Although always a big deal to local fans, it seemed as though this trip to the Tampa Bay Comic Con held more weight of importance then conventions of the past. I will go out on a limb here and suggest that it was thanks to a highly anticipated return to old stomping grounds at The Double Tree hotel in Tampa. An appropriate location thanks to it's centralized location to residents of both Pinellas and Hillsborough.
Don't get me wrong, I treasure the days of the cons short lived time at the Honeywell Minireg (is that even hows it's spelled?) location in Largo. Alot of purchases were handled in that building as well as alot of life long memories made. But nothing feels more at home then the conference room at The Double Tree. It's a completely seperate experience altogether.
With a reasonable admission fee of only $5 it's hard to debate the punch packed into this convention for the price, the fact that it's held right in my own back yard makes it all the more of a great deal.
There has been some discussion over the cons shrinking dimensions, booting local talent from the room just outside of the front door entrance in exchange for paying merchants with tables held inside of the conference hall. While I find it tragic that local talent isn't as properly showcased as it should be, I respect that this is still a capitalist economy and people don't hold events like this as a means charity. I give respect where respect is due and will boldly say that new ownership has breathed new life into this show.
There was a revitalized energy with a fresh and diverse variety of dealers. Along with something I had never seen at one of these shows, celebrity guest (well, celebrities to us.). The guys who drew Spider-Man and Captain America, plus an aging professional wrestler may not be George Romero or Spock but still considered a positive step in the right direction if you ask my opinion (which you may or may not have asked for but I'm giving it anyways, and yes I realize there have always been guest, these just seemed a little more interesting then usual).
I was a little disappointed by the almost total extinction of bootleg DVD titles at this show, but was more then impressed by the other deals available. Mainly posters and such. Two in particular I would have liked to purchase was a framed Ghostbusters theatrical poster and another framed Wizard magazine cover with Wolverine fighting that guy from GI Joe.
What I wound up leaving with was all the more special on a personal level. A dealer who claimed to have worked for Nike caught my attention with his pair of Freddy Kruger edition Nike Dunks that he was willing to part ways with for roughly $600. When I looked down at the floor to vomit some promotional concert posters caught my eye. They were special prints made up for local shows hosted by The Skate Park of Tampa. I inquired about the Ghostface Killah and Raekwon show held at The Ritz in Ybor and hosted by The Skate Park of Tampa (and sponsored by NIKE SB!), he thankfully had a few sheets left. He wanted $20, I offered him $12 and the deal was cemented. The sweetest purchase I have made at one of these shows, if not ever.
All in all a positive experience that I recommend to any and every fan in the Tampa Bay area.
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