I went to ComicCon for the first time.
Where the hell did Betty (of Betty and Veronica) and Casper the Friendly Ghost go? Have the fresh-faced, all-American, heart-of-gold girl and the helpful little ghost have been eaten by vampires, flesh-eating zombies, and goth creatures? The original Incredible Hulk (Lou Ferrigno) seemed lonely at his booth, as crowds lined-up instead to get autographs from the new wave of artists, villians, and characters. "Who are you waiting for?" I asked a young woman. "Spike!" she proudly announced. "You know, 'Spike of Buffy?' I don't know his real name." Where is Adam West when you need him? (I actually know where he is...he does voiceovers for "The Family Guy.") The batmobile, however, has been replaced by a simulation vehicle, as high-tech companies displayed their "virtual reality experiences" and life-size immersive video games.
I've always been a "When in Rome..." kinda gal, so I suited-up (not literally,, although maybe next year) and immersed myself in the experience. As a marketer, pop culture fan and media freak, I was thrilled and inspired. I saw origami comic books, plastic brick sculptures, amazingly talented artists and musicians, and awe-inspiring technologies.
The most unsavory and comic moment of the show was when an exhibitor tried to sell me an adult comic book about a stripper who has amazing adventures with her pet dog. Sort of like a new age Dorothy in Oz. I appreciated the concept, but the idea of having pulp porn on my shelf along with Nancy Drew did not sit well with me.
But, all in all, it was a lot of fun. I would even go back this weekend if the weather weren't so glorious and I didn't have my "real life" to attend to.
I bought a few Classics Illustrated comic books and a Little Lotta. And Dan Parent signed a poster for my daughters.
I found Betty...she was not, in fact, murdered by evil warriors. She is just hanging out on a different part of the world these days (and now she has cleavage).
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