Comic Conventions for Pop Culture and Art

Look up in the Sky. It’s a plane. It’s a bird. No…

  A group of grown friends is preparing for the day by putting on their colorful spandex tights, gloves, and capes. Months have passed since they started to plan this day, down to every little detail. Their weapons are polished, belt buckles shined, and boots laced. They have studied their routes, know where the entrances are, and when their targets will be in position. There is no stopping this group. Together they are confident, strong, and they are ready. They are ready for the biggest annual comic convention ever, known as COMIC-CON.

Here we will briefly discuss Comic-Con 2019 & more:

• The benefits of being apart of a group
  
• The power of a group gathering
  
• What COMIC-CON is
• Comic-Con’s Evolution
• What all the hype is about
  
• The different CONS
  
• Why they exist
  
• How to make the most out of them

The Benefits of Being a part of a Group

There are many benefits to being apart of a group such as gaining strength or bettering your health. People feel more secure and get a sense of belonging when they are around others who share the same ideas, goals, or values. Simple relationships can create feelings of warmth and motivation, even when indiscriminately assigned to a group.  Would anyone have dressed up as their favorite superhero above, without the support of their friends? Conventions, expos, and trade shows are a great place for people who have things in common to gather, share ideas, products, and more. In turn, a large enough group or gathering can draw attention and awareness to a shared idea or ideas.

The Power of a Group Gathering

A great example of a large group drawing awareness to something is Comic-Con. The word alone is now instantly recognized and associated with comic enthusiasts all over the world. Comic-Con has helped to make superhero films and books more and more popular. Aquaman was just released in theaters and has earned over $770,000,000. As of 2018, the MCU has grossed over $10,916,958,583 at the worldwide box office.  Cosplay was born from the conventions’ popularity making it common for people to dress as their favorite superhero, comic book, sci-fi, or fantasy character. It has had a $140 million economic impact in the San Diego area, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune, 2018. Comic-Con continues to grow in size and draw more attention to pop culture and art. It has become one of the most exciting and anticipated events for comic book enthusiasts from all over the world.

What is Comic-Con?

Comic-Con is often generalized to include any convention or event where the history and current contribution of comics to art and culture are revered. Comic-Con itself is trademarked and is the name of one particular organization that holds such events in San Diego, Ca. From Comic-Con spawned all the other “Con” events; Wondercon, Gencon, Comic-Con New York, Comic-Con Chicago, Comic-Con Seattle, and more. They are a place to celebrate anything related to comic books, sci-fi, or fantasy.

Comic-Con’s Evolution

Comic-Con was started in March 1970 as a one-day event to raise funds and interests for a larger convention. It evolved into a 3-day event in August of the same year after gaining traction and has grown ever since. The San Diego Comic Convention (Comic-Con International) is a California based, nonprofit, public benefit corporation. It was organized to raise funds for charitable purposes. Their mission is that of “creating awareness of, and appreciation for, comics and related popular art forms,” –https://www.comic-con.org/about

Through the years Comic-Con has become the center for the world of comic conventions and includes a complete convention experience. Included is a huge exhibit hall- almost 500,000 square feet, up to 700 separate events, hands-on workshops, educational & academic programs, games, competitions, art shows and more. The event is so large it takes place in several locations, in the same area, same time, over a 4-day period. Comic-Con continues to be the number one place where fans of superheroes, wizards, spaceships, zombies, and more can gather and share those interests.

Every year Comic-Con continues to present special guests at its conventions. A huge attraction is bringing comics, sci-fi, and fantasy writers, film directors, producers, and actors together with fans. Creators from all aspects of pop culture and art participate in candid discussions and often reveal upcoming projects or film trailers. Comic-Con is now the primary place where comic books and art continue to be the commonality between creators and fans alike. It is the best place for bringing them together.

What is all the Hype About?

