Art of the Con
By Karyn M. Peterson -- Playthings, 3/1/2007
Authors, illustrators, editors and superstars were all on hand this year at the N.Y. Comic-Con, which by location (in the heart of the publishing world) is considered the most literary “con” for showcasing graphic novels, comic books, picture books and movie properties.
In addition to hosting Patrick McDonnell (Mutts), Little, Brown planned to give away some hot, new titles, said Elizabeth Eulberg, publicity director, including James Patterson's latest Maximum Ride title, Tara Bray Smith's debut Betwixt and Patrick Carman's Atherton.
Scholastic's planned graphic novel signings—which included Jeff Smith (Bone), who was invited to the show as a guest of honor, as well as Aimee Friedman and Christine Norrie (Breaking Up), Ann. M. Martin and Raina Telgemeier (Baby-sitters Club) and Jill Thompson (Goosebumps)—were key to its promotion plans, according to Jacky Harper, director of author events and conventions. Also planned was a sneak preview of Shaun Tan's The Arrival, plus raffles and giveways.
For Abrams Books, Jeff Kinney was set to sign his latest on both days of the show, according to Colleen Lindsay, director of marketing operations, while Michael Buckley promoted his The Sisters Grimm series of darkly humorous mysteries, the fourth of which debuts in May.
Over at DK, its many titles for kids featuring licensed characters from DC Comics, Marvel Comics and Star Wars included Ghost Rider: The Visual Guide, Marvel Encyclopedia,Star Wars Complete Visual Dictionary and Conan: The Ultimate Guide, which “should be big this year,” according to Bess Brasswell, marketing manager. Author signings for Tom DeFalco (Spider-Man) and other notables were planned throughout the weekend.
In addition to a big presence to support the Golden Compass, Random House planned to promote a number of other titles, according to Judith Haut, vice president of communications. These included the latest BabyMouse graphic novel, plus the novels The Navigator by Eoin McNamee and Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier.
Penguin planned a major focus for Mars Needs Moms!, the funny, touching picture book from Berkeley Breathed, creator of Bloom County, according to Jess Michaels, associate director of publicity. A signing wasn't scheduled, but Penguin planned a raffle of original artwork. Penguin also planned to host contributors of Stuck in the Middle at a show panel.
