Cincinnati Comic Expo 2014: A Father/Son Experience

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If you were to ask my three-year-old son Milo, where we went on Sunday, he would tell you, “I went to the superhero party.”  In reality, he and I took a trip to Cincinnati’s Annual Comic Expo.  It was a first time for both of us, and it was a really exciting trip.  As a first timer, there was a lot I learned from the experience that might be useful to those considering checking out a Comic Convention in the future. Comic Expo2

While the idea of visiting a comic book convention might not strike most moms as an exciting use of your time, for the right family, and for the right kids, it can make for an amazing experience.

Perhaps the first thing to understand is what a Comic Convention really is.  In its simplest terms, these conventions are events in which people who read comics, make comics, sell comics, sell products associated with comics, and individuals otherwise associated with geek culture gather together in appreciation of all things nerd.  What that looks like in reality, is the largest comic book store in the world.

That was one important thing to know before going in.  Ultimately, people participate in the conventions to sell their wares, and attendants go there to buy things.  I know, had Milo not been there with me, I would have spent considerable time scouring the long boxes for 1980’s issues of The Incredible Hulk and The Flash to satisfy my own nerd proclivities.

What this means for parents, is that you have to be willing and prepared to spend some money, and understand that the event’s primary function isn’t simply family entertainment, but to sell stuff.  Milo let me off easy with a couple of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle buttons, but with the sheer volume of posters, toys, comics, and clothing items, it is impossible to make it through without hearing, “can I have that?” a number of times.

Other, larger, conventions, like the world famous San Diego Comic Con, tend to have a large number of exhibits and displays, which focus on getting people pumped up about the future of video games, television programs and feature films.  Cincinnati’s convention is considerably more low key than that.

IMG_0141-1There a number of excellent photographic opportunities.  There were some smaller displays in the lobby which Milo and I took advantage of.  The Ohio Star Wars Collectors Club had multiple remarkable film models and replicas to photograph and explore. There was a really nice Doctor Who area in which fans could take pictures with a Dalek or replica of the Tardis.  Milo’s favorite part of the entire event was the massive Lego display hosted by Bricks by The Banks, which gave him a hearty dose of his beloved building blocks.

There were also meet and greet booths featuring celebrities like Lou Ferigno, Henry Winkler, and the original Green and Black Power Rangers.  There are also those who are involved in the comic industry, like artists Khoi Pham and Mark Bagley.  We skipped those because I didn’t think Milo would care, or really know who he was meeting.

Overall, it was a lot of fun. I’m already looking forward to going again next year.

Things Moms Should Know…

  • The convention was pretty huge and there were a lot of people.  Milo is only three, and he found himself starting to get overwhelmed by the whole thing after about an hour.  So, it probably isn’t the best event for children who are actually too young to read comic books.  There is A LOT to be stimulated by, and it can easily become overwhelming for younger ones.
  • If you have kids who are even slightly interested in things like comic books, Star Wars, or Doctor Who, it is completely worth the trip.  While acceptance of what is typically considered, ‘nerd culture’ is sharply on the rise, there are only so many events in the Cincinnati area that cater to these interests.  If your kids really love this stuff, it is the perfect way to connect them with their interests.
  • For the budding collector, it is an even better experience.  There is nothing like digging around looking for that one issue you’re missing in your collection.  There is simply so much to look at, it can be a young nerd’s heaven.
  • Don’t forget to dress up! Milo and I didn’t dress up for the occasion; we just slapped on some superhero shirts and jumped in the car.  There are a lot of people and families who really get into it and come dressed as their favorite heroes.  It’s like early Halloween!  One of my favorite cosplay families was a dad dressed up as “The Shredder”, mom as “April O’Neil” and a little “Leonardo” riding along in the stroller.  I can see the whole family getting into it a little bit more for next year.
  • Get the one day pass.  There are reasons for the most hardcore comic book fanatics to invest in the weekend pass, but for the casual family visit, just pick one day to go.  There is absolutely a ton to look at, and you might not get to see it all in one day, but from the perspective of family fun, one day is all you’d really need.

While it is too late to check it out this year, it is definitely something to keep in mind for next year.  Or, if you don’t mind a little bit of a drive, Epic-Con Ohio is being held in Dayton, Ohio October 24th – 26th, and the Ohio Comic Con will be hitting Columbus from October 31st through November 2nd.

Did you go? If so, feel free to share your experience in the comments section!

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