Stan Yan Comics

Stan Yan Comics

stan yan comics

Well, I'm back from the San Diego Comic Con, and I am extremely pleased with how well it went!

I printed up these promotional comic books called "Free Guilt Trip" that were a big hit. Outside of giving those out, I didn't do much in terms of salesmanship, and I still sold enough books to cover the costs of my table and more. I did some math, and I figured out I sold a book for every 8-10 "Guilt Trips" I gave out!

My favorite story was on preview night. Two guys came up to my table and got a "Free Guilt Trip" and started reading it as they walked away. About 50 feet away from my table, after having finished reading my book, they both doubled over laughing. The next thing I know, they're back at my table buying "Only Chaos," "The On-Campus Crusader," AND "Eugene the Queen." They said that if the mini was any indication of how funny my other books were, they had to have them. In addition, one of them said that even if they weren't, that my free mini was worth the cost of the other 3 books.

This story, as my many repeat customers gave me a lot of cause for encouragement. Despite my fears, there appears to be a stalwart and growing contingent of comic fans that are primarily interested in small press comics (both male AND female). In fact, in what has been a predominantly male targeted and dominated industry, I had more women return to my table to buy more books after reading "Only Chaos" then men! I'm glad to see that.

Despite my inability to leave my table, I made many good contacts. Many people seemed very interested in my art style, including some movie producers (who hadn't really even bothered to read my writing). The net result of these contacts are the following: 1) Many offers to include me in anthologies (most with no $$ back to me); 2) An upcoming review of my books by Sequential Tart in September (by maybe more than one reviewer); 3) Making friends with many very talented comic artists, including Michael Aushenker (thanks Lonnie) of El Gato, Javier Hernandez of El Muerto, Sam Hiti of End Times, Rhode Montijo of Pablo's Inferno, and Rafael Navarro of Sombrillo's Strange Tales; 4) Getting several referrals to introduce myself to Bob Simpkins of Slave Labor, and doing so; 5) AND (although this may be more of a coincidence) an order from FM International for some "Only Chaos" books.

As inspired as I was from my last trip to San Diego, I feel that the level of talent in comics today is many levels higher than it was a mere two years ago. It is refreshing to see demand for work that is truly good from people that have responded similarly to my work.

-SY 7/28/01