My First Online Interview from Jazma Online:
Hello and welcome to the this portion of my page, here, I'm filled with excitement over the fact that I finally getting some recognition for everything, and yet I'm getting closer each time, I thanks god for all of this!
Interview with: Junior Mclean, NY Comic Book Convention Worker Interviewed by: Paul Dale Roberts, Publisher - Jazma Online! http://www.jazmaonline.com/interviews/
Question: Tell us something personal about yourself, the schools you went to, your family life or whatever you would like to disclose.
JM:
Me, I'm just an average down to earth person, I'm cool with people and at times I like to be humorous at a certian moment when you least expect it.. =D I graduated from Dewitt Clinton H.S. in 1995 , my major was "Social Studies" Also attended Co-op Tech School, it's a school which offers many programs and skills, I took up Basic Carpentry and General Maintenance.
My family, well like all families, we struggle alot in terms of family.... my family is split up sadly so I'm in constant contact with my dad and my brother. We're hopefully seeking an apt in the Bronx, N.Y. area so I hope we find one soon. =)
Question: What was the first comic book you ever read?
JM:
My dad got me hook on The Incredible Hulk, and then Spiderman, I forgot what issues, because at the time, I started collecting comics back in 1980.. so we're talking way back, lol!! =D
Question: How did you become a NY comic book convention worker?
JM:
Back in the summer of '96 me and my friend Jermaine went to St. Paul's Church on w.60th, we always buy comics and I'm into the button pin collecting, and also go for autographs from Artists and Celebs. About the time of September of '96, I was told that there was this NY Comic Book Con I can volunteer at, all you have to do was call for info and show up at a certain date and time. Thats when I first meet the show's promoter Mike Carbonaro, the guy looks like a freaked out clone of Mick Jagger on speeds, because he's always quick and fast and is always hyped up for action, lol!!! =D
Question: Tell us some juicy stories about working at the NY comic book convention?
JM:
I think most of the action was at St. Pauls Church, I remember when I first meet Mike, I recall a time, he accidently stepped on his priceless comics which was on the floor, the guy screemed and cried, "No, not my beautiful comics, Nooo!!" The staff stood quiet because we're not going to get yelled at over something like that,lol! Also, OMG, you have no idea, the amount of people who would try to sneak in the back of the exit just to get in without paying at the time the show's admission used to be $5.00, oh man, lots of people had the funniest excuses, from either losing something inside or somone posing as a cop.
Question: Who are some of the comic book creators that you have met?
JM:
My good friend Graig Weich, whom I known for about 5 years we stay in contact, and he gives me good advice on my self personally, I still can't get over that Civilian Justice comic he did. Also meet Jim Lee 3 times already will be my 4th if he shows up in April hopefully, I want my photo taken with him this time, man... thats guy's short, lol... Bill Tucci the creator of Shi, and Kevin Eastman whom I meet twice already, hopefully the 3rd if I see him this month at the Jan 05 show.
Question: What was the most exciting thing that ever happened to you at these comic book conventions?
JM:
OMG, wow, I met alot of celebs, from pro wrestlers , like the Iron Sheik, Superfly Jimmy Snuka, to David Carradine ="I met him in Jan 04 he was promoting both Kill Bill vols. 1 and 2." also he can sing and play a guiter, check out the photos on my comic con gallery, Sarah Douglas,Marc Singer and Nichelle Nichols who at the time promoted her sci-fi book Saturna's Quest, also Won an X-Box Game System during a raffle contest. I told about 4 people I was going to win that contest, and the guys said, yeah right no you won't, I laughed because I knew I would win, about 6 hours later when I heard my name during an announcement, I calmly walked up and said, yeah..... thats me, so.. where is it..lol!!! I said it so cool....but I was excited because I would rarely win contests and this one happaned to be the best one ever, I had to brag to my buddies who stayed hating me for a while, lol!!! Sorry people, I can't help it, if I'm too nice for you! =D
Question: How many years have you worked at the NY comic book convention?
