Emerald City Comicon 2016 is just one week away. Tens of thousands of fans gather in Seattle for the biggest pop culture celebrating in the Pacific Northwest. This year ECCC expands to a fourth day of comics, cosplay, gaming and more. The 14th Edition of ECC is kicking off in true Seattle style with two guys who could rock a superhero uniform: Seattle Seahawks Richard Sherman and Bobby Wagner. Six fans will compete on Sherman and Wagner’s teams in a ECCC Black Ops 3 Open on day one.
Stars of The Walking Dead, Supergirl, The Flash, Marvel’s Daredevil, IZombie, Once Upon A Time, Firefly and even a Mighty Morphin Power Ranger are among the cast of celebrity guests who will greet fans in panels, autograph and photo sessions. Legendary creators and rising star comic book writers and artists will be here for sketches, autographs and spotlight panels.
The homegrown con grew huge like the Hulk into a major destination for fans across the country. The massive event now takes over the entire Washington State Convention Center for four days. There’s even a fifth day. For the first time Image Expo teamed up with ReedPop (ECCC’s parent company) to bring Image Expo 2016 to Seattle for an all day event at The Showbox in downtown Seattle followed by an after party in the style of a Spring Formal dance. Expect a wave of big announcements of new comics by top creators.
With so much to see and do, how do you make the most of Comicon?
Back by popular demand, here’s our updated Comicon for Virgins. If you’re brand new or a veteran super fan here are 10 important things to remember to help you enjoy your Comicon:
1. Have a budget. Bring cash. Be ready to blow your budget.
A ton of artists and merchants now have the fancy card readers but have cash on hand just in case. You can look up celebrity autograph and photo op prices ahead of time. You can check on an artist’s website for commission prices. Be ready for the unexpected. You will see an amazing print, rare comic or cool collectible you must have.
2. Do your homework and have a plan.
Make a wish of stars and creators you want to meet and the must attend panels. You can go old school cheat sheet and map or download the ECCC app ahead of time. Each celebrity will have a schedule for panels, autographs and photo ops. Check the programming guide to find time to meet your favorite artists or writer in between their panels. Major publishers like Dark Horse, Image Comics, Valiant Comics and Oni Press will have their own booths on the show floor and offer special autograph sessions with their marquee artists and writers plus exclusive comics. This way you can know if you should wait in line for a certain comic guest.
3. You know what they say about best laid plans!
If you miss what you hoped to see don’t worry, there’s always something cool. Maybe it’s Comicon destiny that a panel room is full or an autograph line is capped. Changing your strategy could lead to discovering new artists, meeting friends and fellow fans.
4. Autographs and Photos, Part One.
For comic book guests, just know they have panels booked so you’re not waiting in line and then they have to leave for an hour. Comic book guest autographs are usually free. Celebrity autographs and photos are on a schedule and do have fees. Be sure to pay attention to instructions from the ECCC volunteers (aka Minions) to keep the lines flowing smoothly so everyone enjoys their experience and follow the rules especially about not snapping photos with your phone in the celebrity area. Just don’t do it.
5. Autographs, Part Two.
Be selective about the comic books you bring to have signed. I take only a max of four books to be signed by a writer or artist. I pick my books based on if they are number one issues, the first issue for that creator or because they were part of a cool story with my favorite hero. Respect other fans waiting just like you. Don’t drop dozens of books to be signed. You can buy new books at their table usually. This is your chance to talk with the creators. If you’re going to be critical, be constructive and respectful. If the writer killed off your favorite character, don’t worry, they’ll be resurrected eventually. This is your moment with a top comic book creator but remember your fellow fans are waiting for their moments too.
6. Sketches.
Most artists charge a fee for a custom sketch. Ask the fans ahead of you what they’re charging and if you should provide the paper. Some fans bring sketchbooks or a comic book card. Sometimes you might catch an artist in a mood and sketches are free but most have a fee – many are already working on special commissions set up in advance. I would recommend trying to see the artist on day one to get on the list or reach out to them via social media to see their commission requests and prices. Even if they’re drawing they will usually still sign your comic. Be patient and again, respect your fellow fans.
7. To Cosplay or Not to Cosplay? COSPLAY!
This is comicon. You don’t be self-conscious. Let your geek flag fly high. Go crazy with a costume celebrating your favorite character from comics, movies or video games or just sport a cool t-shirt celebrating your favorite comic, sci-fi or fantasy genre. There are a ton of meet up groups so you can meet fans from the same genre. There’s even a Cospitality Zone, with a lounge, changing rooms, workshops and costume repair shop. (Above is the 2015 costume contest winner captured by Josh Lewis of Seattle Refined. That’s a Thrall War Chief from World of Warcraft.) Here’s a look at some of our cosplayers from last year.
8. Cosplay is NOT Consent!
ECCC has a zero tolerance policy for harassment of any kind. Show respect for others who are expressing their comic or sci-fi love. Geeks come in all shapes, sizes, colors and orientations. Comicon is not the time for ridicule, objectification or unwelcome advances – this is a time for celebration of the genres we all love. Respect others.
9. Panels
If it’s a big star (hello Nathan Fillion!) or artist then expect a big line so get there early. For a major celebrity or publisher you may want to get in line at least an hour. If the room is full then check your guide for another panel for revisit a new exhibitor on the floor or check out the Artist Alley.
10. Expand your horizons and enjoy!
Comicon is massive and filled with a diversity of programming. Embrace the opportunity to discover a new artist, writer, comic book or fan group. You may meet your next favorite comic writer, comic book or new friends to share your geek love and fan devotion.
Plan, Respect. Enjoy. Emerald City Comicon is April 7 to 10 at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle.
By Editor