The Hidden S in Phone Booth

The Hidden S wonders where his Press Pass could be as he contemplates 40 Years of Comic Conventions...

There is no more telling phenomenon of the growth and maturity of comics than the rise of the Comic Convention, or comic-con. Once the outpost of hardcore geeks with no real influence beyond their own insulated world, comic-cons have developed into major marketing tools used by publishing (of course) and, very recently, as a way to build "buzz" and court comic fans approval with regard to major film projects (Iron Man, Watchmen, Superman Returns).

Not only is it now typical for comic-cons to feature the first trailer, footage, etc. of a major film like, it is now necessary to trot out the stars and directors of the films themselves (Eva Mendes, Zach Snyder, etc).

This is an extraordinary development of course since comic conventions could not have any more humble origins than those chronicled in Comic-Con 40 Years: Of Artists Fans & Friends (Chronicle Books).

The first official San Diego Comic-Con was not the first comic-con in actuality. As early as the 30s sci-fi fans had organized conventions (Worldcon the most well known of this type is almost 70 years old). The rise of fan oriented Marvel Comics and some of the active participation in letter writing by fans to their favorite publications and titles helped build some fan cohesion and sense of community. Worldcon participants began to have some overlap with comics in the early 60s (participants began the practice of dressing up as superheroes as early as 1960).

A small Detroit convention in 1964 organized by two enterprising teens-Bob Brosch and Dave Szurek-is often considered the first true comic convention. Held in a downtown hotel, the convention was attended by 70 people and some of the conventions (sorry!) of the format were put into place as the event featured comic artists, sellers and a screening of the 1936 classic Things to Come (Prophetic title).

The first San Diego Comic-Con was a predictably modest affair held in the basement of the U. S. Grant Hotel in San Diego. Only 300 people attended, but as with earlier conventions some of the scheduling and offerings were already in place (guest speakers, exhibits, dealer rooms). This three-day convention cost a whopping $3.50 for a 3 day pass, which rocketed to $5.00 for at the door admission. One of the interesting things about this book is the revelation (to me at least) that San Diego has a long tradition of Sci-fi and comic fandom within its culture.

Some of these very organized and imaginative groups published extensive and sophisticated fanzines, made pilgrimages to visit early fanboy heroes like Forrest J. Ackerman, writer/editor of famous monsters of filmland (and possessor of one of the most unique sci-fi memorabilia collections past or present). As much as anything, the SD comic-con helped raise the profile of such Golden/Silver Age greats as Bob Kane, Gardner Fox, Joe Kubert and (especially) Jack Kirby.

According to the book, these conventions helped raise the profile of some of these great comic craftsmen as well as pay tribute to them. Beyond this, it helped solidify their public image in the minds of comic fans. This book also chronicles the increasing sophistication of the comic-cons with a more international representation in the 70s and 80s with appearances by artists like Nestor Redondo, Alex Nino and Ernie Chan.

The mid-80s and 90s saw an influx of British talent get fan exposure at the San Diego Comic-Con (indeed, Alan Moore's one US Comic Convention appearance was in San Diego in 1985). Exposure at the high profile San Diego convention helped several talented UK comic creators like Neil Gaiman, Grant Morrison and Garth Ennis get mass attention from the comic community.

At this point, almost every major city (and many minor) cities have some sort of comic convention and they have been a crucial part of the growth of comics commercially and culturally. The conventions broad scope allows for more content than just superhero/Sci-Fi stuff (like mainstream films, HBO stuff and video games) the result of which has broadened the appeal and participants of the Comic-Con. This book is a reminder of how far Comic Conventions have come.

The Hidden S