There's a convention in town!

It should be fun.

C4 is coming...

...and I'm not sure if I wanna go.

Sure it has some great artists, and writers, but Lucha Wrestling and skateboarding demos? This is the closest thing Maine has...literally...to a full-on comic convention.

It's $25/day and runs Sat. 11/9 and Sun. 11/10. That's right, the same weekend Thor 2 opens.

Money's tight. We've got broken things like vehicles and appliances.

Is it worth the money (and gas) to attend an event with only a few things of interest?

The location of the con is across the street from a mall, which has a Newbury Comics...and there's two more comic stores within 20 miles of there...

I just don't know.

Things I've learned from the con...

I had a lot of fun spending Sunday at the con with Adorkette, but even though I started attending cons long before she was born, being at one with her taught me a few things...

1) Pack food.
Mrs. Adorkification is a sandwich goddess. She worked many a summer in her youth at sandwich places and to this day makes them for me whenever I have to work a long Sunday (like this upcoming weekend). She got up early and packed a small cooler with like six/seven small ones with ham/turkey/bacon/cheese/lettuce/etc... I laughed because I didn't think they'd stay cold enough to last, but they did. We ate those sandwiches all afternoon, whenever we were hungry, and it saved us quite a bit in food money. We did, however, buy lots of beverages and stopped somewhere for dinner on the way home.

2) Bring a good camera.
We have a digital camera, but it died halfway through the costume contest. Adorkette brought a disposable one...which lasted throughout the event.

3) Look at what I like.
There were essentially four areas at the con: Artist Alley, Vendor Alley, Creator Alley and Star Alley. There were several actors from The Hobbit there, an actress from True Blood, an actress from The Walking Dead and Billy West who were all in one separate section. Adorkette wasn't interested going there at all. After volunteering at Wizard New England two years ago, I've learned that while I support art and the comic medium in general, I can't afford to support either one, so I leave my curiosity of trying new comics to when I visit my local retailers. My main purpose for going to cons now is finding deals on stuff...trades, individual books I'm missing, figures that kind of stuff. So Vendor Alley was where I was drawn to. Adorkette, on the other hand, kept going up to creators selling their independent books and the artists tables. She wound up buying the first issue of M3 by Erica Carlson-Schultz and Vicente Alcazar, which Carlson-Schultz signed, and two signed works by Daxiong.

4) Pace myself.
At one point, roughly three hours in, I needed a break. The Seaport World Trade Center is a rather large building, and on the second floor there's an outside seating area overlooking the street. We stopped there, and I rested on a bench while the kid looked out over the city and smelled the ocean air. It was nice.

5) Get the free stuff.
Arthur Suydam was giving away free drawings to kids Sunday, and since Adorkette considers herself a "Zombie Geek" it was a no-brainer (ha!) to get her in line for one. He was very nice, and now my daughter has an original work signed by Suydam with her name on it.

6) Bring phones.
There were several times where she wanted to go in one direction while I wanted to go in another. We had our phones with us, and whenever we lost sight of each other, we called. I'm rather tall, and she was smart enough to put her hair in a ponytail with a distinctive green elastic, so we found each other in a matter of seconds, but having the ability to call each other eased both our minds...which brings me to the most important lesson:

7) Don't attend alone.
I've been to many conventions. Some lasting two or three days. Not one of them has been as much fun as going to this one-day thing with my daughter. Having someone to share the experience with was an eye-opener for me. Mrs. Adorkification would have been bored to tears, and I still would have gone to this if Adorkette didn't want to, but it wouldn't have enjoyed it nearly as much.

We plan on going back next year, as well as the Coast City Comic Con in South Portland this November, and PortConMaine next July.

...'Cause cons are cool!

Well, it's getting to be THAT time again...

Mrs. Adorkification is a HUGE Steampunk..."ite" I guess you'd call it. She loves the fashion, literature, artifacts, artwork - all of it.

It got to the point where she more or less dragged me to a Steampunk dance a few years ago, and while I wore what she made and went with the flow, what really interested me were the other people there.

