Tag: comic book conventions

Detroit Fanfare was my first con…

Nov. 07 Detroit Area Comic Book Store no comments

…and I loved it.

Part of that was because it was very low-stress for me; Dennis and Larry made sure that my job was limited to relaxing, hanging out, checking out all of the awesome things available, and occasionally interviewing some of the media guests. I also had my very own panel about gender in comics. My first con and I got a panel.

This is what is so amazing about being part of a small, local business and a community that’s as open and accepting as the comics community. I’ve been welcomed with open arms all over, and even during my interviews with comic world veterans, the guests were excited that I was a new reader and had a fresh perspective.

I can easily say that Artist’s Alley was my favorite place to hang out. I got a LOT of things there from a LOT of artists and creators who, I think (in my very limited experience), are talented and promising. I interviewed a few of the artists there, so keep an eye out for those interviews as they go up on the site in the coming days/weeks.

The Bizarre Bazaar was my second-favorite place; it’s great to see people making their own crafts and art and selling it at seriously amazing and reasonable prices. I expected everything to cost a lot more, mostly because my experience with artists is limited to galleries and “professional” shows. But the people who come to Detroit Fanfare, while entirely professional, are obviously not doing this for the money; they’re doing it because they love it, and that shows in all of their work. I spoke with many people in the Bazaar and I’ll be doing a story about them, too. Keep an eye out!

Finally, we get to the main room. The dealer room, where most of the media guests were and where retailers were. I won’t lie: I was so overwhelmed that I avoided that room at all costs. I checked out everything I could and even got a signed Revival print from Tim Seeley and a signed copy of the Hack/Slash Mercy Sparx crossover by Josh Blaylock. But there was just so much going on everywhere around me and I didn’t even know where to start when it came to checking out all of the comics and trades available.

I had a ridiculous amount of fun over the course of the weekend, and I was completely exhausted and pretty sure my feet just wanted to fall off my body by the end of it all. It was entirely worth it. I can’t possibly thank the entire staff and Wonderworld Comics and the amazing con promoters (Gary and Tony and Dennis, you’re the best!) for giving me this experience and welcoming me into their community with open arms.

Also, I did dress up as Red Sonja for the costume party. But it was absolutely freezing and I was wearing chain mail, so I kept my cloak on for most of the time. But pictures were taken! And I’m sure they’ll be up soon enough.

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Tips for Selling/Trading a Comic Book Collection at a Convention

Aug. 15 Conventions no comments

Many people believe comic book conventions are a great place to sell-off or trade their collections or particular parts of their comic book, gaming, or toy collections. While this is viable in certain cases, there are some potential issues you should take into consideration.

IMG_4311Don’t Assume

Don’t automatically assume vendors are going to be interested in purchasing or trading for your product. They have product of their own they are trying to move. In most cases, their primary concern will be taking care of the shoppers at their booths. They might not be interested in looking at what you have when they have to make sales and make sure people are not walking off with product.

Respect the Vendors

Some vendors are just not interested in buying or trading at a convention. Respect that and move on to another table. Don’t try to sell your item to a person who does not want to buy.

Worst Times to Try

Don’t run up to a vendor to attempt to sell or trade right when the doors first open at a convention. He or she is waiting to be overwhelmed with guests and will be making sure everything is in order and in place. Let alone the fact that the vendor might not have any extra cash on hand since nothing has sold for the day.

Don’t go up to a booth at a comic book convention to sell or trade items when there are excess customers shopping. The vendor is going to be more concerned at that point with protecting product and making money.

Don’t try to sell or trade at a comic book convention when a vendor is eating. At some conventions, vendors have to eat when and where they can. This might be the only five to ten minutes he or she has to relax and recharge before the next rush comes in.

Best Times to Try

All comic book conventions have slow times. Try at the end of a day or during the first few hours on Sunday. These are typically the slowest times and vendors will have extra cash as long as the convention has been successful.

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Why Cash is Still the Best Option at Comic Book Conventions

Aug. 15 Conventions no comments

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Speak Up Against the Bastardization of Comic Book Conventions

Jul. 05 Conventions, News no comments

Over the years, most comic book conventions have been bastardized to the point that even comic book fans have forgotten about the base these comic book conventions have in the comic book industry. While there are glimmers of hope on the comic book convention scene, such as comics-forward conventions like Detroit Fanfare Comic Con, Gem City Comic-Con, Baltimore Comic Con, Heroes Con, the Midwest Comic Book Association,  and the conventions and shows which place comic book fans first – I see major changes in the future for comic book conventions which are inevitable unless WE speak up.

