Draper

Draper Studios one night student show.
12.15.09

Matt Allison @ Underbelly

This Friday
a new installation by
Matt Allison.

Jax Underbelly
1021 Park Street
in Historic 5Points.
www.jaxunderbelly.com

6-9pm.
904.354.7002

Exploring the Unexpected

Saturday Nov 7

Exploring the Unexpected
Gordon Meggison
at Hemming Plaza Jewelers
231 N Hogan St @ Hemming Plaza

Directions:
At the corner of W. Monroe St & North Hogan
next to the Skyway terminal
for more info call 354-5959
5 - 9 pm Hors D'oeuvres ,Wine

ART WALK 11.04.09

Downtown Jacksonville, FL

The Blair BITCH ... oh the horror!

Local Jax artist Jerrod Brown had his own horrific run in with Exorcist star Linda Blair at Ultimate Horror Weekend 2009. Here is the story in his own words...

"When she saw my Exorcist Painting of 'Regan fucking herself with a cross' she told me to get out of the room. I thought she was kidding at first and I said 'Are you Serious?' Then she got even madder, her face turned red and she yelled "You and that painting get the hell out of here!!!" Her line manager escorted me to the door. The next day, I approached a security guard that witnessed this and asked him what pissed her off? He said she has been a complete 'Bitch' the entire show and anybody that approached her with Exorcist memorabilia was not welcome at her table. My question was "why then is she at a HORROR convention if her own greatest role offends her?" Apparently she is trying to distance herself from this film and my painting was the icing on the cake for pissing her off. I looked at her table later (after the smoke had cleared) and observed that there were absolutely no photos of her in The Exorcist, only all of the other cheesy movies she's attempted to make. So... the rest of the weekend, anybody that purchased a print from me of this painting, I told them the story and what I think of her. So, I guess my painting is controversial, now that the actress in the movie hates it (Ha, Ha)."

www.myspace.com/jerrodbrown

STAR WARS in Concert

Jacksonville Arena
10.29.09

Anthony Daniels clad in an all black tuxedo and metallic gold vest took the stage amidst a sea of lights, lasers, smoke and fire to narrate between the symphonic renditions of the music from STAR WARS featuring key characters (including his own C3PO) and plot moments illustrated by massive video screening filled with synched montages from all 6 films that got my midichlorians all tingly. Presented in two parts with a 20 minute intermission ended with a sustained standing ovation. Simply a must for geeks of all ages.

Below are some photos from the show and the display areas featuring props and costumes from the Lucas Films archives.
















- Max Michaels / Jacksonville FL

Orlando's Premiere Pop Artists @ Bold Hype!

The New Shanghai Circus

RETURNING TO JACKSONVILLE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2009
7:30 PM WILSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS

JACKSONVILLE, FL – The New Shanghai Circus is returning to Jacksonville once again to amaze and astound audiences with their mind-blowing acrobatics! Coming to the Wilson Center for the Arts on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 7:30pm for one public performance only!

Astonishing athletes defy gravity and execute breathtaking feats as they stretch the limits of human ability in this spellbinding show. Fearless performers with boundless energy bring you more than two thousand years of Chinese circus traditions. If it’s humanly possible-and even if it’s not! - Shanghai’s acrobats, jugglers and contortionists do it with spectacular flair. The show is a beautifully orchestrated presentation of Chinese circus acts dating back to harvest festivals of 2000 years ago. This modern day performance is enhanced by fabulous choreography, amazing lighting, enchanting scenery, and powerful music.

THE NEW SHANGHAI CIRCUS will be performed at the WILSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 7:30 PM for one public performance only. Tickets cost $34.00. Discounts are available for groups of 10+, 20+, or 40+ by calling (904) 632-3228.

To order by phone with Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover call The Artist Series Box Office at (904) 632-3373 (toll-free outside of Jacksonville 1-888-860-BWAY.)

Tickets are also available online with Instant Seat Selection by visiting the The Artist Series’ website, www.artistseriesjax.org.

DO THE DEVIL’S WORK FOR HIM: HOW TO MAKE IT IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY (AND STAY IN IT)

New York, NY/Los Angeles, CA --- McCarren Publishing is pleased to announce the release date for Do the Devil’s Work for Him: How to Make it in the Music Industry (and Stay in it)--- http://www.mccarrenpublishing.com/devilswork.htm --- the debut book from noted music and entertainment writers, Amy Sciarretto and Rick Florino. The book is scheduled to hit retail shelves and online bookseller outlets on June 26, 2009. It has received critical praise from AOL.com/Noisecreep, LAX Magazine, Outburn Magazine, Music Connection Magazine, Metal Insider, SilverTongue Online, DefHog.com. Devil… was also featured in segments on FOX NEWS and No Good TV, as well, among other outlets, publications and radio stations.