They had hand-made costumes, plastic guns, outrageous hats, time-machines, even fully-developed original characters. I hadn't seen anything like it outside of a comic convention.

It blew my mind that not only was this Steampunk thing popular, it created Steampunk 'dorks' who went around attending events and showing off their wares.

I've mentioned before that my wife is also an anime...'otaku' is the word? It started with Ouran High School Host Club, went into Black Butler, and then she was off - watching anything she could find even if she changed her mind after like two or three episodes. Adorkette became a fan of anime through her.

So when there was an anime convention nearby last month, my daughter and I went (Mrs. Adorkification had to work, and along with ticket prices she let Adorkette go in her place).

Again, I knew about as much anime as I did Steampunk, but the similarities to comic conventions were everywhere, including - of course - cosplayers. These fans were hardcore and proud.

It was hard for me to get out of my comfort zone - comics and superheroes - and attend these events. I've seen Trekkies, and Trekkies 2. I'm well aware of the Star Trek fans, the BSG fans, the D&D fans and even the Buffy fans from the Wizard World New England con I went to in 2010. But I observed those either from afar, or (in WWNE's case) off to the side. With ASF and PortCon, I was immersed. There was no 'comfortable distance'. I actually felt out of place, worried that my lack of education would show, but at both events I met interesting people willing to share their knowledge with me. They weren't shy about what they knew, or what they wore, and everyone was accepted. Some people even took part of the PortCon costume contest dressed as Steampunk Avengers.

I've come to realize that while comics in general, and superheros in particular, are my thing, I have a tremendous amount of respect for anyone who has that level of devotion to theirs...whatever it may be.

So with SDCC coming into full swing, I wanted to tip my top hat with a wink and a Zod to all attendees and newbies:

Embrace your dorkiness...
Ask questions...
Respect all...
and have fun, you lucky SOB's...

What makes conventions fun?

Going back to my earlier post, I thought about the few conventions I've attended and came to a realization...

...conventions are a lot like Disney World.

Hear me out. At theme parks like DW, there's a lot going on on any given day - events, shows, rides, games, things to buy, and the occasional appearance of a character walking down the street. When you go, you get a schedule of what's happening where and you plan your day accordingly.

At cons, there's what...events, shows, promotions, games, things to buy, things to try, and the occasional appearance of a character walking down the aisle. When you go, you get a schedule of what's happening where (unless you plan ahead from info online) and you plan your day accordingly.

 A little something for everyone.

For me, it's shopping for stuff to fill holes in my collection, finding the occasional bargain, meeting some creators, and seeing who'll show up as what and how they made their outfits.

But I also like to see what new stuff is coming out, new creators, making new friends, and just spending a weekend hanging around with my...what are they called now?..."peeps".

So...I'm very much looking forward to the biggest event to reach nearest to me...

Mrs. Adorkification and I went to the rave last year...and found we're too old for raves. But there seems to be something gong on at Coast City Comics - right across the street from the rave. This means I'll most likely be dancing to the music while at the store...much to the embarrassment of Mrs. Adorkification.

Let me tell you something...

I live in Maine.

On the East Coast.

And over there…on the West Coast…something is happening…

The SDCC will begin at 6pm tonight, (9pm my time).

There will be cosplayers...

...there will be panels...

...there will be interviews...

...and I'm gonna miss all of it!!!

But I'll be here to give my dorky opinions and comments throughout the weekend as necessary.

If you're there, HAVE FUN.

If you live there but are not a fan of cons, DEAL WITH IT.

If you're like me, then enjoy the events as they unfold from the safety of your homes and live vicariously through those brave and lucky enough to be there.

So...about Firefly...

I've heard some great news, and some sucky news recently:

It seems that for the 10th anniversary of Firefly there will be a full cast reunion panel at SDCC this July.



However...

I can't afford to go!


This saddens me to no end.

The only up-side is that someone...somewhere...will record it and post it on YouTube.

But if Christina Hendricks is there I'll just cry.

