What did I think?
My expectations exceeded the event. I wanted more! More booths. More costumes. More events. More artists! MORE!
What did I get? What they promised. A relatively new con. No more, no less. Or maybe a bit more than less.
I left disappointed, but when I think back and compare, I should not have been.
Comicpalooza offered a host of talented artists. Enough to draw me to the tables and walk around. Enough to spend time debating on whether or not I should actually get a sketch or two. (No, Robert. I will not be drawn into your mess). They even introduced me to a number of unique artists with creative skills that any true geek would admire. They could have had more, but they are still growing.
They offered a limited number of activities, but not enough to interest me. Yes, I am that picky. It takes a lot of work to develop the activities, and I wonder how many they could truly manage for being such a new con.
They did lack in costumes; however, I am using DragonCon as a reference, which does set the bar a tad-bit high for any con. Also, one of the costumes was unique enough to draw a 'wow' from my sister-in-law. Hmmmm, I am wondering how she would react at Dragoncon.
My biggest disappointment: the dealers. I wanted more. Comicpalooza lacked in the diversity and depth of other conventions. Even some smaller conventions that I have been to (and are no longer around) offered more to me from a dealer's perspective. Maybe some of the dealers had opted for the gun show next door, or maybe Comicpalooza didn't open their geeky doors wide enough to invite every 'geek-like' shop possible.
Overall, from a scale of 1 to 10, I would give it a 4. 1 is a really good local comic book store and 10 being ComicCon.
Would I go next year? Of course, but DragonCon first.
UPDA
TE:I know that you can read his points in the comments, but when someone is correct, I want to make certain that I share it with everyone.
Sky Captain Cedric Whittaker:
"Yeah, DragonCon IS setting the bar a little high for such a new con, but I think Comicpalooza did a great job. My crew and I really enjoyed the smaller feel of the con, and it gave us a chance to interact with the public more than we are use to. We brought 11 people this year, and everyone of them plans to return! Can't wait till next year."
And I agree:
They did do a great job for a new con, and yes, I will definitely be returning next year. In comparison to some smaller (non-DragonCon) cons that I have been to in the past, I still wanted MORE.
If you think about my statements, Comicpalooza left me with the feeling of wanting more and willing to return. If it had been a bad con, I would not be wanting more or willing to return, and the con would not have merited a post or comment.
Sky Captain Cedric Whittaker (what a name) is right. For a new con, they did a great job.
I just want more! (Like any true geek. I can never have enough geekiness in my life.)
By the way, thank you for all of the feedback.
7 comments:
A little on the harsh side, I think.
Though, there are more and bigger sponsors lined up for next year. Comicpalooza is not done growing!
Eh, Zimm's only been to bigger shows like Dragon*Con.
I agree. But then, remember I am a novice.
Would I have enjoyed more costumes? Yes. Had I hoped to see dealers? I have heard of them, and I wanted to see.
But I enjoyed it. The artists were engaging and friendly willing to discuss their work. The sellers were relaxed. (And Zimm has to admit we saw some pretty sweet deals. If the wife had not been there I would have gotten a cool black and white Batman for a steal.)
I have no basis of comparison. But it was a great way to spend a Saturday afteroon. And the solar powered car race out front made it all the better.
And I did get to meet some friendly guys from Red 5 Comics.
Robert, you are WRONG!
I have been to smaller ones, but my expectations were not at the same level as this one.
Jdvn1, you are correct. They are still growing, and that is why I said that I will likely attend again next year.
We did enjoy it--Zimm included. I landed a cool booble head, and my wife enjoyed the costumes.
Yeah, DragonCon IS setting the bar a little high for such a new con, but I think Comicpalooza did a great job. My crew and I really enjoyed the smaller feel of the con, and it gave us a chance to interact with the public more than we are use to. We brought 11 people this year, and everyone of them plans to return! Can't wait till next year.
Post a Comment