The days of con-goers being told to “get a life” are long over. Overwhelmingly, con life is the life. Comic book conventions. Sci Fi conventions. Gaming conventions. Horror Conventions. Cosplay. Anime. Techplay. No matter what you’re into, there’s a gathering for it. Are you a creator? There’s a con for whatever you’re creating. Are you a rabid fan? You’ve probably started your own con! Got casual interest? There are scores of artists, writers, costumers, and tech demonstrators waiting to fascinate you.
This month, we’ve put together a small sampling of some of our (and the various creative industries’) favorites. Be adventurous, have fun, and always remember: if you seek it, it’s out there!
Best Always!
Team Narazu
All Indie. All Awesome.
Leo's Con Recommendations!
by Leo Faierman
The weather improves and the convention’s siren song is alluring. Sure, it means overpriced over-salted pretzels, jumbled lines of questionably consistent hygiene, draconian autograph queues, and exasperated hotel trips, but it’s all con-love. While San Diego Comic-Con has mutated into a kind of de facto film and TV convention over the past decade, I’d like to shine a light on two newer, scrappy festivals which have emerged, as well as an indisputably eye-catching and long-running con happening in the Great White North.
We first look at Los Angeles, where Replicon sees its debut as an independent and uniquely presented genre and tech festival, one which will assuredly grab particular attention from fans interested in behind-the-scenes film content. Kicking off in late June, Replicon actually takes place inside a sound stage in what it boasts is a “real film studio.” Look, I will admit that first-run cons can be a little hinky, yet I’m incredibly interested to see what photo ops result from Replicon’s interesting approach, and its guest list seems absolutely marvelous and one-of-a-kind. Jack Grisham, lead singer of formative punk band TSOL will appear (any fans of Penelope Spheeris’ cult-classic punk film Suburbia should definitely bring copies along to be signed), along with artists, actors, and FX professionals associated with everything from Heavy Metal magazine to Tron to the weirdly terrifying sci-fi horror classic Killer Klowns From Outer Space. It’s a really heady, deeply nerdy who’s-who of some of our most beloved works, and I highly recommend anyone who’s ears perked up by the mix of these titles to check out their guest list, and grab a ticket for the Los Angeles Replicon on June 22nd. Pricing seems very modest for this debut show, with passes starting at $22.50 and premium options available. Have a very good feeling about this one.
Keeping on this genre kick, let’s now check out the next annual Brooklyn Horror Film Festival in fall, a relatively young one which showcases horror and appears to bring special attention to short films in the genre. It helps that the venue is absolutely ideal, with Nitehawk Cinema establishing itself as a go-to Brooklyn outpost for superb film selection, special events, and a fully stocked bar and kitchen right in the busy hipster mecca of Williamsburg (think of it as an indie-er Alamo Drafthouse). October will see the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival return for its fourth year, already having garnered accolades for spirited programming and boosting indie awareness, with each year usually including a few premieres of shorts in addition to some devotional honors granted to the classics; last year featured scheduled screenings of the first four Friday the 13th films. Other go-to options include multimedia setups, neighborhood events, and even a selection of scheduled horror titles in the ramp-up to October for NYC locals. The Brooklyn Horror Film Festival runs from October 17th to the 24th, and badges vary in price and access, though please note that they increase in price each month. A 6-film event badge is $105 and a “Horror Buff” badge comes with a variety of bonuses and is presently $275 — both will increase in price after July 1st. The full schedule for the show has also not yet been announced, but past years’ selections have been excellent.
Those wanting to put a Canada stamp on their passport are probably aware of Fan Expo Canada, a multi-medium annual convention which has been running since the mid-90s. Fan Expo always has a good turnout for guests and events, but this year has something of an unusual trifecta on hand, when three stars of The Goonies are turning up to headline: Sean Astin, Corey Feldman, and Ke Huy Quan. Sure, they may be dwarfed by the likes of Jeff Goldblum, Rainn Wilson, and Jason Momoa, but when else could you get Goonies gear signed by the original gang? Seems like it might be worth the trip on its own, and the opportunity to meet comic book luminaries like Jim Lee and Gail Simone won’t hurt, either. Of the three conventions discussed today, Fan Expo is definitely the most well-established, but I just can’t help getting weirdly giddy about the onslaught of Goonies photos ready to be shared on social media this August. Get some poutine with your ticket to the con, with prices starting at $125 for a deluxe 4-day pass and single passes starting at $25, and reduced options for the lucky younguns.
George's Con Recommendations!
San Diego Comic-Con will be a little less than a month out by the time this posts, marking the midway point in con season. The big cons can be fun but will cost you an arm and foot before you walk in the door. You can definitely get a bang for your buck if you plan your con properly, but if you’re looking for cons that aren’t as overstuffed and curated to fit your geekdom… then we have a few for you! Be warned: they’re all in the New York City area, but if you plan ahead you can make a day trip or two for the love of comics.
