Begun, These Con Wars Have!

The comic con world was rocked this week with news that Big Apple Comic Con will be going head-to-head and toe-to-toe with New York Comic Con on the weekend of October 7–10, 2010. The competitive juices were already flowing before this news, with Wizard Entertainment’s Gareb Shamus having previously scheduled his new Anaheim Comic-Con against the Reed Exhibitions C2E2 show in Chicago on the weekend of April 16–18, 2010. Given all the other slots available on the fall calendar, it’s truly hard to imagine what’s to be gained by lining up on the exact same dates in New York. It’s going to force creative guests, exhibitors, and fans to make a choice one way or the other, which isn't likely to lead to a great outcome for either side. On a purely objective basis, I’d bet on Reed Exhibitions with its $15 billion balance sheet, a clear leadership position with New York Comic Con, and a big head start in planning the 2010 show. But it would be a mistake to count out Wizard prematurely, since they have such strong advertising and distribution muscle from Wizard Magazine, ToyFare, and other publications, as well as a long history in the comic con business and longtime relationships with creators and exhibitors alike. While one player will inevitably blink in this contest, it’s certainly going to be interesting theater over the next year to watch the competition ensue between the two juggernauts. On a side note, I’m certainly happy that we made the decision to move Mid-Ohio-Con the weekend of November 6–7 for 2010. While the first weekend of October has been a great slot for us over the past two years, there was no sense going up against the competition of one New York show—much less two. A lot has been written about this feud, including a great write-up by Heidi MacDonald at Publishers Weekly's The Beat, so check it all out online.