This past Saturday, March 30, 2013, Curls Studio exhibited for the third time at Asbury Park Comic Con. This show tripled in size, attendance, and hype as the organizers took it to a higher level. For one thing, the two previous events were held at Asbury Lanes, a bowling alley, just a short walk from the boardwalk. This time around they held the con at the legendary Asbury Park Convention center, directly on the ocean and boardwalk. It was a nice day despite some wind and everyone was very happy and cheerful. It was a good crowd.
There were two levels of exhibitors: one was the main hall and the other was upstairs which was similar to an “Artist’s Alley” with the artists lined up along the parameter of the venue on the second floor. This is where Curls Studio was set-up. One thing the organizers could have done in advance was tell us we would be located here as the venue did not have an elevator and the exhibitors had to walk up the stadium stairs with their table displays and merchandise. I wish they provided a map in the program guide so I could be able to find some artists I missed. Yes, it was a big enough show to miss people’s tables. I have noticed with each Asbury Park Comic Con that the promoters have upped the ante and increased the quality of the show each time with steady growth – already looking forward to the next show.
Another addition this year was the addition of panel discussions. The panels were located at Wonder Bar, just a simple walk across the street from the convention center. I broke away from the table to attend the first 20 minutes of the Al Jaffee discussion. This dude is 92 years old and can kick it better than people my own age. He is an amazing storyteller in addition to doing some amazing work for MAD magazine. I was glad to be able to see him.
The view from our table was amazing. I didn’t ever dream or think of ever exhibiting comics directly over the Atlantic Ocean! It was also sweet to table in-between Jim Coon and Dave Bullock. We were also able to distribute Magic Bullet #6 to many people – already receiving many compliments about the publication and it was great to be able to expand up north in distribution.
After the show we had a nice Mexican dinner with Rafer Roberts, Jacob Warrenfeltz, and the FUBAR comics crew then headed back home to get ready for Easter the following morning.
You can check out more photos of Asbury Comic Con 3 on the Curls Studio Facebook page. Give us a “Like” while you are there!
Thanks to everyone who stopped by the Curls Studio table. We hope to see you again soon!