SDCC 2013: Super Women and Men

I have my niche of knowledge from researching the Major. Although I’m a family member. this is not personal reminiscence. There are tons of family members who can do that if they choose. I’m a writer and historian by profession and I love the Major’s creative work—the pulps and the comics.

What’s interesting to me are the real facts of his adventurous life and how that affected his incredible output in vastly different genres. I’ve spent about 14 years on this path so it was with some trepidation that I jumped into the gender fray by holding Wonder Woman aloft.

Wonder Woman by Ramona Fradon

The minute I came across an online mention of the panel, Wonder Women: On Paper and Off, I was determined to be there. With much thanks to Jackie Estrada and my pulpster writer pals, Laurie Powers and John Locke, I managed to do a racing tour of San Diego Comic Con 2013 with support in the pit to keep me on the road as it were.

And yes, driving through L.A. is utter hell. Sartre had it wrong. Hell is being on the 405 inching along for hours thinking, why am I here? I’m guessing you L.A. people know that you have reached the point of no return in this regard. Needless to say, I will never do that again!

1970 Comic produced by Trina Robbins and Barbara Mendes

In spite of the crowds, noise and media hoopla, San Diego Comic Con is that moment when everybody who loves comics gets a chance to catch up with one another and talk shop. What could be more fun than talking shop about comics? I enjoyed seeing everyone brief as it was and meeting new friends.

J. C. Vaughn at Diamond always keeps me on the right track and I met Joe James who is a lovely and talented man. In one of those typical Comic Con woo woo moments, J. C. was telling me all about Grant Geissman, musician, writer and artist and lo and behold I met him an hour or so later when I was with David Armstrong, (he of the vast comics history film archives).

IDW just published Grant’s absolutely gorgeous book, Feldstein: The Mad Life and Fantastic Art of Al Feldstein!. It’s a must have and besides being smart and talented, Grant’s a very witty guy.

Joe James and J.C. Vaughn

I got a quick hug from Jackie in the midst of her massive campaign to keep Comic Con on track and running smoothly and it was great to talk with Batton Lash for a few moments as well.

I managed to snag an autographed Archie from him for one of my favorite teenagers who was in ecstasy upon my arrival home with book in hand. There was the usual conversation with her about how difficult it is to buy a comic book. What is the deal with that? I simply don’t get it but that’s another conversation.

Batton Lash by NWN

While roaming around looking for good Comic Con swag I found Arlen Schumer and Rand Hoppe of the Kirby Museum doing their version of cosplay. I also managed to pick up a Superman Comic and magazines of Alter Ego along with a moment to chat with John Morrow at the TwoMorrows booth.

I missed Mike Catron but caught up with Gary Groth at Fantagraphics and of course Jim Salicrup at PaperCutz keeps me on the straight and narrow. I am listening Jim, I promise!

Jim Salicrup and NWN

In the late afternoon I met up with my best pal, Brad Ricca and that gentleman scholar, Jeff Trexler, Esq. Brad was signing his book about Siegel and Shuster, Super Boys that everyone is talking about. I got two! If you’ve been in a cave somewhere for goodness sake’s check it out! You can tell from the photo, it was near the end of the day.

Jeff, Nicky, Brad and Colonel Mustard in the library

As if that wasn’t enough, I met Lillian Laserson, my favorite lady lawyer and we escaped the throngs and headed to the Wonder Woman panel.

I was so pleased to meet Trina Robbins whom I have long admired. As far as I know she is one of the few historians of women in comics. She has a new book coming out soon called Pretty in Ink, her definitive look at the history of women in comics. That’s a must have as well.

I didn’t know Mary Fleener’s work so it was great to meet her and hear her talk about how she became a comics artist. Her style, which she refers to, as cubismo, is colorful and dynamic. What a wonderful artist!

Mary Fleener

Ramona Fradon is a grand dame of the comics world and her stories about working in the male dominated Super Hero world of DC and Marvel were every bit as fun and fascinating as the stories the guys tell.  More lady panels, please!

Mary, Ramona, Trina–Ramona explaining Hermetics, Tantra and alchemy in comics!