Entertainment

Comic conventions are big business. The San Diego Comic Con, the biggest in the world, is referred to by devotees and detractors alike as the Nerd Prom, which gives an indication just how big this event is on some social calendars.

Westerville, Ohio-based comic-book artist Sean Forney, who is a guest at the second annual Gem City Comic Con at Wright State University on Sunday, attends four to six conventions per year. He says there are many benefits, such as being able to show work in person to fans and fellow creators. "It's great meeting fans and making new friends and getting to catch up with old friends," Forney said. "Talking shop with fellow artists serves as a catalyst for new ideas and projects."

GCCC isn't nearly as large as the San Diego con, but it's well on its way to becoming one of the region's hottest comic-book gatherings.

"There were a lot of good people there last year and a variety of vendors specializing in Golden Age, Silver Age and independents," said Robert Chandler, a comic book fan from Vandalia. "To me, the show last year was bigger than Mid-Ohio Con in Columbus, so I'm excited about it."

Comic books aren't the only attraction at conventions, and GCCC is no exception. Peter Bell, owner of Bell, Book & Comics, is once again overseeing the gaming activities. "Hopefully, we can get three things running and keep the tables full," Bell said. "The show closes at 5 p.m., but the gaming will be going until 7 or 8 just to finish up games."

GCCC has physically doubled in size from last year, with more comic book dealers, independent creators and specials guests, but the organizers promise another clean and organized show this year.

"We've really strived to keep it classy," said Bill Thade, owner of Fearless Readers and co-organizer of the event. "Anything you do is a reflection of your business. If my name is associated with it, I want it to be nice, and I know Jesse and Pete feel the same way."

"For a one-day show, I think we give people a lot," co-organizer Jesse Noble said. "We're trying to be a bigger presence because Dayton is a comic town. There are a lot of stores around here in just a small area, so we're excited to do the con again."

Regular admission is $3, but VIP tickets are available for $100. The VIP package includes an exclusive program with a cover by Forney, exclusive sketches by guests Dan Davis and Michael Golden, and comic book character busts. Another perk includes early access at 9 a.m., an hour before the regular time. Other guests include Renee Witterstaetter, Andy Bennett and John Haufe.

"I've been going to comic cons since the '80s," said Chad Lambert, the Cincinnati-based writer of comic titles such as The Revisionist and Point Pleasant. "It's a great place to network, meet people and figure out what's going on. I look forward to many, many more of these Gem City Cons. These guys do a great job."

How to go

WHO: Gem City Comic Con

WHERE: Wright State University Student Union

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

COST: $3 adults, $2 students with ID and free for children 10 and younger with paying adult

MORE INFO: (937) 252-3036 or www.gemcitycomiccon.com

COMICS are often derided as kid stuff, but that's hardly the case. There are plenty of adults interested in the medium, including high-profile stars such as actors Nicolas Cage and Marlon Wayans, musicians Gene Simmons and Chuck D, comedians Stephen Colbert and Patton Oswalt, and filmmakers Kevin Smith and Quentin Tarantino.

FILM ADAPTATIONS of comic books have enjoyed a resurgence since Marvel launched its successful X-Men film franchise in 2000. In the last few months, TMNT and Ghost Rider, each of which began as comic-book series, found an audience at the box office.

"I'm a fan of film adaptations of comics," artist Sean Forney said. "I think the films bring in new readers and fans, and give a glimpse of what comic books are about to those who may not have otherwise read comic books."

The biggest recent comic-to-screen success has been 300, the film version of Frank Miller's graphic novel about the Battle of Thermopylae. Critics were divided on the film, but that didn't prevent it from being the top-grossing film for two consecutive weeks.

MOST PEOPLE associate comic books with superhero power fantasies, and those tales do dominate the market, but there are plenty of other popular titles in a wide variety of genres. Today, local stores such as Maverick, Fearless Reader, Bookery Fantasy, Dark Star and Bell, Book & Comics stock everything from horror (The Walking Dead) and crime (100 Bullets) to romance (True Story, Swear to God) and autobiography (American Splendor).

CONTACT contributing arts and music writer Don Thrasher

at donaldthrasher8@aol.com.