On the matter of Comic Con 2009...

I can't believe how long it's been since I last wrote an entry on here. With things as they've been, I've been hard pressed to make the time to do any extracurricular writing. However, life issues have partially stabilized enough to allow me to jot some thoughts down.

Here we are in July, and for those of us that are cool, we know that Comic Con is around the corner. I've talked about the 4 day extravaganza on here before, but never really about what Comic Con truly represents and what it aims to accomplish.

From the outside perspective, it is just a congregation of the nerdiest kind. However, what it is, is a collection of everything remotely associated to comic books. Movies, Video Games, Toys, Books, Art, Memorabilia, and associated businesses are all represented here. If you're interested in the latest Harry Potter installment, chances are there will be a panel on it, with all the actors present. Do you really want to get Hugh Jackman's autograph on your Wolverine Comic, you can accomplish that. Do you want to talk with the developers of an eagerly awaited upcoming console game, you can do that too.


Comic Con 2005 (This is the view from the Marriot Gaslamp. Unfortunately, I don't believe this view exists anymore as the Hard Rock Hotel is right in front of it (you can see the construction starting down there.))

You see, Comic Con's importance goes beyond just merely being able to see spectacles. It's an opportunity to converse with others that are like you with your interests. I can't tell you how many times I've made a Warcraft reference at work, only to gazed back at with blank expressions. You make the same comment at Con, you're guaranteed to make somebody laugh. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find places such as this in your community. Comic stores are going under by the minute. When they are all gone, what will we be left with? The internet? We'll discuss our interests by way of anonymity on nothing more than an impersonal level?


Deadpool: Suicide Kings (this is a very well written series, and I suggest you go pick it up)

I'm a strong advocate of supporting local comic book stores. They provide us so much more than just a store front. They provide us with a venue, a safe haven, to discuss all things geeky without fear of perturbation. While the loss of brick and mortar stores, combined with the severe decline of the print industry, leaves predicaments better left for a later discussion. One matter remains, when we lose all of these stores, the industry will suffer a debilitating blow. With Comic Con becoming a huge force in the industry, I can only hope that its popularity will help spur on new interest and growth in the comic world.


Alakazam Comics in Irvine, CA (My Local Comic Book Store)


On the same note, I'll be doing my best to supply this blog with updates from Con. Last year, I didn't do so well as we had to drive back and forth each day. By the time I actually made it home, I wanted nothing more than to collapse on the floor and rest. By having a room this year, I hope to get a decent amount of updates in.

I know my girl is super excited to go, as many of her favorite industry professionals are going to be in attendance. Unfortunately, some of them have a raffle to get autographs or to meet them. James Jean, for example, incredible artist but not so fantastic to his fans. In other words, I think of him as a douchebag; serves a purpose, but isn't so wonderful to be around.

Soon enough we'll see exactly what wonders Con has in store for us.

Till next time!