’s the one time of year where you can truly let your geek flag fly. The city is absolutely overrun with comic-inspired goodness. More than the other conventions we attended, this show completely envelopes its entire surroundings.

2016 saw the added luxury of me trying to navigate NYCC with one arm tied in front of me. I tore a ligament in my elbow weeks earlier, so I was traipsing around the Show Floor in a sling. Try carrying a stack of comics for creators to sign and a sketch pad for artists to add to while also hunting collectibles. Needless to say that was tough. These complications led me to eschew the Show Floor and concentrate primarily on the DC area (off the main floor) as well as navigating the Experiential Zone (the area right below DC). Even with those limitations, NYCC did not disappoint.

Meeting Scott Snyder and Tom King was a huge highlight. My lack of mobility led me to meet writers who both wrote books on my top of the year chart (Page 65). Between creator meetings and being in awe of the creations cosplayers came up with (Page 40), NYCC was quite the experience. In many ways NYCC was the perfect highlight to the Dubbs Year of Convention going.

—LV

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In 2016, it was easy to find girly ways to represent your fandom. I spotted these earrings while waiting to enter the first day and the display of necklaces Sunday.

all kinds of fans In 2014, Popcycled’s recycle mistress Laura told me all about what it was like to be at the forefront of creating girly fan pieces.

NYCC has receached such an all-encompassing level of acceptance that everyone from a girl with Tardis earrings to a man with a suitcase full of bagged and boarded comic books can feel at home. NYCC 2016 became a pop culture celebration for all “verified” fans with clearly defined shopping areas, more food options on site, wristbands on top of badges, and offerings that ranged from Marvel to WWE. My kid might be dressed like Little Red Riding Hood. I might have a Star Wars shirt. It really doesn’t matter as long as we tap our badges and don’t try to make you feel bad about what you’re wearing or how much you know. No matter what brought you in, something else on site would also grab your attention and add to the experience of being there.

—MV

Luis and Betty enjoy empanadas from the food trucks parked where cosplayers used to pose. Saturday and Sunday, the trucks moved to the underpass, revealing the new fence blocking the stairs where meet ups used to gather. Trees along the sidewalk above further insulated the event from non-verified fans.

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babe in the woods For her second year at NYCC, Betty attended Thursday and Friday

Bringing a toddler the first two days of the con with another adult was a whole different experience from being alone with an infant on Family Day. There was space for a stroller. I could look at things without constantly having to keep an eye on her needs.

She could interact on her terms. I think her second trip to NYCC was better than her first, but maybe that was just me .

—MV

Betty holds her free comic while sizing up the DC Booth crowd.

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Betty hangs onto that free comic while re-entering the DC area and catching the eye of another photographer.

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Madeline might have wanted Betty to greet the giant Ewok who quickly finished putting on her costume to pose, but Betty had no interest. As of July 6, 2019, Betty doesn’t offer much commentary when looking at the series. She points to the picture of her with Madeline to say, “You!” Top row and bottom right by Madeline. Bottom left and center by Luis.

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Betty’s first priority is snacktime. Luis makes the rounds with his sling.

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The line was so long to enter NYCC, Betty had time to nap on Day 2. We were waiting for the Javits Center, but the line behind the stroller is for an NYCC event elsewhere. In 2016, we focused on video. See what kinds of fun we had at https://www.youtube.com/user/MadelineLikesVideo

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While Dadda was her favorite big guy at the show, Betty met some other colorful characters. For the record, her new teeth coming in is what actually made her cry.

(She calls him Michael Angelo when looking at the print on my office wall.)

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quick change Most attendees arrive at the convention picture ready, but it’s always fun to capture images of the people who need more time to prepare or touch up their looks, like the women on the opposite page. The Riddler agreed to let Madeline take his picture as long as she didn’t share the story he had just told about where he found his costume.

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Pink Ranger and Superior Spider-Man didn’t seem to know where they wanted to go first, but Madeline knew she wanted their pictures.

Also, Miraculous Lady Bug in the background! Betty wouldn’t become obsessed with her and Cat Noir (not pictured) for at least another year.

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Union Jack poses after finishing up with coat check; Wonder Woman leaves the DC area with her super cameraman; Deadpool preps; Fantastic Four answers questiosn for a reporter.

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Ronald McDonald Thor, Cyborg, Luke Cage, Mei from Overwatch, and VictorianTardis were pleasant enough to stop and pose.

