Lots of Fun at Fanime!

Despite the fact that we are not manga, Genevieve and I hoped that there would still be people attending Fanime who were interested in Islands in the Sky. As it turned out, a whole lot of people were interested and even though we were stuck in the very back corner of Artist's Alley, we nearly sold out of the substantial number of books we brought with us. Had we a premium spot, I definitely think we would have run out by Sunday evening.

Fanime was a four day show that started on Friday and ended on Monday (Memorial Day) and it was quite a test of endurance for me but I'm happy for the experience because between three days at WonderCon, two at SuperCon and the four-day Fanime show...I think I'm as prepared as I'm going to be for the big one: San Diego Comic-Con. It'll be our first year attending Comic-Con as exhibitors but after about eight years in a row as an attendee, I think I'm ready to see the show from behind a table. =)

Though we had tons of customers for Fanime, we didn't snap photos of them because Genevieve was attending the show most of the time and wanted the camera to snap photos of all the cosplayers. I don't know if people really care but I always enjoy showing customer photos so maybe next year I'll purchase or borrow a camera for that purpose. Anyway, I asked Genevieve to send me a selection of photos she took of the cosplayers and once I get them, I'll post them here for you all to enjoy.

We don't make a huge profit on the books but for us, it's not really about that. The most satisfying thing about the experience of having a table at any of these shows is hearing from customers the next day about how much they enjoyed the book. Just chatting with you guys and gals is about the comic and the world of IITS is a lot of fun and Genevieve and I can't wait to share more stories of Kayli and Gordo with you all. Thanks to everyone who picked up our comic and inspired us to do even better with the next book. You guys rock!

P.S. Extra special thanks to B.J. (our neighbor and recipient of the show's worst location for a table...we were only the second worst) for being such a cool dude. You really made the show much more fun for us! Thanks, man.

P.P.S. B.J. makes custom arcade sticks for consoles and PC...check out his work at Electric Trouble!

P.P.P.S. If you managed to find the site despite my failure to send you a reminder email when you signed our guest book, sorry! I had a tough time deciphering the handwriting of a lot of people and got more than a dozen "failed to send" notes.

As promised, here is a small collection of photos from Fanime 2009:

Genevieve explores Artist's Alley on her "day off".

"Waugh..rourouraw...mouraw!!!"

Genevieve (as Maka) and some of her good friends.

A great pose from Prince Nuada (Hellboy II).

The guy on the left created his own armor from leather plates. The girl on the right wants what's inside the armor.

"Sssssss...aaaaaah! Sssssss...aaaaaah! Sssssss...aaaaaah!"

Genevieve (as Maka) in the center of a large group of Soul Eater cosplayers.

An awesome Retro cosplayer (from Dead Leaves).

Genevieve with Jody's niece and some other Soul Eater fans.

Mike, J.C., and Jody as Luchadors.

Pedobear appears...

...and he strikes!

Seriously...WTF?

J.C. punching me in the nuts.

The blue Castle Crasher's guy.

Hirokazu Kojima from Gainax with Genevieve and Mike (both wearing their Gurren Lagann shirts).

A Kayli commission Genevieve did for Charles.

Here's a Kayli on the Stink Flipper she did for Byron.

Shoot...forgot who this was for...but I'm sure he's very happy with it.
(James, maybe?)

Here's a Yoko in her space outfit that Genevieve did for Mike U.

Here's a cute pic of Genevieve and Mike U. with the commission.

My personal personal favorite of the bunch: a Kayli in panties for Stephen. Thanks again for all the Pocky, Stephen!

Annnd...we close with a pic of me, Kayli, and BJ.

Genevieve and I met up with a lot of old friends and made a lot of new ones at Fanime this year. Thanks to everyone who dropped by our booth and made our Fanime experience just a little brighter...see you all next year!

- Joseph