Comments on Wizard World Los Angeles--Comics vs. Soft Porn???

[Darthdiesel]

divorce lawyer

[underthebigw]

[FlyingDonut]

 

I know, I know!

 

Are you coming to Baltimore? Will you have some COOL STUFF?

 

I'm running Marc's table, so come and see the Trained Monkey.

[underthebigw]

Well, I don't want to pre-empt a formal announcement, but there's going to be a brand new, Pepsi sponsored, giveaway to dealers and the first 500 guests at the show.

 

And I'll be setting up there on the off chance anyone gives a rats-buttocks about my new comic-related venture. See ya on Fri. afternoon.

[BassGMan]

Silver, nice little story. I've seen dealers like the one you mentioned and I'd stay away from that guy too. Adult mags (old or new) don't interest me and I stay away from scuzzy dealers whether they sell porn, comics or toys. But I disagree with you in how you say that the appearance of a few porn stars and adult material drags down attendance and sales. My guess is the opposite. I bet that the appearance of these girls brings in MORE people than it drives away. And I doubt they have any impact on how much money is spent on comics and other goods.

 

For anyone that thinks the presence of porn at comic cons hinders the hobby from being passed onto future generations, well... I think you are delusional. That is ridiculous. You are giving too much credit to these girls. They are of minor impact at shows. Outside of a few adults walking by with their kids and feeling uncomfortable about it, they are mostly a non-issue. No big deal. Isn't attendance going UP each year at the larger cons? Maybe new issue sales are lagging, but comic cons are growing. Wizard is starting new shows around the country, this year including Boston, next year maybe even Seattle . Attendance goes up each year at San Diego too. Sure, maybe comics are being pushed aside and no longer the focus (although still the main theme) but these porn chicks are surely not hurting business for anybody. Talk about having ethical problems, fine. Talk about them hurting the hobby, forget it, you are wrong.

 

And ANOTHER thing. I think that the negative attitude that some of us comic collectors think many outsiders have of this hobby is a myth. I do not encounter this at all. Most people that I run into at work, or at social gatherings, or through music, etc. when I tell them I am a comic collector, most think it is really cool. The only gasps I hear is when I tell them how much some comics (not mine) are worth. Mainstream movies have made comic books and comic book characters cool again. I do not see this "they are all geeks" attitude out there. If it is, I don't come across it. And I sure as heck don't hold back from telling people about it when it comes to talk of hobbies and interests. Although "I'm a comic book collector" would not be my opening line if I was a single guy meeting a new girl, I would not hesitate bringing it up over dinner on a first date. Collecting comic books and all that comes with it is not an embarassment or something to hide because of what some poeple think others associate it with.

[jbud73]

Well said.

 

Just out of curiosity, since you said "whose profession required having to deal with some of the more ugly sides of human nature and sexuality", what do you do for a living?

 

Well he did start off by saying you hit the nail on the head but other than that it was a good post.

[underthebigw]

Silver, nice little story. I've seen dealers like the one you mentioned and I'd stay away from that guy too. Adult mags (old or new) don't interest me and I stay away from scuzzy dealers whether they sell porn, comics or toys. But I disagree with you in how you say that the appearance of a few porn stars and adult material drags down attendance and sales. My guess is the opposite. I bet that the appearance of these girls brings in MORE people than it drives away. And I doubt they have any impact on how much money is spent on comics and other goods.

 

For anyone that thinks the presence of porn at comic cons hinders the hobby from being passed onto future generations, well... I think you are delusional. That is ridiculous. You are giving too much credit to these girls. They are of minor impact at shows. Outside of a few adults walking by with their kids and feeling uncomfortable about it, they are mostly a non-issue. No big deal. Isn't attendance going UP each year at the larger cons? Maybe new issue sales are lagging, but comic cons are growing. Wizard is starting new shows around the country, this year including Boston, next year maybe even Seattle . Attendance goes up each year at San Diego too. Sure, maybe comics are being pushed aside and no longer the focus (although still the main theme) but these porn chicks are surely not hurting business for anybody. Talk about having ethical problems, fine. Talk about them hurting the hobby, forget it, you are wrong.

 

And ANOTHER thing. I think that the negative attitude that some of us comic collectors think many outsiders have of this hobby is a myth. I do not encounter this at all. Most people that I run into at work, or at social gatherings, or through music, etc. when I tell them I am a comic collector, most think it is really cool. The only gasps I hear is when I tell them how much some comics (not mine) are worth. Mainstream movies have made comic books and comic book characters cool again. I do not see this "they are all geeks" attitude out there. If it is, I don't come across it. And I sure as heck don't hold back from telling people about it when it comes to talk of hobbies and interests. Although "I'm a comic book collector" would not be my opening line if I was a single guy meeting a new girl, I would not hesitate bringing it up over dinner on a first date. Collecting comic books and all that comes with it is not an embarassment or something to hide because of what some poeple think others associate it with.

