After last year’s news from Capital City Comic Con that they cannot continue, no other party with similar offerings exists. And I discussed the problems this city faces in a separate editorial. In a nutshell, this region has trouble with keeping a convention going after three or so years.
In terms of what shows have survived to be a “staple” are Cherry Bomb Toy’s Bi-annual Toy Show which takes place later this month, and their Nerdy Days of Christmas, Camosun College’s annual Comic Arts Festival (which is basically a graduation show for their Comics & Graphic Novels Certificate program) and Curious Comic Con, which takes place in Nanaimo, BC. I doubt that’ll be moved to Victoria proper, since that city deserves its own show. Locally, Tsukino Con deserves mention but they have to compete against Fan Expo. When this show is anime only, I’m not as keen. As for where the Victoria Comic Book Show fits, it’s simply a space for fellow traders (or buy) all under one roof.
For this sophomore convention in Langford, this year offered more media guests and had some after hour events. There were even a few familiar cosplayers who’ll attend any geeky show on the island, and that’s terrific! And for once, some merchandise overlap exists. When compared to Fan Expo Vancouver with four lightsaber shops competing to get a Star Wars fan’s attention, I even got caught up with wanting an upgrade. This local show had three! As for Funko, there was only one operation (thank god).
When most conventions depend on whom the event sponsors are, they must get the best spot to showcase their wares. Every year, Viking Sales shows why living in Langford is great. I’m not convinced to move here because public transit is not available everywhere. While the 95 bus is a step in the right direction to connect Downtown Victoria to this township, that’s an entire discourse I won’t get into.
As for other table displays, the offerings are diverse; however, I thought I was browsing a summer street market. The occult offerings felt out of place in a geek show. When they don’t connect to the overall theme, I doubt they got a lot of business. As for other locals wanting to sell their wares, what I’ve found is no different from what I encountered in the big shows–I can buy candy, tea, and treats! Some vetting is required to keep to the pop culture theme.
As for finding panels I want to be at, it won’t happen here. That’s because just what gets offered requires knowledgeable people to offer that lecture. And when the only space available is basically a locker room, Lonnie will have to figure out what to do to make this aspect more palatable.
At least for the main stage which takes up one side of the hockey arenas where the goalie post rests, the open space works. I don’t mind sitting at either the benches or the seats arranged in front to witness the talents talk about their work. It’s no different from how Ace Conventions held their Avengers show in Seattle. The only odd placement of the photo op area made navigating around awkward. I couldn’t tell if people were standing in line or watching the panel.
The standouts for me this year were Tawney Newsom and Ashleigh Ball; I arrived late and missed part of Lee Arenberg’s panel, and as for that Sonic the Hedgehog team up, without the top names included, I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy the session. But the supporting cast from that movie, Lee Majdoub and Leanne Lapp, made the moment work!
With smaller conventions, I found no panels to cater to my level of advanced/intermediate knowledge and experience. This year, CodeName Entertainment offered play testing of an upcoming horror game, and when it filled up completely (I kept trying to get a spot), I’m sure more companies will consider applying. Also, I’m glad to look at Everything Games‘ demo a new product they have in the store. And as for Jigglypig Comics, Vancouver Island’s best comic book dealer, I will sometimes dig through their complete series package to see what’s brought so I can expand my collection. And when Bookwyrm Games is a regular for many local events, they have my respect.
While the number of comic book talents is something that still needs to be worked on, I suspect this problem area will need to be fixed. I noticed two of my friends decided not to get a table this year. This year’s spotlight was on Ken Stacey’s talented family and Renee Nault.
Overall, Island Fancon is a good show. Although I can get everything I want done in one day, just what this event offers that’s different from others is the fact it’s not a packed event. The ability to easily move around is a welcome change when considering all the big shows are overcrowded. It’s easy to talk to cosplayers, movie entertainers and comic book talents. The only genuine concern is that the venue is not in a convenient area to get to. Visitors don’t have a nearby hotel to stay in and the only place to dine is in the adjoining bowling rink diner. I heard from a few folks (including vendors) who said once when they leave to get a bite at the nearby White Spot they’re not as inclined to return.
In terms of what can be done, there aren’t a lot of options. When I’ve checked the map to see if there are alternative spaces to grow into, the best choice is Royal Roads University. After all, when Hatley Castle was used as Xavior’s Mansion in X-Men 2, even I’d nerd out at the knowledge. A mission Island Fancon should add is to promote areas that were once film sets (or sell locations that can be future). Few fans are aware parts of Vancouver Island were used to film Godzilla and Sonic the Hedgehog; and when there’s a pitch to build a studio within this township proper, this opportunity needs promotion to really move it forward!