This convention almost always marks the beginning of the convention year for our team. Going into the convention my hopes were not very high. It looked like the programming had been trimmed and the guest list was a strange mix of huge stars and lesser know creators. Not to mention the fact that somehow cosplayers make that list as well lowering the standard of the word guest. However, no matter how lackluster an event seems from the outside only going to an event is the real test of quality. Thankfully for Long Beach Comic Expo it held up to the standard expected of the event.

The location is one of the best parts of the convention. It is the upper section of the Long Beach Convention Center. This area provides a large area for photographs outside the center and a better location for the Star Cars to be displayed. Inside the second floor also had a photography area with several photographers doing shoots for free. The first floor held the panel rooms and the lower level had the dealer hall. This lcation also has convinent parking and several resturants and food trucks so there is plenty of food as well. Overall, this is one of my favorite location for Southern California conventions.

The panel selection was very limited with only two rooms and occasional presentations in the dealer hall. Even with the limited programming there were still several opportunities to hear professionals talk about the business of comics and get advice for those looking for a career in their favorite medium. It was also one of the rare times to watch panels featuring some big names without having to fight a huge crowd. While the limited amount of panels might not have something for everybody it does provide enough variety that most people should find something interesting.

To some the dealer hall might be the highlight of this event. The lower level area has enough space for standard dealers, artists, and the guests to all have enough room to setup their booths. Like in previous years the hall has a kids area and a zone for Space Expo where both NASA staff and hobbists discuss current developments in space exploration as well as providing games for kids interested in the final frontier. Booths had a good variety, but sadly if you are looking for trades or hardcover comics then your options are limited to a handful of company booths as the standard discount shops were not there this year. The various guests did bring in a crowd, but it wasn’t anything too difficult to manage and it was easy enough to meet that actor or creator you’ve been wanting to get an autograph from.

One of the benefits of a smaller con is that the vibe tends to be a bit more relaxed and people are just a little more friendly. The photographers on the second fllor were busy, but tried to find time for every person that came up there hoping to get some nice photos. Everyone I ran into was friendly and the guests I interacted with seemed to like the more chill atmosphere of the event. With the kids area and the relaxed vibe this is a great con for families.

I am grateful that Long Beach Comic Expo was an enjoyable event. I do not enjoy worrying about a convention’s quality prior to the event. When it looks like a convention you normally enjoy is sliding downhill it really hurts my drive to attend the con. I had a good time hitting up panels and even splurging a little in the dealer hall. Everyone I spoke to really enjoyed themselves as well. I’m glad that my prediction was wrong because it is always nice to have the first convention of the year be a good one. Thanks go to those who spent time with me and the staff for making this another great event. Until next time I leave you with my list and ask that you give my love to Long Beach.

THE LIST

1. Hiding in the panel room

2. What’s for dinner?

3. Porg!

4. Happy Boonta Eve

5. Still a Dick (Tracy)

6. I scared a kid with my Porg Roast

7. Spending that money

8. Gift from a friend

9. Easy drive

10. A hat con

11. Plus a new hat!

12. Note to self: Bring a lanyard on the first day

13. Next cosplay: something Disney?

14. RE: 13 – Sorry, wasn’t even trying this time

15. Ran into some friends

16. The weather was nice this time

17. A good start to a good year

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