Madeline didn’t know or particularly care what the costume with the black dress was because she thought the cosplayer looked cool

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Deadshot, Soldier 76 from Overwatch, John Cena Deadpool, Professor Utonium, Terra, Beast Boy, a Death Star gunner, and a Dr. Who angel statue display the assortment of fandom.

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nycc2016 top grossing films 2016 Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Finding Dory Captain America: Civil War The Secret Life of Pets The Jungle Book Deadpool Zootopia Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice Suicide Squad Sing Moana Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Doctor Strange Hidden Figures Jason Bourne Star Trek Beyond X-Men: Apocalypse Trolls La La Land Kung Fu Panda 3

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Scarlet Spider, Spider Gwen, and Spider-Man 2099 were waiting for an event outside the Javits Center; Boom explained this woman is Umbreon, the dark type evolution Eevee; men dressed as Power Puff Girls was an easier twist to recognize.

TV 2016 Stranger Things Fleabag Game of Thrones Veep The Americans The Grinder Supergirl Fresh Off the Boat Westworld Mozart in the Jungle Catastrophe Atlanta Better Call Saul BoJack Horseman People v. OJ Simpson Vice Principals

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Cosplayers tend to go more kid-friendly closer to Sunday, but the range of Disney characters to Game of Thrones to something Madeline just wanted to photograph captures what you might see any day of the Con.

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Falcon stepped in to pose with Iron Man and Pepper; Mad Moxie, Negan Deadpool, and someone we can’t identify stopped in front of the Shadow Hunters banner, one of the giant ads for TV shows in the Crystal Palace; Night Crawler poses inside the entrance; Kal had a hard time interviewing a Viper, Cobra Commander, and Destro in their solid masks.

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Johnny Depp Amalgam, Law Asuncion’s Voltron, Mandalorian Minecraft Steve, Manadalorian Supergirl, Mandalorian Green Arrow, and Hanzo from Overwatch show off handmade costumes.

top grossing video games 2016 Annual overall top grossing

December 2016 portable games

December 2016 Wii U

Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare

Pokémon: Sun

Paper Mario: Color Splash

Battlefield 1

Pokémon: Moon

Pokkén Tournament

The Division

Super Mario Maker

Minecraft

NBA 2K17

Pokémon: Sun & Moon dual pack

Just Dance 2017

Madden NFL 17 Grand Theft Auto V Overwatch Call of Duty: Black Ops III FIFA 17 Final Fantasy XV

Mario Party: Star Rush Super Smash Bros.

Mario Kart 7 Kirby: Planet Robobot Pokémon Omega Ruby Pokémon X

Skylanders Imaginators Super Smash Bros.

Super Mario Maker Lego Dimensions Splatoon New Super Mario Bros. U + New Super Luigi U

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A Force Awakens meet up encourages a baby Finn to join their shot Sunday. Yeah, the Ewok was there multiple days.

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talking shop

Kal excitedly discussed video game strategies and costumes Being interviewed by a 7-year-old takes a certain level of playfulness. Brenden Fletcher, the author of Motor Crush, was quick to talk about Spyro when he couldn’t discuss his own work. Kal zipped around, demonstrating his Overwatch tactics for people dressed like Zarya and Tracer, who then gave him pointers. Check out Kal’s enthusiastic interactions at http://youtube.com/user/MadelineLikesVideo

Kalo-Ren poses with Thor, Iron Man, Captain America, Kylo Ren, Wario, and Tracer from Overwatch. See the interviews at https://youtu.be/XFIBL6kPRV4

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The Star Wars meet up stopped pedestrian traffic both inside and outside as everyone tried to get a picture.

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Kalo-Ren wonders how best to photobomb the group that suddenly gathered behind him.

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nycc2016 Batgirl, Nightwing, the Justice League, Batman, Young Justice, Batman ’66 family, Batman and Robin ’66, armored BvS suit, Midnighter from The Authority, Batman and Robin ’66, Scarecrow

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top comics of 2016 Luis rounds up his favorite books of the year FutureQuest If you had told me one of the best books of the year would be a comic with a story uniting all the characters from the Hanna Barbera cartoon universe, I would have told you you were crazy—but Parker and Shaner are delivering a book that feels like it was ripped right from my Saturday morning television days.

Black Widow Waid and Samnee are delivering a fresh but classic-feeling story which brings elements of Natasha’s past to the current Marvel Universe. This book is perfect.

Superman:American Alien Max Landis crafts a spectacular Superman story utilizing a rotating cast of top notch artists (Sook, Lee, Edwards, Dragotta, Jock, and Manapul). It’s a very different take on a Clark Kent to Superman origin story. Wildly original.