"The Excelsior Acquisition"

I only recently saw the Big Bang Theory episode (thank you Netflix).

When I saw the title on the disc I knew what it entailed, because there's only one man on this Earth that could make the word Excelsior cool... 

Stan the Man.

The guys are off to a signing with "The Man" and discuss which issue(s) to bring, and that got me thinking: 

Taking into consideration all the variables involved for such an opportunity to occur, if I found myself standing at his table with just enough time for him to sign one thing, what would it be?

I would go with something different, something unexpected. Not a Batman comic like they discuss on the show...but definitely something outside the box...

...and then it hit me...

why not an actual comic box?

It could be damaged, but so could an actual comic.

Maybe a simple white backing board, that could then be placed in mylar?

Now we're talking!

In fact, that may just be the best thing to have anyone sign. They're small, and less likely to draw negative attention from others in line - imagine holding a comic box at a signing with thirty-plus people behind you...

Artists could even draw right on them! Then they could be safely tucked away within your runs.

Perfect! Now, if I could just get Stan Lee's address...

C4...The Sequel...Has a Date!

I'm so excited! They're doing it again, only over three days this time on Nov 9 - 11.

Between this, the End of Days PortConMaine June 21-24, and the slew of comicbook-themed movies coming out this year...along with my finally getting a Blu-ray player...this is going to be an awesome year...

...just in time for 12/21/12.

At least I'll have a smile on my face...

Sunday, 10/17/2010 (New England Wizard Comic Con, Day 3)

So I returned to the convention early Sunday morning. My plan was to work a few hours, and then spend what time (and money) I had left before catching my bus home. I donned my yellow Volunteer shirt and entered the event when lo and behold the Vendor needed my help to set up once again…which I did, because I got to look at a lot of original art.

As I was helping, I looked over at Bill Sienkiewicz’s empty booth next door and realized that he was missing all day Saturday. I asked another of the Vendor’s employees if he knew where Bill was:

“Oh, he was stuck at Logan all day.”

Logan is an international airport located just outside Boston. My first concern was that with the President stopping by, there may have been an “incident” that required all flights to either be cancelled or delayed.

That would suck…

“Nah, they lost his luggage.”

That really sucks…

“And his portfolios.”

That REALLY sucks!

Can you imagine the frustration any artist would have if their work went missing due to airline error? The fact that it was Bill…freaking… Sienkiewicz’s work – worth quite a bit of money to be sure – was horrific.

Bill never made it to the con, and I have no idea if his property was ever found. My hope is that all was recovered, and Bill does attend future events, even if he never sets foot in Boston again.

As for me, when my work setting up was done the vendor gave me another $10, and asked once again if I could help him box things up at closing. I told him I had to work Monday morning

“Oh, where do you work?”

I told him I worked at a store for a major retailer.

“Are you a part-timer there?”

“No,” I replied. “I’m an assistant manager.”

The Vendor gave me a look of surprise/shock. The employee I spoke with earlier laughed. I smiled politely, and walked away.

Unlike Saturday, which truly felt like a Comic Convention, Sunday felt more like a Buffyverse convention. Less superhero, more vampire.

I asked my Volunteer Handler if anyone needed help, and he sent me over to cover a break at Security…

In my mind, Security meant armed guards protecting valuables from Bad People. In this case, Security meant standing in front of the door to the lounge where Guests (stars appearing for photos and autographs) took their breaks.

I was told to stay there, NOT TO ENTER THE ROOM, and make sure no one else did either.

Sounds easy enough, right?

So as I stood there, I heard a group of people talking in the room. I didn’t recognize any voices, but it sounded like a bunch of college friends talking over coffee. There’s some movement, and five people came out – four women and a man. They’re halfway to the Buffy booth when I realize that the guy was Xander, otherwise known as Nicholas Brendon. No idea who the ladies were, but they must have been other Buffy actors.

I did mention I liked the movie more than the series, right?

