Comic books aren’t what they used to be and comic book conventions are no longer for the nerdy fringes of society. Gone are the days of the geeks in Darth Vader costumes who congregate in small town convention centers, wielding their Star Wars light sabers, ready to take on anyone in costume having the inclination for simulated, sci-fi dual. Today’s comic book conventions are different. Today’s conventions include hunky, Superman type guys, supermodel women dressed as Wonder Women, and fast Batmobile type cars. In today’s comic book world, the nerds take a back seat and the red carpet is rolled out only for comic royalty.
Ok, seriously. Who is buying this? Of course comic conventions are still like they were in the days of old and that is what makes them so great. Last week’s 2013 Comic Con convention in San Diego was no exception and was crowned, once again, as the epitome of sight and sound spectacles of the graphic literature world. A complete comic book, science fiction, and fantasy event, the gathering provided adults and children the opportunity to step away from their day to day lives, get dressed up in their best superhero costumes, and, for a short period of time, to assume the role of a heroic crusader. The best part, and what makes Comic Con special year after year is that attendees get to do it right along with other like-minded, passionate members of this unique subculture. Together, attendees enter a magical and mystical world and enjoy, albeit temporary, a true diversion from reality.
Comic Con – What Is It?
The Grand Daddy of comic book conventions, Comic Con, is an institution among aficionados of all ages. Dating back to the 1970’s, the early conventions were solely comic book focused but with so many comics evolving into Hollywood hits, the Comic Con of today shines a bright spotlight on superhero blockbusters and science fiction sagas. The overall premise, however, has not changed. The intent of Comic Con was, and is, simply to bring together those who love everything comic-related, and beyond, for a four day party complete with ceremonies, information sessions, sneak peek previews of upcoming movies and popular shows, and much more.
The First Step – Getting In
Simply getting into Comic Con is not an easy feat and requires the tenacity and skill of the superheroes represented at the show. Badges, rather than traditional tickets are required and at over 130,000 attendees and limited capacity at the San Diego Convention Center venue where the show takes place, badges are typically sold out months prior to the actual Comic Con event. Past attendees and all prospective new attendees must obtain a member id number online and maneuver carefully through the application/badge purchase process. Discounts are available for certain groups including children and military members. If you are able to negotiate through this maze of requirements and obtain the coveted badge, you are in for an experience of a lifetime.
The Visitor’s Experience
Upon entering the San Diego Convention Center, visitors stepped into the Events Center and were met with a pageant of comic book memorabilia and movie references. Over 50 companies with names like Bottled Lightening and Rockin’ Android Inc set up booths with displays and over 250 products for sale – from action figures to hand painted ninja silkscreens. In addition to the action in the Events Center, visitors also enjoyed a jammed packed event schedule daily. With the largest scheduled program of any similar convention in the United States, spectators were seated in over 20 separate viewing rooms in the San Diego Convention Center, as well as in other hotel and outdoor venues in San Diego. The auditoriums ranged in size from smaller, intimate theaters to the massive Hall H which seated over 6500 people. Attendees scheduled their days around a widely varied selection of events involving some of the industry’s most popular and dynamic comic artists and business professionals. Seminars on the industry, including how-to presentations for budding comic artists such as “Breaking Into Comics and Staying In” and “Painting Comics with the iPad” were offered. Historic walks through the evolution of the industry including “Toys 101 – Evolution of . the Modern Action Figure” were held.
Wildly popular, of course, were the television and movie screenings of new and established programs for the upcoming seasons. The Sidekick and Mortal Kombat: Legacy were two that had attendees spilling out the door. This also included seats to the preview of the much anticipated, soon to be released S.H.I.E.L.D series which on the surface appears to be a traditional cop show but actually profiles cases with a superhuman angle. A few lucky attendees of this screening not only got the expected sneak peek of the upcoming series but were delighted when the entire pilot episode was shown.
Action, sci-fi, and fantasy movies also received plenty of attention and Hollywood hitters were in ample attendance. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, co-starring in Escape Plan were in attendance for Comic Con’s screening of their film. Gorgeous Aaron Eckart, the newest Frankenstein movie star, flexed his (ample) muscles for the crowd. Zoe Saldana of the upcoming Marvel Comic’s Guardians of the Galaxy movie and Halle Berry promoting X-Men movie Days of Future Past participated in panel discussions.
The entire Comic Con event was wrapped up appropriately with parties, social events, and awards ceremonies. Visitors of all ages left the event exhausted but already discussing plans for Comic Con 2014 as well as a renewal of the Comic Con pact as set forth by the physicists on the Big Bang Theory – “What happens at Comic Con, stays at Comic Con”.
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