Posted in: Comics | Tagged: comic con, jesse james

Amazing Vegas Comic Con Gets Jesse Jamesed

Jesse James writes;

Jimmy Jay did something I totally disagreed with, he set up his Amazing Vegas con as far from the famous Vegas strip as possible. Not going for all the glitz and mass humanity swarming the famous hub of the city, he chose the Southpointe a local casino and hotel about three miles from the start of the famous street of lights, fortune and fame.

Turns out it was a brilliant move keeping the fans engaged as well as keeping them in the same hotel for all their needs. This kept the con floor always busy and kept the creators from wandering at night and insuring they would find their way back to their tables in the morning. If you haven't been to a Vegas con over the last 30 years that's been a nightmare for some cons.

The floor had some of the regulars that you see on the con scene. Among the Publishers you had Aspen, Big Dog ink and First comics. Pretty much the big line of Vintage dealers were there. In artist alley is was a plethora of creators from Mat Nastos, Marat Mychaels,Ryan Stegman and Brian Buccellato. Arizona creators seemed to fill a good portion of the floor as well. Brian Pulido and Mike Debalfo led the way, with a cast of plenty showcasing their talent that most call the sister state in Vegas comic scene.

Cosplayers reigned supreme at this convention with some of the best in the world. Jessica Nigri, Toni Darling, Vegas PG, Brieanne Brock and of course Ivy DoomKitty (a stopping point for Stan Lee) graced the floor. So many cool veteran cosplayers showed up at this show. It made it welcoming but not overwhelmed. In fact this con has a perfect blend of cosplayers vs consumers. It felt good to not be dodging light sabers.

The one big concern that most people had was how was Amazing Las Vegas Con going to make good on their main guest. I mean come on Stan Lee, Jim Lee, Greg Capullo, Neal Adams, and Rob Leifeld all at one new smaller con? No one thought it would happen. Jimmy did it. They all showed up and the fans enjoyed shorter lines, which put very big smiles on everybody's faces. In fact Jim lee came on Sunday unannounced and signed for almost 3 mores hours. The fans went NUTS when they saw wait times on Sunday for Jim lee were less then 3 to 4 minutes.

The after con parties were everywhere. Brienanne Brock and I rented out a whole bar downstairs and rocked with creators till 4.30 am. And we were the early party to close. Most people stayed out till 6 am or didn't sleep. But in the morning everybody was ready to rock with fans.

If you haven't been to Las Vegas you will also find that the market is booming. With over 16 stores and 3 more popping up this year, its become a secret powerhouse state. They have some major growing pains in the community that I'm sure over time will be ironed out as the community develops. Now if there is anything that Jimmy could improve on would be dealing more with the stores in town to advertise more in the program and social networking promotions up to the con.

The last two Conventions I went to I didn't bother writing a story about. They were great conventions but that's what they were; conventions and not COMIC Conventions. As the bigger cons focus on media guest and the SDCC model Jimmy is going back to basics and keeping the comic culture intact with a simple comic theme to enhance the fans.

My overall view is this; I grew up in Vegas and worked at a comic book store in the early 80's. I have watched the town eat up stores and spit out cons. Now is the time for Vegas to show who they are in the comic book world. I'll be sold when next year Jimmy comes back to town and increases his numbers and brings in more publishers. I tell you what though; this con Rocked and I will be there next year to hang with one of the coolest comic books towns in the nation.

I would like to thanks Jimmy and Bill and their awesome team who always treat me well at all their cons.

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