Cincinnati Comic Expo 2019
September 20-22
Duke Energy Convention Centre
525 Elm Street
Cincinnati, Oh 45202
This year my experience at the convention was better than I was expecting. Without a major con going on at the same time it seemed like this year was busier than the previous two years so that was very nice to see. With that I have to say the way that the convention was laid out in the space still left plenty of room to walk down the aisles without feeling like they weren't wide enough. There was one lone exception to that was the row 500 being where it was just wasn't conducive to easy navigation.
Now as a fan I would like to have seen more artists and more vendors, specifically those who sell comics, and far fewer of the craft people. I just don't understand why craft folks are there to begin with. I hear that a lot also and since it's comic expo, comics are in the name, there really should be a larger focus on that area.
As far as the guests that were here, again I wish we'd get more of them here. There plenty of people to invite, Cullen Bunn, Jeff Lemire, Russell Dauterman, and more. Also if this to grow like it I can see it doing than maybe more companies should be invited. Vault, Scout, Aftershock, Mad Cave Publishing to name a few are up and coming or already there and in the industry. Inviting them and getting them here with whomever they bring in terms of artists and writers would be a major coup. Also there are plenty of creators who live within Ohio and the area that weren't at the show and this one in particular should be where local creators should be invited to.
September 20-22
Duke Energy Convention Centre
525 Elm Street
Cincinnati, Oh 45202
This year my experience at the convention was better than I was expecting. Without a major con going on at the same time it seemed like this year was busier than the previous two years so that was very nice to see. With that I have to say the way that the convention was laid out in the space still left plenty of room to walk down the aisles without feeling like they weren't wide enough. There was one lone exception to that was the row 500 being where it was just wasn't conducive to easy navigation.
Now as a fan I would like to have seen more artists and more vendors, specifically those who sell comics, and far fewer of the craft people. I just don't understand why craft folks are there to begin with. I hear that a lot also and since it's comic expo, comics are in the name, there really should be a larger focus on that area.
As far as the guests that were here, again I wish we'd get more of them here. There plenty of people to invite, Cullen Bunn, Jeff Lemire, Russell Dauterman, and more. Also if this to grow like it I can see it doing than maybe more companies should be invited. Vault, Scout, Aftershock, Mad Cave Publishing to name a few are up and coming or already there and in the industry. Inviting them and getting them here with whomever they bring in terms of artists and writers would be a major coup. Also there are plenty of creators who live within Ohio and the area that weren't at the show and this one in particular should be where local creators should be invited to.
The only convention in the two hour (ish) travel time that competes with this one is Lexington Comic & Toy Expo so in order to be the premiere convention in the area it needs to grow and find a way to separate itself from the entire pack.
These are suggestions based upon what I see. The floor plan that we see is great and there were some really great guests that we've never seen here before so that's incredibly well done. Also that we have regular guests and to see their new work and get a chance to chat with them and catch up in person can not be underrated in how special it makes your attendees feel.
The staff and volunteers here were fantastic! I had good experiences talking to them, asking questions, directions and anything I could think of. Yes I do that on purpose because if they are rude to me I can only imagine what the other attendee's would think. But I am happy to say the volunteer's and staff were great, and to see them walking the floor making sure the creators had water, needed to get food, use the restroom and such to ensure the table wasn't left unattended, all of this was impressive. It felt like the made the effort to continually do this and it was noticed.
These are suggestions based upon what I see. The floor plan that we see is great and there were some really great guests that we've never seen here before so that's incredibly well done. Also that we have regular guests and to see their new work and get a chance to chat with them and catch up in person can not be underrated in how special it makes your attendees feel.
The staff and volunteers here were fantastic! I had good experiences talking to them, asking questions, directions and anything I could think of. Yes I do that on purpose because if they are rude to me I can only imagine what the other attendee's would think. But I am happy to say the volunteer's and staff were great, and to see them walking the floor making sure the creators had water, needed to get food, use the restroom and such to ensure the table wasn't left unattended, all of this was impressive. It felt like the made the effort to continually do this and it was noticed.
I had a great time at the convention, I didn't see a Press Lounge, where one could go to post an interview or photo's taken, as well as a place to sit down for a minute. Maybe I missed it, or it could be included in the Green Room is something to consider, and keeping us hydrated and a chance to chat folks informally, which usually ends up as an interview piece, wouldn't be a bad thing. Overall I have to say this year was a massive improvement over the last few and it really was fun.
My biggest suggestion, complaint, advice is to set a standard for the comics creators about charging for signatures. To see almost everyone charging this year was off-putting to me, I understand reasons why and if a vendor is getting 100 books autographed they should pay but to get 1 (ONE) free and 5 for every other puts a damper on the spirit. I don't mind them asking for money to sign books but set a standard, ask them or suggest sign five free and charge thereafter, and with vendors or huge stacks whatever they deem appropriate. It is getting out of control when you want two books signed and the creator is charging 10 bucks a pop. That's my rant on that.
If you live in four to five hour drive radius from Cincinnati you need to pick a day, drive down and be a part of this, it's an excellent show and it's going to continue to grow. It's one of my staples every year and the way it's incredibly personable, approachable and features a variety of new and familiar faces is just icing on the cake!
If you live in four to five hour drive radius from Cincinnati you need to pick a day, drive down and be a part of this, it's an excellent show and it's going to continue to grow. It's one of my staples every year and the way it's incredibly personable, approachable and features a variety of new and familiar faces is just icing on the cake!
RSS Feed
