As comic books have become increasingly mainstream in the last decade – largely through film adaptations – comic conventions have also been able to grow in popularity through centering the inclusion of celebrity guests, which has also led to prices as high as $80 for a single day at conventions like San Diego Comic Con.
While I understand the merit in attending such an event, I believe that indie comic conventions are more accessible and full of heart.
1. Free Admission
Though some smaller comic book conventions do come with a price tag, several in Boston tend to be free, such as WICKED Comic Con, Mass Indie Comic Expo and Boston: Comics in Color.
While the lower cash flow tends to lead to a smaller location and less celebrity guests for conventions, free entry is infinitely more accessible to students and families that otherwise wouldn’t be able to go. It also encourages less invested fans to attend that may not have gone otherwise.
After saving money on ticket fees, guests now have more money to give to exhibitors that are tabling throughout the convention!
2. Focus on creators
Many attend larger conventions with the sole purpose of meeting a favorite celebrity of theirs. Even though I’ve been able to meet actors from some of my favorite comic book adaptations while at larger conventions, these interactions are typically rushed and shallow.
At smaller conventions, it’s the complete opposite. Lines are shorter and people have much more time to chat with those visiting. Who knows who you’ll find!
Creators of comic books are scattered all over, waiting to have longer, in-depth conversations about their own work, as well as learn about those visiting them. Not being sidelined, artists get to exist as the focus point of the event.
3. Centering of comics as a medium
Since free small comic cons generally can’t afford celebrity guests, special appearances can’t be relied on as the sole way to bring in attendees. Instead, the center of attention is comic books as a medium, rather than specific intellectual properties.
At first glance, this means one is less likely to meet others that are interested in the exact same comic or character. On the other hand, attendees are incentivized to socialize with people who like other characters, but still love comics.
This encourages comic fans to take a step back and realize how much more there is to comic books outside of their own specific niche.
4. Community outside comics
While larger comic cons often attract travelers from all over the country, small comic cons tend to consist of nearby artists and attendees. This leads to less of a focus on a generalized idea of the “comic community,” but a more literal portrayal of the local community.
Paired with free admission, a comic convention turns from something surrounding a specific interest into a community event where children can play, families can dance (if the right DJ is present) and nerds can meet each other.
Though there’s a lot of value in attending a convention where the goal is to meet fans of the same books and meet beloved actors, the joy to be found at a small comic convention is incomparable.
Getting the chance to have longer conversations with indie creators, learn about new kinds of comics and get a better idea of the local community, all for free, will always seem like a better deal to me.