Deathstroke Comics veteran Christopher Priest breathed new life into Slade Wilson in

2016. The books often felt like you were on a Tarantino-esque caper. The way each book bounces around time is a true credit to the mastery of Priest.

Legend of Wonder Woman Renae De Liz is putting together a fresh all-ages take on the Amazonian princess.

While the art is simplistic, it’s definitely approachable for newer comic readers.

An absolute breath of fresh air.

Saga The best regular book on the market.

Vaughan and Staples form the perfect team. Alana and Marko (finally reunited) present their pregnancy to Hazel, which sets the stage for the most heartbreaking comic moment of the year.

Paper Girls Another Vaughan masterpiece. This love letter to the ’80s is perfectly written and drawn (Cliff Chiang is without peer). One of the best monthly books on the racks.

Batman No one could have followed Scott Snyder’s run on Batman... except for Tom King. His take on the Bat and more importantly Bruce helped humanize the character and created a multi-faceted story playing off the relationship between Bruce and Selina (Catwoman). Absolute perfection.

Moon Knight Marc Spector is the most convoluted character in comics. Jeff Lemire and Greg Smallwood have made Moon Knight approachable and relatable with a story that plays with all the psychological elements that have come before.

A standout Marvel book.

Mighty Thor Thor has always been one of my favorite characters. I never thought I would love Jane Foster as Thor more than the original.

Dauterman and Aaron are putting together a special run. Kudos to Marvel for putting together a gender equal book with this much diversity and inclusion.

Madeline is amused that Luis loves Bombshell Batgirl so much he took a Where’s Waldo-style photo of one. He also found Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and the Saga family.

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Miles, Ant-Man, Court of Owls member, Domino, Spider Gwen and Spider-Man, Black Mask, Red X, Captain America, and Spider Gwen

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Poison Ivy, Riddler, D.Va, Aquaman, Meera, Deadpool, Zatanna, Raven, Aquawoman, Star-Lord, Gamora, and Punishers

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Opposite page: Khal Drogo, Baseball Furies battle Lord Humongous, Dr. Who angel statues, Mr. Freeze, two Grand Admiral Thrawn and a TIE fighter pilot, Kingpin, and Cobra Commander.

This page: Harry Potter witch, Mable, Dipper, Wendy, Officer Hopps, Power Rangers Dino Thunder, Mermaid Man, Quikster, He-Man, Cheetara, Captain America, Liberty Bell, SpiderMan, Black Cat.

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A crowd of characters such as Dr. Fate and Ariel, Kratos, Super Mario Bros., Batswana Beast, Queen Elsa Robot, Elektra, Ice, AIM footsoldier, we’re not sure, and Chun Li

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We at the Dubbs don’t recognize a bunch of characters on this page besides Deadpool, maybe Legend of Zelda, an Angel, and Road Hog, but are in awe of all the costumes.

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75 years amazon To celebrate, DC showcased the movie coming in 2017 The world was introduced to Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman in March of 2016 in Batman v. Superman, leaving us all ready to see more of this version. Not only were the costumes displayed to promote the upcoming film, but a gallery of artwork was erected to honor the anniversary and feed into the excitement for what could be coming in a movie of her own.

At one panel moderated by Variety, DC Comics unveiled the Wonder Woman postage stamp before having creators discuss what it means to them to work on Wonder Woman titles.

According to Variety, Greg Rucka, the current writer said, “Everybody in pop

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culture knows who she is, but nobody knows who she is. ... I think we’re at a moment of cultural emergence for her.”

Wonder Woman is an iconic figure so it’s never a problem to find someone wearing some version of her costume at the convention. This particular version of of a solid skirt and armored bustier went over much more favorably than the 2010 redesign of black pants and cropped jacket. She’s complex. She can be girly and strong.

The celebration of Wonder Woman’s 75th anniversay helped NYCC feel bigger than just what was happening that day inside the Javits Center.

—MV

So many Wonder Women at NYCC, including one in the background of the picture at left.

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Luis outlines Harley’s world domination If you have been a regular convention goer over the last half decade, you have noticed that the most popular female costume has belonged to Harley Quinn. You will constantly find yourself outnumbered by multiple costumed versions of a relatively new character who seems to have struck a chord with fans everywhere.

Harley Quinn was created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm for Batman: The Animated Series in 1992. She did not become a part of the mainstream DC Universe until 1999.

