One thing that a lot of people within various kinds of fandom look forward to each year is participating in a convention, or Con for short. Cons are a great way to meet other fans of all strips, artists, writers, actors, vendors/other members of a particular industry, depending on the Con's focus and what a Fan is looking for. For Boston specifically and New England in general, there are several Cons each year for someone, for lack of a better term, Geek it up, where the con is about gaming, anime, comics, scifi and fantasy lit and movies, participate in Cosplay, or check out Filk (a type of music).
So far in 2016, I've been to both Boston Comic Con and PAX East (which I am overdue for a write up). Boston Comic Con is for 3 days, but for scheduling purposes and so my wallet wouldn't cry too much, I went with my good friend Tina on Saturday to see what we could in terms of signatures, art and comics.
Arriving at the Con
I am sure anyone who has lived in, or at least been to, England will tell you that there is an art and/or science to queuing, or forming and waiting in line. Granted Boston is far from England, anyone who has experience this British phenomenon may have appreciated the scene getting in:
So far in 2016, I've been to both Boston Comic Con and PAX East (which I am overdue for a write up). Boston Comic Con is for 3 days, but for scheduling purposes and so my wallet wouldn't cry too much, I went with my good friend Tina on Saturday to see what we could in terms of signatures, art and comics.
Arriving at the Con
I am sure anyone who has lived in, or at least been to, England will tell you that there is an art and/or science to queuing, or forming and waiting in line. Granted Boston is far from England, anyone who has experience this British phenomenon may have appreciated the scene getting in:
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| Boston Comic Con Line: Seaport Convention Center for Scale |
A person with a ticket had to go almost the length of the convention center to get a wrist band. Then they had to get in line to enter the convention center. As an attendee entered, they had to lift their arm to show they had a wrist band, in an almost "Fight the Power" gesture.
Protip: If you go to a Con like this, try to get there as early as possible. Granted, my friend and I would have been in line sooner, if it were not for cosplay related malfunctions (and no, not the Janet Jackson performing at the Superbowl kind....)
Meeting Celebrities:
Boston Comic Con invites a host of famous folks across different fields, not just within the field of comics. This year, William "Captain Kirk" Shatner as well as Gillian Anderson of X Files fame, among others, were actors that were there to sign autographs, take pictures with fans, host panels, etc.
Unfortunately, yours truly did not get to meet either one this year. Instead, please enjoy a sad Mr Spook, may he rest in peace.
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| My presence here is highly illogical.... |
Some of the celebrities that we got to meet were some of the many talented artists that not only help make comics, but also help make comics great. Some artists we got signatures include David Lloyd, Eric Larsen, Phil Jimeniz, Marv Wolfman amongst others. One thing we were reminded of is that timing means alot since the line for Scott Snyder kept getting capped off up to an hour before each time he signed.
One highlight for Tina though was meeting Billy Tucci, who has created Shi as well as contributed to both Marvel and DC titles:
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| No, she really isn't a fangirl, I swear.... |
Cosplay:
A lot of attendees showed off their fandom in a myriad of ways, most commonly a tshirt with thier favorite character displayed. For the adults playing at home, a drinking game idea would be take a drink for every 10 Deadpool shirts one saw at Boston Comic Con.
For other fans, they did get into character, in many cases, literally:
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| Ok, so Tina is a fan girl..... |
And to be fair, I had to be a fanboy myself:
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| "The Dork is strong with this one..." |
Merch:
Another reason my wallet started to get teary eyed, aside from ticket prices, was all the sweet things my inner kid wanted to get, from games to artwork to (Surprise!) comics, among other sweet items. A few things I focused my spending on was a few pieces of artwork as well as a couple issues of a comic I like (hint: tshirt).
One piece I was able to grab was the following portrait of old and young Obi Wan Kenobi by artist Brandon Kenney:
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| Check out his website at https://brandonkenney.com/about/ |
The next trick will be where to put up my artwork and autographs.
Other Activities:
Other Activities:
Going to a Con can be more than just checking out other people doing Cosplay, shopping and being star struck. Depending on a Con, it can have panels discussions on various topics related to the con, viewings of films or cartoons, game tournaments, auctions for charity, and after parties.
A few interesting looking panels happened at Boston Comic Con but, alas, timing did not work out. We did have a chance, though, to check out a Tony Stark themed after party that happened at Laugh Boston in Boston's Seaport District. A couple interesting characters did make an appearance such as this guy:
The party consisted largely of Con goers with many still in Cosplay. The music was mostly old classics, some of which were dance remixes. I couldn't help but notice some of the songs were probably older than some of the people attending, making me feel like something from your grandpa's comic collection. The bar seemed a little under staffed since there was a crazy wait. Tina and I called it a night, and for the most part, had a fun time.
Pro Tips and Recommended Links:
Some things to consider when you plan on going to a Con (apologies for the Captain Obvious outfit I am wearing that you can't see):
-See about getting a ticket or badge ahead of time. It will make getting into the Con a little easier and possibly cheaper. One guy we saw while waiting to get in was completely befuddled about getting one at the door.....
-Reviewing the website and trying to have an idea of what you want to do ahead of time doesn't hurt. If you plan to go with friends, having a fully charged cell phone and/or telling them where you'll be at certain times will be helpful. Otherwise, they might think you were taken by guys in a white van or aliens.......
-Being there a little before the doors open helps to give you time to explore the Con without the feeling of being rushed to do everything you want to do.
