Category: Conventions

Special C2E2 Deals for Zombie Fans

Apr. 17 Conventions no comments

If you are a zombie fan heading to C2E2 next week (like me), you are going to wonder about the types of deals and exclusives geared towards fans of the shambling undead. Fear not my fiends, there are many surprises in store for fans of the type of creature revolutionized (accidently) by George Romero so many years ago.

Great zombie specials can be found at C2E2 this year

Great zombie specials can be found at C2E2 this year

Box O Zombies

If you have had a chance to check out the Box O Zombies game line, you know that the creatures in the line range from horrific to hysterical. If you find yourself at Booth 1018 at C2E2, make sure you take a look at Zombicbook Guy. This piece works with the iOS mobile game and will fit into any zombie collection. Zombicbook Guy is a con attendee that became infected with more than comic book fever.

Zombie Last Supper Poster

I think I am going to have to make room in my office for the Zombie Last Supper poster. It is exactly what it sounds like. It is a print of zombies feasting in the famous painting of The Last Supper. This will be available for sale at C2E2 at Booth O10 by Erik Arreaga.

Zombie Pop Vinyl

POP! Vinyl toys from Funko are the rage today. They line the shelves at comic book retailers and toy stores across the country. At Booth 1064, Fugitive Toys will have a special POP! The Walking Dead Vinyl Figure. Stop by to see (and/or purchase) the Tank Zombie Blood Splatter POP! Vinyl figure exclusive to this retailer.

Deadworld at C2E2

Are you a fan of Gary Reed’s Deadworld? If not, why not? Stop by his booth (O4) to check out the full line of Deadworld graphic novels. If you purchase one of these zombie masterpieces, you will receive a set of the Deadworld: War of the Dead promo cards. One of these will be signed by Gary. You can also purchase the cards separately for $3.99.

Bloody Rick Grimes and Dead Daryl

There is another special dealing with Funko’s POP! The Walking Dead Vinyls at C2E2 for fans of the comic and the TV show. Check out Harrison’s at Booth 153 for special Walking Dead Daryl and Rick Bloody exclusives. Grab the figures your friends wished they had.

Four Horseman Posters

Ok, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse Shadows Over New York poster might be a stretch for a zombie fan at C2E2, but it should still be noted. Remember, many horror movies portray zombies are the heralds of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Others, state it is their curse. Stop by Booth P7 for these exclusive posters.

If you are a zombie fan heading to C2E2, you have so much to look forward to. Make sure you bring your walking shoes and a pocket fullocash.

For more information on C2E2, please follow this link to the con’s homepage.

The Best C2E2 Freebies for C2E2 2013

Apr. 17 Conventions no comments

If you are planning on heading to Chicago next week, you might find it a daunting task to go through all of the pages and pages of deals to find the best C2E2 freebies. Worry not my friends as I have gone through the pages and talked with some of my friends in the industry to find you the best C2E2 freebies.

Can you find the best C2E2 freebies?

Can you find the best C2E2 freebies?

The Trend

I should start out with a slight digression to point out how it is sad that freebies are so hard to come by these days at comic book conventions. I remember the days (not too many years ago) when you could walk out of a comic book convention with armfuls of merchandise without spending a dime. I am happy to see vendors going through their stock to come up with C2E2 freebies. Hopefully the number of free offerings can grow in the future.

Power Up Scavenger Hunt

The most noticeable of the C2E2 freebies comes in the form of the Power Up Scavenger Hunt. If you download the Official C2E2 Mobile App, you can scan QR codes which will be scattered around the convention. Once you have unlocked the mystery phrase, head over to the Info Desk and whisper it to the attendant for a bago’swag.

258 West Authentic Signatures

Find your way to Booth 1454 for two C2E2 freebies. The good people at West Authentic Signatures will be passing out promo tradings cards picturing Matt Smith (Doctor Who) and Tom Hiddleston (Loki).

Blick Art Materials

Do you think you can be one of the first 25 people to Booth 129 on one of the three days of the convention? If you are, Blick Art Materials will give you a free giveaway.

Gary Reed

If you purchase any Deadworld graphic novel from Gary Reed at Booth O4, you will receive a set of Deadworld: War of the Dead promo cards. There are ten cards in the set, and one of the cards will be signed by Gary himself! You can also purchase the promo card set for $3.99 without purchasing a novel (but you would be missing out on a great story).

