The organizers of this year’s convention deserve a lot of credit for their logistical improvements. I read a lot of negative comments about last year’s show and to be honest I was quite concerned as I was driving four hours from Toronto. I got to the Suburban Collection Showplace a little before 10am and there was already a line-up to get into the parking lot. However, things moved rather well with three lines dividing up the traffic into the various parking lots.
The line-ups outside the Showplace were well organized and quickly dispersed when the show opened. Just after noon, the line-up had all but disappeared to get in. The layout of the show was good with retailers strategically placed between artists’ alley and the celebrity autograph area.
I attended the show mostly to meet and get autographs from creative talents that don’t normally make their way to Toronto’s Fan Expo, like J.M. DeMatteis, Frank Brunner, and Gerry Conway. Their lineups were modest and for bigger draws like Claremont, they actually set up areas for fans to queue. The show was well spaced out and the artists’ alley was impressive in terms of its size.
Art Baltazar, artist on Tiny Titans, one of my daughter’s favourites,
was a class act providing a lovely sketch of Robin.
Legendary DC artist Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez happily sketched for fans throughout the day.
J.M. DeMatteis, author of Moonshadow, Justice League International,
and Spider-Man: Kraven’s Last Hunt.
My copy of Kraven's Last Hunt signed by DeMatteis, Zeck, and McLeod!
With Gerry Conway, the write who killed Gwen Stacey!
The costume play was a bit of surprise with legions of
Stormtroopers, Ghostbusters, and Game of Thrones inspired fans showcasing their
efforts. Several families dressed up together thematically to partake in the
show’s fun environment.
While there was a broad range of retailers, there was a distinct lack of gaming products. I was looking to take advantage of the cheaper US prices on Star Wars X-Wing and some other board game expansions, but struck out.
From my Saturday attendance, the 25th Anniversary Motor City Comic Con was a great success and well worth the drive. Looking forward to next year!