(Usually mid-June)
This space is great for a fan looking for that intimate con where they can find local vendors and artists. Along with the creatives, you’ll find music and cosplayers at this Brooklyn event.
(Late June)
Previously listed in the March Women Up! posting for Narazu, I wanted to do a deeper dive into the Women in Comics Con, the premier showcase for professional women creators. Now in its 5th year, I was able to get a quote from the showrunner herself, Regine Sawyer: “Women in Comics Con is a convention that celebrates the work of WinC members and their colleagues. The event is a culmination of all the events they host during the year- Panel Discussions, Workshops, and Art Shows!”
Shows and events leading up to the 30th, like Drink and Draw Pole and Pride Fest, support the artist community. This year sees the venue shift from Brooklyn Public Library to the Queens Museum.
July 12 – 14, 2019
Blerd City Con 3.0, happening July 12 – 14, 2019, is a three-day celebration of the blerd community, showcasing comic creators along with panels and workshops spotlighting everything from gaming, Afrofuturism panels and films, to VR technology, science fiction writers and filmmakers. This year’s Horror theme will also have a live podcast presented by The Micheaux Mission with special guest actor Ryan Sands from Marvel’s Runaways.
October 25th, 2019
Produced and presented by F.I.T. (the Fashion Institute of Technology) Diversity Comic Con had its inaugural launch last year from October 8–11, fresh off the heels of New York Comic Con. Thankfully this year it has been moved to a one day event on the 25th, giving folks a chance to recover from NYCC.
DCC features an Artists’ Alley, panel discussions, portfolio reviews, and a cosplay contest. This event is free to FIT students, faculty, and staff; for the general public there is a modest fee, but by registering at the website and submitting the emails of 3 friends who might like to attend, you’ll be allowed to enter for free.
Cerece's Con Recommendations!
The first convention I ever went to was a small convention in Baltimore called Shoreleave. I went on a Friday morning. Almost no attendees were there, so I got to talk with all the vendors, sit in all but a few in-depth panels on writing and the final episode of Fringe (yep, it was that long ago) and get a personal walk-through of an exhibit on the Hubbell. It was just right for my first experience. My next convention was New York Comic Con. That was 2012, the first year they broke over 100,000 participants. It was glorious! It was insane and I’ve been addicted to it ever since. Big or small, I love the atmosphere created when fans get together. The feeling of camaraderie and celebrated weirdness is infectious and always restores my faith in humanity. At this point, I’ve been to a LOT of conventions. Below are my recommendations for fans of all comfort levels – from the crowd-averse to those who eat pandemonium for breakfast. If you’ve always been hesitant, don’t be. Your tribe is out there waiting for you. Go find them.
For the Crowd–Averse (5,000 people or less (like WAY less)
Literary Sci-fi Conventions:
Boskone (Boston, MA) – The oldest sci-fi convention in the New England area. This is primarily a literary convention, but you will find someone talking about your favorite show on the program – guaranteed. If you want a laid back atmosphere with smart discussions on books, the genre of speculative fiction, and the latest in science and technological development, this is a perfect Con for you. Plus, as a bonus, you are bound to run into one of your favorite authors.
Capclave & Balticon – (Baltimore, MD) Both are small, lovely conventions. Thoughtful panels, craft demonstrations, and book signings with some of the best names in sci-fi and fantasy. Both conventions do what they do without a lot of fanfare, but what they lack in neon streamers, they more than make up for in care and thought, creating an adventure that leaves you more energized than drained.
For the mildly adventurous – 50,000-60,000 people
AwesomeCon – Washington, DC
Baltimore Comic-Con – Baltimore, MD*
C2E2 – Chicago, IL
These are great cons for folks who want to go with a bit more glitz without feeling the mind-numbing crush of the crowd. The venues are big enough that even at the height of traffic you can move around with relative ease. There is a great variety of vendors and exhibitors and a range of panels and celebrity signings that will make you feel like you’ve been to a big con without the hassle.
For the Crowd-Surfer – 100,000+ people.
New York Comic Con – New York City, NY*
I’ve been exhibiting at NYCC for over 6 years now and it keeps getting bigger and bigger. It’s crazy. It’s wild. It’s jam-packed every single day. If you come, come ready to be WOWed! All the exhibitors are top-notch. The cosplay is phenomenal. The crowd is kind, chill, and in a very good mood. I’ve never had a bad time there, and I doubt you will either. Just wear comfortable shoes and bring all but your rent money.
* coming up this year
Still looking for a Con near you? No problem. Try here!