Geek City Guide

Stop by Booth #222 and register for the hourly and daily drawings. The Geek City Guide will draw a name each hour of the convention and will draw one name a day for a grand prize. There is no reason why drawings and raffles should not count as C2E2 freebies.

Cat-LE Drivers

Talk to Kevin Bandt or Josh Filer over at Booth T14 about their comic Cat-LE Drivers. Issue #1 will be free during C2E2 so stop by before their stock runs out. This will be a limited print.

Leo’s Lions Den

Booth 1380 should be one of your first stops of the day if you want to snag all of the C2E2 freebies you can. The people at Leo’s Lions Den will be giving out a free comic to the first 100 customers each day.

For more information on C2E2, visit the con’s page by following this link.

Support Boston Comic Con, Support Boston, Support America

Apr. 16 Conventions, News no comments

Tragedy has struck the Boston Marathon, the City of Boston, and the United States as a whole, but Boston Comic Con is committed to standing tall and hopes to prod the phoenix which will rise from the fires of fear and terror.

Support Boston Comic Con

Support Boston Comic Con

I received a note this morning from the organizers of Boston Comic Con which read:

We continue to work under the expectation that the convention will go on this weekend as scheduled. We hope to stand as an example of the resilience of Bostonians in the wake of this horrific tragedy. The many statements of solidarity we have received from fans and guests alike have been very encouraging.

We will have more information in the days ahead.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

If you are planning on attending Boston Comic Con, do not allow the fear which others attempt to spread keep you away. If you are considering attending Boston Comic Con, think harder about doing so to show your support of not only for the convention, but also for the city, the community, and the American way of life. Become a representation of the superheroes we have grown to love and become a shining force in the community in telling those which hope to cause terror that they will not win this week and they will never win in the future.

This should be your call to action. Light up the Boston Comic Con Facebook page (found here) with your support. Make sure you tweet about the convention and tag their Twitter page (found here). Together, the comic book community can send a message to the world that no fear can overcome the resiliency of good and that nobody can destroy the American will to carve its own future. Support Boston and always remember to stand tall when exposed to the devilish acts which jealousy, envy, and hate can bring.

Visit the Boston Comic Con homepage

Motor City Nightmares – Why You Should Attend

Apr. 03 Conventions Comments Off on Motor City Nightmares – Why You Should Attend

When you saw this headline, you might have wondered if I was veering from the usual type of article by promoting the Motor City Nightmares horror convention. This could not be further from the truth. Not only are the convention and convention promoters friends of the store, the show has something to offer even to comic book collectors who are not die-hard horror fans. As you read on, you will understand why you should hear about Motor City Nightmares on a comic book site and why I would be suggesting you give it a shot.

Never cut in line at Motor City Nightmares

Never cut in line at Motor City Nightmares

Motor City Nightmares

Motor City Nightmares 2013 will be held at Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel (in Novi) from April 26-28 and it is both a horror convention and film festival. I covered the event in 2011 for another site and had a blast as it is one of  the best horror convention to attend. Lucky for us, Motor City Nightmares is a Detroit area horror convention so we do not have far to go. I would be attending this year if it were not for the fact I will be out of town on those dates.

Who’s Coming?

Danielle Harris - 'Nuff said

Danielle Harris – ‘Nuff said

There will be over two dozen celebrities signing autographs and mingling with fans throughout the weekend. Some of the highlights include Michael Rooker (Merle from The Walking Dead), Doug Bradley (Pinhead) James Russo (who is making his first horror con appearance), Kane Hodder (Jason), Sid Haig, Danielle Harris, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Ken Foree, Dee Wallace, Michael Berryman, and John Russo.

The Parties

A definite highlight of the Motor City Nightmares horror convention weekend would have to be the parties. You will have the chance to share a drink next to (or with) celebrities attending the show. This is a unique opportunity to see the celebrities with their hair down. There will also be performances by such bans as First Jason, The Gutter Ghouls, and The Casket Bastards. The Casket Bastards are led by my buddy Davey Taylor who used to be known as Ded Dave (see shirt I occasionally wear in the store). The Casket Bastards are awesome live.

