2013 Comic-Con International
A Review by Jennifer Benton
Staff Writer
Down with the freaks and geeks in San Diego for Comic-Con International, and as to be expected, we had an amazing time. This event which started in 1970 for comic enthusiasts and drew about 100 attendees has morphed into the largest pop culture event in America and now sees in the upwards of 130,000 attendees. If the exhibits (large than life) and costumes (unique and sometimes scandalous) aren't enough to hold your interest, just have a seat and witness the mayhem as it unfolds. Comic-Con promises days of glorious people watching and whatever it is you may be looking for, you will find it; and much, much more! Photo: 2013 Comic-Con, San Diego
Monster High, a fashion doll franchise inspired by monster movies, sci-fi horror and thriller fiction, is always a priority for our family and my seven-year-old daughter, Jaina, spent hours upon hours just looking at the dolls, books, and accessories (all behind glass) and talking to other fans at the booth. Children and adults alike come in full costume and share stories of favorite dolls, books, or episodes, all Monster High. Garrett and Eric Sander, the creative team who launched this epidemic (no joke; in three years MH has become the second best selling line of dolls in the world) hang out at their booth engaged with adoring fans and genuinely interested in their thoughts and opinions, seeming truly appreciative for all of their success. This was the brothers' fourth Con and upon interviewing them that first year, I distinctly remember checking out their merchandising in awe and stating, "Oh, you are going to be billionaires!"; last year their brand reached that billion dollar mark. Photo: Monster High dolls booth
Yet here they are, at their booth, appreciative and accessible and actually listening. By day two, they were hearing many complaints from fans regarding the difficulty obtaining a Comic-Con Exclusive MH doll and the next day, the purchasing limit was changed from six to two. Their commitment to the fans is astounding and I deeply admire how hard they work to make sure their loyal following has access to their amazing dolls. This change in the purchasing limit is the ONLY reason my daughter (who now designs her own clothes for said dolls) was able to take home this years Con Exclusive, " Webarella", accompanied by one of the hugest smiles I've ever seen. Photo: Jennifer Benton (R) with the Sanders, creators of MH dolls
Star Wars, of course, has priority as well and my entire family was thrilled to discover they had expanded the Star Wars Pavilion at Con, to include everything from Onesies and light saber sunglasses that light up www.jumpinjammerz.com; www.red5inc.com lawn chairs; character bathrobes www.stylinonline.com, sweatshirts; and slot racers www.hornbyamerica.com you could do pod racing or a battle with a Tie Fighter and X-Wing! Photo: Garrett and Eric Sander, the creative team behind MH Dolls
There was even a Star Wars Smart Car and a full line with every accessory you could possibly think of and some you had never even considered http://mycoolcarstuff.com Included in this magical pavilion was the Star Wars Pet Fans collection by Petco where they had everything from toys, collars, leashes, pet I.D. tags, apparel, accessories, and beds. Galactic fun for your dog or cat! The Yoda and Leia headpieces for cats were a family favorite for us but the interactive cat teasers with Vader and Yoda dangling are hysterical!
Photo: Star Wars Smart Car
While waiting in line to be a "first" in the doors on day two, and crowded into the hallway like cattle in a cattle truck, I smiled and struck up a conversation with Joseph W. Svec III only to discover he too lived in northern California and, in fact, right near the heart of Gold Country. Even in a crowd of thousands with people literally from all around the world, I managed to engage a family who turned out to be from Ione, California. Joseph is the author of "Toy Castles and Knights" and attended Con "...to see what the market is here and if there would be an interest in my book." A toy castle along with toy knights, detailed toy catapults, siege towers, wagons and other accessories provide the perfect play setting and help bring the pages of your favorite knight tales to life. His book is divided into 12 chapters: The first four based on significant themes and the next 8 countries of origin and miscellaneous categories. For more information about his book or to order accessories, call (209) 257-3200 or visit their site at www.ToyKnights.com
Photo: Joseph W. Svec III's book
If you are interested in learning more about Comic-Con International or their other comic conventions, visit them online at www.comic-con.org for dates that tickets will be on sale in 2014. Sincere thanks to the Gold Country Times newspaper for arranging Press tickets for us to cover this fantastic annual Comic-Con event for their readers. Photos by John and Jennifer Benton. John Benton is pictured at left.
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