Do the Devil’s Work for Him is a “she-said, he-said” pocket guide on how to get your foot in the door of the cutthroat entertainment business, offering tips on how to intern, how to network and how to adjust to the ever-changing climate of this “eats its young” industry.

Amy Sciarretto is a 15-year veteran of the music business, having written extensively for Kerrang!, Revolver, TeenPeople.com, Spin.com, AOL Noisecreep and Spinner, Urban Ink, Rebel Ink, Guitar World, VH1.com and ARTISTdirect.com, to name a few, and having served as Loud Rock Editor for CMJ New Music Report and Hit Parader. She worked as a DJ on Sirius/XM for two years and has also worked in the promotion and publicity departments of top independent label Roadrunner Records for 8 years.

Rick Florino founded Ruin Magazine in 2006, and he's currently entertainment editor for LAX Magazine and an editor for ARTISTdirect.com. His writing has appeared in publications and web sites such as Inked, Revolver, BPM, Hit Parader, Shockhound.com, Citysearch.com and other outlets. This year, Florino also released his first novel--DOLOR: Lila. It's the first in a series of ten illustrated horror novels, and it's available as a free download at http://www.bookofdolor.com/signup.html and signed hard copies are also available.

In addition to two humorous, clever and insightful author perspectives, as well as advice, anecdotes and analysis, the book also features a complete extra chapter of advice from top-tier music and entertainment business personnel and rock stars, including members of multi-platinum acts like System of A Down, Guns N’ Roses and Korn. It’s a necessary and crucial time for those looking to break into this exciting lifestyle and career field, namely college students, high schoolers and those who dream of working with and among the stars.

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE Contest

Email MOVEMENT about the wildest thing you've done (and where you did it) to be entered to win a WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE prize pack!

E-mail MovementMagazine@aol.com
One entry per e-mail address please! Prizes are limited. Entries chosen at random. Good luck!

AaaaWwwoooooooo!

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
now playing in theaters and IMAX

DARK VISIONS This Saturday!!!

EXPERIENCE THE FIRST COAST’S
MOST UNUSUAL ART EXHIBIT
EVER PRESENTED!
DARK VISIONS
The Artistree Gallery presents the frightful creations of
JERROD BROWN
and
DREW EDWARD HUNTER

The Artistree Gallery in Atlantic Beach celebrates the Halloween season with the most unique, most outrageous and most creative art exhibit ever to be seen on the First Coast – DARK VISIONS. The show will feature 90 “Portraits of Horror” by local artist Jerrod Brown, as well as “ODDITOPIA! The Midway of Marvels”, a customized G-Gauge scale sideshow train by local artist Drew Edward Hunter.

“We wanted to present something very unusual in the spirit of the haunting season,” explains Artistree Gallery owner William Meyer, “so we are showcasing the imaginative and macabre work of these two remarkable local artists. I guarantee you have never been to an art exhibit such as Dark Visions will be!”

DARK VISIONS will open on Thursday, October 15. The Artistree Gallery will remain open that evening for the North Beaches Art Walk.

A special “Shocktail Party” Artists Reception will be held the following Saturday, October 17 from 6 – 9 PM. This Halloween-themed event will allow guests to meet and greet the artists and discuss their work. There will be a few haunted surprises in store as well. It’s to be a most macabre but very entertaining evening, sure to be talked about for quite some time to come!

Artist Jerrod Brown has always been fascinated by fantasy and horror movies. His “Portraits of Horror” are inspired by the many colorful and evocative paintings created by Basil Gogos, illustrator of dozens of covers of the most notable movie monster magazine of the ‘50s and ‘60s, the iconic “Famous Monsters of Filmland”. Brown met Gogos at a convention in 2007 and was encouraged by the older artist to paint what he really loved – monsters, creatures, horror and fantasy.

Jerrod will be exhibiting nearly 100 “Portraits of Horror” he has done over the past two years. Many of the paintings are on 24” x 30” stretched canvas, and his medium of choice is acrylic. Most of the subject matter is based upon horror movies, and each painting usually features a performer from the film in a pivotal or symbolic scene or pose.