Yes, I am getting choked out by Kane Hodder at Motor City Nightmare

Yes, I am getting choked out by Kane Hodder at Motor City Nightmare

The Vendors

The convention hall at the Sheraton Novi is filled with vendors selling all types of wares during Motor City Nightmares. If you are a collector who like to find deals on horror comics (like myself), this is the place to be. I added many issues to my collection when I attended a few years ago. Don’t worry, there are also tons of vendors selling non-comic items if you are looking for the right horror movie toy or memento.

The Film Festival

Part of the floor at Motor City Nightmares

Part of the floor at Motor City Nightmares

The Motor City Nightmares Film Festival is a great way to break up your convention day and check out films from up-and-comers or from smaller production houses. As of this writing, the listing of films was not up yet, but should be soon. Many of the films show at multiple times in multiple auditoriums on the property, so you might not end up having to miss one for another.

Your Option

If you are looking for something to do during the days of April 26-28, I suggest checking out Motor City Nightmares. Even if you are not a die-hard fan of horror, you are going to find something to spike your interest. If you are a die-hard horror movie fan who is going to be in town during the event, I suggest attending. You can thank me later.

For more information, check out the Motor City Nightmares site by following this link.

A Comic Book Convention Map is More Important Than You Think

Mar. 28 Conventions no comments

If you knew how important a comic book convention map can be, you would carry one with you the from the moment the con opened until the last minute. There are many benefits to carrying a comic book convention map that you never thought about. It will save you time, possibly save you money, and might even make you a little more popular with other convention attendees.

detroit-fanfare

Shameless plug – Never forget your comic book convention map.

How a Comic Book Convention Map Saves You Time

How many times have you had to ask for directions at a comic book convention? How many times have you been around the entire floor three times trying to find a particular dealer or your favorite comic creator? By carrying a comic book convention map, you can save yourself that wasted time. You can know exactly where the next panel is being held that you want to see and where the next big event is taking place.

How a Comic Book Convention Map Can Save You Money

While at C2E2 this year, I will be looking for a few specific items. As I stroll around the convention, I will be marking off certain vendors’ booths on my map to remind me where they are located. These marks will signify who is selling the items I am looking for. I might also mark the dollar amount the items are listed for. This will save me from buying the most expensive versions of the items I want and will cue me in to where I can get the best deals.

How a Comic Book Convention Map Can Make You Popular

If people notice you are carrying around a comic book convention map, they are going to ask you for directions. While this might be annoying at times, what happens when the sexy cosplayer asks you for directions? You already have your icebreaker. What happens when a comic creator asks for your help? What types of quick conversations will you strike up? I have even seen people at bars near a convention hall pop out a map to help weary convention attendees and gotten invited for a beer. The possibilities are endless.

But I Don’t Have Room for a Comic Book Convention Map

Really? Seriously? You can carry around a stack of thirty comics but don’t have room for one piece of paper? I did not say you needed to carry around the program. Rip the map out of the booklet and fold it up nicely and put it in your pocket. Problem solved.

Comic Book Convention Hotels: Stay at the Main

Mar. 26 Conventions no comments

As someone who has not only attended conventions, but covered conventions for major media outlets, it is always best to stay at main comic book convention hotels. While the cost is typically higher than staying at a satellite hotel, the benefits pay off considerably.

Cosplayers at 2011 Detroit Fanfare

Cosplayers at 2011 Detroit Fanfare

What Are Main Comic Book Convention Hotels?

Comic book conventions will typically make deals with various surrounding hotels. There will be one hotel, though, which the convention will house the celebrities and top artists who are appearing at the show. This is usually the nicest hotel in the area, or the closest starred hotel to the convention hall. In the cases of a convention which is held at a hotel convention center, the main hotel is the hosting facility.

The Celebrity Opportunities at Main Comic Book Convention Hotels

Chances are good that you are going to stand in a line to meet your favorite celebrity or comic book creator. You might be paying a dear penny for a signature, sketch, or a picture with whoever you came to see. What would you pay to sit down and have a drink that that person? What would you give to have the opportunity for a private conversation with the celebrity or comic book creator? Staying at main comic book convention hotels offers some these opportunities.

Opportunities with Vendors at Main Comic Book Convention Hotels

Instead of speaking with a celebrity or comic book creator, you might find yourself speaking with a vendor who has a booth set up at the convention. Many of the dealers try to stay at main comic book convention hotels for various reasons ranging from wanting to see celebrities themselves to wanting to schmooze with those which can afford to stay where they want. Sitting down with a vendor might open a door for a discount the next day at the booth or you might find a dealer who has a specific issue you are looking for.

