50 Facts About Comic Con

The Origins of Comic-Con

Comic-Con's journey from a small gathering to a global phenomenon is fascinating. Let's dive into its early days and see how it all began.

1. First Comic-Con: Held in 1970 at the U.S. Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego, California, the first Comic-Con was a one-day event called San Diego's Golden State Comic-Minicon. It aimed to gauge interest in comic book conventions.

2. Founding Fathers: Shel Dorf, Richard Alf, Ken Krueger, Mike Towry, Ron Graf, Barry Alfonso, Bob Sourk, and Greg Bear founded the convention. These individuals played a crucial role in shaping the early years of Comic-Con.

3. Initial Success: The first one-day event drew around 300 attendees, a significant success for a new concept at the time. This success led to a three-day event later that year.

4. First Three-Day Event: The first three-day event, San Diego Golden State Comic-Con, took place from August 1-3, 1970. It featured panels, programs, film screenings, and dealers, setting the model for future comic conventions.

5. Notable Guests: Early Comic-Cons featured notable guests like Forrest J. Ackerman, Ray Bradbury, Jack Kirby, Bob Stevens, and A. E. van Vogt. These guests helped establish the convention's reputation and drew in more attendees.

Evolution and Growth

From its humble beginnings, Comic-Con has grown exponentially. Let's explore how it evolved over the years.

6. Name Change: Initially called San Diego West Coast Comic Convention until 1973, it was officially renamed San Diego Comic-Con. In 1995, the non-profit organization behind the convention was renamed Comic-Con International: San Diego.

7. Early Locations: Comic-Con was held at various locations in its early years, including the El Cortez Hotel and the Performing Arts Center (CPAC). It moved to the San Diego Convention Center in 1991, where it continues to be held.

8. Masquerade Ball: The first Masquerade Ball was held in 1974, adding a new dimension to the convention with its focus on cosplay and creative costumes.

9. Attendance Growth: From its initial 300 attendees in 1970, Comic-Con has grown exponentially. By 2005, it broke the 100,000 attendee mark for the first time, and by 2010, it filled the San Diego Convention Center to capacity with over 130,000 attendees.

10. Eisner Awards: Comic-Con is home to the Eisner Awards, which recognize creative achievement in American comic books. These awards are often referred to as the comic industry's equivalent to the Academy Awards.

Iconic Moments and Milestones

Comic-Con has had its share of iconic moments and milestones. Here are some highlights.

11. Non-Profit Organization: Comic-Con International is a public-benefit nonprofit corporation. It also organizes WonderCon, an annual convention held in Anaheim, California, and SAM: Storytelling Across Media, a symposium held at Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park.

12. Jack Kirby’s Influence: Jack Kirby, the creator of notable Marvel characters like Captain America and the Hulk, played a significant role in the early years of Comic-Con. His advice to include all fandoms helped the convention thrive.

13. First Souvenir Program Cover: The first souvenir program cover was created by Jack Kirby, adding a personal touch to the convention's early promotional materials.

14. Eye Logo Design: The iconic Eye Logo of Comic-Con was designed by Richard Bruning, symbolizing the convention's focus on vision and creativity.

15. Hall H: Hall H became a special part of Comic-Con thanks to the popularity of the Twilight series. It is now one of the most coveted panels at the convention.

Records and Achievements

Comic-Con has set numerous records and achieved significant milestones over the years.

16. Attendance Records: In 2016, San Diego Comic-Con sold all 130,000 tickets in just one hour, showcasing the immense popularity of the event.

17. Economic Impact: Comic-Con generates significant revenue for the city of San Diego. In 2017, it was estimated that the convention brought in around $170 million over four days, with approximately $42.5 million per day.

18. Cosplay Records: In 2015, Salt Lake City set a Guinness World Record for the most superheroes cosplayers in one place with 1,784 attendees. This record was broken in 2011 in Cangzhou, China, with 1,530 cosplayers.

19. Stencil Graffiti Record: In 2017, Dubai set a Guinness World Record for the largest stencil graffiti at Comic-Con, covering 11 square meters of wall.

20. Greeting Card Record: In 2012, New York Comic Con created a 2.5 meters wide and 2 meters high greeting card for Spider-Man's 50th anniversary. The card received 2,707 signatures, setting a Guinness World Record.

Comic-Con's Cultural Impact

Comic-Con has had a profound impact on pop culture and the entertainment industry.

21. Shortest Comic Book Creation: During the 50th anniversary of Spider-Man at New York Comic Con in 2012, a comic book was created in just 24 hours, setting another Guinness World Record.

22. French Maid Cosplay Record: In addition to setting numerous Guinness World Records, Comic-Con has also honored various achievements, including Sylvester Stallone for his Rocky film series and creators of the Saw franchise.

23. Historical Significance: Comic-Con has become a historical event, attracting fans from all over the world. It is a place where fans can meet their favorite creators and celebrities, and where new trends and innovations in pop culture are showcased.

24. Hospitality Impact: Comic-Con provides significant opportunities for local hospitality industries. The event generates substantial revenue and creates jobs, making it a major economic driver for the city of San Diego.

25. Branded Events: Major publishers and Hollywood studios have created branded events to showcase their intellectual property. For example, Disney launched D23: The Ultimate Fan Event in 2008 to provide a first look at upcoming projects across the Disney brand.

International Influence and Early Conventions

Comic-Con's influence extends beyond San Diego, with international conventions and early events shaping its legacy.

26. International Conventions: While San Diego Comic-Con is the largest in the United States, other notable international conventions include Comiket in Tokyo, which attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees each year.

