By John Soltes / Editor in Chief
NEW YORK (Oct. 21, 2009) - Comic book conventions are not for everyone. In fact, they're not for most people. But for those who get giddy over Green Lantern and Commander Bill Adama, there's no topping the thrill of welcoming thousands of other like-minded people into one big room and talking, debating, buying, ooohing and aahhing over meaningful, meaningless obsessions.
I am one of these people, and I attended my first comic book convention recently. It was the Big Apple Comic Con at Pier 94 in Midtown Manhattan. And I am not ashamed to say, I enjoyed myself immensely.
On a drizzly Saturday morning, the crowds showed up in droves. And many of these fans came decked out in the attire of their fantasized worlds.
There were Chewbaccas and Rorschachs, Trekkies and R2D2. There were scantily-clad cylons, light-saber-toting Jedis and Batman and Catwoman, too.
And then there were the assembled celebrities at the convention. Jabba the Hut made an appearance (or at least the man who played him), as did that guy you know you know, but you can't place his name.
There was a fraction of the Brady Bunch, reality TV stars, several Playmates and Billy Dee Williams, who needs no further explaining.
"Terminator" fans had both Linda Hamilton and Edward Furlong, while "Battlestar Galactica" enthusiasts had a motley variety of actors to choose from. Julie Newmar looked decadent, while Tom Wopat shook hands with "Dukes of Hazzard" fans.
A comic book convention is a smorgasbord of products to buy, celebrities to see and artists to bow down to. Big Apple Comic Con made the smart move of putting the biggest name right up front as soon as attendees walked in: William Shatner of "Star Trek" fame.
For a scribble from the "Priceline Negotiator," one needed to shell out $75. Brent Spiner, another "Star Trek" actor, cost $40 for an autograph.
Adam West of "Batman" fame charged $50, while the "Battlestar" actors averaged $30. "Blade Runner's" Sean Young was $40, while Peter Mayhew, aka Chewbacca, was only $20.
Many fans took these celebrities up on the steep cost. Lines naturally formed around the most iconic of these icons (professional wrestler Ric Flair had a rather large crowd). Guests at other tables ("Survivor" winners and obscure 1980s horror-film actors) waited several minutes in between autographs.
But seeing a famous person is only one third of the story. The other two parts are more true to the heart of the convention: art and stuff to buy.
Tons of comics, graphic novels, action figures, T-shirts and memorabilia were on sale. Vendors appeared to be doing decent business, with many a gawker stopping, looking and ultimately shelling out some money. The line for the ATM machine in the pier was one of the longest, even longer than an autograph from Lou Ferrigno, of "The Incredible Hulk."
"Artist Alley" was where fans could meet the actual people who bring comic books to life. These are the men and women who breathe life into the characters that these attendees cherish. They are, in some ways, God -- able to giveth and taketh life away.
Attending a comic book convention can be a draining affair. Your feet hurt by the day's end. Your wallet is lighter. And you're tired of the crowds. But, as you head back to the car, your hands are holding little gems from your journey. An autograph here, a "Star Wars" bobblehead there.
And plus, you just saw William Shatner! How can you complain about anything?
