Comic Book Conventions.

Simon said...
What do you get up to at cons anyway? Panels? Merchandise? Author/actor signings?
I've never been to one of these big cons, although I read about them occasionally. Sounds like fun.

I like this comment a lot because
1. It's proof that someone reads this blog.
2. Until I saw this, I've been going on the assumption that if you check in here, you are nerdier than I am and know all about these things.

To answer Simon's question, very fun and yes, all those things are available at these conventions. Also, a few film screenings (films for children; anime; horror), group meetings (a group of Little Lulu fans meets every year in San Diego) and for the aspiring artist, you can bring your portfolio for review by professionals.



Every year sees an increase in attendance with growing interest and acceptance of comicbooks. Some books are now considered major literary accomplishments. Satrapi and Spiegelman come to mind. The conventions are gaining widespread appeal as a venue for major studios to sneak the upcoming summer blockbuster or next season's television hit. They send the celebs to promote the work in panels and autograph/photo appearances. The names get bigger and I get into fewer and fewer of the smaller rooms. There was a time that I could get into a LOST panel without waiting or crowding and was comfortable enough to ask Josh Holloway to remove his shirt. Not these days, you'd have to wait in line for at least an hour to get a glimpse of Hurley. Well, this is true for San Diego which is the world's largest of this sort of thing. What I went to over the weekend was WonderCon in San Francisco--much smaller but organized by the same company. Other unrelated but notable conventions in New York, NY; Phoenix, AZ.

WonderCon, being smaller, has a higher concentration of actual comicbook readers. The booths are more of the small book dealers, and few (if any) of the big flashy publishing companies, gaming, film, television, etc. It attracts a more intense collector. One interested in an OOP copy of the Howard the Duck Soundrack selling for $45.

I was talking to a friend--she's really into comics--explaining that I'm not really much of a comicbook fan. As a kid, my grandfather used to buy me all sorts and I still read a few today from time to time and enjoy it, but I would not consider myself part of this community. Four consecutive years in San Diego and now WonderCon seems like a lot for an outsider. I admit, I am interested in it as a silent observer. I can identify with the need to hunt for an item, to collect and horde--see my matchbook project--and prefer to be around and be friends with people who are a little neurotic about it in that way.

The thing that I find even more interesting is the people who dress in costume. That's a whole other level that I can't touch. There are Masquerades--I'm still unclear as to what exactly happens at them--at which the people with homemade/handmade costumes parade their creations. What compels a person to wear a restrictive Transformers Bumblebee costume or a Godzilla suit all day? There's a sense of pride in it, which I respect, but this is still a huge mystery to me. I like to photograph these people and I know they appreciate the attention. There's something else there that I can't put my finger on. This is what keeps me coming back to these sorts of events. Also, I will spend a bit of money on original art and a few books and collectible toys here and there.


You can click the above photo to see more from my weekend.