Overstreet Advisor Art Cloos provided this review of the August 15-17, 2014 Connecticut ComicCONN.

The weekend of August 15-17 was the date for the latest edition of the Connecticut ComicCONN. This year’s edition expanded from a one day show at its former location at the Marriott Hotel in Trumbull, Connecticut to a three-day show at the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, Conn.

With 160 plus tables and as with earlier Connecticut ComicCONN events, the aisles were packed with both young and old fans who bought comics, toys and art sketches by their favorite artists. Dealer reaction was very much positive with the great majority of them saying they would return for next year’s show. Comic dealers who set up included Superworld Comics, Gary Dolgoff and Greg White among many others.

There was a nice mix of both new and vintage toys for sale and toy dealers there included separate tables by Jordan Hembrough and Steve Savino from the Toy Hunters show on the Travel Channel.

Among the highlights were the appearances of Phil Jimenez, José Luis Garcia-López and George Pérez not only at the same show together but seated right next to each other offering art work and sketches for sale. These legends are considered three of the greatest Wonder Woman artists of the last 40 years and they all had the chance to meet Christie Marston, the granddaughter of William Marston the man who created Wonder Woman back in 1940. For those present at that meeting it was quite a moment.

Neal Adams, Rich Buckler and Jerry Ordway were among some of the other artists who were in attendance. David Finch was the guest of honor.

As has long been the custom at comic shows, there were many people decked out in their best cosplay attire.

Panels included three separate presentations by comic book historian Arlen Schumer. The first compared and contrasted traditional fine art with that of comic book artists such as Infantino and Kirby. His second was a presentation on Bill Finger in which he discussed Bill’s contributions to the development of Batman. Schumer’s third and final panel was one that explored the origins of the superhero traditions and their personification of American ideals and values. Paul Kupperberg led a panel on Charlton Comics.

The convention’s official hotel was the Holiday Inn located of course in Bridgeport, CT, a five-block walk from the Webster Arena. The hotel went all out to welcome its guests with human size inflatable blow ups of Batman, Spider-Man and other comic characters set up in the lobby along with other superhero themed decorations on display as well.

As evidence of how important big time comic shows have become to the economies of the cities they are held in, the show had opening day ceremonies with Batman who was given a key to the city, Mitch Hallock the show’s promoter, The Penguin, and the Mayor of Bridgeport Bill Finch all at the opening. The Bridgeport police department had on display a group of vintage police cars outside the arena. Local eateries offered specials as tie-ins for the show. 

Speaking about the show Mitch said, “I am excited that everyone who attended had a great time. I’m so proud of our flawless execution by our staff. We especially appreciated the efforts by the Boy Scout volunteers who worked at our show. The reception from great artists and actors like Neal Adams, David Finch and Max Hernandez was most gratifying. It all came together better than I imagined. I cannot wait till next year and beyond.”

With the aisles so crowded, moving through them was difficult at times and this is one area that both fans and exhibitors had an issue with. In discussing this problem Mitch says that lessons have been learned and that next year the aisles will be widened. He feels that with this show under his belt he can build a better show for next year, which will be something to look forward to given the overall success of this year’s edition.            

The Connecticut ComicCONN will return next year with dates scheduled for August 14-16, 2015.