Main Comic Book Convention Hotels Which are Hosting

If you are staying at a hosting hotel, you are making the right move. In this these cases, the main comic book hotels are the properties hosting. Sometimes, conventions give deals to those staying at the hotel. Even if they do not, you are still going to have the opportunity to sit down with celebrities and creators and vendors and anyone else who happens by if you are outgoing enough. Plus, you have the opportunity of dropping off your purchases in your room if they are getting bulky or stop in to take a quick nap or shower. The possibilities are endless.

Comic Book Convention Deals Will be Back Eventually

Mar. 26 Conventions no comments

Where have the comic book convention deals gone in the last few years? Do you remember the day (not too long ago) when we could find graphic novels for $2-$3 at comic book conventions? Do you remember being able to pick up a short box full of comics for less than the price of con admission? Let me take a moment to explain why those days are now gone – but will come back in the future.

2010 Detroit Fanfare comic book convention

2010 Detroit Fanfare comic book convention

Comic Book Convention Deals: The Way it Was

A few short years ago, there were fewer shows around the country and comic book conventions deals were easy to come by. Local dealers might be at a show and not have another one for a few months. Instead of hauling all of their stock back to a store or warehouse, many dealers would do everything they could to dump product to make room for new product. This need to rotate stock caused the great comic book convention deals we remember.

Comic Book Convention Deals: Why it Was

A few years ago, the comic book convention market was becoming dominated by Wizard World shows. Various companies were doing what they could to buy up smaller conventions in the hopes of opening solitary conventions in various markets. The attempted expansion and contraction of the market caused for Wizard World to have to cut the number of shows they produced and put other convention promotion companies out of business. With less shows to potentially make money at, dealers tried to rotate stock as much as possible and were willing to give greater deals.

Comic Book Convention Deals: NOW

The number of cons skyrocketed last year, and is doing the same this year. Instead of con season typically being about 7 months long, it is almost 12 months. I am just waiting for someone to schedule a con during the week between Christmas and New Year’s. With another show always around the corner, dealers do not have enough time to rotate stock. Much of what they have at the current show will have to be brought to the next show to fill up the tables.

Comic Book Convention Deals: Will They Return?

I have a feeling we will see the return of the infamous comic book convention deals sooner than later. The comic book convention market will eventually thin as smaller shows fall to the side of larger shows and competition leads to attrition. As the number of shows decreases, the number of comic book convention deals will increase as dealers find they need to turn stock again.

Review of Gem City Comic Con 2013

Mar. 25 Conventions, News Comments Off on Review of Gem City Comic Con 2013

Gem City Comic Con 2013 has come to a close and I have to admit that I enjoyed myself. I am already looking forward to attending next year.

Gem City Comic Con

Gem City Comic Con

The Location

Gem City Comic Con 2013 was held at the Nutter Center at Wright State University. The stadium in which the convention was held was large enough to fit all of the dealers, signers, and other events without having too much room (which might create dead spaces). The aisles were spaced well and allowed for full movement. Even guests with strollers or wheelchairs found the conventions floor easily-accessible.

There were other events going on in the Nutter Center, such as cheerleading practice and practices for some of the basketball teams participating in the NCAA Tournament games being held nearby. The other events being held in the center did not apparently conflict in any way with Gem City Comic Con, and a nod should be given to Wright State University for proper event and logistics planning. I could not complain about the fact that there was free W-Fi in the building.

The Deals

While there were many deals to be had, I felt that some of the dealers were holding back. This could be because of how C2E2 in Chicago is only weeks away. Other dealers were almost giving product away in order to clear out their storage for the stock coming in for the big con next month. I was happy to find some deals, but they had to be searched for as they were not jumping out at you. $5 or 40% off graphic novels could be found at many dealer’s tables along with standard retail prices on many of the key issues typically found at cons. Just make sure to keep your eyes open for the deals.

Gaming

A corner of the convention was filled with Magic players. Their event did not conflict in any way (that I noticed) with the main con. I like to see cons which invite fans of other genres in order to increase foot traffic.

