I’m sure everybody is going to ALA for the fabulous professional development and networking opportunities. I know I am. Heck, I’m even going to a pre-conference. But one thing I really like about ALA is wandering around the exhibits, scoping out the comic book vendors. Since the event planner is now live (and I love the “secure” aspect of it, the way everyone’s default password to login is “ALA”) I’m scoping out the comics vendors:
Diamond Comics (Booth 232)- This first booth everyone should go to after running into the exhibitor’s area like a hord of stampeding rhinos. This is because the Diamond Comics booth functions like an umbrella booth for several comics publishers like Dark Horse, Image Comics, ADV Manga, and Abstract Studios (home of Strangers In Paradise). There are usually multiple items of swag to be had from Diamond Comics, from midwinter alone I got an attractive Dark Horse anthology, a random volume of ADV manga, Trigun Maximum, and Ultimate Spiderman, and a confusing stuffed creature that appeared to represent poo. If this is what they were doing for midwinter, I wonder what they will come up with for annual. Please don’t get in my way as I power walk towards this booth, I will not be responsible for my actions.
Viz (Booth 2042) and Tokyopop (2039) tend to have multiple copies of various sneak peak anthologies to give away, and you can usually buy your $10 manga for half off. I hope Viz is giving away preview issues of Shojo Beat, that would be awesome.
Amelia Rules (Booth 2044) I have not read Amelia Rules, but I’ve read many reviews that say it is a great all ages title.
WJHC Comics (Booth 2044) I have not read this, but it looks like Joe Staton is doing some of the art now. I loved E-man beyond all reason.
DC Comics (Booth 1932) Usually they give away single issues of comics, although I have had some sucess in the past wheedling the booth staff to give me some of the nice hardcover DC Archives volumes (which I selflessly took back to my library to be put in the leisure reading section).
NBM Publishing (Booth 1940) Graphic novel publisher.
Book Publishers where you may find graphic novels:
Norton (Booth 1741) might have some stuff from Fantagraphics. Random House (Booth 2716) is the home of Pantheon Graphic Novels and Del Rey Manga.
There are also other publishers like Public Square Books which puts out Spanish language versions of graphic novels and the Unshelved guys (who I’m sure everyone already knows about). If there are some other publishers that I haven’t mentioned, let me know!