Posted in: Comics | Tagged: chris wertz, embargo, embargoed, great philly comic con, jim steranko

Jim Steranko Blames Promoter Chris Wertz for Great Philly Comic Con Absence

Published Mon, 30 Apr 2018 17:00:49 -0500

As recently as last week, legendary artist Jim Steranko was promoting his appearance at Great Philly Comic Con, scheduled for Friday through Sunday at the Oaks Expo Center.

And no excuses! Drop by the GREAT PHILADELPHIA COMIC CON at the Oaks Expo Center April 27-29, where I'll be holding court alongside a battalion of celebs from all corners of the media! Have me to autograph your books before my fingers catch fire—and I have to SIGN IN CHARCOAL!!!

— Jim Steranko (@iamsteranko) April 23, 2018

"And no excuses! Drop by the GREAT PHILADELPHIA COMIC CON at the Oaks Expo Center April 27-29, where I'll be holding court alongside a battalion of celebs from all corners of the media!" Steranko tweeted. "Have me to autograph your books before my fingers catch fire—and I have to SIGN IN CHARCOAL!!!."

Closer to the show, the website for Great Philly Comic Con advertised Steranko explicitly as for Saturday and Sunday only.

However, when the convention finally arrived, Steranko was only present on Saturday. What happened? Steranko took to Twitter to blame promoter Chris Wertz:

Speaking of this weekend's GREAT PHILLY CON, an explanation is due to all for my SUNDAY DISAPPEARANCE! Yes, the show asked me to make a personal appearance all three days! Next, promoter, Chris Wertz, changed the deal to just Saturday and Sunday—then, reneged on his promise!

— Jim Steranko (@iamsteranko) April 30, 2018

"Speaking of this weekend's GREAT PHILLY CON, an explanation is due to all for my SUNDAY DISAPPEARANCE!" he tweeted Sunday night. "Yes, the show asked me to make a personal appearance all three days! Next, promoter, Chris Wertz, changed the deal to just Saturday and Sunday—then, reneged on his promise!"

Steranko claims this isn't the first time he's had trouble with Wertz.

Three or four years ago, I'd appeared at his con, and he stiffed me for $1500, paying me $300 a couple years later! To get me to this year's gig, he paid the balance and half my fee in good faith! I requested a check to cover Sunday by Saturday noon, but got a CONTINUOUS STALL!!

— Jim Steranko (@iamsteranko) April 30, 2018

"Three or four years ago, I'd appeared at his con, and he stiffed me for $1500, paying me $300 a couple years later!" Steranko continued. "To get me to this year's gig, he paid the balance and half my fee in good faith! I requested a check to cover Sunday by Saturday noon, but got a CONTINUOUS STALL!!"

He NEVER confronted me face to face at the show, but finally—through a messenger at the gig's end—told me "he didn't have enough money" to cover my tab! I didn't believe it for a moment! But I continued to work the line exactly as I agreed— until and after Saturday was wrapped!!!

— Jim Steranko (@iamsteranko) April 30, 2018

"He NEVER confronted me face to face at the show, but finally—through a messenger at the gig's end—told me 'he didn't have enough money' to cover my tab!" he added. "I didn't believe it for a moment! But I continued to work the line exactly as I agreed— until and after Saturday was wrapped!!!"

For fans who missed out, Steranko says you can catch him next weekend in Cleveland:

Next weekend will be MUCH better! I'm appearing in Cleveland at CAROL AND JOHN'S COMIC BOOK SHOP for a wild event! First, it's Friday night DINNER WITH STERANKO, where those lucky enough to hold tickets eat, drink, and socialize—one on one, for three hours! ALL TICKETS SOLD OUT!

— Jim Steranko (@iamsteranko) April 30, 2018

We reached out to Great Philly Comic Con, but have not received a comment as of press time. We'll update you if we do.

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