Since then, she has become the most popular female character in the DC Universe.

Upon introduction, Harley in comic form was much more violent and less humorous than her animated self. That all changed with the launch of her solo series which saw her gain independence from the Joker and lead a small gang of her own.

While not an initial huge hit (her first solo title only lasted 38 issues), DC continued to tinker with the character and would see a big uptick in sales whenever she guest starred. When DC relaunched their line in 2011, Harley really took off. Harley was given a new look, a new attitude and was now completely Joker-free. Harley was introduced as a member of the new Suicide Squad where she proved to be a huge hit with the fans. In 2013, Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti launched Harley’s solo title (where, à la Deadpool, Harley constantly broke the 4th wall and talked directly to the readers).

It has been a consistent Top 20 seller now for three years.

With a top selling solo title, two spinoffs (Harley Quinn and Her Gang of Harley’s, Harley’s Little Black Book), multiple specials (Valentine’s Day, April Fool’s Day, New Year’s), an animated starring role (DC Superhero Girls), video game tie-ins (Batman: Arkham Trilogy and Injustice), a spot on a team book (Suicide Squad) which spawned one of the highest grossing movies of the year (with a planned solo spinoff movie), it’s no wonder Geoff Johns included her along with Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman in calling her one of DC’s Big 4. It’s a costumed Harley world, we just live in it.

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Harley comes in every style from her 1992 harlequin costume to her DC Superhero Girls puffed sleeves.

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Harley appeared on sketch pads and the sides of trucks. She was a nurse and Princess Leia. She’s fun and complicated.

Babs Tarr displayed a finished Harley piece at her booth while Mauricet drew Harley for Luis at the DC booth.

Chevrolet commissions original work for their display, including this Suicide Squad wrap.

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Daddy’s little monster seemed to be everywhere with her easy to spot hotpants and two tone pigtails.

Cartoony sledgehammers, roller skates, and tutus add some comedy to this dark character.

Bombshell Harleys showed up in both 2016 (with the “Bang” gun) and 2015.

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There were plenty of Harleys to be found the previous year. This might be our cover model posing in 2015 along with more pictures we saved for this issue.

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boom tastic Legos and face paint make for a good day Not everyone is ready to throw on a costume and jump right into the sea of fans. Boom eased into the experience, opting for his favorite pants and a shirt with a cape. The Deadpool face came at the end of the day and seemed to give him new super powers.

We took his stroller and looked for all the things it seemed like he would want to do, but we also had no desire to wait in lines so that limited our options. The Family HQ was pretty empty so there wasn’t much of a wait for face paint.

Meanwhile, video games had huge lines and seemed too advanced for him. He was 4 and a half years old in October.

We found mini figures for his dad and played at the giant Lego display to promote the Batman movie and DC Superhero Girls.

He seemed to have a good day. —MV

Boom takes a stick around the con

See the video! https://youtu.be/bFeLG_SCRfI

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building a fanbase

Construction stations put the fun in attendees’ hands Lego had two popular properties on their hands. Batman was such a breakout star of 2014’s The Lego Movie, he’s getting his own movie in 2017. And the most anticipated new toy line of 2015 was the DC Super Hero Girls, soon to be on store shelves with Lego versions. While the video display and banners signaled where the booth was, the oversized Batman and Superhero Girls made of Legos drew you in. Attendees were encourage to build up their super powers by contributing to a wall of Lego tiles. It was one giant building party.

Both Kal and Boom stopped the days they visited and built whatever they fancied rather than following the suggestions on the table. Looking at the wall, that seems to be how everyone approached the tile creations.

While they did watch the video board loop through previews of the upcoming movie and shows, I can’t say the booth made them feel like they needed to see either. After all, Boom was hunting minifigures for his dad that day and everyone was going to look at all the Lego sets in toy aisles for months to come. We didn’t need a booth to convince us.

—MV

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Life-size Super Hero Girls greet attendees on the Show Floor near the Lego booth where everyone was welcome to add to the wall of tiles.

Mattel’s collection of Super Hero girls were displayed in the Crystal Palace, closer to the Wonder Woman movie costumes.

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show floor scrapbook A collection of some of the places we stopped

While Madeline focused mostly on video of things that interested her kids, Luis tried to save his injured arm and avoid the crowds by sticking to the DC Booth. We ended up with this set of pictures, business cards, coupons, and memories.

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The main area offers a Yu-Gi-Oh! tournament, fun T-shirts, previews for upcoming comic series, and the chance to meet cosplayers such as Jessica Nigri.

