NC Comicon

We went and had a great time last year. Trading out pre-​purchased tickets for lanyards was a little weird as a concept, but apparently, you could do it earlier at Ultimate Comics in Chapel Hill.
I think it’s definitely gotten bigger in the last few years. The volunteers, cosplayers, and guests were awesome. Lots of fun panels. The movies were an interesting addition. Really recommend.

We’ve been going to NC Comicon since its first year at the old Triangle Factory Shops in Morrisville. It was a great time, great atmosphere, great for kids. Sadly, I can’t say that anymore. Last year the con focused heavily on cosplay and was poorly organized in terms of flow of people through the vendor/​artist area. This year I showed up to exchange prepurchased tickets for badges on Friday at lunch just to be told I had to go over to the Carolina Theatre. Please get your act together, get organized and get back to the enjoyable con experience that it used to be.

Awesome time! I’ve went every year and every year it gets better. So much fun. The costumes are amazing, the vendors are great, the panels are fun. I cannot wait until November. They’ve added lots of fun and exciting contests this year. See y’all there!!!

I attended more for the people watching than the comics (which is not to say I’m not a nerd… I just really don’t know much about comics outside of X-​Men). There was quite a lengthy line to get in (so buy your tix in advance), and I thought the $ 10 ticket price high for what’s on offer (one room halved into comics and illustrators, with occasional lectures scheduled). That said, there seemed to be everything from affordable 50-​cent books on up to autographed limited edition prints of The Avengers. And from the artists, you could purchase finished work or commission illustrations of your-​superhero-​self or ideas. Affordably, too!
I know this is put on by a small local comic book store, but there’s definitely room to grow and improve… the costume contest was heavily delayed beyond the posted times, and had no clear direction (when to line up, where to line up), plus no real opportunity for spectators to photograph (other than the group photo, which frankly, had so many people, it was hard to even tell what you’re looking at). More programming. And maybe more diversity of attractions. Are figurines and special effects prosthetics not part of the whole comics experience?

This marks the second year I have attended NC Comicon. Definitely saves me money on flying out to NYC or San Diego for the annual big events. By having our own, perhaps one day we can attract the big names in the comic world coming down to the Triangle.
A big change of venue this yea, as the operation moved from Morrisville to Durham Marriott. I like the way they had set up the registration and ticketing booth, they were able to tuck away the long waiting in one of the narrow side hall. I think there is a higher attendance this year, and the packed hallway definitely reflect that. I had to watch where I’m going so I don’t step on lil’ Avengers.
The main room is obviously the dealer room and artist alley; you can find comic book vendors and toy vendors, but you can also check out original artworks and crafts from independent artists. I found so many Avengers drawing and zombie drawing, and what are those? don’t tell me they are Spider-​man keychains and charms!
Since the Marriott is right beside Carolina Theatre, the organizers made good use of the big screen, and put on some great show. Too bad I missed the Intergalactic Nemesis this year. Heard it was a good show.
My gripe this year comes to the costume competition. I don’t think they were prepared at all. The lines were disorganized, and they could have easily used one of the room and had an actual parade with audience. Instead, everyone was ushered outside for a group photo. It was cold outside. REAL COLD. and some of these nice folks have costumes with naked skin, like the Old Spice Guy. Let’s just say everyone was in a hurry to line up for the photo-​op before all piling back inside the convention center, where it was nice and warm.
Hopefully the organizer can iron out the little kinks, and we will have two major conventions in Triangle!