Comfortable. It is not a word I generally use in reference to being out in public, let alone being out in public at a crowded convention, but that’s what I was at the Atlantic City Boardwalk Convention (ACBC). I attended the show on press passes, however, it would have fit my budget to obtain 3 day passes for myself and my photographer Cat Norris. Suspiciously, everything at the con fit my budget despite some of the high ranking talent in attendance.
I use a cane to do 80%(ish) of my walking, anything more than a quick jaunt into a Wawa requires it, and days spent at conventions either require a walk 10 minutes / sit 10 minutes game plan, or the renting of a usually expensive mobility aid, such as a wheelchair or a scooter. Not only was I able to obtain a scooter for a very reasonable day rate, the shop that was renting them opened early on Sunday for me and others in need to get their rentals for the last day of the convention.
Everyone from staff to guests were very friendly and helpful, they even had a center lane through the entire convention floor for people with disabilities or strollers so they wouldn’t get bumped into constantly while trying to navigate the rather large layout of the event.
There was tons of cosplay, ranging in all shapes and sizes, races and genders. No one looked at anyone sideways, no one seemed to be openly mocking anyone, there was even an LGBTQ passport to get stamped at all of the queer-friendly booths. Truly, this was a Utopian space where all that mattered was your love of all things comics and pop culture. Once the high from all the genuinely nice people and reasonable prices wore off (and the painkillers kicked in) we traveled to every corner of the event perusing the vendors, artists, guests and special exhibits on hand. We had a great chat with the lovely Brimstone, scored some tasty seasonings and then talked to Jim Harrigan & Jason Igrossman two illustrators featured in the gallery below.
There were dozens of panels to choose from, and a bevy of celebrity guests, not the least of which is the wonderful Ming Chen of AMCs Comic Book Men, one of Kevin Smiths right-hand men. Ming, who I’ve known for a few years now from attending book signings and secret poker games after hours at the stash, and now popping up at conventions, was kind enough to take a few minutes to chat with us about fans, his Apple addiction, and the Con life in our very first video podcast-lette:
We spoke briefly with Jay Mewes about setting up an interview but it wasn’t in the cards this time, however stay tuned we are sure to have something in the future with him!
We were bummed about Stan Lee missing the convention, but our Generalissimo did not disappoint, classy as hell and he sent a nerd boner inducing collection of Marvel treasures in his stead. While refunds for some of the disgruntled guests have been a little hinky, but the first time con really does seem to be working hard to provide information and resolution as quickly as possible, when you have a bailout on the scale of Stan Lee at your very first convention there are going to be some things that need to be worked out. I hope this convention returns to Atlantic City because I very much want to attend the next one!
Special thanks to Cat for taking pictures / recording pod!
EllyRox 