The Arthur Suydam Situation Refuses To Die

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182554-42419We ran a response by famed-zombie artist Arthur Suydam's manager to controversy surrounding his appearance at the Montreal Comiccon this weekend, last night, it which it's alleged he simply stole other creators booked tables that were next to his because he wanted more space. It's had a little rewording since, so it was probably worth running again.

Hi Folks— In response to the posts about the Montreal Comic Con this weekend and the table placement for artists at the show: As the booking agent for a group of artists at the convention: When we arrived for set up on Thursday, there was a snafu with the table setups for all the artists. In order to correct the problem, everyone had to be moved. The Montreal Comic Con, much to their credit, stepped in and found solutions for all the table placements, so that all artists had their agreed upon table amounts! (The first table relocation though for one of the guys wouldn't work because of the size configuration— which was my fault for thinking it would work— but the show found another solution after that. Even so, that creator had to move twice… As said, a big logistical problem, that took many hours to sort.) No changes were made though without the shows knowledge and no artist made any arbitrary changes on their own. Any artist there for set up was informed of the changes, and I"m sure others, who weren't there for set up, were told as soon as they could be told. In the end, none of us were where we were originally supposed to be on the map. But it appears that all the fans found us anyway and everyone has had a great time at the event. I can't fault the show in any way. They've been wonderful. So, thanks to the Montreal Comic Con for their support and willingness to fix any situations that did arise. And thanks to the fans that come to see everyone at the show. Best, Renee Witterstaetter

  But this hasn't slowed things down. Indeed, for some, it has exacerbated things.

One of the de-tabled creators, Rachel Richey who we had previously spoken to, tweeted her own response to the escalating situation.

But Nat Jones, artist on zombie comic '68 had his own tale to share from a previous show.

Sources close to Suydam tell Bleeding Cool that Calgary Expo told Suydam which tables to take and that Nat, a rather imposing figure, then ended up destroying some of Arthur's set-up when pulling it down. They also state that any rare changes in any table placement at trade shows are always authorized by said conventions–usually in order to correct layout problems and that if it was perceived otherwise, that perception is erroneous. Furthermore, they insist that Arthur is a big draw at conventions and a popular artist with his fans. So as to those allegations that promo photos have been doctored to add more people to his lines to bulk them out, they state that "no photos have been doctored in any way, as can be attested to by anyone that has seen Arthur at any show. To suggest otherwise is rather laughable." I would concur that I have seen those sort of lines at shows that Suydam attends. But damn, those photos look freaky.

As ever, it appears that greater communication from all involved parties, Arthur Suydam, his representatives, shows and other creators would be a good thing. Even if that communication is simply "are you sure everyone is okay if I take these four tables?"

Though as a result of this, some may not get the chance…

And since everyone seems to be piling on, I notice that this has been brought up again by some…

About Rich Johnston

Founder of Bleeding Cool. The longest-serving digital news reporter in the world, since 1992. Author of The Flying Friar, Holed Up, The Avengefuls, Doctor Who: Room With A Deja Vu, The Many Murders Of Miss Cranbourne, Chase Variant. Lives in South-West London, works from Blacks on Dean Street, shops at Piranha Comics. Father of two. Political cartoonist.