What is a comic book convention?

And Why you should go

Comic Conventions or Comic Cons as they are popularly called are the culmination of geek culture. Artists, writers, cosplayers, vendors, crafters, actors and actresses, all co-mingle in a big convention hall and celebrate the goofy things we all get way too serious about. Also, a lot of them aren’t even about comic books anymore, and some are now called pop culture conventions.. whatever that means.

Background time: When I grew up reading comic books in the 80s and early 90s, I’m not even sure I knew that comic book conventions existed, other than the small ads in the back of some comics or trade magazines. Also, there weren’t any local conventions to attend since I lived in the small-medium town of Wichita, KS. But, by the mid-90’s I could drive out of town and attend a convention less than 3 hours away. There were conventions in both Kansas City and Oklahoma City that were easily accessible if you had the gas money.

Early convention experiences were mostly about meeting and collecting signatures from the few big name creators that the convention organizers had brought in and digging through quarter bins trying to put together runs of all the comics I didn’t have enough money to buy during my days of youth and limited funds. These times are kind of fuzzy, and my most fond memories are meeting some pretty amazing creators and trying to make awkward small talk with them (Mike Mignola, Barry Windsor Smith, Dave Sim, etc). I do remember looking at a line for Todd McFarlane at an early convention, and thinking “yeah, I’m not waiting in line for that”. Pretty sure the Spawnmobile was there, too. During this time, I also made it to some bigger shows, too. Chicago Comic-con and Dallas comic-con were probably the highlights).

So, fast forward a few years, and I was able to get tickets to San Diego Comic Con (the holy grail of comic book conventions) in 2008. I was young family man with two kids at home under five years old, and my wife was somehow convinced to let me go across the country to attend the geek and comic book culture mecca. I was super lucky that my wife’s uncle and aunt LIVED in San Diego, and were more than happy to put me up an drive me to and from the convention. Shout out to Aunt Sandy and Uncle Steve (those two are rockstars). Also, I had purchased a sketch book to collect sketches! So, I wasn’t just going to get all my comic books signed, I was going to get actual pieces of art. I tried every day to get on Art Adams sketch list, but it was always full by the time I go there. Which didn’t make sense at the time, since that was the first place I went every day, but now I realize the vendors get there before the doors open for us common folk. I did start walking through artist alley and found Zander Cannon who did my first ever sketch in a sketchbook for $40, which, let me tell you, was quite a chunk of change for young, naïve comic collector who was used to digging through quarter boxes. I mean that’s 160 comics worth of quarter box gems, but I digress. I then managed to get a quick sketch from Geof Darrow for a small donation. I then managed to get a bunch of quick little free sketches from some pretty amazing creators (Doug Tennapel, Erik Larsen, Jim Starlin, Paul Pope, and Colleen Doran). Also, at this time, I was still collecting signatures, digging through quarter bins, and finding some pretty good deals on trades (50% off or less).

So, as the years have gone by, I’ve started to focus way more on collecting original art from both name and indie creators. I have done complex jam pieces and full size cover quality commissions. It can be pricey, but it is where I get the most satisfaction, these days. However, that is also where you can spend a lot of time in artist alley talking to indie creators and finding some really great undiscovered talent.

So, everyone should go to a comic con because there really is something for everyone depending on where you are at on your comic book journey. There are creators to sign your books, artists to draw you pictures, and cool unique crafts and artifacts. There are boxes of cheap (but still good) comic books, vintage toys, and even video games. Also, depending on where you are at, different conventions might be better fits for you. I’m at the point where a really strong artist alley with a lot of unique comics and artists is the biggest draw for me. But, you may be looking for old collectible comics, or a autograph from Hayden Christiansen. Or maybe you just want to get pics with all the cool cosplayers. There’s no judgement. Do what you dig, and, if you are anything like me, it might change in a few years.

Also, if you are in Wichita, KS you should check out Air Capital Comic Con on October 28th and 29th. It’s one of the good ones.