Can't See the Forest for the Trees

Oh my aching back and feet and it’s only day two. A solid 15 hours of networking, pitching, meetings, panels and even a little comic book shopping.

Highlights of the day included:
– Using the "exhibitor" badge my publishers got for me to get on the floor about an hour before the doors opened. With the walkways almost empty you can actually get a sense of just how insanely huge the expo space is.
– Getting time to chat, and get sketches from, old friends I haven’t really talked to in a couple of years.
– Starting my traditional "end-to-end" walk of the hall in comparative isolation and finishing it among the throngs – took me 90 minutes to navigate a route that took me past every booth.
– Sitting out on the sun-drenched decks at the back of the convention center that very few people seem to know about – always a great place to get away from the crowds and take a break.
– Surprisingly entertaining panel featuring Stan Lee and Grant Morrison – they made a good double act.
– Excellent Doctor Who presentation that was basically a Stephen Moffatt appreciation hour.
– Best panel of the day – Torchwood – John Barrowman knows how’s to work a crowd. Session ended with an impromptu duet between "Captain Jack" and "Tosh" reprising their stage roles from Miss Saigon.
– Some very productive pitch meetings.
– Invitation to pitch for a four issue arc in a newly announced media tie-in line.
– Hanging out in the Hyatt bar drinking and chatting with an amazing range of folks.

And it all starts again tomorrow…