Although Jerrod recognizes the value of computer aided art, all his paintings are quite traditional. “I want to produce uniquely crafted pieces of art,” he says, “so people can see the brushstrokes, feel the textures and even smell the paints. I want them to see the many layers of labor which are involved in each painting, aside from just the image itself.”

Jerrod also is an illustrator of book covers for the science fiction and horror realm, having had dozens of covers published. In 2008 he also received an Honorable Mention as “Artist of the Year” at the 7th Annual Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards ceremony.

Aside from his nightmarish paintings, Jerrod has been professionally involved for many years in the creative side of the theme park industry. He has painted murals, scenery and props in theme and amusement parks, museums, resorts, restaurants and more.

Drew Edward Hunter also grew up with a tremendous fondness for fantasy and horror. With his birthday being a few days before Halloween, it just seemed natural for Drew to gravitate toward the macabre and the unusual in many of his creative endeavors. From first viewing the “Night On Bald Mountain” sequence of Walt Disney’s “Fantasia” as a young child, and from the first issue of “Famous Monsters of Filmland” magazine his dad bought him in 1959, Drew was hooked on horror and all things weird.

The DARK VISIONS exhibit will showcase Drew’s one-of-a-kind, amazing attraction, a static display of his customized G-Gauge (large scale) model sideshow train. “Professor Phobetor’s ODDITOPIA! Midway of Marvels – The World’s Greatest Sideshow on Rails!” consists of 13 intricately detailed and customized train cars. The entire train is over 19 feet in length, and will be shown in a specially designed and themed display created by Drew.

Inspired by his fascination with the culture of the traveling American sideshow, the train is a tribute to the sideshow’s history, legacy, attractions and performers. Some of the cars are based upon actual shows and performers, while others are inspired by actual attractions, and some are totally the products of Drew’s curious imagination. As a child Drew met many legendary “very special people” at various fairs and expositions, and saw many of the shows similar to the ones depicted in the train. He has become an amateur authority on the artistic style, lingo and culture of the sideshow.

Drew explains about “ODDITOPIA! The Midway of Marvels”: “This customized G-Gauge model train represents an imaginary touring sideshow train as it may have appeared in 1932. According to my back story, the mysterious and foreboding Professor Phobetor began assembling the incredible attractions and performers in 1902, and toured the shows via his train across the country for almost 34 seasons. His career and the touring ended with a disastrous train wreck in 1936, but he and the legacy of his sideshows lives on. The model train as displayed has definitely experienced better days – it’s worn, grimy and travel-weary. But it still boasts by far the widest variety of spectacular sideshow attractions ever to tour the nation!”

Accompanying the train model will be “vintage” flyers, articles, ads and posters from the heyday of the “ODDITOPIA!” sideshows, plus some recently discovered “rare” film footage of Professor Phobetor and a few of the performers in the attractions.

In addition, other frightful original works of art by Drew will be on display at the Artistree Gallery along with the train.

Aside from being a fine artist, Drew is also a versatile writer, designer, performer and director. He is currently the Vice President of Creative Design for Sally Corporation in Jacksonville, a world leader in the design and manufacture of lifelike animatronic figures and interactive dark rides for amusement and theme parks.

www.theartistree.com

'Sundays With Chris' at DVF Gallery October 22nd

JOHN W. CODLING: SUNDAYS WITH CHRIS
DVF GALLERY
444 West 14TH STREET
NEW YORK NY 10011

Private Reception (By Invite Only / RSVP) October 22, 2009
Open to Public October 23 to November 1, 2009

New Yorker John W. Codling defies just about every pigeonhole you may be inclined to put him in; he's certainly neither your average Wall Street heavyweight nor your average artist. From October 22 to November 1, 2009 John Codling's much talked about Walken collection will be showcased exclusively at Diane Von Furstenberg's Gallery in the Meatpacking District.

Earlier this year, when his work first began to circulate amongst the downtown Manhattan scene, imaginations were soon hijacked by Codling’s commanding pop art and his blatant nonconformist approach. Ongoing intrigue continued as his collection grew, not only because of his unique style but because of his continual choice of subject -- the ultimate on-screen non-conformist and fellow New Yorker, Christopher Walken. Finally, to be unveiled, a world of Walkens’, created by one man, and inspired wholly by another.

