For the first time since high school I went to a comic book convention. Not just any convention, but San Diego's world famous Comic Con.
There were lots of promotions for movies based on comic books; video games - some based on comics, most not; panels on upcoming movies and t.v. shows with actors and directors; an artist area; tables of female "models" selling pictures of themselves; toy companies like Lego and Hasbro; and oh yes a small area devoted to the selling of comic books.
I remember when, yes here I go dating myself, that comic book conventions consisted of a large room filled with tables loaded with comic books. Behind these tables on big boards would be pasted the highlight of comic fans the most prized and valuable of comic books: X-men #1, the first issue of Spiderman in his black suit, really old issues of Superman and so on. Scattered about would be a t-shirt seller or artist or comic related toys or supplies (boxes, boards, plastic covers of varying quality). There would also be one room that had science fiction or animated movies playing in between a rare speaker. The conventions were crowded and had the funk of too many sweating bodies in one area, but everyone was doing the same thing, buying comics, haggling for comics and sitting along the wall reading comics.
How things have changed. It hasn't changed in a bad way, it's just changed. And while I had a great time, it took a little while to get used to it. For example, the official DC and Marvel promotional stalls had lots of costumed superheroes walking around, movie displays and plastic models of characters, but I couldn't find an actual comic book - for sample or for purchase.
And then there was the Lego stand. My son loves Legos, and would've been like a kid in a candy store - for that's what it was - a full lego store in the center of the convention selling the newest lego sets. Complete with lego tables for kids to build to their hearts' content. Again, a bit odd for a comic book convention. Although they did have Mr. Farshety autographing his Bionicle comic books which both of my boys spend hours looking at again and again. This must have been Lego’s in.
Lucas films had a booth as well promoting the upcoming Clone Wars with Bobby and Jenga Feet and storm troopers. Very cool. Comic related? Sure, why not. Nowadays every popular t.v. series or movie seems to be depicted in a comic book. Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Star Trek and yes CSI. LOST must have a comic also, since their huge display area had one of the longest lines the convention for free t-shirts.
See what I mean. Very different from back in the day. An experience where one would be hard pressed to find themselves bored – especially men.
Which brings me to the men carrying around cameras. Not little digital cameras, but ones with the full on adjustable lenses. For you see, beautiful women have this weird power over men to make us do silly things. Before we know it we're lured into their booths staring at a hacked up corpse on a motorcycle or allowing a voluptuous brunette place a bright red lipstick tattoo kiss on our neck promoting her company's upcoming movie, The Secret.
Yes, I got kissed. And so did so many other men (and women I'll add) that by the end of the day, other vendors were asking me why everyone had a lipstick kiss on their neck.
So to conclude, I had a great time updating my perception of what a comic convention is, while grabbing free stickers and flash drives and bags and comics and gawking at beautiful models.
Will I go again? Sure. But next time I'll take a better camera.
: )
There were lots of promotions for movies based on comic books; video games - some based on comics, most not; panels on upcoming movies and t.v. shows with actors and directors; an artist area; tables of female "models" selling pictures of themselves; toy companies like Lego and Hasbro; and oh yes a small area devoted to the selling of comic books.
I remember when, yes here I go dating myself, that comic book conventions consisted of a large room filled with tables loaded with comic books. Behind these tables on big boards would be pasted the highlight of comic fans the most prized and valuable of comic books: X-men #1, the first issue of Spiderman in his black suit, really old issues of Superman and so on. Scattered about would be a t-shirt seller or artist or comic related toys or supplies (boxes, boards, plastic covers of varying quality). There would also be one room that had science fiction or animated movies playing in between a rare speaker. The conventions were crowded and had the funk of too many sweating bodies in one area, but everyone was doing the same thing, buying comics, haggling for comics and sitting along the wall reading comics.
How things have changed. It hasn't changed in a bad way, it's just changed. And while I had a great time, it took a little while to get used to it. For example, the official DC and Marvel promotional stalls had lots of costumed superheroes walking around, movie displays and plastic models of characters, but I couldn't find an actual comic book - for sample or for purchase.
And then there was the Lego stand. My son loves Legos, and would've been like a kid in a candy store - for that's what it was - a full lego store in the center of the convention selling the newest lego sets. Complete with lego tables for kids to build to their hearts' content. Again, a bit odd for a comic book convention. Although they did have Mr. Farshety autographing his Bionicle comic books which both of my boys spend hours looking at again and again. This must have been Lego’s in.
Lucas films had a booth as well promoting the upcoming Clone Wars with Bobby and Jenga Feet and storm troopers. Very cool. Comic related? Sure, why not. Nowadays every popular t.v. series or movie seems to be depicted in a comic book. Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Star Trek and yes CSI. LOST must have a comic also, since their huge display area had one of the longest lines the convention for free t-shirts.
See what I mean. Very different from back in the day. An experience where one would be hard pressed to find themselves bored – especially men.
Which brings me to the men carrying around cameras. Not little digital cameras, but ones with the full on adjustable lenses. For you see, beautiful women have this weird power over men to make us do silly things. Before we know it we're lured into their booths staring at a hacked up corpse on a motorcycle or allowing a voluptuous brunette place a bright red lipstick tattoo kiss on our neck promoting her company's upcoming movie, The Secret.
Yes, I got kissed. And so did so many other men (and women I'll add) that by the end of the day, other vendors were asking me why everyone had a lipstick kiss on their neck.
So to conclude, I had a great time updating my perception of what a comic convention is, while grabbing free stickers and flash drives and bags and comics and gawking at beautiful models.
Will I go again? Sure. But next time I'll take a better camera.
: )
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