by Beth Rossano
OK first a small confession... I am not a con person, or a comic person. That is not to say I am not a fan of all things, or many things nerd and geek. Let me briefly present my credentials.
The three best shows in the history of television are Dr. Who, Star Trek and The Twilight Zone. I have seen every Japanese monster and every James Bond movie, most more than once. For me a real date movie involves explosions and is NEVER based on a book by Nicholas Sparks. (NEVER) But I have never, and I mean never been to a comicon, I once went to a Renaissance fair but that was really weird and completely accidental.
I will also confess that I have been curious about these events. I live near Boston and as a high school teacher I have students who go to a LOT of them and love to tell me about it. My brother was into comics BIG TIME and I knew he went to the NY Comicon thing. In fact I still have a ton of autographed stuff of his in my basement which I am still unsure what to do with but I can arrange for the house to be unlocked.
Oh and full disclosure about the author and me. I have known Matt since he had his first comic ripped up by Mr. Ryan in 5th grade at Broad Brook Elementary School. That event was LEGEND! Anyone who knows him knows that he is not just a comic guy he is THE comic guy. Matt's knowledge of comics, artists, inkers (did not even know that was a thing) and writers is really quite extraordinary and impressive. Many people who know Matt can attest to what the "Matman Magic" is to them but for me it is his ability to spark my interest in something that I had previously not really had any interest in.
Like comics and cons and why you should smell good, what you should wear, what kind of bag you should bring and an excellent explanation of etiquette with the writers, artists and celebrities one meets at such events.
If you have never been to one this is an excellent guide for the novice. Matt gives advice without being preachy about the right way to be a fan. He is keenly aware that there are lots of fans and types of fans. Matt is as generous an expert as he is fan. He clearly understands that lots of people come to these events with varying levels of knowledge, intensity, preparation and expectations. This guide helps every fan from newbie to seasoned fan to get the most out of the experience. I was particularly struck by the tone of 'Comicopolypse' which emphasized the ethical ideal that the Coniverse is vast and fans attending should try to live out the values of patience, kindness and tolerance. This is really quite admirable and for this newbie quite refreshing.
I am not sure I would ever actually attend one of these events, and for me as a non comic person the only downside was I was hoping to hear more stories about cons Matt has attended and the people he met (and his nutritional advice was questionable). However, if I was to attended a show, I know I would have this book in my 'free from funk' backpack along with some trail mix and fruit for handy and easy reference. In fact now that I know that Dr. Who and the Bond franchise have a presence at these events, you may just see me at a Boston show sometime.
To order Beth's new favorite book just click the link below!
http://comics.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?manufacturers_id=4927
OK first a small confession... I am not a con person, or a comic person. That is not to say I am not a fan of all things, or many things nerd and geek. Let me briefly present my credentials.
The three best shows in the history of television are Dr. Who, Star Trek and The Twilight Zone. I have seen every Japanese monster and every James Bond movie, most more than once. For me a real date movie involves explosions and is NEVER based on a book by Nicholas Sparks. (NEVER) But I have never, and I mean never been to a comicon, I once went to a Renaissance fair but that was really weird and completely accidental.
I will also confess that I have been curious about these events. I live near Boston and as a high school teacher I have students who go to a LOT of them and love to tell me about it. My brother was into comics BIG TIME and I knew he went to the NY Comicon thing. In fact I still have a ton of autographed stuff of his in my basement which I am still unsure what to do with but I can arrange for the house to be unlocked.
Oh and full disclosure about the author and me. I have known Matt since he had his first comic ripped up by Mr. Ryan in 5th grade at Broad Brook Elementary School. That event was LEGEND! Anyone who knows him knows that he is not just a comic guy he is THE comic guy. Matt's knowledge of comics, artists, inkers (did not even know that was a thing) and writers is really quite extraordinary and impressive. Many people who know Matt can attest to what the "Matman Magic" is to them but for me it is his ability to spark my interest in something that I had previously not really had any interest in.
Like comics and cons and why you should smell good, what you should wear, what kind of bag you should bring and an excellent explanation of etiquette with the writers, artists and celebrities one meets at such events.
If you have never been to one this is an excellent guide for the novice. Matt gives advice without being preachy about the right way to be a fan. He is keenly aware that there are lots of fans and types of fans. Matt is as generous an expert as he is fan. He clearly understands that lots of people come to these events with varying levels of knowledge, intensity, preparation and expectations. This guide helps every fan from newbie to seasoned fan to get the most out of the experience. I was particularly struck by the tone of 'Comicopolypse' which emphasized the ethical ideal that the Coniverse is vast and fans attending should try to live out the values of patience, kindness and tolerance. This is really quite admirable and for this newbie quite refreshing.
I am not sure I would ever actually attend one of these events, and for me as a non comic person the only downside was I was hoping to hear more stories about cons Matt has attended and the people he met (and his nutritional advice was questionable). However, if I was to attended a show, I know I would have this book in my 'free from funk' backpack along with some trail mix and fruit for handy and easy reference. In fact now that I know that Dr. Who and the Bond franchise have a presence at these events, you may just see me at a Boston show sometime.
To order Beth's new favorite book just click the link below!
http://comics.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?manufacturers_id=4927
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