Sundays With Chris transpired from a world of uncertainty as Wall Street began to implode. Codling became increasingly frustrated as the weight of Wall Street began to take its toll. As figures quickly faced south and the media onslaught seemed inescapable... one day, something within him switched. “I yearned for calm, a leader I could trust to guide me through the crisis. There were none found in the financial world so I shut off CNBC and logged out of Bloomberg. I found my leader in front of me on the canvas every Sunday. I wound up painting Christopher Walken."

And Sundays With Chris was born. ‘Walken This Way’, ‘Baby Walken’, ‘Walken In Colors’, ‘Father Walken’ and ‘I Cant Stop Walken’ are just some of the titles from this magnetic collection. Some might wonder if the wry-witted humor injected by Codling into his work is to carefully conceal the more somber side to his portraits. His inspiration, passion, and talent reach far beyond the techniques of painting, as the strokes reveal the honest emotion of loss, determination, and a drive that would soon bring him to create this series and what has quite possibly kept him sane all this time.

Codling has managed to capture and truly define resilience and rebellion, while embracing the eccentric approach to life as the very the core to survival. Walken is never vulnerable, nor is he weak (he rarely shows it, at least), and it is exactly this particular combination of artist and his muse that ensures the strength and solidity of Sundays With Chris doesn't just sit on the canvas, it leaves the gallery with you.



Profit from the sale of the artwork will go to Team Continuum to honor and support Codling’s dear friend Paul who founded Team Continuum, a non-profit organization assisting cancer patients and their families.

For further information on Team Continuum: www.teamcontinuum.net

Chiaroscuro Baby

Chiaroscuro, Baby begins with a jolt of frenetic energy uncommon in typically-contemplative Jacksonville film offerings: A stylish, rock n roll-meets-art title sequence worthy of a Russ Meyer film which serves to, visually, introduce the characters. Additionally, we're introduced to the film's retro-fitted 60s mise en scene; the comparison to Russ Meyer was deliberate.

The protagonist, Calvin, is a struggling artist, a statement which may be redundant; show me an artist who isn't struggling. The relationship with his long-time, live-in girlfriend, Nancy, like his art, has grown stagnant. He stumbles, uninspired, through his day-to-day life and his art suffers for the banality of these circumstances.

It is clear from the moment that Nancy steps into frame that she is the antagonist. Without saying a word, it is all-too-obvious that Calvin views his relationship with Nancy as a burden, perhaps even an annoyance but, as we will learn, Calvin has trouble making up his own mind. No matter, Nancy is happy to do it for him.

Perhaps just as critical to the story as art, is sex: sex as a weapon. Nancy preys on all that is supposed to be desired by the one-dimensional, carnal male and she uses that to emasculate Calvin, compromise his art, and justify her own lifestyle. It is worth mentioning, Calvin and Nancy are in an open relationship, only Calvin doesn't know this yet.

Nancy insists on a career change which seems to work out. She uses this small success to leverage Calvin into switching mediums: from painting to collage. Calvin resists, caves, and soon, Nancy has used her connections to showcase Calvin's work for Arthur Profit; a very important associate of a very important JJ Willard.

The show is an overwhelming success and before you know it, Calvin and Nancy are the toast of the town: A hot young up-and-coming artist with his centerfold girlfriend free to drink, drug, and swing all on Arthur Profit's dime. And Calvin SHOULD want these things, right? I mean, what guy wouldn't want to quit his job, have someone pay his expenses, and live with a girl that brings home other girls?

Nancy and Calvin's dynamic is epitomized when a marriage proposal leads to a discussion about Calvin taking Nancy's last name which would make him Calvin Floyd. Truth be told, he is already Calvin Floyd. He is Nancy's creation. His habits, his lifestyle, even his art have all been dictated by Nancy.



At the center of his artistic/moral dilemma is a spunky (and somewhat annoying) photographer, Marjorie. After a few awkward encounters, Marjorie is posing nude for one of Calvin's paintings. The art, like the relationship with Marjorie, is kept from Nancy.

Marjorie reignites Calvin's passion for painting; however, Arthur Profit is not paying Calvin to paint. JJ Willard is not coming all the way from New York to look at paintings. And that is the conflict or, as Nancy argues early in the film:

"Some times you have to choose between what you want... and what you NEED."

Perhaps my favorite line of dialogue is spoken by the character Alice, Marjorie's roommate, who says, frankly, what the entire audience is thinking, "Rumor has it your girlfriend is a raging cunt." A raging cunt and an effective villain.

