Comic Book Conventions
Suspended Animation Classic #248
Originally published September 26, 1993 (#40)
(Dates are approximate; art from my comic strip, Holiday Out)
Comics Conventions
By Michael Vance
What, you ask, is a comic book convention?
Even if you didn’t ask, unconventional is understatement when uttered about comic book conventions. They predate comic book shops, and attract a handful to crowds of thousands at hotels or convention centers. They have personalities, and offer a day of quiet conversation or four days of madness.
You’ll have to watch the walls of comics stores (most post convention flyers), read newspapers, or buy a magazine like “The Comic Buyer’s Guide”. It’s the only way to find them. But it’s worth the effort.
You might meet Spock there … or his ears.
Spock and guests like him are frequent attractions. Professional artists, writers, and actors are often accessible for conversation, an autograph, or even a sketch.
You’ll also find thousands of unique things for sell: new and old comics, books, pulps, toys, movies, posters, clothing, original art … and Spock’s ears. Most art rooms showcase dozens of paintings, sketches, and such to gawk at or buy, and films are generally shown all day with an emphasis on adventure, horror, animation and … those ears.
“Filk You” is a button worn as invitation by fans who enjoy “filking” … folk music with new lyrics. The audience usually sings along. There are dances at convention parties. If you don’t dance (and don’t ask me) there are costume shows to watch or model in (wearing, of course, those ears) or board or video game tournaments that last for days.
Audience, writers, artists and actors interact on panels addressing the silliest or most somber questions that a convention committee can draft. You may (finally!) sit and rest.
It’s a great crash-course for anyone interested in entering the world of comic books, and a terrific place to make friends with people and Vulcans who share your interests.
You might even meet me or R. A. Jones … in his Spock ears. If so, say hello. R. A. deserves an earful.
So, just what is a comic book convention?
Ear today. Gone tomorrow.
Comic Book Conventions
Suspended Animation Classic #248
Originally published September 26, 1993 (#40)
(Dates are approximate; art from my comic strip, Holiday Out)
Comics Conventions
By Michael Vance
What, you ask, is a comic book convention?
Even if you didn’t ask, unconventional is understatement when uttered about comic book conventions. They predate comic book shops, and attract a handful to crowds of thousands at hotels or convention centers. They have personalities, and offer a day of quiet conversation or four days of madness.
You’ll have to watch the walls of comics stores (most post convention flyers), read newspapers, or buy a magazine like “The Comic Buyer’s Guide”. It’s the only way to find them. But it’s worth the effort.
You might meet Spock there … or his ears.
Spock and guests like him are frequent attractions. Professional artists, writers, and actors are often accessible for conversation, an autograph, or even a sketch.
You’ll also find thousands of unique things for sell: new and old comics, books, pulps, toys, movies, posters, clothing, original art … and Spock’s ears. Most art rooms showcase dozens of paintings, sketches, and such to gawk at or buy, and films are generally shown all day with an emphasis on adventure, horror, animation and … those ears.
“Filk You” is a button worn as invitation by fans who enjoy “filking” … folk music with new lyrics. The audience usually sings along. There are dances at convention parties. If you don’t dance (and don’t ask me) there are costume shows to watch or model in (wearing, of course, those ears) or board or video game tournaments that last for days.
Audience, writers, artists and actors interact on panels addressing the silliest or most somber questions that a convention committee can draft. You may (finally!) sit and rest.
It’s a great crash-course for anyone interested in entering the world of comic books, and a terrific place to make friends with people and Vulcans who share your interests.
You might even meet me or R. A. Jones … in his Spock ears. If so, say hello. R. A. deserves an earful.
So, just what is a comic book convention?
Ear today. Gone tomorrow.