Back on March 28th, our very own Chriss Cornish posted a recap of a brewing controversy in the comics and conventions world, and that controversy was named Rob Granito. Over the past week, we here at The Convention Fans Blog have seen several “supporters” of Granito posting comments to Chriss’ article. While we cannot confirm beyond a shadow of a doubt that these posts were from Granito, what we can say for certain is that despite using different names, all the comments on that article supporting Granito came from the same IP address and e-mail address (which our site records as a security measure).

The comments took an interesting turn when one commenter purported that Granito would be interested in interviews, but only for a fee.

We here at The Convention Fans Blog absolutely do not pay fees to interview anyone, much less someone who appeared to be making up several different identities on our own site in order to artificially bolster support for Granito.

What we did do is offer to consider an interview with Granito, but only without compensation involved, and only if he agreed to answer all of our questions. That offer was made yesterday, April 5, 2011.

We got our answer today, via a press release sent directly to us. The press release is copied here below.

Dear Comics News, Blogs, and Journalists: March 2011 was a month that the comics industry, and comics fandom, was not expecting! A month where suddenly comics websites became ‘TMZ-like’, and scandal and tabloid excitement erupted. This was due to the controversial Rob Granito. We ask you to consider looking past personal feelings and judgement to consider the following: -A Facebook Group about Robert Granito had over 3,000 members in less than a week -Websites such as comicsalliance, Wired, and many others made Rob Granito a major headline -An entire convention panel is due to Rob Granito, called ‘How Should An Artist React To Being Granito’d'? So, regardless of personal judgement you must admit that Rob Granito creates controversy- and controversy attracts attention. Rob Granito gets attention. Rob Granito gets people talking. The Blog owner at All Things Geeky even explained how he had thousands of visitors to his site when he had never experienced that before. Rob Granito has gotten more attention and caused more talking amongst his detractors and his fans than any other comics professional! Now is YOUR chance to take advantage of this red-hot story. As Charlie Sheen has proven in the mainstream media, controversy sells. It has been proven, and suggested by the convention fans blog that Rob Granito is the Charlie Sheen of Comics. And just like Charlie Sheen caused MAJOR headlines with his controversial 20/20 interview, now YOU can get Rob Granito to sit for an interview for your site or blog! Rob Granito will live up to his image as the bad boy of comics, who admits he has made some mistakes (but who hasn’t?) but also points out that comics fandom at large does not know the WHOLE story. Find out how Rob Granito began as an artist. Discover what his experience was with the legendary Dave Stevens. Find out what REALLY went down with Mark Waid. Learn how Rob feels about the comics professionals who have derided his name in the past few weeks like Ty Templeton Jamar Igle, Al Rio, and more! We assure you Rob Granito will live up to his interview commitments. We guarantee candid, explanatory revelations. Rob Granito proved he shook up the world in March 2011! Now watch him light up the Spring comics schedule. “I will keep going to conventions”, he says. Also, why did BleedingCool decide to break the Rob Granito story out of nowhere? Why was it pursued with such a fever? “There is more there that you dont know about”, says Rob. ALL WEBSITES: the following is a list of Rob’ interview fees -e-mail interview (20 questions ONLY) $150.00 PayPal

-30 minute phone interview $200.00 PayPal

-1 Hour Phone or Skype interview $250.00 PayPal Thank you for your time. We look forward to working with you. Alison c/o

Robert Granito Art Services

As stated previously, we absolutely will not be paying Granito a fee for an interview. However, if Granito decides he’s willing to talk to us without a fee or other restrictions involved, we’ll still consider it.

So, what will it be Rob?