Every once in a while, a manga fan approaches our booth who is actually not interested in snagging a free poster or a copy of Negima 14. This species of DRM fan instead has something to show us–usually in a large black artist’s portfolio. It’s not at all unusual for aspiring manga artists to drop by in the hope of getting an editor to review her work; to ooh and aah over the layouts, marvel at the delicate pencilling, and, perhaps, offer a three-book deal on the spot. I’ve done a few such reviews over the past few days, and it’s one of the real pleasures of being at a convention. Yesterday I looked at the work of a young artist who, while not quite ready to be published now, will probably be signing books for legions of fans at San Diego Comic Con 2011. And another artist so good I hope I get to her before some other editor this show is smart and quick enough to capture her.

But I’m not only waiting for artists to come to me. Later this afternoon I’ll be running by the Small Press Pavilion and Artists’ Alley on a hunt for the next big manga superstar. That is, if I don’t get distracted by the Kid Robot booth on the way…