Comic Book Conventions Have Something for Everyone

To most people comic book conventions are a dramatic stereotype. People think that these gatherings, often referred to as ‘comicons’, are strange events that they would much rather stay away from.

The truth is that comic book conventions are not just a bunch of smelly, overweight guys that have squeezed into faded Superman costumes and live with their parents. Comic book conventions are more than just sales of old comic books and odd people. There is much more to these conventions. In fact, there is probably something for almost anyone to enjoy.

So here are some of the things that can be found at comic conventions for anyone who is being dragged to one, know people who attend them, are curious about them or have never considered checking one out.

First, here is a little comicon knowledge. They can be found just about anywhere if you are looking for them. They are held in a variety of sizes. Some one-day events held in small halls and conventions can be as large as four or five day, nationally promoted events. The types of things you’ll find at comic book conventions will vary depending on its size but here is a basic idea of what to expect.

Comic book shows are for selling stuff. From the smallest to the biggest there are dealers who can be storeowners or independent sellers that set up to sell merchandise. Items found at comic shows are often resale items but new products can be found there as well. So why would anyone want to go if they don’t buy comics? Because they don’t just sell comics. Depending on the dealers that set up shop, you can find an amazing amount of items and memorabilia such as toys, action figures, collector cards, movies, posters, art, dolls, clothing and many numerous other items. While comic book conventions may have more for a child to buy than an adult, it might be an interesting place to take children to find classic toys that can no longer be found. Remember no matter what you collect there could have been a cross over somewhere. If someone collects quilts there might be someone else selling a superhero quilt. Comic book characters will soon be on stamps and it’s becoming more frequent for comic characters to have their own Barbie dolls. All of these are items that wouldn’t commonly be searched for at comicons, but they could be found there. That thinking could apply to anything. In short, it’s hard to know what one might find so it’s worth a look.

The second thing everyone should know about conventions is that they are a way for artist, writers, publishers, editors and others to show their work as well as network with others. If someone works in comic books they may not only work in comic books. There are several comic writers that are more famous for movies or novels than for writing comics. The same goes for artist and many others that attend conventions to promote their work. You never know who will show up at a comic book convention. Of course the larger the convention the bigger names they draw. Don’t expect famous novel author Stephen King to promote his new comic book series at a small, local show but he might be found at a national one.

Along with writers and artist, celebrities are found at comicons often promoting movies at the larger conventions. Actors and actresses from older movies and TV shows often make appearances at some of the smaller conventions. It’s possible to finally meet an actress that was quite famous a few years ago.

Another thing to think about is art. Art can be cultural and beautiful. True most think of museums and galleries when they think of art but comic book conventions are an untapped resource for works of art. Some of the best artists are doing work on comic books. While it may not be Monet it could be considered in the same regard in the future. Works of art at comic conventions can be priced in the hundreds even thousands of dollars and if someone truly appreciates art they would realize it is worth it. It may not be the traditional work one would find in an art collection but it can be of great quality. Someone who truly appreciates art would see that.

Networking can be a big part of comic book conventions. There are more people there than comic lovers. People of many professions can be found at comic conventions such as graphic design artist, costume makers, models, store owners, publishers, editors, actors, writers, artist, website designers, and consumers. It’s a great place to promote and to look for people to work with. Even if a company has no interest in comics it could be a great place to find someone to design a website. Models looking for work could find artist who need models or companies that need them for promotion. If someone is selling a product there are storeowners to carry it and people to promote it too. Just because people like comics doesn’t mean they don’t like anything else.

If for nothing else go to comic conventions for the freebies. The bigger the show the better the give-aways. Companies are looking to promote and they will give away items including t-shirts, posters and lots of other items.

Most conventions do charge an admission but it’s rare when it’s not worth it. There is something for most people to look for at comicons. Collectors can find rare items, adults can find toys they haven’t seen since their childhood. It’s a chance to meet famous people as well as up-and-comers and an opportunity to find products and people. Comic book conventions aren’t full of weirdoes, although as with any place, there are the occasional few. They are full of talented people, money-spending customers and fun for many.