I was visiting San Diego and I realized that the Comic-Con International was taking place. (No wonder I couldn't get a decent flight!)
It dawned on me- International, hmmm??? Would they have manga books for sell? Would they have workshops and panels discussing the art and publishing of manga? Would they really have attendees dressed up as manga characters? You betcha!
Check out their MISSION STATEMENT:
"Comic-Con International is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to creating awareness of, and appreciation for, comics and related popular art forms, primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture. "
A little wheeling and dealing on Craigslist and I had an illegal ticket to the highly publicized, approximately 130,000 attendee sold-out conference. (Don't worry, I didn't get too taken. I only paid $10 over the cost.)
I don't even know where to begin describing this gathering of comic enthusiasts and you might even say fanatics. Here are a few highlights and lowlights:
Highlights-
- I listended to a panel of editors and publishers from a Tokyo publisher of manga books. They booktalked this Fall's releases. I learned so much just listening to the editor discuss each of the books. I learned that there are two basic styles of manga and that they come in different genres just like novels. I had always characterized manga as books just for boys. Books about ninjas, superheros, fighting, and sci-fi/fantasy type plots. (The mere fact that I combine sci-fi and fantasy into the same genre tells you that I don't read them.) But there are two styles and they come in as many genres as any other type of literature.
2. Tokyopop booth was giving away free manga books!
3. I ran into one of my former Roosevelt Middle School "goth" students!
4. Great giveaways- posters, bookmarks, game pieces, buttons, and bags! (A teacher's dream)
5. The costumed attendees were not only entertaining, but educational!
Lowlights:
- 1. It was so00 crowded! I wish I had taken the opportunity to look at the bright side, that I was really acclimating myself to the upcoming sardine-packed subways of Tokyo. It is just that I don't like to be touched on all sides at the same time and pushed and shoved while I comtemplate the possibility of a fire or earthquake.
- I missed the Shonen magazine booth where they always give you a couple editons of their magazine Shonen Jump. The Japanese magazine publishes the stories that become the manga books.
- I realized that I had actually joined the ranks of GEEKS to the geeks. You know it is one of those moments when you look around the room and think, "OMG, how did I get here!" I know I am a geek and have been in similar geek type situations, library school to name one, but really what was I doing there? Then I remembered it was all preparation to becoming a better teacher!
(Hello)
