COMIC CON INTERNATIONAL - What's It All About?
From its early days of “the little convention that could,” to the multi-industry spanning juggernaut that it has become, the San Diego Comic Con returned again to the San Diego Convention Center. This is the show that you have heard about - either in whispered rumors, or announced broadly, but its name does make the rounds. From its humbler beginnings - started in 1970 by Shel Dorf - Comic Con is no longer the giggled about “geek fest” that many have often thought it was. No, it is much, much bigger than that.
An overview -
Although the purpose of the Con is to promote literacy and the arts through the true American art form of comic books, with today’s much varied media connections it has become a showcase for authors, new and classic books, cult and popular magazines, the film industry and all of its trappings and tie-ins, fine arts, Japan-art, celebrity minglings, chats and signings, gaming, computer tie-ins, toys and collectibles, and so much more. Virtually, the Comic Con can be best described as a cultural smorgasbord. Far distanced from the days of buying and trading pulp “funny books,” Comic Con is a Who’s Who and What’s What amalgam of anything relating to popular culture.
And why not? With todays’ information age ever booming, it’s good to have a place to visit - with real people in attendance - where one can interact with others of similar tastes, while learning about other art forms, and having a chance at mingling with celebs, while just marveling in awe at just what the entertainment industry has become. And wait, with each year there is always more. This is not a flash in pop-culture trends that is here today, gone later today. Comic Con has been growing, almost exponentially. As of 2006, Comic Con has finally been recognized worldwide as being an important all-in-one place where the corporate world of entertainment can meet with fans, and even the just-curious, to spread the news of upcoming developments, to test the waters and savor the flavors. Comic Con is part fan fare, part flea-market, and now a big part as a marketing tool. But mostly, Comic Con is all party! This is truly one of the most fun events one can attend.
Even if you hate the idea of comic books and Trekkies, there is guaranteed to be something for everyone attending the Con. As mentioned before, this is no geek-fest. Well, OK, sure there is that too, but it can be safely said that this Con even attracts quite its fair share of “hottness” appeal. You might be surprised by what can be found there.
But what is it really?
When approaching the convention center from a distance, one may be intimidated by the sheer abundance of people entering the building. This is the usual scene. It would behoove anyone attending to purchase passes ahead of time to save yourself the wait in line (and there are always lines). The first thought - mostly for first-timers - upon entering the inner sanctum is to be overwhelmed. To say it’s a huge event is really not portraying a proper image of what to expect. Which way to go? Where does one start? What are all these booths and who are all these people? Luckily the walkway sections are numbered high above, although that doesn’t always help, but it’s a good start. It is laid out in sections.
Starting at one end, one can find the small independent press area, then flowing into a variety of retailers of comic, art, or collectibles. From there are areas of small publishers, industry-related companies showing their wares for purchase or showcase, artists, and even some celebrities of reknown mixed with a handful of Playboy models and hoochie-girls signing and selling posters, cards, and whatnot.
Along the back are the food courts interspersed with other smaller companies. Food can be costly ($2.50 for a small bottle of water), as can be expected, but one can still find a decent - even healthy - snack that is not too disparagingly priced. You’re trapped in a large building, with money in your pockets, so what did you expect? Dollar meals?
All of the above only covers 1/4 of what can be seen on the bottom floor alone. And did I mention that the convention hall itself is about 1/8 mile long? From there we travel into the big players - the major comic and book publishers’ section. This is where Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, and the rest make their domain. These are the massive booths with the autograph sections, showcase stands for upcoming products, multi-screen trailer towers, and more, like a mini-town in itself. After that is the relatively newer film and TV industry area with such companies as New Line, Lion’s Gate, Warner Bros., Sci-Fi Channel, and others. These are where trailers for upcoming features are screened, freebies are given away as enticements, and some of the meet ‘n’ greets happen.
Following all that we get to the next section with more dealers to one side, and name artists with their booths on the other side. This is where you can see all the latest works from some of your favorite artists who do commission and freelance graphics, paintings, and illustrations. At the very end comes the auction section in the back corner where fine arts are auctioned off during the run of the show.
What used to be a show for fans of limited spending ability who would buy rare and favorite comics, action figures, and collectibles, Comic Con has now expanded to take care of the bigger-allowance collectors. Dealers offering originals from artists of today as well as long-gone but not forgotten classics. Amongst some of the offerings include works by Olivia diBernardis and the late Alphonse Mucha, who has been considered the father of Art Nouveau.
As we move upstairs, we get into the same amount of space, but a whole lot more to see. On the second floor is the fine arts gallery showcasing some of the best current works from the best artists. Behind that are the meeting halls that hold panel discussions, lectures, and film premieres and trailers. Over to the next area, we get into the autograph sections where fans get to mingle with their favorite celebrities and get, yes, autographs. The lines are usually long enough, but when the extra special guests who are hot at the moment arrive, one can expect a two-hour wait just for a two-minute “Hello” and scribble. But for many, it’s worth it. Amongst the fan favorites has been Jos Whedon of “Buffy” and “Serenity” fame, along with other notables. In the evenings, the autograph area is used for the daily parties and get-togethers.
Continuing on through the second floor, we get into the latest addition to the Convention Center, the main show hall. This is where the Masquerade Ball is held along with other major events. Outside in the back is the open area overlooking the Bay. There are occasional get-togethers there, and on certain evenings one can see performancs off in the distance on the Bayside, along with fireworks shows.
All this is just in the Convention Center. Much of the downtown area contributes to the Comic Con event as well. Many of the hotels host parties for certain companies and studios. Horton Plaza has its movie theaters that occasionally show some film premieres.
As it is, Comic Con International is the largest convention held in San Diego, so everyone benefits from the festivities. From the fans attending at the convention center, to the partiers who hit the night on the town, to all the restaurants and nightclubs. And we can’t forget about the hotels, of which almost all of them are booked solid by the month of February - even though the show is in July.
Whether you have heard of it or not, whether you like comic books or not, there is something for everyone at Comic Con International. Personally, I’ve been attending for over 15 years and haven’t missed a show yet. Every year there are more and more converts - for a reason. This is the type of fun that doesn’t judge. It is fun in any respect that you want it to be. Even if you only go once, it is the event that you will talk about for years to come - guaranteed.
Written by Philip Anderson |
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