It might surprise some of you to know that even though I’ve been reading comics for just about as long as I can remember and have been a big fan of sci-fi and fantasy for at least the same length of time that I have never been to an actual comic book convention. So, this year I decided to make a short trip to Monroe, Michigan (where I hang out a lot actually) and go to the 3rd annual Monroe Comic Con.
I knew that it would not be as big or as glitzy as some of the larger cons out there and certainly nothing to compare to the San Diego Comic Con, but I’m glad to say that this local show met my expectations and more.
The first thing I had to decide was what to wear. I first put on my official San Diego Comic Con t-shirt from the National Cartoonist Society that was given to me as a gift and then put on a pullover with the Superman “S” shield on it (it was a cold day). The Superman pullover proved to be popular as three people stopped to ask me where I got it from. Unfortunately, I’ve had it so long that I can’t remember. My best guess is that it was a gift and purchased at one of the now defunct Warner Bros. stores.
I did not go to participate in the events or dress up for the costume contest (aka cosplay) – however, a friend of mine took “honorable mention” in the cosplay contest – but just to get the feel of the event. I walked around the vendor floor several times (got to get the steps in, too) and chatted with some people whose work I’ve enjoyed over the years such as writer Bill Messner-Loebs (Flash, Wonder Woman and artist Arvell Jones (All-Star Squadron), met an independent “local” comic book creator, Dominic Riggio of Mess Bucket Comics who it turns out also has ties to Necroland by the way (which I act in)!
I also found out that the Red Mighty Morphin Power Ranges are on average shorter than you might expect and that actor, romance cover model, former English teacher and Monroe native Mike Foster is literally a “giant among men.” Very tall and super-heroic looking…and part of the reasons that the Rangers looked so small now that I think of it. I also bumped into a several friends from around the county as well.
I saw one of the modified DeLoreans used in the “Back to the Future” movies (I had also seen one in California, but I got to get closer to this one). Several Star Wars robot models and a mock up of Iron Man’s “Hulkbuster” armor by Monroe native Rob Miller.
Did I have a good time? Definitely. Will I go again? Most likely, depending on time and my availability. Will I dress up like my favorite super-hero and walk around. Unlikely…
Onward!
Journeys With Dave 