JM:
This will hopefully be my ninth year, I still can't believe it, after all of these years, of seeing new faces, as in workers and the many changes thoughout the years in terms of people I have made friends with, I can't believe it... I'm glad at this point, just wish I got more respect from Mike Carbonaro, I feel I deserve some type of recognition if I do try to help him out at times for his show. =(
Question: How can someone contact you?
JM:
There are 2 ways anyone can contact me, one simply go to http://www.google.com/ and type in "Junior's Personal Page" my page is the first to come up, you can check out the comic con photos and other things I have there. Or just go to My Web Page Portfolio: that's part of my page too.. so you guys can also sign my guest book I have posted: http://www.oocities.org/darkgaia2/myportfolio.html if you see any pop-ups just shorten it the banner, believe me so that everything loads properly, yeah I hate pop-ups, but hey, I'm staying with the free hosting service people, lol!! =D
Question: Who are your 3 fictional heroes and why?
JM:
Spiderman, the guy's a new yorker, he lives a complicated life, Bruce Wayne, clam, a millionare, yet this guy's a crimefighter, does justice! Captain America, he represents America thats period.
Question: Who are your 3 real life heroes and why? My Dad, I respect him, because the man works hard! He works for the Department of Juvenile Justice, that's a difficult job to handle if your the type of person who doesn't know how to handle Juveniles, my dad does alot so I respect him and look up to him for this reason, thats why I'm there for him when he needs me, because I'm there for him! Bill Clinton, the coolest president we ever had, there can't be no other like him. Muhammod Ali, simply because he's the greatest of all time, the man sent me some personal advice on my freelancing so I appreciate that "at the time I wrote to him" which was last year anyway.
Question: What comic books do you read now?
JM:
I sold most of my comic books now, but that doesn't mean I stopped, collecting... which I still do. I mostly keep up to date with the monthly Wizard Entertainment Magazine, which is my favorite magazine for news and info on upcoming events. =)
Question: What other cons do you attend or maybe even work at?
JM:
I onced attended the BAAF, Big Apple Anime Fest back in 2002, I might consider trying out for AnimeNEXT, I don't like working for free though, lol!! But I will see how this anime con is. I once went to the Chicago Con a few years ago, and also attended the E3 show, I stood on that long line back in 1994...dam... but it was worth it! =D
Question: Your thoughts on the comic book industry.
JM:
All I can say is wow everything's going mainstreaming, I do see that anything is possible as long as there is a good storyline involved, the $$ and last.. because that is what makes a great comic book movie worthwhile!! I would hope that there will be a Superman/ Batman team up... I mean whats up with Warner Bros... thats why I see alot of fan based movies to show there ideas, because it's great to see that!! Also expect the unexpected.... there's always a suprise headed our way from within the comic book industry.
Question: What are your recreational activities?
JM:
I'm a huge videogame person, playing rpg's, shooters, or even action is what I'm into. I'm also a big sports fan, watching a football, baseball or even once in a while a basketball game!
Question: What books are your favorites?
JM:
In the Videogame Dept. EGM, PSM, or etc.... or PC Books, you never know what latest technology is coming out.
Question: What are your favorite cartoons, movies, TV shows?
JM: Hmmm.. well, I'm always a fan of the 80's G.I. Joe, He-man, Bionic Six or even the classic Transformers, thats the toons I and a few others will remember, also watch Justice League Unlimited, love that series, some times Teen Titans, or Megas XLR, which pokes fun of anime and video game characters, lol!!!!
Question: What hobbies do you have?
JM:
Designing web pages for clients, ppl email me and ask for fan sites or personal pages to build, they want something to have for themselves so I don't mind as a freelance web designer to do just that! =D
Question: This ends the interview…any last words of wisdom?
JM:
Yes, accomplish your goals and your dreams, never give up on yourself, always know who your friends are in that time of need for support, and always once in a well do pray to GOD...hey the man upstairs is for real! Thanks Everyone for reading! =)