C2E2 2015 Convention Report
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Introduction: I was fortunate enough to be able to attend parts of both
Saturday and Sunday of C2E2 2015. As a ‘newbie’ to the comic convention world,
I spent a lot of my first afternoon (Saturday) acclimating and getting the lay of
land. I investigated the exhibitor booths, admired the creativity and craftsmanship
of many a cosplayer (including at least twelve variations on Jayne's hat from Firefly), and explored the incredible work in Artist Alley. Day 2 (Sunday) brought more intentional stops and exploration, with multiple panels and visits to library-friendly exhibitors.
I hoped to walk away from the Con with some fresh ideas for programs, displays and storytime reads during our hero-themed Summer Reading Program ("Unmask!"), in addition to leaving with a better understanding of a variety of fandoms and series to better inform my advisory interactions. I did not anticipate leaving with a gigantic list of comics, movies and TV show titles I need to dedicate my evenings and weekends to enthusiastically consuming, but such is the life of a library professional keeping up with the trends (and living the dream)!
Panels & Workshops: I really hoped to cover as much ground as possible by attending a diverse array of panels, including those I was personally interested in seeing as well as those that were of potential interest to the community my library serves. Doing so allowed me to access me "inner geek" and identify with other con-goers (read: I got an autograph from the fabulously 'shiny' Jewel Staite), but also learn something about specific fandoms or comic-styles that are unfamiliar to me, forcing myself to step out of my comfort zone and break down any preconceived notions I might carry. Large conventions like C2E2 provide a unique and fulfilling experience in this way: library professionals like myself are enabled to build diverse connections and, therefore, provide increasingly rich readers and viewers advisory to library patrons.
Keeping that in mind, the first discussion I sat in on was with a group of gentlemen involved in the production and voices of the popular anime series Dragon Ball Z. Normally, this is not a panel I would seek out or immediately identify with, but I have a younger sister that knew Pokemon, Digimon, Dragon Ball and Hamtaro frontwards and backwards, so I understood where the fans were coming from. Seemingly not a 'headliner' panel, this group still drew a huge, raucous and diverse crowd. While most attendees were male and in their mid-twenties, there was still a fairly broad representation across age, race and gender. Discussion revolved around the anime and voice-over industry when the show first came to fruition, personal stories about how they became involved in the project, and their excitement about how the franchise and fan-base had taken off (although they jovially lamented and displayed how difficult playing the video game versions of their characters could be). I really appreciated how forthcoming and down to earth the speakers were, interacting with fans and engaging in their own fandom as much as possible. Attending gave me some insight into the interests and news of both casual and die-hard viewers and players.
Later in the weekend, I sat in on "Cosplay: The Rundown on the Crown" with judges from the Crown Championships of Cosplay: Ann Foley (Costume Designer for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Neville Page (Creature Designer for Star Trek and Avatar), and Ivy Doomkitty (Professional Cosplayer). I've never been a cosplayer myself, so this gave me some great insight into the craftmanship, creativity, passion and dedication that goes into creating costumes and identities for cosplay. I was especially intrigued to learn more about the panelists career paths and memories from their first ever attempts and memories of cosplay.
Next, I sat in on a Q&A session with actor Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings, The Goonies, and other film appearances), Astin drew a huge crowd of fans from seemingly all walks of life. Interestingly, he began his Q&A without any Qs, launching right into some personal stories about his involvement in charity races and various crowd-sourcing campaigns, giving an interesting new look at the actor (rather than his characters). Later, he shared stories about being on set in New Zealand for the LOTR trilogy and gave some insider information on two future indy projects he has in the works (one animated, one live-action documentary).
Kids Day (Sunday) provided lots of opportunities to explore creative ideas for children's programming in relation to hero-themed events and story hours. From learning to sketch and cosplay-esqe workshops to superhero obstacle courses and lightsaber battles, any youth services librarian could walk away with a treasure trove of inspiration for library programming.
