I took the ferry to get into the city across the river and get dropped off right in front of Jacob Javits Convention Center – or to what most of the people in attendance that day refers it to: the home of New York Comic Con. The lines wrapped three times around the entire block where the building sits and it felt like it was going to be a long wait.

After fifteen or twenty minutes of waiting, the one massive line turned into a blob of a crowd that began pouring into the convention center. It was insane and there were people everywhere. I forgot the hustle and bustle of New York Comic Con, attending small conventions the last few years, such as AnimeNEXT and (compared to NYCC) Wizard World Philadelphia. People trying to take photos, enormous cosplay displays, media and press people all all-round conducting interviews.

My first trip to NYCC was in 2014 and that was around the time I began immersing myself in “geek culture.” I mean, I’ve always been geeky one way or another, but actually taking the time to learn about the different universes and such. During this time, I was watching all 1,000+ episodes of Dark Shadows – a 1960’s & 70’s horror soap-opera  that always keeps me on edge. I fangirled so hard when I found vintage trading cards from the series at the con.

Back to 2016, after exploring most of the floor and being, for the most part, un-amused, we finally ventured over to Artist’s Alley. Before I continue, let me explain why I was un-amused. If you go to so many conventions one after the other or every so often, a lot of that stuff becomes a blur because it’s all the same.

At AnimeNEXT, there were a lot of younger teens and adults who had to get their hands on everything. To make this short, I’m not an impulse shopper when it comes to conventions anymore. Majority of what is sold I can see online or in stores and announcements I can read by following the latest con updates. However, panels can either have a great line-up or kinda flop. There was nothing too much that peaked my interests that weekend, except for the “75th anniversary of Wonder Woman,” but it was already full.

Artist Alley that day was the highlight of the convention. My bag was annoyingly heavy due to all the trades I brought to be signed. I brought one by Greg Rucka, Black Magick – Volume One and the rest were all Terry Moore of Abstract Studios- Echo Omnibus and the seven trades of Rachel Rising. Unfortunately, Greg left earlier in the day.

As we strolled around the floor, my boyfriend ran around connecting with some of his favorite artists and writers having them sign his issues as well. I was pacing about how I was about to meet Terry Moore.

When we approached his booth, I couldn’t believe we were the same height (LOL!). We talked for a few minutes about his work and tried my best to keep my composure. How often do you have the opportunity to talk about your favorite writer’s – or artist, film director, whoever about their content? We talked about Strangers in Paradise, Echo, Rachel Rising, Motor Girl, AND the next few years of what is to be published!

The one thing I didn’t want to do was to appear annoying. I wanted Terry to know that I do love his work and how I felt like I was on this extraordinary journey with his characters. We discussed all his series, inspirations, and the possibility for a television series. Then I shyly asked if he would sign my books and gladly agreed. As I took out the books from my bag, he grabbed Echo first. “I love to see books that have looked like they’ve been read,” he said. Then he noticed my odd quirk: plastered along the inside cover and first few pages, we’re my notes on about forty post-it notes. He asked what they were and I told him about the review back in November 2015. He then asked for the website’s name. Once I told him, Terry said a follower from France sent him my review links. Terry read my stuff.

Nerve-wracking as it was, I couldn’t stop fangirling.

After all of that I thanked him for his time and the best of luck with his work. He reminded me of the director I worked with for Grandpaland when I got back on the ferry later that day: another passionate person doing what they enjoy best.

Thank you for making my con awesome, Terry! 🙂 Time to read Motor Girl.

The Geek Initiative‘s Terry Moore Comic Reviews:

Echo Omnibus
Rachel Rising – The Shadow of Death
Rachel Rising – Fear No Malus
Rachel Rising – Cemetery Songs
Rachel Rising – Winter Graves
Rachel Rising – Night Cometh
Rachel Rising – Dust to Dust