By: Chris Delloiacono
Too often, especially of late, all Nexus readers have heard out of me are negatives. Well, today I decided to talk about a part of comics that I love. Conventions!
Anyone that read my report on last month’s New York Comic CON, knows that I wasn’t impressed at all by the faux convention put on at the Jacob Javits Center. Instead of dwelling on the ridiculous travesty in Gotham, I want to focus on what may be the best con in the country.
I’ve journeyed to the Pittsburgh Comicon six times in the past ten years, but I plan on making this my third trip in a row. My most memorable con memories come from this small, but big show.
Not only is it the one place that I’m guaranteed to hang out with my good buddy Daron, see the Dark Overlord can have friends, but it’s a great place to hang out with some of the best creators in the comic business. That personal aspect is nonexistent from a lot of the bigger shows.
You see, the difference between Pittsburgh and San Diego or Pittsburgh and any of the Wizard Cons isn’t the quality of guests, it’s the quantity. While Pittsburgh may not have as many guests as San Diego, the top level talent is on the same level. The biggest plus in Pittsburgh is that you can actually spend time chatting with your favorite creators, it’s possible to get sketches from the big names, and you can actually move unencumbered up and down the aisles of the well arranged auditorium.
That’s not to say that the Wizard shows or San Diego aren’t great experiences. Pittsburgh is just a little less hectic, better organized, and easier to navigate. That makes for happier customers, guests, and a more intimate experience.
In the past couple of years I’ve had the opportunity to talk at length with Howard Porter, Ron Garney, Tom DeFalco, Mark Waid, John Romita, Jr., George Romero, Michael Lark, and untold others. The problem with the big cons is that most of the names are available at the Marvel or DC booth for a select period of time each day, where you have to wait in long lines. Not at Pittsburgh, where most of the guests are available for the entire day at their own tables. You really aren’t trying very hard if you don’t meet all the guests you want in Pittsburgh.
As I stated, Daron and I will be getting together, with our girlfriends in tow, April 21-23. Since Daron’s in Missouri and I’m in New Jersey, it’s a great middle point, but an even better location. I may be gushing, but it’s the best comic book show in the country.
As usual this year’s con looks good guest wise. Big names are coming to town like Brian Michael Bendis, Josh Blaylock, Howard Chaykin, Amanda Connor, Tom DeFalco, Mike Deodato, Ron Frenz, Greg Horn, Adam Hughes, Mike Oeming, Jimmy Palmiotti, Ande Parks, George Perez, Tim Truman, Michael Turner, and Mark Waid. That’s an amazing crew right there. Honestly, that’s as fantastic a collection of talent as any of the Wizard shows.
If films are more your thing, than Star Wars alums like Ray Park (Darth Maul), Daniel Logan (young Boba Fett), Bonnie Piesse (young Aunt Beru), and a host of people from Dawn of the Dead will be there.
One added bonus is visiting the Monroeville Mall, where the original Dawn of the Dead was filmed. The ExpoMart, where the con is held, and the mall actually share a parking lot. Seeing sights from one of the greatest horror films of all time, while chatting with some of the best the comic industry can offer, there’s really no comparison to the bigger cons.
The Pittsburgh Comicon always turns out to be a nexus for The Nexus. This year, besides Daron and me, Jamie and Danielle are heading out to the show. Several others have mentioned they might make the trip. It looks like it’s going be a hell of a party. Hopefully we’ll see some of you.
