Recap From Contropolis MA

Even though Mr. Miko and I attended Contropolis Massachusetts this past Saturday, I haven't posted a recap of the event until today because I was having an internal debate. I received free media passes to attend the event, and I am very grateful for that. As such, I want to be gracious in my coverage. I will also never lie for the sake of access. I felt this convention creates a dilemma for me given those two statements. For you see, it simply wasn't very good. The day was only salvaged by getting to spend some quality time with my buddy sharing some good food, laughs and even a quality cigar afterwards.

To be fair to the organizer, this is a brand new convention just trying to get started. Hopefully if they see this, it can be viewed as constructive criticism. My main motivation for attending cons is the vendors. Celebrities and panels are secondary. I want the swag, and these events conveniently aggregate the vendors for the attendees. It felt like there were more vendors selling custom artwork and other wares than there were comic and collectible vendors. There was one vendor selling jerky, and another selling hot sauces and spices. This gave it much more of a flea market vibe than comic convention. I only made one purchase, a vintage Luke Hoth, and it was a little bit forced just so I could get something. Despite rain on the day, the convention was lightly attended. This made the "wares" vendors a little aggressive, which was not appreciated. If Altered Reality Entertainment is reading this, I would suggest doing whatever can be done to recruit higher end vendors, even if that means waiving any fees, until Contropolis finds its legs.

I did get to see a mid grade copy of House of Secrets #92 (first appearance of Swamp Thing), so that was a little bit of a thrill. As for everything else, I would say it was a combination of low grades and high prices. Also, presumably do to the low turnout, none of the celebrities looked particularly happy to be there. Contrast that with another Altered Reality event, Rhode Island Comic Con, where the Giancarlo Esposito and William Zabka were holding court with the throngs of fans in their autograph lines. I realize it's unfair to compare gigantic "arena" events like RI CC to smaller "hotel conference floor" cons, but it does speak to the experience. I think this photo sums it up best:


That's Joey Lauren Adams sitting on a bench right outside the entrance door making a phone call with nary a fan in site. I wanted to tell her how much I like her song Alive in Chasing Amy, but I don't think she was in the mood to talk to fans. On the upside, Mr. Miko made a new friend:


I hope this honestly doesn't quash my approved media passes for Rhode Island Comic Con in November, which is shaping up to be epic. I have confidence that it won't. In the meantime, here are the rest of my photos from Contropolis Massachusetts. Pic #5 is Jake "the Snake" Roberts:

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