I hoped to walk away from the Con with some fresh ideas for programs, displays and storytime reads during our hero-themed Summer Reading Program ("Unmask!"), in addition to leaving with a better understanding of a variety of fandoms and series to better inform my advisory interactions. I did not anticipate leaving with a gigantic list of comics, movies and TV show titles I need to dedicate my evenings and weekends to enthusiastically consuming, but such is the life of a library professional keeping up with the trends (and living the dream)!
Panels & Workshops: I really hoped to cover as much ground as possible by attending a diverse array of panels, including those I was personally interested in seeing as well as those that were of potential interest to the community my library serves. Doing so allowed me to access me "inner geek" and identify with other con-goers (read: I got an autograph from the fabulously 'shiny' Jewel Staite), but also learn something about specific fandoms or comic-styles that are unfamiliar to me, forcing myself to step out of my comfort zone and break down any preconceived notions I might carry. Large conventions like C2E2 provide a unique and fulfilling experience in this way: library professionals like myself are enabled to build diverse connections and, therefore, provide increasingly rich readers and viewers advisory to library patrons.
Keeping that in mind, the first discussion I sat in on was with a group of gentlemen involved in the production and voices of the popular anime series Dragon Ball Z. Normally, this is not a panel I would seek out or immediately identify with, but I have a younger sister that knew Pokemon, Digimon, Dragon Ball and Hamtaro frontwards and backwards, so I understood where the fans were coming from. Seemingly not a 'headliner' panel, this group still drew a huge, raucous and diverse crowd. While most attendees were male and in their mid-twenties, there was still a fairly broad representation across age, race and gender. Discussion revolved around the anime and voice-over industry when the show first came to fruition, personal stories about how they became involved in the project, and their excitement about how the franchise and fan-base had taken off (although they jovially lamented and displayed how difficult playing the video game versions of their characters could be). I really appreciated how forthcoming and down to earth the speakers were, interacting with fans and engaging in their own fandom as much as possible. Attending gave me some insight into the interests and news of both casual and die-hard viewers and players.
Later in the weekend, I sat in on "Cosplay: The Rundown on the Crown" with judges from the Crown Championships of Cosplay: Ann Foley (Costume Designer for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Neville Page (Creature Designer for Star Trek and Avatar), and Ivy Doomkitty (Professional Cosplayer). I've never been a cosplayer myself, so this gave me some great insight into the craftmanship, creativity, passion and dedication that goes into creating costumes and identities for cosplay. I was especially intrigued to learn more about the panelists career paths and memories from their first ever attempts and memories of cosplay.
Next, I sat in on a Q&A session with actor Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings, The Goonies, and other film appearances), Astin drew a huge crowd of fans from seemingly all walks of life. Interestingly, he began his Q&A without any Qs, launching right into some personal stories about his involvement in charity races and various crowd-sourcing campaigns, giving an interesting new look at the actor (rather than his characters). Later, he shared stories about being on set in New Zealand for the LOTR trilogy and gave some insider information on two future indy projects he has in the works (one animated, one live-action documentary).
Kids Day (Sunday) provided lots of opportunities to explore creative ideas for children's programming in relation to hero-themed events and story hours. From learning to sketch and cosplay-esqe workshops to superhero obstacle courses and lightsaber battles, any youth services librarian could walk away with a treasure trove of inspiration for library programming.
Exhibitors & Artist Alley: Beyond the panels, I have to say I was most impressed with the incredible work being displayed (and created on the spot) in Artist Alley. From traditional manga to hilarious parodies, watercolor works to highly detailed pen and ink, the diversity and craftsmanship were mind-boggling. One could spend hours visiting tables in this area and never even make it half way through! Personally, I was most surprised and pleased to find that all the way in the back, an old high school friend was displaying his watercolors and other color work at A5! As such, I spent way to much time 'talking shop' and hearing about his style and love of all things comics, that I kept him from finishing his newly commissioned trading cards. To make up for it, I was more than happy to support his and his girlfriend's work and take some fun and fantastic pieces home with me.
