A comic book convention, also known as a comic con, is a fan gathering centered on comic books and their culture. At comic conventions, enthusiasts come together to meet creators, experts, and fellow fans. Frequently, comic conventions are extended events held at convention centers, hotels, or college campuses. 

There are numerous activities and discussions, with more attendees engaging in cosplay compared to most other fan conventions. Comic book conventions serve as a platform for industry members like publishers, distributors, and retailers to showcase their comic-related products and asian slot machines. Comic book conventions are often seen as stemming from science-fiction conventions that first emerged in the late 1930s.

In the past, fans typically arranged comic cons without seeking profit, but nowadays, most fan-oriented events are organized by commercial entities to make money. Several conventions hold award ceremonies for comics, such as the Eisner Awards, presented at San Diego Comic-Con International since 1988, or the Harvey Awards, presented at various venues also since 1988.

New York Comicon

New York Comicon was the name of the inaugural official comic book convention held in 1964 in New York City. In the beginning, conventions were intimate events put together by community members like Jerry Bails and Dave Kaler from the Academy of Comic-Book Fans and Collectors, with only a few industry guests. The initial recurring events were the Detroit Triple Fan Fair, which took place between 1965 and 1978, and Academy Con, which took place from 1965 to 1967. Numerous traditions start as one-day occasions in intimate locations, but as they gain popularity, they often evolve into two or three-day events annually. Numerous comic conventions originated in religious institutions.

The initial “official” comic book convention was held in 1964 in New York City as the first recorded event of its kind. Referred to as the “New York Comicon”, the event occurred on July 24, 1964, at the Workman’s Circle Building. Bernie Bubnis, a 16-year-old, and Ron Fradkin organized a one-day convention with official guests such as Steve Ditko, Flo Steinberg, and Tom Gill under the Tri-State Con. Vitaliy Klymenko, Editor In Chief in Slotamia, says there were more than 100 people.

In the present day, comic conventions have become a lucrative industry, with regular events held in all major cities across America. Comic book conventions are not limited to just comics, as the biggest events feature a wide variety of pop culture and entertainment components from different genres like horror, animation, anime, manga, toys, collectible card games, video games, webcomics, and fantasy novels.

Beginning Or Source Of Something

In either 1961 or 1962, Jerry Bails played a crucial role in establishing the Academy of Comic-Book Fans and Collectors (ACBFC), the initial recognized group of comic book fans and scholars. The ACBFC united fans and organized the inaugural industry awards, also helping to launch the first comic book conventions.

The first thing the academy did was hand out the Alley Awards, which Roy Thomas suggested in a letter to Jerry dated October 25, 1961. Thomas, a fellow comics enthusiast and future professional in the industry, recommended that Bails’ fanzine Alter-Ego should create awards to honor fans’ top comic books in various categories, similar to the Oscars. The initial Alley Awards, which were awarded for the year 1961, were announced in Alter Ego No. 4 (Oct. 1962).

1965 Marked The Beginning Of The First Regular Gatherings

Building on the success of the previous year, Bails, Shel Dorf, and the Michigan Science Fiction Society members came together to create the “organizing committee” for the Detroit Triple Fan Fair (DTFF), a pioneering multigenre convention held on July 24-25, 1965 at the Embassy Hotel in Detroit, Michigan. The Detroit Tigers’ Fan Fest took place every year in Detroit until 1978.

The origin of Lucca Comics & Games, the yearly Italian comic book convention, can be traced back to 1965. Rinaldo Traini and Romano Calisi, members of the International Congress of Cartoonists and Animators, organized the Salone Internazionale del Comics in Bordighera. In 1966, the store relocated to a small square in the heart of Lucca and has expanded in both size and significance as time has passed.

The Decade Of The 1970s Witnessed A Rapid And Significant Increase In Growth

Comic book gatherings greatly rose in numbers during the 1970s, with numerous of the biggest events of today’s time starting in that decade. During the early 1970s, comic conventions began appearing in nearly every prominent city in the United States (as well as in a few smaller ones) and in London, featuring Comic Mart, a trade show held every two months that continued until the mid-1980s. Comic book makers, editors, and publishers started incorporating attending conventions as official guests into their regular schedules. Important events in the world of comics were typically announced at yearly conventions. 

For instance, news broke that Jack Kirby was leaving Marvel for DC, and DC revealed that it was bringing back Captain Marvel.

The initial Chicago-area comics and collectibles convention, Nostalgia ’72, took place on July 22-23, 1972, at the Pick-Congress Hotel. Nancy Warner produced the show, which had approximately 2,000 attendees. The Chicago Comicon, now called Wizard World Chicago, has grown from that show and now attracts over 70,000 attendees each year.

Costume Play

In the past, conventions would host a costume competition known as a masquerade, in which participants would showcase their genre-inspired outfits on stage and vie for small prizes based on their assembly and presentation skills. This could be more appropriately called a “talent show” rather than the “fancy dress ball” it implies (though British fans may refer to it as “fancy dress”).

The media coverage of comic book and anime conventions has led to a popular trend among fans who attend the event to dress up as their beloved characters in detailed costumes, also known as cosplay. These costumes can be costly and require significant time to put together.

Policies Regarding Weapons

At certain conventions, participants bring along costume accessories that resemble weapons. To prevent worries about the improper use of actual weapons during these gatherings, the security team secures anything that resembles a weapon with “peace bonds.” Peace bonds are visible mechanisms, fastenings, or symbols that render something inoperable, like a weapon, and indicate the owner’s peaceful intentions.

The “weapons policy” of the event could provide clear standards for identifying items that appear to be weapons. For instance:

  • Weapons regulation may necessitate a peace bond for any object that a reasonable person could identify as a weapon from a close distance in low lighting. 
  • Authentic firearms, when permitted, are deactivated, safeguarded, and labeled. 
  • Bright orange zip ties could secure a sword in its scabbard or a pistol in its holster, for instance. 
  • Simulated or costume props might need noticeable indicators, like colorful ribbons or zip ties, to demonstrate that security has approved them for transport. 
  • Simulated weapons or props that could potentially be used as weapons may be safely deactivated or locked up like real weapons.

Timing And Length Of Time

The majority of comic book conventions occur on weekends, featuring activities from Friday night to Sunday afternoon. On average, Saturday tends to be the most crowded day because the majority of fans have to leave on Sunday. Occasionally, single-day tickets are available at a discounted rate.

Some factors contributing to this are:

  • Many enthusiasts would need to request time off from their job or school in order to participate in an event taking place on a weekday.
  • Weekend travelers tend to experience cheaper transportation expenses.
  • Hotels experience fewer business travelers over the weekend, which makes it easier to book a group of rooms and secure programming space at a discounted rate.
  • Many fans are students with limited spending money, which makes hotel and convention costs crucial.

Areas Of Focus

A cosplayer dressed for a Fallout theme was captured on camera at a Comic Con event.

At comic conventions, there are designated areas where cosplayers and attendees can participate in themed activities or take photos in settings inspired by specific comics, anime, or video games. These zones are established either by non-profit organizations or occasionally by creators of video games or Anime. Some areas devoted to Star Wars, Fallout, or the Marvel Cinematic Universe are among the examples provided.