I then spotted two men coming toward me. At first, I wondered what to say to keep them out, but then I recognized the shorter man…James Marsters. I said hello and let him and – I guess his agent – through. A minute later, the Agent came up to me and asked if I could unlock the door to the adjoining room so James could get something he needed. I broke my first rule…staying by the door…to break my second rule…entering the room…to try the door. It’s locked of course, and I told the Agent that I’d have to get someone else with a key because I can’t leave my post. Marsters smiled kindly and said “Cheers” in something of a English accent, which is funny because I didn’t think he was British…

I returned to the doorway and scanned the convention looking for another Volunteer shirt, which I now realized was bright yellow for a reason.

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF THE VOLUNTEER SHIRT!!!

I found one, waved him over to me, and managed to get the message of my situation out. The cavalry arrived, the door was unlocked and Marsters got what he needed.

I was relieved of my Security duties and made my way to sign out for the day, and as I walked past Greg Horn’s table, he called me over and thanked me for watching his table Saturday. (I guess he finished counting his money and realized I didn’t rob him.) As a Thank You, he offered me a free signed print of my choosing.

I accepted, of course. I also offered to pay for a sleeve, but he had sold out. My solution? I went to a nearby booth and bought a cheap movie poster that came in a sleeve the same size as Horn’s print.

I signed out, completing my 10+ hours of duty, and bummed around the con for as long as I could until it was time to leave for the bus terminal.

I caught up with the Volunteer Handler who gave out swag to all volunteers as payment. Among other things, I got a Transmetropolitan Trade – my first – a novel by Colin Harvey and some Heroclix pieces.

Would I volunteer again? Maybe, maybe not. It was fun to get in early and see the “behind the scenes” stuff. I learned that Ethan Van Sciver played guitar…pretty well I might add. I also learned the importance of following fire safety laws. There was a presidential visit, and I spoke to several creators I never heard of before and buying some of their work…like Dirk Tiede’s Paradigm Shift (which is awesome by the way).

All in all, it was a great event, and something I was glad to be a part of.

C-4!!!

So the 1st annual Coast City Comic Con starts tonight with a rave at the Space Gallery in Portland...

I've been so looking forward to this I can't even tell you.

I know I've been laaazy with reviewing my last convention attended last year, but things have been insane at work and, oh yeah, THE 1ST ANNUAL COAST CITY COMIC CON STARTS TONIGHT WITH A RAVE AT THE SPACE GALLERY IN PORTLAND!!!

So I'm going to be busy this weekend, but I still plan to post once/day with my continuation of Puck's appearances throughout my collection, and I WILL wrap up the Wizard New England Comic Con from 2010 before going into my exploits at this event.

So Happy Veteran's Day everyone, see you at the rave...

...and comment on something here will you? Feel like I'm talking to myself out here. Which is fine I guess, I do it at work all the time.

Saturday, 10/16/2010 (New England Wizard Comic Con, Day 2, Part One)

I knew things were going to be interesting when I turned on the news after I got up and heard that President Obama was coming to Boston…today…to the Hynes Convention Center…to support the current Governor at a special rally. James Taylor was also going to be there along with other “special guests”.

My first thought was Cool, more publicity for the convention!

Turns out I couldn’t be more wrong.

Boylston Street was completely blocked off in front of the building. They closed streets all around the block, which makes sense for security reasons. But they also closed the closest T stations from all directions as well. More walking for me. The weather was nice, so it was a pretty walk, just more of a walk than I had planned.

The smack in the face by reality happened when I got to the center.

A line was forming.

At 6:30 am, it already snaked past the front of the building and partway down the block.

Still ingesting my second cup of coffee, I stood in line like everyone else, thinking it was a “one line for all events” kind of thing. But then one of the people in front of me said that the line was just for people wanting to see the President. So I went up to the door and showed the police my Volunteer Bracelet, and they let me through.

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF THE VOLUNTEER BRACELET!!!

