Blog @ Canadian Geek

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It is the biggest comic convention in North America. It has been in operation for more than 30 years. It is held in a convention centre bigger than George Lucas’s home, though not by much. It is the geek mecca and after going for my second year in a row I feel the need to tell you all that you should never go once to “The Con”.

You need to go at least twice.

This show is not just large in physical size but also in product diversity. So many people have been bashing the show recently because of the influx of other media that supposedly have nothing to do with comics. You know, cause geeks don’t watch the Spike Channel or Quinton Tarintino movies, buy trading cards or play video games.

I will concede that it is unfortunate that as these multi-media conglomerations move in with their massive displays occupying more space than my apartment, there become fewer booths for the smaller companies and independents to have. The dogfight for space begins and sadly those with the biggest pocket books will win.

Thankfully, the SDCC does have designated areas for those who fit into the categories of “small” and “independent” and here’s hoping that the flashy dollars of the WB and others of their ilk don’t corrupt them from shrinking those areas any further.

However, there are some up sides to these big companies coming in. First, they pay big bucks which help keep The Con viable and second, they attract visitors who might never have come to the con. Inevitably, this new breed will walk the floor and see something that might not have seen otherwise. It’s cross-promoting kids and while not prefect, we have to look at the positives until we develop a better game plan to keep comics in the public eye.

Another complaint often heard is the crowds. This year’s SDCC set an attendance record for the history of the show, selling out 3 of the 4 full days with estimates of 140,000 people or higher. While the floor does get crowded at times, there are things to remember.
1) If there’s a Big Company booth in your path to “Bob the Artist” and you’re not really interested, walk around that area. Trying to cut past will not save you time and only increase your hatred for mankind.
2) Check for when the big media panels are. Generally a large portion of the crowd will shift upstairs for them and create a small breath on the vendor floor.
3) Avoid the outer edges and the center alley. Most people tend to cling to walls or cut a path through the middle. I found the “side alleys” much easier to navigate.
4) Avoid booths with creator signings (unless you want an autograph).

If you pick and choose your path and timings well, you can still enjoy the biggest geekfest this continent has to offer in the company of your brothers and sister without wanting to kill them all (a few but not all).

Before I finish, a shout out to Earth 2 Comics in Sherman Oaks, California for being the receipiant of the 2007 Will Eisner Spirit of Retailing Award. They deserve it.

Shepherd