Food

I might always be harsh on conventions about their food offerings. The only food in the convention hall for general guests was from a center food booth. I picked up a pack of Reece’s Pieces and a 20oz pop for $6.75. People were eating the food from there out of desperation. Some workers did deliver food to artists and vendors, so at least there was another option for some onsite. Since the event was held on a college campus, outside food options were plenty as chains love to build by colleges. I just wish there were other options inside the event.

Staff

I have always said that if a staff member does not know the answer to a question, he or she should know where to get the answer in a prompt fashion. While this should be the norm, it typically is not for comic book conventions. The staff at Gem City Comic Con, though, had most of the answers and were not afraid to ask someone else if they did not know. I have to compliment the con organizers for taking the important step of making sure the staff was informed and had lines of communication open.

Gem City Comic Con Cosplay

Gem City Comic Con Cosplay

Cosplay

There were cosplayers, and many were dressed to impress. You can see more of the cosplay pictures from Gem City Comic Con by following this link.

Traffic

As more and more comic book convention move towards stocking their celebrity list with washed-up actors, former pro wrestlers, and ex-Playboy models, someone might think a comics-forward convention like Gem City Comic Con might not have much traffic. This could not be further from the truth. Traffic on Saturday was strong with dealers have few chances to sit down early in the day. Sunday was much lighter, but I would venture to say that the impending snowstorm had more to do with the decreased traffic than any other factor.

As I stated before, I am looking forward to Gem City Comic Con 2014. If you have the chance to head down to Dayton next year, I would suggest making the trip. You are going to have fun and you are going to be glad you came.

On one final note, if you are in the area, stop at One Eyed Jacks. The bar has some good local beer and great food. Anyone who is a regular reader of this site knows how much I love a beer. The Thai peanut wings were among the best wings I have ever had in my life! If I had known about this place when I was a travel writer, I might have written an entire article just on the wings.

Cosplay at Gem City Comic Con

Mar. 25 Conventions Comments Off on Cosplay at Gem City Comic Con

These are pictures of some of the cosplayers at Gem City Comic Con 2013.

Gem City Comic Con Cosplay

Gem City Comic Con Cosplay

Gem City Comic Con Cosplay

Gem City Comic Con Cosplay

Gem City Comic Con Cosplay

Gem City Comic Con Cosplay

 

Gem City Comic Con Cosplay

Gem City Comic Con Cosplay

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gem City Comic Con Cosplay

Gem City Comic Con Cosplay

Gem City Comic Con Cosplay

Gem City Comic Con Cosplay

Gem City Comic Con Cosplay

Gem City Comic Con Cosplay

Gem City Comic Con Cosplay

Gem City Comic Con Cosplay

Gem City Comic Con Cosplay

Gem City Comic Con Cosplay

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Gem City Comic Con Cosplay

Gem City Comic Con Cosplay

Gem City Comic Con Cosplay

Gem City Comic Con Cosplay

Gem City Comic Con Cosplay

Gem City Comic Con Cosplay

Gem City Comic Con Cosplay

Gem City Comic Con Cosplay

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gem City Comic Con 2013 Preview

Mar. 18 Conventions, News Comments Off on Gem City Comic Con 2013 Preview

My want list is ready, my bags are ready to be packed, my passes are in order, and I am ready to head to Gem City Comic Con! As of this writing, Gem City Comic Con is only days away (March 23-24, 2013), and I could not be more excited about the show. It will be a great start to my con season.

Gem City Comic Con

Gem City Comic Con

What Makes Gem City Comic Con Different?

As a comics-forward comic book convention, the guest list is made up of comic book creators and not the former pro-wrestlers, ex-Playboy models, and washed-up actors you might find at other shows which consider themselves as comic book conventions. Instead of the focus being on the media, the focus is placed on the fans who live, eat, and sleep comic books.

The Gem City Comic Con Guests

The Gem City Comic Con 2013 guest list includes over 20 comic book creators including Howard V. Chaykin, Stan Sakai, Tim Seeley, Joe Staton, Joe Corroney, Dan Parent and Angel Medina. Pheonix Kasai, the cosplay specialist, will also be on hand with over 30 up-and-coming creators in artist’s alley.

Will There Be Events at Gem City Comic Con?

