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Comic-Con Strikes Again
Comic-Con International is the world capital of fandom. Every year 130,000 people flock to San Diego for a five-day marathon of Hollywood star power, sensory overload, gigantic shopping bags, grand feats of imagination, tacky nostalgia, very long lines, and people dressed up as Princess Leia. It's the place where people who love the fantastic side of culture go to express that love and where the companies that want to sell them fantasies in every possible medium try desperately to woo them.
Douglas Wolk (author of the Eisner Award-winning Reading Comics: How Graphic Novels Work and What They Mean) plunges into Comic-Con's bizarre collision of fans and franchises and looks at what happens when the marketers of movies, TV shows, comics, and games meet their most devoted, most demanding consumers.
Douglas Wolk (author of the Eisner Award-winning Reading Comics: How Graphic Novels Work and What They Mean) plunges into Comic-Con's bizarre collision of fans and franchises and looks at what happens when the marketers of movies, TV shows, comics, and games meet their most devoted, most demanding consumers.
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First published July 31, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 18, 2013
In this 25 page essay, Douglas Wolk writes about the phenomenon that is the San Diego Comic-Con. From humble beginnings in the early 70s when a mere 300 people attended, Wolk talks about how the Con has evolved over the years to become the heaving corporate behemoth that now annually attracts 130,000 people over a 5 day celebration of pop culture and commerce.
The piece is mostly matter-of-fact, detailing the variety of events that make up the con from the Eisner Awards on Friday night, the Cosplay Saturday night, and the panels often featuring movie stars that fill out the mammoth Hall H (which seats 6500 people). Wolk gives you a good idea of what the event is like with enormous queues literally stretching to thousands of square feet, nowhere to stay (even places 50 miles away charge extortionate rates during this week), and the intense enthusiasm of its attendees.
While it’s interesting to read about, despite being a comics fan, I would never even consider going there – the queues alone require superhuman patience and I get annoyed even when there’s a couple of people in front of me for anything. But the fact that comics take a backseat in an event called Comic-Con is a bit depressing. Movies and TV shows are the headliners and the cynical corporate marketing that ensues only heightens my distaste for the event.
“Comic-Con Strikes Again!” is an interesting and succinct look at the sub-culture that grew to become pop-culture and what it’s like to attend such an event , especially for those (like me) who want to experience it from a distance, far away from the queues for the “True Blood” and “Twilight” panels.
The piece is mostly matter-of-fact, detailing the variety of events that make up the con from the Eisner Awards on Friday night, the Cosplay Saturday night, and the panels often featuring movie stars that fill out the mammoth Hall H (which seats 6500 people). Wolk gives you a good idea of what the event is like with enormous queues literally stretching to thousands of square feet, nowhere to stay (even places 50 miles away charge extortionate rates during this week), and the intense enthusiasm of its attendees.
While it’s interesting to read about, despite being a comics fan, I would never even consider going there – the queues alone require superhuman patience and I get annoyed even when there’s a couple of people in front of me for anything. But the fact that comics take a backseat in an event called Comic-Con is a bit depressing. Movies and TV shows are the headliners and the cynical corporate marketing that ensues only heightens my distaste for the event.
“Comic-Con Strikes Again!” is an interesting and succinct look at the sub-culture that grew to become pop-culture and what it’s like to attend such an event , especially for those (like me) who want to experience it from a distance, far away from the queues for the “True Blood” and “Twilight” panels.
December 25, 2013
Fascinating, and kinda depressing. I think everyone is missing the point of fandom: story. Story makes us human and not cash cows. It takes us away from IP ("Intellectual Property") to look at why movies, art and books are just so darn interesting.
The phenomena that is the San Diego Comic Con is unique; the corporations and the people that go are the leaders and fools of the world (the question is who is who?).
There is one thing that bothered me about this article? book? idk. I was miffed at how the writer can scoff at and claim allegience with other fans. His tone is often snobish and condesending, yet he makes his career (ahem, money) off of paying attention to what makes these people tick. This behavior was sometimes frustrating, and other times confusing. Everybody is a fan of something, even in "polite society."