Kids will be kids and adults, well, I guess we can pretend to be kids. Growing numbers each year of those who attend comic related conventions means the platform for people who share these interest is growing as well. Now there is a place for people interested in monsters, zombies, superheroes, sci-fi, and fantasy to gather. People considered knowledgeable and obsessive enthusiasts are now popular and have a place to express themselves without judgment. Remember the power of a group gathering?

The entertainment industry is largely responsible for making comic conventions more popular, specifically Comic-Con. It is a way to make incredible profits and more money is invested each year into it. The features of these conventions continue to expand and include more pop culture and art. Some feel the conventions are becoming diluted with things unrelated to comic books as companies put more and more effort into profiting from them. Some feel companies use the fans to promote their material instead of promoting to them. Still, who wouldn’t be excited to see their favorite celebrity, author, or artist. It can be a great experience and place for people who share the same interest, excitement, and passion in the related art forms.

The Different “CON”s.

In 2015 there were close to 1.8 million conventions and trade shows in the United States alone. According to Popculthq.com in 2019 there will be over 900 comic and cosplay events. There are some 200 conventions in the United States for Anime and in the first two months of this year, there will be over 50 tattoo conventions. The themes of conventions range from Abraham Lincoln look-alikes and Merfest for those desiring to celebrate merfolk. There are also conventions for those whose interests include clowns, fetishes, taxidermy, and even anthropomorphic, or furries. The word con in the urban dictionary means convention. There are many conventions but, there is only one premier convention for comic books, San Diego Comic-Con International.

Why are there so many Cons?

One can spend an entire lifetime following the different comic book and pop culture events excitement of seeing famous celebrities, fans dressed in full costume, and featured promotions at Comic-Con, San Diego has gained awareness. It has grown into what it is today and has become more profitable. Profits are what drive the spawn of new comic related events in new locations each year. The hype has even spread to other countries. “Paris to Shanghai to Buenos Aires. Even a culturally conservative country such as Saudi Arabia now has a comic con where young people regardless of gender are allowed to dress up in comics costumes and mingle.” –Publishersweekly.com

How to Make the Most of Your Experience

Due to the size of some conventions, it is best to plan your trip according to the events you want to see the most. Much like when visiting a theme park, plan your day according to the times the autograph signings or other events are taking place. Keep in mind the distance it takes to get each event and plan your route so that they are close to each other. A good suggestion is to plan something in between each event in case you are not able to make it in time. Things do happen. Keep hydrated and fueled because the lines get long. Most importantly, have fun!

If you are promoting at an event then you will most likely spend a good amount towards your investment. To stand out at an event you want to draw attention to your booth or provided space. There will be many others competing for the same attention, so how do you do this? Dress your booth up with bright and colorful imagery. Don’t use the standard and provided table cover, print your logo and completely brand it to make a visual impact. Your branding shouldn’t be overwhelming or an eyesore but quickly tell your story and catch people’s curiosity. You want to look professional and inviting. Don’t sit behind your table eating a sandwich but rather, engage with the visitors and be social. For more information about printing a table cover read our blog post here

Helpful links if attending a trade show or comic convention.

The most popular comic conventions are; Comic-Con New York, Comic-Con Chicago, Comic-Con Seattle, Comic-Con San Antonio, Ace Comic-Con Seattle, and Ace Comic-Con Chicago.

• How to make a booth display.
• 7 Steps for a Successful Trade Show
• Comic-Con International: San Diego
• Purchase Badges | Comic-Con International: San Diego
• Program Schedule | Comic-Con International: San Diego
• Ticket Information – Emerald City Comic Con
• Pinterest Ideas

To Recap, we talked about groups, gatherings, and conventions, specifically Comic-Con San Diego. We discussed how people who share the same interest gather and form groups. Then we learned there are benefits of being apart of a group and the power of a large gathering. We discussed what COMIC-CON is and what all the hype is about surrounding it. Then we talked about the different CONS and why so many exist. We finished with some ideas on how to make the most out of a convention as a fan or promoter.