So in I went, showing the guards at the con entrance my bracelet as well. I donned my T-Shirt, signed in and looked around to see who needed help. Wouldn’t you know, the vendor and crew from yesterday called me over? They actually got me a coffee! So I helped them set up for the day (while also looking at their stuff) and when I was done, was asked if I was available Sunday as well. I said I had planned on coming back in the morning, but needed to catch the last bus back to Maine around 4. $10 and a request to give them a hand the next morning later, I was back on the floor chatting it up with the artists and other vendors.

Then the people in suits came off the elevators I remembered from Friday…And the armed guards…And the dogs…

I wondered how they would handle people walking around carrying axes, spears, masks and guns.

But despite this madness, the doors opened on time and things went pretty smoothly, but vendors throughout the morning were commenting on the lower than expected turnout.

Among the actors in attendance were Adam West, Burt Ward, John Schneider, Doug Jones, Lee Majors, Richard Anderson and a slew of Buffy people – including Charisma Carpenter, Nicholas Brendon and James Marsters.

The Buffy fans, with their Goth/Vampi looks, almost took over the convention. They far outnumbered the Comic cosplayers, and the Marsters concert I was thinking of going to was sold out before noon. The Buffy booth was always packed and the signing line was longer than that of any other booth. Now Firefly and Serentiy are my favorite Whedon projects to date, and I preferred the Buffy movie over the series. I told one of the artists that, and he warned me not to say that too loudly as it could get me killed. Good advice!

Still wearing my T-Shirt, I went to Greg Horn’s table and told him he didn’t look much like his artwork. He laughed, and said the closest thing he ever got was putting himself in a piece with Lara Croft. He said when his wife saw it she told him to start working out so he looked more like it.

Next thing I knew, it was time for Horn to host his Art School panel so he asked me to cover his booth for him! He told me what he charged for his prints, showed me where his change fund was, and left!

I’ll repeat: I’m wearing my Volunteer T-Shirt and covering Greg Horn’s booth!

So I’m standing there dumbfounded, behind a table of beautiful Greg Horn prints and portfolios all over it, and selling his wares to people. One of them even asked me what medium I used.

I’m wearing a goddamn bright yellow Volunteer T-Shirt and he’s asking me this question!

I explained that I’m just covering the booth while he’s on a panel, so next he asked me how much for a print. While Horn was gone, I sold at least four of his prints (putting them in protective sleeves), and then I find out Horn charged $5 per sleeve on top of the artwork. Realizing my mistake at giving sleeves away for free, I took out some of my money and put the difference in his change fund. (Thank you Mr. Vendor!)

Horn came back to the booth, clearly upset. He saw people walking around with his stuff and asked how many prints I sold. I told him, admitting my mistake about the sleeves and putting my money in for the difference. He nodded and counted his change.

I went and signed out for the day and removed my T-Shirt. I was hungry, so it was time for lunch.



TO BE CONTINUED…

Friday, 10/15/2010 (New England Wizard Comic Con, Day 1, Part Two)

So I went to The Pour House across the street from Hynes Convention Center for dinner and the Drink and Draw event with absolutely no idea how it would go.

I followed the crowd downstairs and there was a seperate area sectioned off for the Wizard event. Waving my wristband like an idiot to show I belonged there, I was able to sit with Dirk Tiede and E. J. Barnes as I perused the menu.

I ended up getting a bacon double cheeseburger with onion rings (which was excellent by the way!) as a sketchbook was passed around for anyone to draw in. As much as I would have liked to draw in it, I just didn't have the balls. I did, however, get a chance to see what people drew:

And watch Dirk Tiede work his magic...

It was awesome! After a couple of drinks (Captain & Coke thank you...) I managed to get a look at the official Drink and Draw board:

Oh - almost forgot that there were a few people cosplaying at the restaurant...

By now it was almost 11, and I was exhausted. I had 4 of my minimum 10 hours under my belt, and was looking forward to a full Saturday at the con, so I left the crowded place and headed out...totally unprepared for the onslaught of Buffy fans, the artist that was M.I.A., my close encounter with James Marsters, and the unexpected visit by a High Ranking Official that awaited me.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Friday, 10/15/2010 (New England Wizard Comic Con, Day 1, Part One)

I arrived in Boston early Friday afternoon with time to take the T to my hotel and get some lunch before heading over to Hynes Convention Center. I made a mental note how long it took me to get from the hotel to the T stop (approx. 15 min), and where the nearest Dunkin’s was (right around the corner from the station).