The phenomena that is the San Diego Comic Con is unique; the corporations and the people that go are the leaders and fools of the world (the question is who is who?).
There is one thing that bothered me about this article? book? idk. I was miffed at how the writer can scoff at and claim allegience with other fans. His tone is often snobish and condesending, yet he makes his career (ahem, money) off of paying attention to what makes these people tick. This behavior was sometimes frustrating, and other times confusing. Everybody is a fan of something, even in "polite society."
February 28, 2018
Comic-Con 101
This humorous book attempts to give insight to the Comic Con phenomenon. While a bit dated, the Avengers had just started production and Marvel didn't get rule the box office and Disney hadn't bought Lucasfilm yet, it does mention what typically goes on at a convention. As a lifelong geek, who used to go to cons before they were as popular as they are now, it's bittersweet. It's great to have lots of fellow fans who love what you do, but the long lines and huge crowds are a deterrent. You can watch livestreams of the events now and everything is not just about comic books. Quite a few fandoms are mentioned, but the author does realize who the king of fandom was and still is, Star Wars. We have the Internet and Facebook to help unite us. I personally would love to see a convention for the books and audiobooks, so we could meet the authors and narrators. A great fun read for anyone curious about what it entails, and it will make you smile.
This humorous book attempts to give insight to the Comic Con phenomenon. While a bit dated, the Avengers had just started production and Marvel didn't get rule the box office and Disney hadn't bought Lucasfilm yet, it does mention what typically goes on at a convention. As a lifelong geek, who used to go to cons before they were as popular as they are now, it's bittersweet. It's great to have lots of fellow fans who love what you do, but the long lines and huge crowds are a deterrent. You can watch livestreams of the events now and everything is not just about comic books. Quite a few fandoms are mentioned, but the author does realize who the king of fandom was and still is, Star Wars. We have the Internet and Facebook to help unite us. I personally would love to see a convention for the books and audiobooks, so we could meet the authors and narrators. A great fun read for anyone curious about what it entails, and it will make you smile.
August 9, 2019
I was looking for a silly little audiobook to listen to on the way home from a trip, this one caught my eye and I finished it in one sitting.
It was interesting-ish. I listened off and on and learned about the inner workings of an event I never intent to attend. But I still like to know that kind of stuff, so the book was a success, in my mind.
It was interesting-ish. I listened off and on and learned about the inner workings of an event I never intent to attend. But I still like to know that kind of stuff, so the book was a success, in my mind.
z-did-not-finish
September 1, 2024Funny but did not keep my interest
May 9, 2012
I will likely never attend San Diego Comic Con, but I have attended several DragonCons, so this book struck a chord. I think it tries to capture the width and breadth of the Con, from the frustration from "true fans" about "Twi-hards" or other fads, contrasted with the old fans from the first cons who barely get recognition at all. It's important to see the change in the last 10 years from fan conventions about the love and work put towards a passion to now when it's so media and industry oriented. The scope of the cons have also grown to include a lot more with hundreds of panels devoted to all aspects of geekery.
I felt that the essay was a pretty honest introduction to nerd conventions, if you've never attended. Good read for a couple bucks.
I felt that the essay was a pretty honest introduction to nerd conventions, if you've never attended. Good read for a couple bucks.
January 3, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this short Kindle single! Even though it is a few years old now, I think it is still quite relevant. A look at this pop culture phenomenon through the author's eyes! I will never be attending Comic-Con, which, by the way, covers WAY more than comics, so it was a pleasant way for me to enjoy the trip from the comfort of my home!
Definitely recommended! If you have ever been, ever wanted to go or never even heard of it, pick this one up. It will hold your attention and not take up a lot of your time!
Definitely recommended! If you have ever been, ever wanted to go or never even heard of it, pick this one up. It will hold your attention and not take up a lot of your time!
