Mark Interviews 2000+

The Summer's Coolest Conventions

Forget those two boring political get-togethers. Actor (and comic book fan) Mark Hamill shares advice about the summer's coolest conventions!

Mark Hamill got his first taste of comic book conventions 32 years ago: The theatre arts major was a few years away from being cast as Luke Skywalker in the original STAR WARS when he attended an L.A. Convention that was screening Metropolis, Fritz Lang's legendary silent 1927 opus. Hamill was entranced by the displays of vintage comic books from the 1930s to the '60s. "The historical relevance of all these comic books - it was like seeing a slice of pop culture on display that really conveyed the times."

Today's comic book conventions, the largest of which draw 20,000 and 60,000 people, still feature loads of vintage fare - and current books, too. The big "cons" are multi-day affairs with hundreds of booths devoted to comic books, role-playing games, kitschy pop-culture items like I Dream of Jeannie board games, fantasy novels, jewelry, toys, music memorabilia and movies. Movie studios are likely to show highlights of upcoming movies, and comic creators, writers and artists often are on hand to sign autographs.

"It's almost like a Renaissance fair," says Hamill, who filmed his directorial debut, Comic Book: The Movie - about a high school teacher/comic geek (Hamill) who makes a documentary about his favorite superhero - at the 2002 San Diego Comic Con. Now he's working to get a film version of his comic book, The Black Pearl, up and running.

For the newbie, comic conventions might be a bit daunting - and that's in addition to dealing with the crowds of enthusiastic fans dressed up like superheroes, vampires, and STAR WARS stormtroopers. Here are Hamill's tips for making the most of your comic-convention experience.

Draw Up A Battle Plan

Most conventions have printed and online programs (listing guest artists, panels and dealers) available well before the event. Hamill recommends you use those to prioritize what you want to see so you're not caught off guard when you realize that, say, your favorite writer is signing autographs at the same time the special-effects guru you've been dying to meet is discussing his latest project.

"It's like every other gigantic event. You have to really get an overview of what's available," he says. "There's no way you can see everything that's there." He suggests surveying the whole floor and making mental notes, 'I want to go there. There's a belly dancer over there. There's a face painter over there.'

Bring A Specific Amount Of Cash

Most dealers will accept credit cards and checks with proper identification, but having the green stuff is optimal. How much should you bring? Hamill says to leave your credit card behind and bring only the amount you want to spend so you don't make impulse buys. "You can get caught up in the fervor. It's like going to an auction. You don't want to spend beyond your means or spend emotionally rather than using your intellect." What's the best tactic for deciding what to buy? "You say, 'Well, let me see. How much is it again? Can you hold it for me?' Go away, have a cold shower, have a tuna sandwich and think about it, then make wise choices."

Beware Of Unscrupulous Dealers

Most fans don't have movie-star salaries and can't afford special issues worth thousands of dollars. Even still, many sellers will try to overcharge people looking for pristine, unrestored comics in perfect condition - the Holy Grail for a comic connoisseur. "Like with anything, education's the most important thing," Hamill says.

Plan Time To Recuperate

Hamill recommends rooming at a hotel close (but not too close) to the convention hall so you'll have a place to rest. "After a few hours, you need to go and relax, put your feet up, have a glass of iced tea and figure out what you saw and what you want to see later."

USA Weekly - The Cincinnati Enquirer, July 19, 2004