-With the previous points being stated, still expect lines, especially with larger Cons.
-Consider bringing a bottle of water, snacks, and weather appropriate necessities (sun screen, umbrella, jacket, etc). The Con may get really hot depending on attendance and having a snack would be good depending on food options. Also, you don't want to get soaked/sun burned/frost bite waiting in line to get in.
-For breakfast, lunch, or dinner, see about options in the vacinity of the convention center or hotel where the Con is happening. The line for food most likely will be ridiculous and food, although edible, might be better elsewhere.
-Expect security to check bags. If you go in Cosplay, expect the Con to have policies around certain props. Fair warning. (Side note: for those who Cosplay, bringing extra tape, thread, make up, etc isn't a bad idea either if you have a means of bringing it.)
-Lastly, a little patience and common courtesy can go a long way. Getting mad for the line being long, an artist or celebrity taking extra time with the person in front of you, a vendor running out of a t shirt you wanted isn't going to help. Taking a deep breath while waiting so you are calmer while it's your turn or asking for a business card can make a big difference.
If you see some one doing Cosplay, saying something along the lines of "Nice Costume" and follow up with a question related to the series they are a fan of might go further than "Hey Sexy" or something else potentially derogatory. Additionally, respecting personal space (cosplay or not) and basic manners (please and thank you very much!) can help avoid a scene and/or getting as far as kicked out.
As for things to check out for Conventions in and around New England and a couple artists, see below:
-Boston Comic Con: Note that they still have this past convention's info up but worth a look
http://bostoncomiccon.com/
-PAX East: Still owe a post on 2016's experience. Focus is on all type of gaming.
http://east.paxsite.com/
-Anime Boston: Still need to check this out. Everything Anime Related in one place!
http://www.animeboston.com/
-ARISIA: One of the first Cons I've been to. A Con where different types of fandom comes together
http://www.arisia.org/
-Boskone: For those who enjoy SciFi and Fantasy.
http://www.boskone.org/
-TotalCon: Another gaming Convention but less focus on video or online
http://www.totalcon.com/
Billy Tucci: http://www.crusadefinearts.com/index.php/
Brandon Kenney: https://brandonkenney.com/about/
A few interesting looking panels happened at Boston Comic Con but, alas, timing did not work out. We did have a chance, though, to check out a Tony Stark themed after party that happened at Laugh Boston in Boston's Seaport District. A couple interesting characters did make an appearance such as this guy:
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| Hulk Buster Iron Man was expecting Industrial Music... Sad face..... |
Pro Tips and Recommended Links:
Some things to consider when you plan on going to a Con (apologies for the Captain Obvious outfit I am wearing that you can't see):
-See about getting a ticket or badge ahead of time. It will make getting into the Con a little easier and possibly cheaper. One guy we saw while waiting to get in was completely befuddled about getting one at the door.....
-Reviewing the website and trying to have an idea of what you want to do ahead of time doesn't hurt. If you plan to go with friends, having a fully charged cell phone and/or telling them where you'll be at certain times will be helpful. Otherwise, they might think you were taken by guys in a white van or aliens.......
-Being there a little before the doors open helps to give you time to explore the Con without the feeling of being rushed to do everything you want to do.
-With the previous points being stated, still expect lines, especially with larger Cons.
-Consider bringing a bottle of water, snacks, and weather appropriate necessities (sun screen, umbrella, jacket, etc). The Con may get really hot depending on attendance and having a snack would be good depending on food options. Also, you don't want to get soaked/sun burned/frost bite waiting in line to get in.
-For breakfast, lunch, or dinner, see about options in the vacinity of the convention center or hotel where the Con is happening. The line for food most likely will be ridiculous and food, although edible, might be better elsewhere.
-Expect security to check bags. If you go in Cosplay, expect the Con to have policies around certain props. Fair warning. (Side note: for those who Cosplay, bringing extra tape, thread, make up, etc isn't a bad idea either if you have a means of bringing it.)
-Lastly, a little patience and common courtesy can go a long way. Getting mad for the line being long, an artist or celebrity taking extra time with the person in front of you, a vendor running out of a t shirt you wanted isn't going to help. Taking a deep breath while waiting so you are calmer while it's your turn or asking for a business card can make a big difference.
If you see some one doing Cosplay, saying something along the lines of "Nice Costume" and follow up with a question related to the series they are a fan of might go further than "Hey Sexy" or something else potentially derogatory. Additionally, respecting personal space (cosplay or not) and basic manners (please and thank you very much!) can help avoid a scene and/or getting as far as kicked out.
As for things to check out for Conventions in and around New England and a couple artists, see below:
-Boston Comic Con: Note that they still have this past convention's info up but worth a look
http://bostoncomiccon.com/
-PAX East: Still owe a post on 2016's experience. Focus is on all type of gaming.
http://east.paxsite.com/
-Anime Boston: Still need to check this out. Everything Anime Related in one place!
http://www.animeboston.com/
-ARISIA: One of the first Cons I've been to. A Con where different types of fandom comes together
http://www.arisia.org/
-Boskone: For those who enjoy SciFi and Fantasy.
http://www.boskone.org/
-TotalCon: Another gaming Convention but less focus on video or online
http://www.totalcon.com/
Billy Tucci: http://www.crusadefinearts.com/index.php/
Brandon Kenney: https://brandonkenney.com/about/