May 6, 2012
This book got a rare 5 stars from me and heres why: THIS SINGLE FREAKING ROCKED! Its nothing more than a break down of the geekgasm evolution of Comic Con San Diego since 1970 and what to expect now, both the good and the bad. It's quick, dirty, sometimes sad, VERY nerdy and a hoot! I laughed a lot and TOTALLY got so many refs that I understand why it is the geek mecca and at the same time I am now not sure I ever want to go. Thanks Douglas!
August 13, 2014
This was a short little essay of sorts about the origins of the San Diego Comic Con. One day I hope to attend a Comic Con, but only if Nathan Fillion is there...we *might* have used Malcolm for our youngest child's middle name as a nod to "Firefly"! I'd also be ok with Adam Baldwin or Will Wheaton. :)
July 14, 2015
I probably should have read this before attending SDCC for the first time, because reading it now is a downer. I LOVED my Con experience (mainly because I avoided the madness of Hall H/Ballroom 20/Indigo Ballroom) and had an absolute blast hanging out with my friends and meeting creators. It's interesting, but doesn't really capture the joy that I felt.
December 17, 2011
A quick read , this is a kindle single after all.
Douglas Wolk is an eyewitness to the state of the comic con or The COn as is also known and he tries to explain it without delving into much detail , a thing that he acknowledges is nearly impossible.
Douglas Wolk is an eyewitness to the state of the comic con or The COn as is also known and he tries to explain it without delving into much detail , a thing that he acknowledges is nearly impossible.
May 13, 2012
"Kindle Single" short work by the author of Reading Comics. Various thoughts and descriptions on not just the San Diego Comic-Con, but several related elements of pop- and comics-culture. Unessential but short, and a decent use of the format; no worries of outstaying one's welcome here.
February 25, 2012
Enjoyable Kindle single about the insanity of Comic-Con.
Good journalism, gives me a good idea of the madness of one weekend in San Diego.
I may go one year, but it sounds as much exhausting, as fun.
Good journalism, gives me a good idea of the madness of one weekend in San Diego.
I may go one year, but it sounds as much exhausting, as fun.
July 24, 2013
It's a fun look at what Comic-Con is and how it has changed over the years.
It's a bit depressing in places when it talks about where the entertainment industry is headed. But it's still a fun, quick read.
It's a bit depressing in places when it talks about where the entertainment industry is headed. But it's still a fun, quick read.
June 16, 2015
Impressive and astute
First kudos to any author who can use "cathexis" in a sentence and get away with it. Twice no less! This is smart, witty, and insightful. It made me want to go to Comic Con and run away at the same time.
First kudos to any author who can use "cathexis" in a sentence and get away with it. Twice no less! This is smart, witty, and insightful. It made me want to go to Comic Con and run away at the same time.
August 30, 2011
Gave me a good idea of what Comic Con is really like. Overall tone is a bit sarcastic.
October 17, 2011
These Kindle singles are like crack. This one is totally worth your time, for its use of the word "cathexis" if nothing else.
Read
July 24, 2012Good quick read.
December 31, 2012
Nice description of the event.
January 23, 2013
Would love to attend SDCC after reading this
July 15, 2013
Interesting read. Anybody considering the Con should read this first.
August 28, 2013
Great extended essay on Comic-Con and the people who go there
September 30, 2013
This short account of the Comic-Con Convention in San Diego is fun. It mostly describes the crazy carnival atmosphere, and sometimes analyzes it. It’s definitely an interesting phenomenon.
July 30, 2016
What Fun!
August 13, 2014
Fun appraisal of the convention experience, whether or not you've been to one yourself.
October 24, 2014
Nerds rule!
what a great read for anyone who has been to a comic con or is dying to go! the author gives the reader some insight to what life on the comic con floor is like!
what a great read for anyone who has been to a comic con or is dying to go! the author gives the reader some insight to what life on the comic con floor is like!
September 5, 2016
In so glad that Denver Comic Con isn't as overwhelming as this makes San Diego sound. It was a sweet read about really liking things and being a geek.
June 1, 2014
Took me back to my adolescents and the NYC comic con
April 10, 2014
Very enjoyable and interesting read.
January 21, 2016
Amazing read! The closest you'll get to experiencing Comic-Con without actually going there.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews