| rev:text
| - A small, cool and sort of awkward annual event.
As the name implies, this is almost entirely about the comic books, comic book artists, and some of the related media and art, making it somewhat different than the larger and more popular events like ComiCon, that have grown to include events that aren't comics and anime, but have equaled (if not overshadowed) the original comic theme. This is small enough to be intimate in that you can take your time and not fight the pressing of a large crowd. You can stop at tables, actually enjoy the time it takes you to look at what they have, then move on. I'd almost call the setting "intimate" when compared to the larger conventions.
The location is good but may be limiting. A library is a cool choice to host such and event, but two things seem to be happening because of this. First, most of the vendors are outside in a courtyard-type space (actually a boxed in entry area facing Escondido St.), and the rest in a hallway inside the library. Outside isn't a problem, since early November is a great time of the year for being outside. But while there are also break-out rooms for panels and film screenings, the first time visitor may get the feeling everything is sprawled out (especially when compared to events being in a large ball room or convention hall). Once you see what's there though, you realize it's not spread around. Rather, it's just a small (but cool!) event. The second thing going on is related to this. The space is actually confining. As small as the event is, it doesn't appear there's room for it to grow. It seems with the increasing popularity of comic books / graphic novels and their transition to TV and the big screen, an event like this could easily be larger. But I don't see how that'll happen if it remains at the library. (That's okay if the folks who put this event on don't want it to grow, but it seems a different venue would be required if growth is a part of the plan.)
For on-site food, there were a couple food trucks there. We tried one of them and it was fine, but the prices were ridiculously high--probably three times what they should have been. And then the guy had the audacity to sport an attitude suggesting the patrons were lucky to have him there, as he stood next to a tip jar. (That'll be a separate review, later.) It left me with the definite feeling the vendor was taking full advantage of what he perceived as a captive audience. If you're going to be there over lunch, I recommend you bring your food with you, or just shoot out to a local business for a bite.
There's ample parking to the south of the library, so don't worry about that. If you like comic books and the related art, this annual event is definitely worth a visit. And if you have (or know any) kids, bring them along. It's definitely kid-friendly.
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