544328_10151448354451359_1628468336_nDropping the Comic-Con

I would not be surprised if major comic book conventions begin dropping the tags of “Comic-Con” or “Comic Con” from their titles. I can see the conventions becoming so wrapped up in the media guests that they try to “rebrand” themselves as either media shows or as some other type of “all inclusive” show or convention. In true name, the conventions would become so bastardized that they would literally forget their parenting force.

Taking the Comics Out of Comic Book Conventions

Right now, the comic book industry is seeing better numbers than it has in over a generation. What will happen to the industry if it is essentially limited to only comics-forward conventions? How will sales sag? As these bastardized conventions spend more money, time, and effort focusing on media events and guests, why would they even be interested in signing comic book creators and vendors? Most cities do not have comics-forward conventions to begin with, so average fans would not have conventions and shows to go to that would be their own in their own areas.

What WE Need To Do

Notice, I am saying that WE need to do something. This fight is not something this website can do on its own. Every single comic book reader, creator, and collector should send some type of message to the bastardized comic book conventions about how the tide has changed and how our conventions have been stolen from us in the favor of trying to appeal to a larger audience. We should let convention promoters and planners know that they should not forget the market which put them on the map in the first place. We need to get together and fight for our conventions before they are won over by the Starbucks-sipping d-bags who care more about a current trend than one of the longest lasting forms of entertainment on the market today.

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Denver Comic Con Lines – Another Convention Plagued With Long Lines

Jun. 01 Conventions, News no comments

News out of Denver is that fans are waiting in very long lines to get into Denver Comic Con. Some reports are placing the wait is up to four hours to get into the convention center. This is a dangerous trend with comic book conventions which needs to be taken care of immediately.

Comic book convention lines. Ain't nobody got time fo dat!

Comic book convention lines. Ain’t nobody got time fo dat! – This is not actually a picture from Denver.

The Recent Past

Both Dallas Comic Con and Motor City Comic Con have made headlines recently due to long lines which have kept fans at bay for hours. With Denver Comic Con having the same issues, how many fans are going to become discouraged about coming to future comic book conventions?

Denver Comic Con Issue

According to Channel 9 News in Denver, the promoters and management of Denver Comic Con were not prepared for the long lines they were experiencing today. While having more guests than you would expect is a good thing, not being prepared for the numbers is something different. Comic books are in an upswing, the top movies each year are typically related to comics in some way, and more people are heading to conventions than ever before. It would be better for conventions to overstaff the front door than to automatically expect the status quo will work year-in and year-out.

The Damage Long Lines at Conventions Can Cause

First off, we have to take a look at the health risks involved with excruciatingly long lines. Issues such as exhaustion, heat exposure (in the summer) and hypothermia (in the winter) are issues which comic book convention promoters have to be concerned about. A comic book convention is supposed to be a happy event and it is the job of the staff to make sure health concerns never come into play.

Another issue is the short-term issue of people turning around and going home disappointed because they did not want to wait in line. This takes money out of the pockets of the convention itself, the vendors, and the guests.

Over the long-term, many fans could easily become discouraged by seeing stories about comic book convention lines and decide to stay home. Instead of taking another huge upswing in attendance, conventions might start losing attendance spikes because fans are too scared about the possibility of standing in line for three or four hours.

Comic book convention promoters and their staffs need to sit down and plan for dealing with lines which would boggle their minds. Comic books are the going thing, and comic book conventions need to make sure they stay high on as many lists as possible. Nipping this problem with long lines is the first step.

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Popular Misconceptions About Comic Book Conventions

May. 28 Comic Book Collecting, Conventions Comments Off on Popular Misconceptions About Comic Book Conventions

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Convention Hotels Need to Treat Us Better

May. 28 Conventions, News Comments Off on Convention Hotels Need to Treat Us Better

Why do convention hotels discount genre convention attendees? I have attended dozens of conventions across the country and in Canada, and have found a similar problem at most of the hotels I have stayed in. As someone who has worked as a travel writer, there are certain aspects of how convention hotels discount their guests which the average person might not ever notice. Even though you might not have noticed these issues, it does not mean they should not be changed.

DC's WTF Certified

WTF Certified

The Restaurants

First off, restaurants inside convention hotels will often try to change their menus to “accommodate”  conventiongoers. Sometimes this is a good thing as with the time that I covered a convention made up of mostly rabbis who wished to discuss the future of the Jewish faith. The hotel restaurants made sure the food being prepared was kosher. This was an understandable change.

On the flip, we have the Hyatt Regency McCromick Place, where we stayed this year during the Diamond Retailer’s Summit and C2E2. This is a 4-Star restaurant which is known for having delicacies and food which is high above what might be found at other hotels in the city. Why in the hell would they have a buffet made up of cheese nachos, chicken fingers, and pizza? For $13 (the cost of the buffet), I would have rather eaten pizza at one of the pizza joints the city is known for. Why would I want to get cheese nachos at a top-of-the-line hotel restaurant?