The main reason to attend NYCC is to meet talent and get signatures. Then it’s to hunt collectibles. There are booths full of Pop! figures that have already been in stores but also booths like Hallmark that preview future Itty Bittys of Walking Dead and Aliens. Rare items Luis spotted on the floor included a $500 Lego Hogwarts Castle and a $900 bloody Ned Stark. On Sunday, Boom helped pick 8/$20 minifigs to add to the collection of previous con purchases.

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Luis used the signing schedule to know when to make his way back to the Marvel booth.

Brandon Montclaire, Amy Reeder and Natasha Bustos (top right), Mahmus Asrar (center), and Sara Pichelli (bottom) added these three sketches to Luis’ book.

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mArVeL booth With a stage and big screens, Marvel has a footprint on the floor to match its relevance in pop culture. Again, Luis was trying to spare his arm so he avoided the crowds in the Marvel area, but still caught fans getting their beards trimmed to look more like Tony Stark and the moment Ghost rider, Quake, and the rest of the Agents of Shield showed up for a photo opp. “Craziness ensued,” Luis says.

Luis’ well-worn printed schedule for the Marvel booth that allowed him to be there only when he really wanted.

The signing schedule helped him be there to ask David Namisato for a sketch.

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nycc2016 A poster of Barb wasn’t lost among all the booths, such as one for Neal Adams, high expectations for Valerian, Kotobukiya collectibles, Star Wars costumes, and books from Image.

Escaping the Floor In years past, if you wanted food at NYCC you had to resort to the over-crowded Javits Center food court. Its limited, overpriced items were a necessity if you wanted to eat anything.

This year there was a plethora of new options as the entrance area was full of food trucks. Long a staple of lunchtime dining in Midtown, the trucks have now found a new home at NYCC. If you could brave the line, you were treated to delicious meals from Korilla, Mac Truck, Nuchas and many more. A definite plus I hope becomes an anual tradition.

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Madeline isn’t 100% sure she wasn’t handed this Garnier sample on her way to the Javits Center because it seems completely plausible a beauty booth in the Block could have given it to her.

The BLock Depending which way you head first, The Block could be your first stop on the convention floor. The focus is a bit more on engaging new consumers, but Street Fighter X and Animal from the Road Warriors were set up as well. It’s the best place to find quirky gifts at NYCC. —MV

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The DC Booth If you’ve never been to a comic convention, you will absolutely be astonished at how quickly these artists can make you a sketch while carrying on a full conversation with you. Just meeting the people who make the things that have captured your attention and inspire you to be more creative is worth more than the price of admission. Lines to get a wristband to come back and stand in line again wind several rows deep. Any inconvenience is forgotten as soon as you hand over a book to the creator to ask for a signature and confirm that they feel the same way you do about what’s in that book.

The creators are human but also larger than life.

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Some of the people Luis hung around for included Paolo Pantalena of Deathstroke; Eddy Barrows of Detective Comics; the incomparable Scott Snyder; Joe Prado and Will Conrad, the Aquaman creative team. These are sketches from Mauricet (Harley), Will Conrad and John Semper, Jr. (Cyborg).

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The Experiential Zone seemed to be more about interactions and less about purchases.

Attendees could try video games, pose with Kubo characters, and talk to brand embassadors. Scarlet Spider, Super Sox Shop, and the Danny Trego statue also caught Luis’ eye.

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My Kubros One of the best experiences at NYCC this year was down in the new Experiential Zone. As I walked past the Megablocks Kubros booth, I saw a woman posing with what looked like a custom figure. When I asked what it was, she replied, “It’s me.” I then took a closer look, and that’s indeed what it was. TheKubros designers were flown in from Canada for NYCC to build custom figures of anyone who came by their booth and waited. (I was in line for about an hour.)

The best part was the figure was completely free. Not only that, but they also gave you a choice of a Hellboy or Destiny figure to build while you waited for the designers to build your custom figure. The build itself took about 30 minutes, at which point you then walked away with not only a custom figure of yourself but also one of their new offerings. I am now a Kubros fan.

—LV

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nycc2016 The Concourse is the red hallway that takes attendees from the main area to Artist Alley. To better use the space, companies such as 20th Century Fox, Jelly Belly, and Kingsman have interactions lining the walls. As more panels and events moved out of the Javits Center, there was space for rooms such as Family HQ with Snazaroo facepainting.

dubbs at the con The first year I attended NYCC, I shadowed two exhibitors—a cosplayer on the main floor and an artist in Artist Alley. The next year, I met a couple who had purchased a booth in The Block before having a product ready to sell. So, the idea of setting up a station—even just a light kit in the underpass—has only seemed as far fetched as finding a babysitter and the motivation to interact with people.

