Posted by: Emily in Conventions
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Well, I just poured another cup of tea and am ready to tell you about my experience at APE 2008.  First up, let’s talk about the weather.  How amazing was that rain?  I’ll tell you what, everyone with a massive hangover from Halloween was thankful for those dark skies.  And chances are that if you attended the Isotope’s All Hallows Eve Extravaganza you were massively hungover.  I was lucky enough to have attended said party and let me tell you, I had, as Bill and Ted would say; a most excellent time.  There were Evel Knievels there were Pornbots, there were powdered wigs and electric guitars.  And of course, there were Whiskey Sours…

The next day, first day of APE, started with an aspirin or two, along with an excitement in my gut much like Christmas morning.  After parking and running through the rain (don’t get the comics wet!) Nick (the light of my life) and I were greeted by Jason “Sweetheart” McNamara.  Jason was up and running on all cylinders, proudly displaying his new graphic novel; “Martian Confederacy”.  He had the table looking like a real gem.  And guess where that Jason wanted to put my comic?  Right in front! By all means Jason, you’re the boss! Then Matt and Serena showed up.  Matt, bless his heart, had TWO tables this year at APE.  Matt, none of us know how you did it, between the two APE tables and the three Isotope parties.  I think your Halloween costume summed it up best.

Another thing that made Matt super was his offer to buy Jason and I a drink.  And that’s where the Whiskey Sours make yet another appearance.  That’s one for Jason and a Bloody Mary for me, thanks.  Freshly energized, I was ready to take this Con on.  Hand sell a few books, take a stroll around, and even yuck it up with a few so and sos. The party really got going though when good ol’ boys Danger Bob and David Brothers showed up.  Danger Bob brought by his hilarious mini comic; “Dwarves Behaving Badly”.  And who could forget the go-to-girl Serena?  A real sport that one.

With everyone showing up and stopping by the table, I truly felt like I had won the lottery.  Who were all these fine people? Creative, professional, and all around swell.  Well, don’t let me get too teary eyed on you, we still have one more day of APE left…

After a quick dinner and refresher at the old homestead, Nick and I were ready for round two at the Isotope.  That’s right, the big night;  Award For Excellence in Mini Comics.  The night was a mix of the friendly faces from earlier on, plus some new ones. I even caught sight of the elusive Josh Richardson making cozy on the couch upstairs.  And of course, Storm graced us all with his most elegant presence.  And we all know I didn’t win the Award for Excellence, this guy did (and truly deserves it!) but I still managed to feel like the biggest winner of the night.

Day 2 started off much better than day 1.  First off, I wasn’t nursing a hangover, secondly I was even more prepared to sell books, having done it the whole day before.  There was a time there when I was working the table with Matt and we were really feeling it.  It was like we had reached some kind of Comic Zen.  Matt was slinging books like hash.  And I watched in awe.  Meanwhile, Jason rocked his interview at the spotlight panel for Paige Braddock.  James Sime, of the Isotope, showed up and hung out for a bit attracting “oohs” and “ahs” with his aquamarine suit.  The day really got good though when Kirsten Baldock and Storm came to help.  Again, how do these people do it?  Managing to not only look good after planning three Isotope parties and working the shop into the wee hours of the night, but to look AMAZING!  Kirsten and I took a look-see around the place sipping on our Pink Malt Beverages and I have to say, the table looked real nice when just us girls (Kirsten, Serena and I) held down the fort.  Then, before I knew it, it was time to pack up and ship out.  There was yet another Isotope party after but this girl was too worn out to attend.   It was time for me to get back in my pumpkin and go home.

To sum it all up, I would just like to say “Thanks”.  To everyone who showed up and stopped by, to anyone I forgot to mention, to you all. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, THIS is what it’s all about, seriously.

L.

Emily Stackhouse