While different in scale and style, both San Diego and Phoenix comic conventions are economic hits

In May 2010, downtown Phoenix was filled with about 14,000 fans attending its eighth Phoenix Comicon. In July 2010, the entire city of San Diego was filled with ten times as many attending the 35^th San Diego Comic Con. While the two events had the same theme, they were very different and, yet satisfying to both sets of participants and cities.

There was little comparison between the two exhibit halls. San Diego boasted huge flashy exhibits from Marvel, DC Comics, Mattel, Hasbro, Lego, Warner Brothers and Lucasfilm in over 50 jammed aisles. On the downside, unlike at Phoenix, there was little time or space to chitchat with or question vendors.

Chris Myers, Marketing Associate at Diamond Select Toys, one of the top collectibles vendors, said, despite the economy, people are still crazy about mini-mates, Universal monsters, and the new Femme Fatales. Funko is also thriving with its unique bobbleheads and wacky wobblers. Attendees received gigantic 2’ X 2 1/2’ cloth shopping bags to fill with mementoes.

Though the San Diego event was definitely more “Hollywood” with major movie stars like Angelina Jolie, both groups, however, still seemed most excited about seeing the legends. Ray Bradbury, at 90, has been to every Comic Con. Though frail, he admitted he was still a 12-year-old, and kept the audience enthralled with witticisms (e.g., “Don’t think, do!”). Both Phoenix and San Diego had the thrill of seeing 88-year-old Stan Lee.

First-time attendees always seem thrilled. Tahnee Phan, an assistant principal, and Chris Bielecki, a doctor, from Orange County brought his sketches to get professionally reviewed, while Hector Hernandez from Houston was excited about seeing Sly Stallone and the cast of the Expendables. Some of the veterans, like Ben Guillermo, who has 140 minimates, and Carl Hossli, who reports his convention activities on his blog, provided advice to newbies.

But long-time attendees bemoaned the new difficulty getting tickets, hours-long lines, and loss of intimacy with speakers, problems Phoenix attendees do not yet endure. Rebin Claire, who has been coming since 1989, also pointed out that it is difficult to bring children to the San Diego event due to crowds and inappropriate material. Phoenix, on the other hand, had many families in attendance with children in costumes.

Though they were very different, the two conventions showed that these events are huge draws for their respective audiences and major sources of finances and fun for their communities.