The promoters of Gem City Comic Con have scheduled dozens of panels, discussions, and other events to give you an opportunity to rest your weary con-floor-worn feet. There will also be a charity auction and cosplay costume contest. Regular readers – I will do everything I can to get you some great cosplay pictures from the show.

I know Dayton, Ohio is a hike from the Detroit area, but I suggest you take a look at the show if you are free this coming weekend. I am looking forward to seeing many of my friends from the con circuit and making new ones as well. Of course, I am going to be scouring the tables to find the deals dreams are made of. I hope to see you there.

You can learn more about Gem City Comic Con by visiting their webpage through this link.

Comics-Forward Comic Book Convention: Differences from Other Cons

Feb. 19 Conventions Comments Off on Comics-Forward Comic Book Convention: Differences from Other Cons

What is a comics-forward comic book convention? The fact that we even have to have this type of designation clearly shows how the shift in comic book conventions has changed over the years. The designation shows the difference between an actual comic book convention and a media convention which happens to have some comic book vendors and guests.

2010 Detroit Fanfare comic book convention

2010 Detroit Fanfare comic book convention

What a Comics-Forward Convention is Not

I would venture to say that most comic book conventions in the U.S. and Canada right now are not comics-forward comic book conventions. The evidence of this comes in how the shows are marketed and floor-planned. Instead of showing top comic book creators in their ads, actors from movies and shows which have nothing to do with comic books are headlined. While comic book creators might be at the convention, they are forced to take a back seat to soft-core porn stars or former Playboy centerfolds. Instead of every booth seat being filled by someone with a connection to comic books, autograph tables are sold to former pro-wrestlers. The creators are forced to fill tables in the back of the convention hall or in some out-of-the-way wing.

Moment of Digression

Let’s pick on pro-wrestlers for a moment since a wrestling guest can show the difference between a comics-forward comic book convention and an average “comic book convention.” Even though they wear tights, they are not superheroes nor do they have some type of connection to superheroes. Don’t get me wrong as there are some wrestlers which have direct connections to the comic book world. I would not scoff at CM Punk being a guest at a comic book convention since he is a collector. I would also not turn my nose to Sgt. Slaughter or Hulk Hogan since they were both characters in comics in the 1980s. When it comes to [Insert name of pro-wrestler], though, he/she has no connection to comics so he/she is only there to take space away from someone you will actually give a damn about.

A Comics-Forward Comic Book Convention

Instead of booking non-comics-related media guests, a comics-forward comic book convention might schedule stars which have either worked on comics or starred in movies or TV shows which were based on comic book properties. Instead of pushing the media guests first, the comic creators and comic book vendors have primary seating around a convention hall at a comics-forward comic book convention. Some comics-forward comic book conventions don’t schedule any media guests at all.

The Focus

Simply put, most comic book conventions place the focus on washed-up media stars which have nothing to do with the industry which the convention states it is attempting to appeal to instead of putting the focus on comic book fans. I want to walk in to a convention and believe the show was built around me and not around someone else. I don’t want to get an autograph from [Insert name of pro-wrestler or floozy], I want an autograph from someone who was part of the entertainment medium I grew up with and continue to enjoy to this day.

detroit-fanfare

My Favorite Example

I stared covering Detroit Fanfare for a major website when the convention began in 2010. I loved the idea of a convention which had comics for sale and comic book creators signing autographs in the front of the hall. Instead of having to search a map for where the creators could be seen, I could trip over them if I was not paying attention. There are media guests, but they are guests which have some type of connection to comics. There are panels to attend, but most have to do with comics and not with non-comics-related TV shows or movies which I am not even interested in watching. Now, I am happy to be a part of a comics-forward comic book convention where the masses are welcomed, but the show is molded for the true comic book fan.

Comic Book Convention Attendee Tips

Feb. 13 Conventions Comments Off on Comic Book Convention Attendee Tips

These tips for attending comic book conventions are for people attending their first convention in the near future and for seasoned attendees as well. These tips are based on mistakes I made in the past or mistakes I have seen people make over and over again.

2010 Detroit Fanfare comic book convention

2010 Detroit Fanfare comic book convention

Create an Itinerary

Even small comic book conventions have dozens of activities happening during a weekend. Larger conventions might have hundreds when you consider panels, special screenings, parties, and other convention-only events. Comic book convention websites often have all of the events and activities listed well before the doors are officially opened.