The convention officially ran from 5-9 pm Friday night, but VIP ticket holders and volunteers (like me!) could get in earlier. I showed up, went through this cool entrance

and found the table to sign in as a volunteer. They checked me off the list and gave me my wristband and T-shirt as the rules were explained to me:

1) The wristband is my ticket for all three days. If I lose said wristband, I will need to pay to come in for any remaining days. The guards will not recognize me. I AM NOT TO LOSE MY WRISTBAND!

2) The T-Shirt I now have is to be worn when I am “on the clock”. I can take the shirt off once I sign out for the day, or for a break. I do not need the shirt to enter the convention, but the shirt tells everyone I am working. It is preferred, but not required, to wear a shirt under this shirt as I may be wearing this shirt all three days. If I lose said shirt, I will not be able to get another one. I AM NOT TO LOSE MY SHIRT!

3) The minimum time I am required to work throughout the show is 10 hours. I could work more if I wish, but the 10 hour minimum is necessary to a) earn a swag bag and b) be allowed to volunteer again at future events. IF I WANT TO DO THIS AGAIN, I MUST WORK AT LEAST 10 HOURS!

I eagerly nodded my dorkish head in agreement and donned both wristband and T-Shirt. No sooner did I turn around after storing my bag and jacket when two men walked up to me and asked where the Artist Alley was.

I suddenly realized the power of the Volunteer Shirt.

I looked for someone to ask and told them that the convention hadn’t officially started yet, and one of the men told me that he’s an artist (David Quiles, artist of Bare Knuckled Fighter and Caesar of Brooklyn). A more experienced volunteer came to my rescue.

I worked my way into the hall, taking pictures along the way…

There’s the General Lee!

There’s the Batmobile and Batcycle!

There’s Jabba the Hut!

There’s…HOLY CRAP!!

I put my camera away after I took this shot just as these two people met another two people dressed the exact same way! I fumbled to get my camera back out while they walked around each other. By the time I was ready, they had moved on. DAMN!

Many of the artists’ booths were still getting set up, and I found myself at Arthur Suydam’s table. Suydam’s nowhere to be found, but there’s another guy there who told me he’s a sculptor and was showing off his work along with Suydam’s. Apparently, this guy sculpted head models based on Suydam’s work and was selling them at the show.

I had to take a few pics of those!

Then Suydam came back to the table.

Note: I hate zombies. I don’t mean hate as in “just don’t like”, I mean hate the way Indiana Jones hates snakes kind of hate. So when Marvel Zombies came out, I was in shock. My beloved Marvel Universe characters have been turned into my greatest dislike – And THIS was the guy responsible!

I gathered up my courage and as politely as possible thanked him for turning my most beloved characters and covers into images of shock and horror. He laughed, and I walked away most satisfied.

I wandered into the retailer’s area and was asked to help bring up some wares for one of the booths from the garage. Not knowing how this would be accomplished, I followed other Volunteer Shirt wearers to some elevators I hadn’t noticed. We went down to the garage and loaded cases and cases of artwork onto dollies and brought them back upstairs. The vendor needed additional tables to set up, so I went around and found some tables stacked behind a curtain. I was pulling one out when a couple guys came up to me and asked what I was doing.

“Getting a table for one of the vendors,” I said.

“Well who told you to get it?”

“The vendor,” I replied.

“You need to let us do that,” they said.

It was then that I realized these guys were workers of the Convention Center, and it was their job to get the tables, curtains, tablecloths and whatever else was needed for the booths. I apologized repeatedly and let them take over.

