While most modern comic conventions focus more on popular TV media and animation series, Cape and Cowl Con takes a step back and is a convention that heavily promotes indie artists, comic book writers, and illustrators. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen so many rows of tables full of comics made by the people sitting behind them. Someone described it as “a 90s comic convention, but with beer.” Although conventions still have indie creators, this was on a significantly larger scale. Located in Alameda, California, it was an exciting Sunday for many people!
Was it worth it?
I think the most shocking thing was that this event and parking was TOTALLY FREE. This convention was also able to find numerous big name creators to come here. It was a very sharp contrast with another convention that was happening on the same day, GalaxyCon. They had a massive list of guests were mostly actors/actresses and voice actors, while this convention was filled with writers, illustrators, and indie creators.
I also appreciated that there were two separate lines-one that gave out free swag, and one that you could directly walk in to the convention-I decided to wait in line to check out the free swag. It included an awesome looking tote bag, a poster, and several comics. Although it was entirely free, you can also give a small donation to help continue the convention. I think it’s very much worth supporting.
Oh yea, and did I also mention there was comic themed beer too? Adults were lining up to try them out, or at least keep the can as a souvenir!
The convention took place at Faction Brewing, which was just an enormous building. They were selling exclusive Cape and Cowl beer! The free swag line was filled with very nice goodies 
All the free stuff I got at this free convention. Illustrators with delicate crafts and comics were placed inside (to protect their work from flying in the wind), while the clothing and physical merch artists were placed outside (helped make extra room for people trying out clothing and other stuff)
What’s Inside?
After I got my goodie bag, there was virtually no line for anything, aside from a handful of artists. However, the entire place was packed. People were bumping into me, and I was bumping into them. Fortunately, people were courteous enough to create their own single-file line to meet the artists without the need for staff to intervene. The people running the convention also placed more popular creators towards the corner of the aisles, which minimized congestion, and made it much easier to browse nearby tables. Because there were so many popular and unique artists, people were very prepared to get comics signed by the creators. I even brought a few myself!
Let’s Talk To Some Creators!
I had the opportunity to go around and find some unique creators in various fields of art to ask a few questions. Aside from Jonathan Wayshak, I have never met these people before- I just really loved what was on their table, and wanted to meet them.
I kept their interviews very short, because numerous attendees were approaching every table, and I didn’t want to impede on their potential business.
The following questions I asked were:
1. What is some constructive advice would you give to someone getting into the business?
2. Has AI (or the digital age) affected you or anyone you know in the business?
3. Any personal inspirational creators you would like to highlight?
Jonathan Wayshak (Traditional Art Illustrator)
1. Getting Published. Create your own project, and FINISH. It doesn’t have to be big, you can start a small project, or an anthology. Go to shows, show it to publishers.
2. I don’t think so. It may have helped me instead.* Using traditional media has made me stand out.
*He meant the effects of AI, not actually using it. I actually agree myself too, since there has been a boom of interest in my traditional work as well.
3. Barron Storey’s work is pure expressiveness. Francis Bacon also helped me express and apply line.
D.J. Kirkland (Self Published Comic Illustrator)
1. Finished is better than perfect. The only way you can get a job is to prove you can finish a project. You can be the most gifted, but if you couldn’t finish it, you can’t get hired.
2. Friends who work as graphic designers have lost their job to AI. Some have been out for over a year at this point.
3. The creator of Sailor Moon, Naoko Takeuchi. If it wasn’t for her, I would not be an artist.
Jordan Blum (Writer)
1. Write every day. Even if you’re not in the right mood, just write. Write every day.
2. AI can’t do what we do. I think the bubble will burst, and we’ll move away from it.
Out of curiosity, I asked an another question: What was one hurdle you had to experience, and how did you overcome it?
Jordan:Rejection. It happens, a LOT. It doesn’t get easier, but it’s part of the process. You learn to get used to rejection.
3. Chris Clairmont wrote X-Men for years, and inspired me to do long term storytelling.
Jesse Hernandez (toy maker, graffiti artist)
1. Just go for it. We’re held back from perfection. When you start, you start having fun.
2. This AI stuff is the worst thing ever. People can imitate your style without paying dues. They don’t learn anything, but get [awarded] with a black magic item. *points at figurine* And people are making AI versions of my toys!
3. Mr. Cartoon. And Joe Mad. And Chaz Bojorquez– he’s the godfather of west coast graffiti!
Dug Stanat (sculptor)
1. Spend time doing work. Create time to spend on your work, even if it means to live frugally to make time. The more time you have, the more time you can create.
2. So far, it does not affect me personally, but I am fearful that AI will make being an artist difficult for the younger generations. When a child can create from imagination, but types prompts instead, I don’t see a path to develop the [creative] skills.
3. Teresa Oaxaca is one.
…And that’s a wrap!
Of course, what’s a convention without cosplayers? There were significantly fewer compared to other conventions, but definitely just as passionate.
See you at the next Cape and Cowl Con!