Sit down a day or two before the convention and write down the information about each event you want to attend. Make sure you include the name of the event, the time, and location. Once you have all of these written down, make sure you do not have any times overlapping or events which might force you to run from one end of a convention hall to another. People carrying stacks of comics do not like people running by them. This planning might save you from fretting or missing an event.

Check the Fundage Before Leaving the House

Don’t go to a comic book convention with $25 in your pocket. You are going to have to eat, you are going to see things you want to buy, you might have to pay for tickets, and you are probably going to want a drink later on (if you are over 21 of course). Make sure you have enough money on you or readily available. You just look silly if you run out of money two hours after arriving at the show.

Pace Yourself

If a comic book convention is a few days long, do not try to do everything and see everything in the first few hours you are there. At the 2012 Detroit Fanfare, I noticed a couple which tried to see everything at the convention in the first hour the show was open. I watched them rush from booth to booth and from room to room as if they were in a race to see everything first. They were blown out a few hours into the show and dragged for the rest of the weekend and wished they had not tried to rush.

Bring Snacks

I usually attend comic book conventions with a backpack or some other type of bag full of snacks. I would much rather spend a few dollars on a box of granola bars before a convention than $2.50 for a chocolate bar at the show. Snack prices at conventions are inflated and take away from the money to be spent on comics (or drinks at the parties…oh the parties). Also, by keeping snacks handy, you can keep your energy levels high for the long-term.

Know Who Will NOT be There

Check the comic book convention’s website before you head out the door. Many conventions will post messages about guests which have cancelled. I have seen comic book convention attendees upset because their favorite writer or artist cancelled. In most cases, their disappointment at the show would have been averted by simply checking out the website.

General Walk

I take a general walk around a convention before purchasing anything. Of course, there are vendors who have specials for the first so many people to come to their booths, I plan accordingly. General walks will help give an idea of the layout of the show and help me gain an idea of what I am going to want to purchase over the next few hours or days. How many times have you purchased something from one vendor and seen the same item for less on the other end of the hall? This trick helps to prevent that experience.

Make Sure You Eat

I cannot count the number of times I have attended comic book conventions and seen people dragging their feet because they had not eaten. If you are going to try to pull a full day at one of the comic book conventions, make sure you eat. This is a basic necessity which people often forget about when there is excess excitement in the air.

My year revolves around comic book conventions. I have learned over the years how to make each convention better than the last for myself. Learn from my mistakes if you want to have the best convention experience possible.

Cosplayers at Comic Book Convention: Don’t Discourage

Feb. 13 Conventions no comments

At conventions, I have heard some comic book fans discourage attendees who were simply there to cosplay. Some comic book fans believe comic-cons should only be attended by those who read and/or collect comics. Whenever I hear cosplayers being discouraged, I make sure I speak up.

Cosplayers at 2011 Detroit Fanfare

Cosplayers at 2011 Detroit Fanfare

Inclusive

One of the major lessons learned in the pages of comic book is inclusion. Readers should learn that characters like those found in the X-Men should teach us to respect each other despite our differences. Comic book conventions should be the same way. While the majority of guests are going to attend to see what types of deals they can find or which of their idols will be in attendance, but there are those who will attend simply to cosplay or see the celebrities in attendance. All should be allowed.

Cosplayers at 2011 Detroit Fanfare

Cosplayers at 2011 Detroit Fanfare

Growth

Cosplayers have helped conventions grow over the years. Online slideshows of pretty women in superhero or other costumes can entice fans into going to particular conventions. The more people a convention can draw the more money it can make. This leads to bigger guests being invited and grander events taking place. If you want your local convention to have the chance of competing with a larger con one day, encourage the cosplayers when you see them.

Enjoyment

Even though I do not cosplay myself, I look forward to seeing cosplayers whenever I head to a convention. Many other attendees will look forward to seeing cosplayers as well. Pay attention to someone with a tremendous costume as see how many people attempt to take a picture of the costume, or with the cosplayer. You might be surprised by how much enjoyment costumed-attendees give. The more enjoyable a con, the more people will return in the future to ensure the long-term stability of the convention.

What Cosplay Can Lead To For Cosplayers

I know many cosplayers who have ended up becoming interested in comics by attending conventions. Every new fan the industry can interest makes the industry slightly stronger. Why wouldn’t you want the industry you love to grow stronger?