 

First off, none of us can argue either side with certainty, so I don't think I'm delusional here.

 

Secondly, I've always been one of the people on these boards who have scoffed at being presented as a fan boy. I've never hidden my comic collecting habits, and it never interferred with my dating or sex life. However, the portrayal of comic fans in the movies and media is, let's face it, poor. Even when local news shows air features on comic shows, they consistently show the dorkiest and most bizarre fringe elements present. And the anchors of course conclude the segment with sneers and snickers.

 

And, if you don't think the presence of porn affects attendance or sales, here's another story. I went to the big apple show last Nov. with a childhood collecting pal and his 2 sons. The sons were completely interested in some action figures and comic-related memorablia that was set up next to the enterance to the stretch of non-comic guests, including one truly skanky chick who was pretty much camped out right there (was actually pretty funny to watch here fail at attracting customers for her "material"). My friend spent more time trying to keep his kids (8 and 5) attention away from the her and the material she was selling, than helping his kids pick out an item they truly wanted. They were annoyed he wasn't paying attention, they didn't get what they wanted, he was stressed out. They left about 10 minutes later. I just don't think you can underestimate the number of people who don't attend shows and the amount of discomfort the presence of porn creates for parents.

[Wally's Comics]

Man, this must be a record for how strong a resurection thread recovers!

 

Congrats Strong Guy for turning this thread into a classic.

 

 

 

The infamous farley dance has been earned...

 

 

 

 

 

 

[shrunkenhead]

 

[mica]

I'm very encouraged by this thread. I have kids, and a wife that likes to go where I go. I plan on going to Chicago next year, and have been wondering about how to distract them from the "spread eagle" sections.

 

For many years my family attended Star Trek Conventions in Tulsa and Kansas City without any of the Stripper type environs. There were the swords and Klingon Batleth sections. And yes, much to the more weapon-sensitive members of this forum I did enjoy twirling their batleths around pretending to be a Klingon. And Yes I did dress as a Klingon one time in KC (oh the shame).

But 2006 in Chicago will be my first ever Comic convention. So I am hoping to enjoy it and not looking forward to blushing.

I have been wondering about where to send my family while I go and dig through back issue boxes. If these "spread eagle" sections do get roped off then I'll bring the family into the convention. If not, then they'll probably go shopping or sight seeing while I am meeting some of you guys.

For those of you that are bothered by this threads existance, then feel free to stop reading. I am glad to know that there are still a number of individuals that feel this way about filtering for their family. This has encouraged me.

[Red Hook]

Great postings Paul!

 

And I can't wait to see what your new venture is all about! Sounds like fun!

[BassGMan]

I am glad to know that there are still a number of individuals that feel this way about filtering for their family. This has encouraged me.

 

Please be aware that although some people enjoy the presence of these girls at the cons, and some do not, there has not been one single objection to this "filter" we have been talking about. Everyone is in agreement that a roped or curtained off section would be best for these girls as well as the erotic artists that are also spread around Artist's Alley.

[joe_collector]

Everyone is in agreement that a roped or curtained off section would be best for these girls as well as the erotic artists that are also spread around Artist's Alley.

 

But the problem with this, is that the girls and porn sellers obviously do not want to be in a cordoned off area (less walk-through business) otherwise it would already have been done. Con organizers aren't stupid and if the porn stars, artists and smut dealers would pay the same rates to be "behind the curtain" then they'd be behind the curtain.

 

The only reason the porn is in the main part of the Con is because they're PAYING to be there in plain sight.

[mlovest]

OK, speaking of heavy hitters, what does Steve Borock think about this whole issue? Surely he and CGC could make a stink if they said they refused to have their booth near the "ladies."

 

What say you, Steve? Come on...

 

Any other big-time dealers on the boards?

 

Personally, I've already voted. I didn't go to San Diego with my son because of our Long Beach experience. And no, I'm not a BSD, Bob...so maybe I wasn't missed.

 

V/R,

Mike

[jediknight]

Gripe time…

 

OK, I spent several hours at the con today with my son. ...

However, I was a bit disappointed by the number of scantily clad women. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy seeing pretty women, but I didn’t expect to see half-naked women hanging around as I walked the floor with my son. In fact, I was somewhat shocked to see half nude or mostly nude sketches and pictures at table level in clear view of my son. I was hoping to see lots of superheroes and neat stuff my kid would appreciate, but I was very disappointed to see so much soft porn at an event attended by so many kids.

 

 

I'm ticked as well. Here a boob there a boob everywhere a boob. It's ridiculous. A gay kid colt, Batman slipping the big one to Robin. Huge mountainous floppy boobs, exposed goddess cut tummies, and all for everyone to see. Where will it end?

[Aman619]

just buy Original Art!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

sorry, I stole KrazyKat's post..