I went back to the vendor and helped his two assistants set milk crates out onto the tables and put the right portfolios of work in the appropriate order. As I was about to leave, the vendor thanked my and handed me $10. According to Wizard’s rules, there was nothing preventing me from accepting it, so I did. He asked if I would be around all weekend and I told him I would. Especially since Bill Sienkiewicz’s table was right next door (who wasn’t there, but I was told he would be Saturday).

I also met Dirk Tiede (creator of Paradigm Shift), Shawn Corliss (Writer, Penciller and Colorist of Defending Tavyr: Book 1: The Risk Worth Taking), E. J. Barnes (Artist and Writer of Blaster Al Ackerman’s Tales of the Ling Maste; Birds of the Baltic and How Dear To Me Is Sleep), C. J. Henderson (Writer of Brooklyn Knight) and Mike McKone (Artist of Teen Titans; JLA/JLI; Fantastic Four and Punisher: War Zone).

It was a great afternoon, and I really got to see the “behind the scenes” activity at these shows. By 9:00, I was getting hungry, so I followed the crowd across the street to The Pour House for the Drink and Draw event.



TO BE CONTINUED…

Bedbugs...

I'm a traveler by nature. I like going to new places and doing new things. One thing that's been holding me back...is money But the other thing has been bedbugs.

I bring this up because my last Great Excursion to a Great New Thing was the trip I took to Boston last fall for the Wizard New England Comic Con at Hynes Convention Center. And the reason I/ve been dragging my feet writing about it has been...

That was the biggest disappointment about the trip.

My wife, who hates travelling, forced me to check my mattress (which I did) put my suitcase on the desk in the room (which I also did) and keep everything wrapped in plastic (which I also also did).

It's a good thing I listened to her, because I was lucky enough not to bring them home with me. But they were there, and they were nasty.

I hope to go back to Boston for another convention at some point...but I'll do a little more research into where to stay next time.

So - there's the worst part of the event over and done with!

Now on to the rest of it...

16 Days and Counting...

For the first time I can remember, there's going to be a full-on 3-day comic convention in downtwon Portland, Maine.

This is huge.

I went to Wizard Con in Boston last year (which I still haven't commented about) and missed out on the other Boston Con the first weekend of May this year.

By the way, there was no New England Wizard Con this year.

It's from 11/11 through 11/13 2011. There's going to be a rave Friday night, events and movie showings throughout Saturday...including Blade Runner...and ends Sunday night with a wrap-up party at Geno's Rock Club.

This is awesome, and I'm gonna call in dead to work.

Good thing my wife likes Blade Runner. Happy Birthday sweetie!

It's hosted/run by the guys at Coast City Comics (634 Congress St. Portland, Maine)

Check it out at: wehatetshirts.com

The Bad...and The Good

THE BAD:
I found out recently that the Wizard New England Con has been rescheduled to later in October - which means I have to change my vacation week.

THE GOOD:
My boss doesn't have a problem with the change.

Don’t Be THAT Guy (or Girl)…

As we enter the summer convention season, I think we should address the way we dress when attending these things.

I have no problem whatsoever with cosplay. I think people with enough time and money on their hands should be allowed to express their level of devotion by dressing as their favorite characters.

Wanna go as Optimus Prime this year?
Fine.

How about Snake Eyes?
Go for it!

That furry creature that appeared for 16 seconds in episode eight of the anime series made in 1997 that you discovered last October?


Have a blast.

My issue is with people who wear just the shirt (of which I have several) of any given character.
The S shield, the Batman signal, the Punisher skull, whatever. To me, these are meant to be worn when you’re out mowing the lawn or shopping for groceries, as a way of expressing your devotion to the uninitiated. To let the commoners know that you are proud of your dorkiness. To get the unwashed masses to think about comics (or sci-fi…anime…whatever you’re into) a little bit more and remind them that these things are here to stay.

These shirts are not to be worn at conventions, because at conventions you’re preaching to the masses, converting the converted, selling to the sold. You don’t need to express yourself in that way, because you’re already at the convention!

It’s like going to a concert and wearing the shirt of the band you’re going to see.

Don’t do it, ladies and gentlemen.

DON’T BE THAT GUY (or girl)…