Back on the exhibitors floor, I naturally made a pit-stop at 537, where The American Library Association (ALA) pumped up the 'library love' with their own comic-friendly booth, discussing and passing out information about frequently banned and challenged comics, top graphic novel titles for various ages in 2015, and the ways in which comics have been shared, promoted and protected within library settings. Anyone who stopped by the booth could pick up free stickers and bookmarks promoting library services/resources and Banned Books Week, but those who showed off their library card received - bonus! - a free library-themed temporary tattoo.
Of course, I visited many, many other booths, including those who sold print comics (Quirk Books, Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, Penguin Group, DK and other independent publishers and stores) and those who sold comic and entertainment related memorabilia and keepsakes (from Princess Bride playing cards and Captain America tumblers, to steampunk goggles and Jedi lightsabers), where I was tempted to buy all the things. Even when I didn't make any purchases, many of the booths were excited to learn I worked in a public library and weighed me down with freebies I could give my patrons and posters I could display on library walls. It seems the supportive and generous atmosphere at C2E2 provides many opportunities for library professionals to "share the love" upon returning to their home libraries.
Final Thoughts: If I were to do it all again, I would have liked to have organized my schedule a little better and attending such discussions that engaged my intellectual interests as well as my personal favorites. In particular, events that come to mind include those involving gender, race and other social justice issues, like "Racebending.com Presents Creating Diverse Characters," "Through Brightest Days & Blackest Nights - A Black Nerd Girl's Journey," and "From the Top Down: Creating Space for Diverse Voices" would have been right up my alley. Even "Fierce Females of TV" and "Kick-Ass Women of S.H.I.E.L.D" would have been engaging (and rad) to tune in for, had I gotten in line early enough and planned accordingly. That being said, I have few regrets, for every moment at C2E2 was engaging, funny and informative. I look forward to not only my next Con experience, but sharing and building on all of my new knowledge at back at work.
Back on the exhibitors floor, I naturally made a pit-stop at 537, where The American Library Association (ALA) pumped up the 'library love' with their own comic-friendly booth, discussing and passing out information about frequently banned and challenged comics, top graphic novel titles for various ages in 2015, and the ways in which comics have been shared, promoted and protected within library settings. Anyone who stopped by the booth could pick up free stickers and bookmarks promoting library services/resources and Banned Books Week, but those who showed off their library card received - bonus! - a free library-themed temporary tattoo.
Of course, I visited many, many other booths, including those who sold print comics (Quirk Books, Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, Penguin Group, DK and other independent publishers and stores) and those who sold comic and entertainment related memorabilia and keepsakes (from Princess Bride playing cards and Captain America tumblers, to steampunk goggles and Jedi lightsabers), where I was tempted to buy all the things. Even when I didn't make any purchases, many of the booths were excited to learn I worked in a public library and weighed me down with freebies I could give my patrons and posters I could display on library walls. It seems the supportive and generous atmosphere at C2E2 provides many opportunities for library professionals to "share the love" upon returning to their home libraries.
Final Thoughts: If I were to do it all again, I would have liked to have organized my schedule a little better and attending such discussions that engaged my intellectual interests as well as my personal favorites. In particular, events that come to mind include those involving gender, race and other social justice issues, like "Racebending.com Presents Creating Diverse Characters," "Through Brightest Days & Blackest Nights - A Black Nerd Girl's Journey," and "From the Top Down: Creating Space for Diverse Voices" would have been right up my alley. Even "Fierce Females of TV" and "Kick-Ass Women of S.H.I.E.L.D" would have been engaging (and rad) to tune in for, had I gotten in line early enough and planned accordingly. That being said, I have few regrets, for every moment at C2E2 was engaging, funny and informative. I look forward to not only my next Con experience, but sharing and building on all of my new knowledge at back at work.