DC Comics made a strong showing at WonderCon. Writers Greg Rucka, Grant Morrison and Mark Wald (left to right) discussed upcoming plotlines, answered questions from readers and confirmed rumors.

The programming slate boasted several major DC panels throughout the weekend, as writers, artists and editors discussed the impending conclusion of Infinite Crisis, the universe-altering mini-series currently affecting every DC Comics character. Writers Mark Waid, Geoff Johns, Greg Rucka, Grant Morrison and editor DC vp/exec editor Dan Didio discussed upcoming plotlines, answered questions from readers and confirmed rumors concerning new creative teams and projects over the next several months, while managing to keep just enough secrets that readers will only find out everything by — you guessed it — buying more DC Comics.

DC’s chief comic shop rival, Marvel Comics, continues to have a very minimal presence at west coast conventions, and WonderCon was no exception. Artist Chris Bachalo and writer Peter David were among the few major Marvel-exclusive creators to in attendance, and, apart from the world-premiere screening of Marvel’s first animated movie, Ultimate Avengers, all of the major comics news of the weekend featured DC.

Many publishers took advantage of the power vacuum created by Marvel’s absence and brought in their own top talents to drum up business. Eric Powell, creator of the hilarious zombie-fighting tough guy The Goon, and Mike Mignola, creator of the superstar demon Hellboy, were among the biggest draws of the weekend for Dark Horse, and Frank Miller’s presence ensured a successful weekend for the Oregon-based publisher. The Bay Area’s own Image Comics also had a strong showing, with publisher and Savage Dragon artist Erik Larsen and incredibly popular Liberty Meadows creator Frank Cho signing and sketching for fans throughout the weekend.

Jim Lee (right), artist on Frank Miller’s All-Star Batman and Robin and a popular comic artist, caused a near-riot with an unannounced appearance in the Artists’ Alley section of the exhibit hall.

Comics and Hollywood collided at several points throughout the exhibit hall, most notably at the Graphitti Designs booth, where Matt Wagner (creator of the soon-to-be-a-major-motion-picture comic Grendel), Mike and Laura Allred (creators of the soon-to-be-a-major-motion-picture comic Madman) signed books. Indie-film-auteur-turned-comic-book-writer Kevin Smith created a frenzy each time he appeared to sign autographs and meet with his fans.

Other notable guests included Sergio Aragonés, beloved Mad magazine artist and co-creator of the barbarian adventurer Groo, the Wanderer; Silver Age DC artist Ramona Fradon, best known for her work on Metamorpho and Aquaman; Terry Moore, creator of the award-winning comic series Strangers in Paradise; and Gahan Wilson, master of the macabre, whose cartoons have appeared in publications as diverse as Punch, The New York Times, National Lampoon and Playboy.

Amidst all the major publishers and celebrities, independent artists and small press publishers also enjoyed a successful show. Most artists reported an increase of sales from last year’s WonderCon, and claim that the move from Oakland to San Francisco has improved sales dramatically. Increased attendance means an increase in potential customers, which keeps the small press publishers returning year after year. The future of the small press at WonderCon, however, is closely tied to the future of the comicbook industry.

Fourteen-year WonderCon exhibitor Batton Lash, creator of the humor/horror series, Supernatural Law, hopes to return next year, but cannot say for certain what the future holds. “I’d like to [continue exhibiting at WonderCon]. But the business of selling comics is changing and that will determine what my company’s business plan for ‘07 will be. The whole indie/self-publishing aspect of the comics business is shifting rapidly and might have enormous effect on deciding the venues where those comics are sold. There are new markets (and not necessarily comics-oriented ones) opening up to reach new readers. It’s all wait-and-see for now.”