What if I set up a couch and a charging station? People could come to me. I could be lazy and create new content because you’d have to agree to be interviewed or pose for pictures if you wanted to chill. A hotel room could be a way to take a break from the con, but then you have to leave the con. In my daydream, my couch booth means the con would come to me. It balances my need to have a purpose but also just sit comfortably when I want.

—MV

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artist Alley There wouldn’t be comics without artists. Booths of finished work and prices for new commissions fill most of the space, but cosplayers such as Ireland Reid also sell prints. Kal stopped at tables with everything from cute animals and video game characters he loves to darker and more twisted displays. For his video interviews, Kal talked to Brenden Fletcher, Goran Sudzuka, and Scoot McMahon. Check it out at https://youtu.be/ WUnUVjuLEsQ. —MV

Kevin Maguire surprised Luis with his appearance at NYCC. “It’s a pretty rare sight,” Luis says. “I grew up reading his Justice League. He draws the best emotional faces in the business.” Art Baltazar sketched for Luis at his Artist Alley booth.

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calling all bennies It’s not the Shore, but we’re not from Jersey. We gave Edison a shot

See how we rounded out the 2016 convention season

WATCH THE VIDEO VERSION! https://youtu.be/nwhm4w7OJHk

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New Jersey Comic Expo seemed to be exactly what was advertised—lots of talent and vendors easily accessible in a venue worth the trip. The convention felt like it was not too big, not too small. There was room to walk and plenty to see. We left willing to come back the next year.

Boxes of comic books were easy to see, which helped me immediately feel like NJCE was living up to its name. It’s a comic expo, not a Pop! figure expo. But when I’m sticking a bunch of Star Wars fans in a car to go out of state, we’re

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going to look for more than just rare issues of comic books.

Luis was happy to point out all the names he recognized in Artist Alley, including Peter J. Tomasi, Mark Teixeira (not the Yankee), Mark Bagley, Jose Luis Garcia Lopez, Adam Kubert, and Rags Morales. NJCE felt like a bigger deal.

Being a convention in early November also offered the benefits of having Halloween costumes ready to go and not getting stuck in a hot car. NJCE was a good way to spend the day.

—MV

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Items for sale ran the gamut from so many Pop! figures to leather bras.

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Juvenile fun Kids Area was set with rows of tables and chairs to accomodate workshops for making masks and learning about science fiction heroes. If you notice a lot girls at the tables in these photos, Kal has crashed the Girl Scout Badge Workshop for 35 scouts earning their Comic Artist badges.

Cheeky signs entertained Madeline while Betty ate popcorn for lunch. The signs at this booth seemed unique compared to towers of T-shirts at other conventions.

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Post-It Note priced toys looked familiar, but the brass knuckles and racks of clothes felt more unique.

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It’s not a convention without tables of minifigs. Peter J. Tomasi talked to Madeline at his Artist Alley table about writing Super Sons.

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We interviewed Peter J. Tomasi

WATCH THE VIDEO! https://youtu.be/nwhm4w7OJHk

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Kal poses with Terra, Deadpool, Cobra Commander, Soldier 76 and D.Va.

For the size, price, and distance, NJCE felt like a good deal

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A Sith lord poses among the cosplay tables. Deadshot and a steampunk costume we liked posed for Madeline.

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A Jedi takes pictures of the fight friends stage between a Stormtrooper and a Mandalorian-looking Sith.

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When fans weren’t asking to pose with cosplayers like Spider Gwen and Spider-Man, there was time for a Mandalorian to shop and Darth Vader to fight with Green Goblin.

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five things Kal loved throughout 2016

mobile games

Angry Birds, Plants vs. Zombies, Robbery Bob... There’s always a character or strategy to discuss—especially when Angry Birds have actual toys with QR codes.

Overwatch

Tracer is obviously his favorite, but D.Va and the mechs inspired a lot of excitement.

Minecraft

If he wasn’t playing, he might be reading fan fiction, rocking out to pardoy songs, learning from Stampy Cat... siblings

They want to be just like him even if they maybe don’t want to hear his monologues. skylanders

Being late to the game meant there were so many versions to go back and purchase on clearance. Chaos was new, though.