Calvin seeks refuge from Nancy with a few close friends. One of these friends is Calvin's gay neighbor/landlord, Ash, who delivers the following bit of dialogue while confessing a severe drug addiction, dramatic irony intact, "Just be glad you know who you are." Calvin hasn't quite figured that out yet.

The film follows Calvin's descent as his career ascends. I'd suggest paying special attention to the exciting opening sequence as a point of comparison for Calvin's art, juxtaposed against the dull, elitist, bourgeois scene surrounding the work of "Calvin Floyd" in the film's final sequence.

The film itself is fun to watch. Props must be given to the filmmakers for accurately reproducing the look and feel of a 60s film, imperfections and all. Whether all the imperfections were deliberate or accidental is of no consequence, the style being emulated was imperfect and they've succeeded in perfecting imperfection.

The film is not cut as tight as some films of that era and, instead, it seems to have more in common with meditative 70s films. This will almost certainly render it inaccessible to large audiences whose attention spans have been greatly reduced in an era of music video-style editing. That fatigue aside, the film could stand some tightening and that is my only real criticism. Some scenes tend to linger beyond what seems like the obvious conclusion to reveal nothing. This is being billed as an "Art" film and has been produced without catering to the needs of the masses. Still the "art crowd's" time is valuable and, sometimes, I wished the movie would move along.

Chiaroscuro, Baby is not just a good film by Jacksonville standards, it is a good film. The fact that a local group of filmmakers, actors, artists, and musicians mobilized and produced this should be a rallying cry to ALL area artists. You don't have to move to New York or Los Angeles and struggle to surround yourself with the "right people" which is a particularly daunting task considering how overwhelmingly unoriginal that notion is. Take a look at the city around you. It can be done. It has been done. Chiaroscuro is a testament to that.



I sincerely hope that the community can generate some momentum and follow Killacozy's lead.

-Samuel Farmer

Penn & Teller Return To NYC For Bill Graham Memorial Show On Nov 12th

New York --- The Bill Graham Memorial Foundation will host Penn & Teller at the Gramercy Theatre on November 12, 2009. Funds raised through the exclusive appearance will be donated to a local school in the tri-state area. The goal of the Foundation is to continue Bill’s good work in assisting those whose needs are oftentimes not noticed or served by larger philanthropic organizations. Currently, the Foundation awards grants primarily in the areas of music, the arts, and education, while also supporting social work, environmental protection, and spiritual and compassionate projects in the community. The foundation has enlisted the expertise of The VH1 Save the Music Foundation to determine which school will be selected as the recipient of the donation.

Penn & Teller have not played New York City in nine years. This performance is titled 35 Years of Magic & BS. Only 400 seats will be sold at a ticket price of $99.00 to benefit the Bill Graham Memorial Foundation. Comedian and self-described “larger, louder half” of Penn & Teller, Penn Jillette shared, “Our first ticketed show in NYC in over 9 years (that's almost 10!) will be a Q&A for P&T with a few classic bits thrown in for good measure. We wanted to donate magic equipment, but we were convinced all the cool kids want to play music. Oh, and yes, Teller WILL speak." Executive Director of The Bill Graham Memorial Foundation Morton Wiggins added, “It is essential that the youth of America be afforded the opportunity to have the presence of the arts in their lives. This was always an important issue to the Bill Graham Memorial Foundation, and our efforts to support both communities and schools in need are a constant as we focus our priorities. It is a luxury to have Penn & Teller, and other legends from music and the arts, supporting our commitment to these essential programs. We could not be more thrilled, and appreciative of their joining us in making a difference.” World renowned sideshow personality Todd Robbins will serve as moderator for this special appearance.

The Gramercy Theatre is located at 127 East 23rd Street. All seats for this exclusive event will be reserved. Following the performance, there will be an audience Q&A, and a commemorative poster gifted to all attendees, with the opportunity to meet Penn and Teller and get the poster autographed. Tickets are available online at www.livenation.com, the Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza Box Office, and via phone by dialing 877-598-8694.

Serenity Rose Vol. 2, in print, this December, IN COLOR

“When you’re a witch with night terrors, you might just start conjuring unspeakable monsters in your sleep. That’s what’s happening to Serenity Rose, noted witch, artist, and social-phobic, in the much-anticipated second volume of Serenity Rose by Aaron Alexovich (Kimmie66, Confessions of a Blabbermouth).