27. Early Conventions: The first official comic book convention was held in New York City in 1964, named New York Comicon. Early conventions were small affairs, often organized by local enthusiasts.

28. Detroit Triple Fan Fair: Shel Dorf, one of the founders of Comic-Con, had previously organized the Detroit Triple Fan Fair, one of the first commercial comics-fan conventions.

29. Academy Con: Another early recurring convention was Academy Con, which ran from 1965 to 1967. These early conventions laid the groundwork for the modern comic-cons we know today.

30. International Convention of Comic Book Art: In 1968, Phil Seuling hosted the International Convention of Comic Book Art at the Statler Hilton Hotel in New York City. This convention featured Stan Lee and Burne Hogarth as guests of honor.

Notable Conventions and Incidents

Comic-Con's history includes notable conventions and some unexpected incidents.

31. British Comicon: In England, Phil Clarke produced Comicon '68 at the Midland Hotel in Birmingham. This event was attended by notable figures like Alan Moore and Nick Landau, and it ran annually until 1981.

32. Creation Convention: The Creation Convention debuted in 1971, organized by Adam Malin and Gary Berman. It was held over Thanksgiving weekend at the New Yorker Hotel in New York City and featured Jim Steranko as the guest of honor.

33. Nostalgia '72: The first Chicago-area comics and collectibles convention, Nostalgia '72, was held in 1972 at the Pick-Congress Hotel. It drew about 2,000 attendees and evolved into the Chicago Comicon.

34. OrlandoCon: In 1974, Jim Ivey organized OrlandoCon, which ran annually for over 20 years until 1994. The event featured notable cartoonists like C. C. Beck and Roy Crane.

35. Angoulême International Comics Festival: The Angoulême International Comics Festival debuted in Angoulême, France, in January 1974. It was a significant event, attracting 10,000 attendees and setting a high standard for international comic festivals.

36. Robbery Incident: In 1979, Comic-Con San Diego experienced a robbery where coupons worth $12,000 were stolen. The organizers asked for help from attendees, who collectively raised the money to pay off the debt.

Expanding Fandoms and Non-Profit Status

Comic-Con's growth involved expanding its base and achieving non-profit status.

37. Expansion of Fandoms: An early factor in Comic-Con's growth was an effort to expand the organizing committee base by networking with other fandoms such as the Society for Creative Anachronism and the Mythopoeic Society.

38. Non-Profit Status: By the late 1970s, the show had grown to such an extent that it was organized by a non-profit organization, ensuring its continued success and community-driven nature.

39. Trade Fair Association: From 1984 to c. 1994, a trade fair called the San Diego Comic Book Expo was held in association with San Diego Comic-Con. This event was organized by David Scroggy.

40. Official Name Change: In 1995, the convention's official name was changed to Comic-Con International: San Diego, reflecting its growth and recognition within the industry.

Comic-Con Today

Comic-Con today is a massive event with a significant impact on pop culture and the economy.

41. Attendance Milestones: In 2005, Comic-Con broke the 100,000 attendee mark for the first time, and by 2010, it filled the San Diego Convention Center to capacity with over 130,000 attendees.

42. Hall H’s Rise to Fame: Hall H became a special part of Comic-Con thanks to the popularity of the Twilight series. It is now one of the most coveted panels at the convention, often featuring major announcements and exclusive content.

43. Cosplay Culture: Comic-Con has become a hub for cosplay culture, with attendees dressing up as their favorite characters from comics, movies, and TV shows. The convention features various cosplay competitions and events.

44. Merchandise Opportunities: The convention provides ample opportunities for fans to purchase merchandise related to their favorite franchises. From exclusive collectibles to apparel, the convention floor is filled with a wide range of items.

45. Sneak Peeks and Panels: One of the most exciting aspects of Comic-Con is the opportunity to attend panels and receive sneak peeks at upcoming content. These events often feature major announcements and behind-the-scenes insights.

46. Community Engagement: Comic-Con is not just about the events; it is also about the community. The convention fosters a sense of belonging among fans, providing a platform for them to connect with each other and share their passion for pop culture.

47. Economic Impact on San Diego: The convention generates substantial revenue for the city of San Diego. In addition to the direct economic impact, it also creates jobs and stimulates local businesses.

48. International Influence: While San Diego Comic-Con is the flagship event, other international conventions like Comiket in Tokyo and MCM London Comic Con have gained significant popularity, showcasing the global reach of comic-cons.

49. Historical Significance: Comic-Con has become a historical event, attracting fans from all over the world. It is a place where fans can meet their favorite creators and celebrities, and where new trends and innovations in pop culture are showcased.

50. Legacy and Future: As Comic-Con continues to evolve, it remains committed to its core values of community, creativity, and innovation. With its rich history and continued growth, it is clear that Comic-Con will remain a significant part of pop culture for years to come.

Comic-Con's Lasting Impact

Comic-Con's journey from a small gathering in 1970 to a global pop culture phenomenon is nothing short of remarkable. It started with just 300 attendees and now draws over 130,000 fans annually. This event has become a hub for cosplay, exclusive merchandise, and sneak peeks at upcoming movies and shows. The Eisner Awards, often called the comic industry's Oscars, add to its prestige. Comic-Con also boosts San Diego's economy, generating millions in revenue and creating jobs. Its influence extends beyond the U.S., inspiring similar conventions worldwide. Comic-Con isn't just an event; it's a community where fans connect, celebrate creativity, and share their passions. As it continues to evolve, Comic-Con remains a testament to the power of fandom and creativity, ensuring its place in pop culture history for years to come.