Comic book conventions have changed

Comic book conventions are no longer limited to focusing on comic books.

Conventions now have more to offer attendants including rare collectibles, retail booths, chances to meet pop culture icons and even opportunities to get tattoos.

Some conventions can be considered mainstream like the San Diego Comic Con which is organized by Comic Con International. Other conventions like the annual Windsor Christmas Comic Con are independent and ran locally.

Comic book creator and publisher Tony Gray said that independent and mainstream comic conventions both have their benefits.

“The smaller shows it’s a lot more compressed, it’s a lot more personable,” said Gray. “People come up to your tables and have time to listen to your stories and tell you theirs.”

Independent and Mainstream conventions both have their benefits. Smaller conventions are often cheaper while the bigger cons usually bring in more big name guests and have a larger volunteer staff.

“The larger shows attract people who are much bigger collectors,” said Gray. “Obviously it’s a bigger investment to get into these shows.”

According to Gray, serious collectors attend the bigger events searching for valuable silver and golden age comic books. They’re also collecting rare collectibles and spending hours in line waiting to get autographs from a specific guest.

Windsor comic book artist, Jonny Desjardins attended the Toronto ComiCon March 20 to March 22 selling prints of his work.

“You get to meet fans and other creators, people who are involved in the community,” said Desjardins. “So it’s great for me, I like meeting and talking to people.”

Desjardins said travel plays a factor in how he decides on which conventions to attend. He has no problem attending local conventions since there is a minimal travel distance.

Cosplay has become an important part of conventions with attendees often going to them dressed as their favourite characters from popular culture.

Alison McGrath is a Windsor cosplayer who attended the Toronto ComiCon dressed as Kido Tsubomi a character from the anime Kagerou Project.

“I prefer anime specific (conventions) because mostly I cosplay from anime or JRPGs,” said McGrath. “Youmacon is my personal favourite convention but I do like seeing the variety at mixed conventions.”

McGrath has been cosplaying for six years now and has been to 14 conventions. She also said she likes independent conventions because the staff pays more attention to what fans want and they focus more on enjoyment instead of profit.

“I think they’re a great experience, everyone should give them a shot,” said McGrath. “It’s just something different from your everyday life, you get do something new that you don’t normally experience.”

The next Windsor comic book convention will be the annual Super Summer Comic Con July 5 at the Caboto Club.