Friday, October 14th – Day Two of NYCC 2011
Was indeed Venture Day.
I made it to Friday’s Venture signing about 15 minutes before they were no longer allowing people to line up. Was really happy about that as I missed last years. While waiting in line I realized standing to my side was Mike the creator and editor of mantiseye.com We ended up in line together only to be told at the door that there was a ticket required to gain entrance for this signing. This information was never relayed at any point in time before NYCC started, at least that either of us were aware of. I won’t say I’m on the ball, but I have a feeling Mike is and he wasn’t even aware so it must have been some shit pulled that day. We were placed to the side and told if there was any extra time we might get in.
We did!
I met Doc at last years NYCC. I imagine it was probably one of the best first convention encounters any person might ever have. When I say this you have to understand I don’t expect people to remember me. These are two writers who aren’t to self important for the fans. It’s rare.
They were exceedingly kind and seemed to be happy to see us. Since I didn’t already have even one thing signed by them, I brought my DVD of season two. I could be wrong but I think season two is the DVD most people have autographed. It is (in my opinion) the best DVD art of any season yet. They demanded to see Mikes new buttons and I realized I didn’t have any ASC buttons on me. After we left I found John J., got buttons off him. Walked back in there, left the buttons and quickly walked away.
Around 5 minutes after the signing John J. (editor of ASC) who was with ASC contributor Calvin (jailbot.com) “informed” me that the Venture press panel was starting in 20 minutes. Also that we were going. One of the best surprises of my life. I’m not any type of professional nor do I pretend to be. This is all just a fan badly stringing events together.
Some of what was asked was the typical silly repetitive stuff they get asked. Along the lines of, “Were you guys high when you created this?” Doc said no twice. Others were the hypothetical “who would win in a fight?” However, on the whole, the questions were quite good. I feel like fans ask better questions than say “legit” media outlets. They KNOW the show. Of course there’s a lot to be said about a professional interview. But More often than not they feel like the same question asked by every interviewer. They do a little background, get a feel for the fan base and plow through. Having no idea I was attending I had nothing prepared question wise. Something came off the top of my head and I’m glad it was was a rather straightforward.
I think Jackson and Doc devoted 40 minutes-plus to this panel. They were super manic with ideas right out of the gate. Their writing is the extrapolation of real life events with added insanity and tragedy. It’s also how they entertain themselves. Having said all that, I truly feel their irritation when fans suggest ideas for the show. They have no shortage of ideas and it’s their child, let them raise said child. If either has ever asked you to not give ideas for the show, the most important thing you have to do is not take it personally. It’s not personal. Not all fans listen to DVD commentary or view convention panels online. so for those, they simply do not wish to be given ideas because the moment you do it’s no longer an idea they could have used. It is now YOUR idea.
I’ll be very honest and throw in that I in fact did this very early in discovering the show. It wasn’t a direct suggestion, more like I was playing guessing games with myself in a letter. The abridged response was along the lines of ‘for the love of God or whatever you find holy, don’t feed me suggestions 🙂 ’ I of course felt very silly, but along with feeling silly it dawned on me that these 2 guys must really write the whole show themselves. Which is amazing. It’s a level of dedication not found in animnated series. I’m sure there are no shortage of people who would disagree with that statement. Sighting The Simpsons or South Park. The Simpsons was a great show at one time. It’s just not anymore. South Park, I will admit I watched an episode the other day that almost changed my view. Despite being muddied by far to many writers, I think it still maintains the spirit of what they Matt and Trey intended. I feel like even if I didn’t enjoy the Venture Brothers as a show I’d still be impressed.
The regular panel this year was a different sort of game. Many have speculated and wondered the motivation. I feel at the end of the day the reason they answered online submitted questions was to not have to repeat “Watch the show, it all happens on our show.” It does end up being repeated because of all the “Will there be?”, “Is there gonna?” and “When is?” questions that never fail to come up. Of course there’s always Jackson’s favorite which is, “Is Kim ever gonna come back to the show?” I feel like if I was being asked the same question 5 years down the road I might grow weary. And you know what? It worked. They sifted through the good and the bad and brought along the mediocre. At times Doc requested that Jackson read it in the imagined voice of the over enthusiastic fan. (Brilliant!)
I don’t remember at this moment how, but the conversation stumbled upon things Doc Hammer no longer wants to hear. As far as catchphrases, internet slang and abbreviations (FTW being an excellent example). He whipped out his pink phone and went through probably half of what was on his list which was already quite a lot. As I don’t use much internet slang, I was in no way offended, but rather happy to hear someone express their mutual disdain. So, last 8-5 minutes? Doc told people to go ahead and line up. There were one or two fair questions but in the end it was a whole lot of Doc saying “Stay tuned you’ll find out when you watch the show.” Which for me ends the debate as to whether the online submission was a good and fair idea.
It was far to much for one day. It was rough and I of course wonder how they make it through. Somehow they always do.
