Headlocked Comics returns to the wrestling beast that is San Diego Comic Con. This year they have an impressive list of guests, including the owner of an NBA team. Let’s talk comics, wrestling, and San Diego Comic-Con with Headlocked.
What are your expectations for SDCC this year?
I really don’t know what to expect this year. Honestly, at this point in my life, I have so many projects in motion that I just spend most of my day running at full speed to beat deadlines.
What makes SDCC so special?
There’s just a magic and an energy that’s impossible to describe. You never know who you’ll run into and sometimes you don’t find out until later. Plus, San Diego is a gorgeous city with amazing weather. I can honestly say that it wouldn’t be the same con in another city.
What’s your typical SDCC day like?
You wake up on very few hours sleep and once the doors open, you start slinging comics. If you have a guest you have to make preparations for that…you can’t just have someone like Ric Flair show up and expect everything to be normal. If you have a panel, then you have to make preparations for that because that’s a very important time frame. At some point, you want to try and make it out on the floor because there’s so much to see. And then when the show’s over, there’s the legendary party scene to partake in.
What exclusives are you bringing this year and more importantly who are you bringing this year?
I’m still working on my guest list. It’s been challenging with the shifting wrestling landscape and the fact that Impact, ROH, and NJPW are all running that weekend. We have two signings set up with WOW, which I’m super excited for. There’s a ton of synergy with what they do and what we do and I have so much respect for David McLane and Jeanie Buss for what they’ve accomplished. Tessa Blanchard is one of the best wrestlers in the world and The Beast is such an imposing specimen.
Do you work with each wrestler so that their story is properly represented in their comic?
My favorite part of the gig is collaborating with everyone. It takes different forms…sometimes they write a full script, sometimes a synopsis, sometimes we brainstorm something over drinks…I’d say no two collaborations have been the same….and we’ve hit just about every different genre imaginable.
Headlocked has definitely grown in the past year, what’s the plan for the next year?
Just trying to keep things moving. Hoping to have Volume #4 done by October and I’m also working on a bunch of other projects, both Headlocked and otherwise, that should start hitting soon.
Any secret San Diego spots you recommend people check out?
There’s a spot on Mission Beach that allows dogs and I like going there, soaking up some sun and petting all the dogs that run by. It’s probably the most relaxing thing you can do. Coronado Beach is gorgeous. Food-wise, I really dig Snooze, Hash House A Go Go, and The Neighborhood.
What’s the worst about SDCC?
It’s such an expensive show to do. The booths aren’t cheap and the hotels are jacked up three times their normal rate, so we usually try and squeeze four or five in a room just to make it affordable.
What’s your favorite SDCC memory?
I got to meet Anthony Bourdain. That guy was pretty much my idol and he walked right past my booth on his way to the DC booth and I got to spend like 30 seconds with him but its 30 seconds I’ll cherish forever. Also, getting into some parties where I was by far the least famous person in the room.
Where can we find you after SDCC?
For the rest of the summer, I’ll be at Raleigh Galaxycon at the end of July, Northeast Wrestling in mid-August, BubbaFest in Knoxville, and possibly one or two more appearances squeezed in.