While attending the Up in the Aether steampunk convention, I had dinner at the Doubletree Hotel Dearborn/Detroit restaurant. I was told that the chicken in my chicken Caesar salad was prepared fresh. My Grandma was a chef and I can tell the difference between fresh and heated meat. I overheard one of the waitresses say “We can tell them whatever we want. These geeks won’t know the difference.”

The Pool and the Staff

Have you ever noticed that hotels do not have lifeguards on duty at the pool during conventions? You might not know this, but many four and five star hotels pay lifeguards but lay them off or reassign them during weeks of conventions. This is a way they cut their costs to make more money from the conventions. The same goes for many of the other types of members of the staff from room service to front desk moderation. A key area you might notice this is the empty valet parking or coat check rooms during a convention. Now, this is not the case with all upper tier convention hotels, but many of them.

Comped Rooms

I have found it more difficult to receive a comped room due to some type of issue during a convention than during any other time of the year. I went to a horror convention a few years ago and overheard a girl complaining about how there was mold in her shower. She stated that she did not notice it until the morning after she had spent all night in the room. The person at the front desk first told her that he would send someone up to clean her room. I stepped in an pointed out how simply cleaning the room might not remove the mold particles from the air.

The gentleman suggested moving her to another room. I whispered to the guest that she should be comped for the inconvenience and the possible health risk she faced. She spoke up and the person at the desk said he was not authorized to give her a free night and that there was not someone on staff who could authorize that. I stepped up and gave the person behind the desk my card which gave my press and travel writing credentials. Amazingly, the clerk remembered that he was authorized to give her a free stay at the hotel that weekend.

The next time that you stay at any of the convention hotels in the country, remember that you should be allowed the same privileges and should be treated with the same amount of respect as any other guest staying the hotel during the year. Convention hotels need to realize they need to keep us as satisfied as their regular guests. If not, we will not be back in the future.

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Difference Between a Comic Book Show and Comic Book Convention

May. 13 Conventions Comments Off on Difference Between a Comic Book Show and Comic Book Convention

Comic book conventions and comic book shows – these are two terms we use all the time. Did you know that the two descriptions are technically not interchangeable? Do you know what the difference is between the two?

Silver Age comics

Silver Age comics

Comic Book Show

A comic book show is a one-day event which bring collectors together with vendors. Comic book shows are typically held at small venues such as a VFW, a fraternal hall, or even in a school gymnasium. There might be guests signing autographs or comic creators doing sketches, but everyone goes home at the end of the day.

Comic Book Convention

A comic book convention is held over multiple days at a venue or in a series of close venues. Since the conventions are longer than the show, convention promoters will take extra steps to make sure there is more to do so panels, contests, and extra guests are added.

The Main Difference Between Comic Book Shows and Comic Book Conventions

Someone suggested one time that the difference between a comic book show and a comic book convention is that conventions have panels. I have been to little local shows with panels, so that cannot be the difference between the two. The actual difference between the two is the length of time, and nothing else. If the vendors are present for one day, it is a comic book show. If the vendors and guests are there over multiple days, you would call it a comic book convention.

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Should You Get a Table at a Comic Book Show?

May. 13 Conventions Comments Off on Should You Get a Table at a Comic Book Show?

I have met many comic book collectors and many comic book merchandise collectors who wonder if they should get tables at comic book shows or booths at comic book conventions to sell off parts of their collections. Comic book shows and comic book conventions are great ways to liquidate a collection for little money and little effort.

Graphic novels

Graphic novels

The Alternatives

Taking a large collection directly to a comic book store to sell it will most likely not get you the top dollar for your collection. This is the easiest way to move a collection. Selling a collection off in parts will typically make you more money, though, than selling it in one swoop.

Selling parts of a collection, or an entire collection, on a site like Craigslist can be time-consuming and your listing is likely to get lost among thousands of others in your area. Ebay and Amazon both take portions of your money.

A Little Work Goes a Long Way

I am not going to lie to you. Working a booth at a comic book show or comic book convention is sometimes hard. You might get pulled in two or three directions at one time. The payoff can be immense if you want to liquidate a collection. At a show, you might have hundreds of people stop by your booth while a comic book convention can bring thousands by. In many cases, you might make up your money in the first hour or two of the show or convention and everything else is pure profit while you watch the issues you don’t have room to store go home with other collectors.

If you are looking at liquidating your comic book collection or your comic book merchandise collection, I suggest looking at the opting or getting a table at a show or a booth at a comic book convention. You can get rid of tons of issues you can’t store anymore and make the most money doing it.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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