The first sci-fi and comic book conventions come about, this was due to the fans that loved these fantastic worlds. And, later became a place to meet actors and artists of TV shows and comic books if it weren’t for these first fan shows there would have never been Star Trek or Superman conventions.
But, over time and the increased popularity of superheroes, sci-fi, and fantasy due to Hollywood produced movies and TV shows, fandom has grown by leaps and bounds. Unfortunately, as fandom has grown, so has the greed and disconnect from the very fans who started these conventions beloved by so many.
Originally small conventions in California, New York, Texas, and other states proved to be places for fans to get together trade information, memorabilia, and stories about the things they love the best. Actors from canceled TV shows like the original Star Trek and even actors and actresses from movie serials were able to find a second life and fans as special guests of these conventions.
As time marched on conventions such as a New York Comic Con and the San Diego Comic-Con became the big ticket meccas of fandom. If you really wanted to meet your favorite artist and actors or get the latest greatest info on new superhero, sci-fi, and fantasy movies and TV shows these two conventions were the places to go.
So you could attend these shows. However, San Diego Comic-Con the only releases a limited number of tickets pretty quickly and some fans even if they have tickets have been known to wait for days in line to see a particular celebrity or artist.
And Texas, who has had a long tradition of cons has a show like Comicpalooza, which recently switched ownership from the private to the public sector, and failed shows such as Space City, it seems that a show can be affected by the management and the way a show is ran.
Indeed, Wizard World it was well known and largest convention franchisor is has lost revenue over time, and they’re many that attribute that to their disconnect from their fans. However despite and the wall between those who put the conventions on and those who attend them there is some light at the end of the con tunnel. FOr, example, Wizard World has begun to reconnect with its fans at their cons.
In recent years new shows what purpose of reconnecting fans to their fandom has become an important mission for different people.
Going back to the Texas example, the Greater Austin Comic Con brought such fan favorites Kevin Sorbo of Hercules and Andromeda, and John Wesley Shipp of The Flash to meet their fans. Set up on a smaller scale this con was able to lower ticket and photo and autograph prices and have a successful family friendly con.
Also in September in Houston, Texas, the weekend 14th to the 16th, the Fandmic tour will be arriving at the NRG Convention Center. This show which has had a successful first show in Sacramento, California is driven to bring closer the connection between fans and what they love. By keeping the celebrity line-up, small and ensuring they have properly trained staff and a functioning crew, that can handle the logistics of a show, this hopefully is the new wave of bigger scale comic and sci-fi conventions.
Fans should not have to go to an out-of-the-way store just pick up a trinket exclusive to a convention they can’t attend, but rather have the opportunity to go to a con in their home area where they can enjoy what they love being part of the best fandoms on the planet.