In Serenity Rose Volume Two: Goodbye, Crestfallen, due out from SLG Publishing in December 2009, Serenity is doing her best to stay awake, but if that’s not enough to make her crack, the government goons hassling her, the freaked-out tourists ogling her, and the sadistic blond witch that’s been following her will! Add into that some heavy friendship drama and the past coming back to haunt her, and it’s no wonder the stress is just about killing Sera. Can she get her head on straight before she brings the whole town down with her?

‘I wanted to seriously push myself art-wise, and tell a tight, focused, very personal story with a lot of heavy horror atmosphere and some intense, bizarre action scenes,’ said Alexovich. ‘I think people who liked the first book will be really surprised by this one. It’s the best stuff I’ve ever done, and I’m beyond excited that SLG decided to let everyone see it in full, bloody, ectoplasmicky color. I promise not to make them wait 78 years for the next one.’

Serenity Rose Volume Two: Goodbye, Crestfallen is a 144-page, full-color graphic novel full of horror, turmoil — and monsters as only Alexovich can draw them. Its ISBN is 978-1-59362-181-0 and it can be PRE-ORDERED AT COMIC BOOK STORES NOW with the DIAMOND CODE OCT090665.

Established in 1986, SLG Publishing is a San Jose, California based publisher of comic books, graphic novels and related merchandise. Some of SLG’s more notable comics and creators have included Johnny the Homicidal Maniac by Jhonen Vasquez, Milk and Cheese by Evan Dorkin and Zombies Calling by Faith Erin Hicks. For more information, visit the SLG Publishing website, WWW.SLGCOMIC.COM.”

Please check this out, as Aaron's work is a definite favourite here at the MovementNORTH offices. Feel free to pick up a copy for us, too. =D

HeartShapedSkull!

Mid-Ohio Comic Con Recap!

Columbus, Ohio certainly knows how to take care of its nerds.

This past weekend, October 3rd and 4th, The Greater Columbus Convention Center played host to the 29th annual Mid-Ohio-Con. On hand were a bevy of comics and media guests, including Ray Park (Darth Maul in Star Wars Episode I, Toad in the first X-Men film, Snake Eyes in this summer's live action GI Joe, and currently part of the cast of TV's Heroes fourth season), James Kyson Lee (Ando, Hiro's bestest bud from NBC's Heroes), and Daniel Logan (who played a young Boba Fett in Star Wars Episode II.)


(His backpack's got jets, he's Boba the Fett...)

Dozens of writers and artists, big name and entirely independent alike, were gathered in Exhibit Hall E, hawking their creations, chatting with fans and peers, sketching, snapping photos, signing their great works, and generally having a grand time of it, including Mark Texeira (one of my favorite pencillers during the 1990s,) Joe Jusko, Herb Trimpe, Marv Wolfman, Michael Golden, Bernie Wrightson, Sean Forney, Lora Innes, David Mack, Todd Nauck, Len Wein, Chris Sprouse, and many, many more.

And if you were missing a few key issues of the Phalanx Covenant, Old Man Logan, Transmetropolitan, The Invisibles, The 'Nam, Spidey, Kevin Smith's current run on Batman, you name it -- you would have been hard pressed to NOT find everything you were looking for. And then some, all thanks to a rather impressive collection of vendors, ranging from those specializing in collectibles, accessories, video games, CCGs, Vader's 501st Legion, comic books (of course,) et cetera et cetera ad infinitum.

One of my favorite little hot spots this year was Avatar's booth, which was full to overflowing with back and current issues of most of their popular series, including Warren Ellis' Doktor Sleepless, Anna Mercury, Ignition City, and Black Summer; Garth Ennis' Chronicles of Wormwood and Crossed; Jamie Delano's Narcopolis and loads more. Check out my one purchase of the con, inspired by Doktor Sleepless' Grinder movement:


(It is okay to be jealous.)

And what convention would be complete without a complete regiment of cosplayers? Here, take a look at some of our favorites:


(Later that day, I narrowly avoided an assassination attempt by a camouflaged Predator, presumably for stealing photographic evidence of their existence.)


(Who the heck are you gonna call?)


(Queue up 90s X-Men theme song. ALSO! Holy crap! Someone cosplaying Cable? Nice.)


(Not the happiest looking Arrow in the quill...)

So, if you missed out on this year's mayhem, be sure to make it out next year for the 30th Anniversary of the Mid-Ohio-Con!

See you there, True Believers!

(Report by David Conkey/MOVEMENTnorth)