Two conventions in as many weeks!  What as I thinking?  And yet, despite the undoubted difficulty of the undertaking, it was well worth it.  San Diego's intimate little science fiction and comic book convention, aptly titled "Comic Con," was the most fun I've had at a convention in 1960. 

There was plenty to see and do, including a well-stocked exhibit hall, fascinating panels with opportunities to meet creators–like the new Marvel (formerly Atlas) Comics hotshot, Stan Lee, and, of course, people in costume.  There was a refreshing number of female and juvenile attendees–and not just Millie the Model fans, either! 

One could say that D.C. (Detective Comics) ruled the roost, with big exhibits devoted to perennial favorites like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, though there are rumbles that Marvel Comics may return to superhero comics next year.  I remember the brief revivals of Sub-Mariner, The Human Torch, and Captain America with fondness, so here's hoping they can pull it off.

Now, they say that a picture is worth a thousand words, so let's take a look at these lovely (color!) photos I took at the convention, speedily developed for my eagerly awaiting fans.

Note: On a lark, the convention organizers printed all of the badges to say "2015" on them.  I suppose that's appropriate for a science fiction convention!

There was the contingent that came dressed in their everyday clothes:

These included a few of comic book creators:

Eric Shanover, creator of a comic retelling of the Trojan War.

Todd Nauck, an exciting new artist.

Joe Phillips, an artist of the "blue" variety.  Not for children…

Then you had the attendees who came in elaborate outfits.  Some were inspired by the pulps of the '30s and '40s:

Others came from a variety of venues–see if you can recognize them all!

And possibly the specialist of guests, Latin American revolutionary Che Guevarra!

Finally, we have The Traveler, himself:

It was lovely meeting so many like-minded fans, and I hope to run into all of you again in the years to come!

What is it that makes a con?  Is it the chance to meet published authors and prominent fans?  Is it the spirited discussion of high-minded concepts deep into the night?  Is it the opportunity to engage in salacious activities? 

Ultimately, what a convention all comes down to is building a community.  We all live in disparate locations around the country, and even with the gleaming new interstate system that allows us to travel in minutes what used to take hours, the density of fans in any given location is not particularly high.  So we all congregate in one place so that, for a brief shining instant, we can imagine a world where the fan is the norm.

It's a beautiful (and sometimes frightening) idea.

The convention I just came back from was Westercon SD (not to be confused with the "true" Westercon, currently still going on in Boise, Idaho and known this year as "Boycon").  All of the traditional con activities were present: the filk sings, the masquerade, the dance (a sock-hop, of course). 

I was present at none of these, however.  Instead, I simply ambled back and forth between the Dealers' Hall and the Hospitality Suite, occasionally dropping in on a panel.  I really go to cons just to meet people, and it's great to strike up conversations on esoteric topics with total strangers.  And you can, at a con, because you know that any given attendee will share several of your interests.  Mine, as my readers know, include increasing the inclusiveness of our clique, thus increasing the diversity of our membership; being something of a legal maven, the issues involved in copyrights are also near and dear to my heart. 

There were also many conversations on these three perennial topics:

1) "It's not as good as it used to be."

2) "Where did you buy that?"

3) "How do we get more people to be fans?"

As I stated above, a convention is all about its attendees, so let's have a look at some of the folks who comprised Westercon SD's short-lived but happy community:

This lovely gentleman is Doug Richards, that rare breed of writer who has made the big-time.  We met in line for registration, and we quickly became fast friends.  A really great fellow.

Ben has been attending Westercon virtually since its inception.  No fan like an old fan!

Here's Stuart, sampling the wares at the Dealers' Hall.

The brand new character, Supergirl!

Gotta love Tone's style!

Not to mention Her Majesty (perhaps inspired by this story?)

Another dapper gentleman tending booth.

Jennifer makes an amazing Morgan le Fay…

Cindy, selling first edition Oz books.

This is Chris, an historian and aeroplane enthusiast.

Gabrielle, again, as well as Kit (the merchant), and the lovely Janice.

Here is Janice again.  I was so taken with her, that I invited her to come home with me.  Of course, it was something of a sure thing–we've been married nearly twenty years!

And the Traveler, himself. 

See you soon with a load of print fiction reviews.  And then… off to the movies!