I started off going to comic book conventions (sometimes they were part of Science-fiction conventions, too) back in the mid 1980’s, when I was at the height of my comic book collecting. (Ah, the 80’s were a great time for so many forms of art: comics, movies, and music, but that’s another story!) These events were great fun, usually held in a big hotel downtown, where you got to meet some of the comic book creators and get your books signed, listen to talks, and meet other fans.
I made some good friends that way, and got some deals on books from dealers who had tables at the “cons” as we called them. And it was always amazing to find out that there were actual people behind the names that were printed in the credits of the books (hey, I was still quite young, so give me a break for being amazed at the obvious!). I got many of my comics signed by the people that made them, which only made the value of the books go up, both as collectibles in dollar value, and in sentimental value to me (I’ll never sell many of those beloved books, I’m sure).
Back then, any sort of “fan” conventions were few and far between, but not any more. I see all kinds ads for big fan cons these days, and hardly any comic book conventions – but I’m sure they are still comic book cons, just not as many as there used to be. I know there are, as once in a while I’ll see an ad for one.
I’ve been debating if I should go and spend the money to rent some table space at one of these big fan cons and display my books for sale. Couldn’t hurt, and I’m sure I’d pick up some readers for my books, and have fun doing it. But which ones to “table” at? I’ve not attended any such events for a few years now, so I’m a bit out of touch.
If any of you out there attend comic book conventions, fan cons, or similar things, would you let me know which ones you like to go to? Then maybe I’ll see you there!
-Dave