Post by The Ultimate Nullifier on Nov 24, 2014 14:10:16 GMT -6
Holly Hines visits an old-style convention in Iowa City — six dealers in a hotel — and finds there are plenty of people who are still enthusiastic about that sort of show.
www.press-citizen.com/story/news/local/2014/11/22/iowa-city-comic-convention/19412703/
A comic book convention in Iowa City on Saturday was an opportunity for enthusiasts to bond, find back issues and look for good deals.
Six dealers gathered at the event, organized by Alan Morton of Wyoming, Ill., at the Travelodge Hotel, to sell comics dating back to the 1940s, as well as newer and modern-day titles.
James Margadant, 34, of Iowa City said that the convention was the first he’d attended, and that he usually shops at comic book stores or online. He said the event offered better deals and an opportunity to find issues he needed to complete sets.
“This is good because these pull boxes are so cheap, and you can find gold,” he said
Margadant on Saturday came to the convention in search of X-Men comics for a collection he started when he was young.
He said that while he probably won’t travel to conventions frequently, he plans to keep an eye out for ones that are conveniently located.
Jared Siddall of Silvis, Ill., a comic book collector of about three years, sold comics on Saturday dating back to the 1970s.
Siddall said conventions offer good opportunities for shoppers to browse a wide variety of comics, including older titles.
He said comics featuring first appearances of TV and movie characters are popular right now, including a “Swamp Thing” comic he carried on Saturday that boasted a first appearance of Constantine, featured in an NBC television series of the same name.
“That’s a very hot book right now,” Siddall said.
Dealers said other popular names include “The Walking Dead,” “Deadpool” and “Green Arrow.”
Morton holds comic conventions similar to Saturday’s event in the same location every eight to ten months as well as other conventions throughout the Midwest. His next event will take place at Ramada Inn in Bettendorf on Dec. 27.
He also said a benefit of conventions is the variety they offer.
Morton said many comic book shops focus on stocking the newest issues, and that this can make it tough to find particular ones in stores.
“Finding them is the hard part,” he said.
Tanner Meeks, 13, of Belle Plaine said Saturday’s convention was his first, as well. He said he was having fun and that Batman comics are among his favorites.
Meeks attended with his uncle, Ted Daily of Cedar Rapids, who has been collecting comics for more than 20 years.
Daily, 48, said he and his nephew viewed the convention as a way to spend time together.
“We’re just kind of finding a hobby that we both share,” he said. “Hopefully it will grow from there.”
Reach Holly Hines at hhines2@press-citizen.com or at 887-5414.
www.press-citizen.com/story/news/local/2014/11/22/iowa-city-comic-convention/19412703/
A comic book convention in Iowa City on Saturday was an opportunity for enthusiasts to bond, find back issues and look for good deals.
Six dealers gathered at the event, organized by Alan Morton of Wyoming, Ill., at the Travelodge Hotel, to sell comics dating back to the 1940s, as well as newer and modern-day titles.
James Margadant, 34, of Iowa City said that the convention was the first he’d attended, and that he usually shops at comic book stores or online. He said the event offered better deals and an opportunity to find issues he needed to complete sets.
“This is good because these pull boxes are so cheap, and you can find gold,” he said
Margadant on Saturday came to the convention in search of X-Men comics for a collection he started when he was young.
He said that while he probably won’t travel to conventions frequently, he plans to keep an eye out for ones that are conveniently located.
Jared Siddall of Silvis, Ill., a comic book collector of about three years, sold comics on Saturday dating back to the 1970s.
Siddall said conventions offer good opportunities for shoppers to browse a wide variety of comics, including older titles.
He said comics featuring first appearances of TV and movie characters are popular right now, including a “Swamp Thing” comic he carried on Saturday that boasted a first appearance of Constantine, featured in an NBC television series of the same name.
“That’s a very hot book right now,” Siddall said.
Dealers said other popular names include “The Walking Dead,” “Deadpool” and “Green Arrow.”
Morton holds comic conventions similar to Saturday’s event in the same location every eight to ten months as well as other conventions throughout the Midwest. His next event will take place at Ramada Inn in Bettendorf on Dec. 27.
He also said a benefit of conventions is the variety they offer.
Morton said many comic book shops focus on stocking the newest issues, and that this can make it tough to find particular ones in stores.
“Finding them is the hard part,” he said.
Tanner Meeks, 13, of Belle Plaine said Saturday’s convention was his first, as well. He said he was having fun and that Batman comics are among his favorites.
Meeks attended with his uncle, Ted Daily of Cedar Rapids, who has been collecting comics for more than 20 years.
Daily, 48, said he and his nephew viewed the convention as a way to spend time together.
“We’re just kind of finding a hobby that we both share,” he said. “Hopefully it will grow from there.”
Reach Holly Hines at hhines2@press-citizen.com or at 887-5414.