I had originally planned on taking a day for Disneyland. When I made my reservations I added a second day to my “Park Hopper” as I woke up this morning I decided to cancel day 2. This means I still have yet to set foot into California Adventure, but that’s OK. I really am enjoying LAcon and frankly don’t need or want the pressure. So I decided to just enjoy my last day at the Con without worries (Fine. With worries beyond the usual social anxiety).
Reading: Steven Barnes
Saturday started off with a Steven Barnes Reading something I didn’t know was a thing.
Steven started with just a quick update as to how things are going now. He talked about how the challenges help you determine your path and how you embrace them is important. Wow! What a positive outlook!
Steven decided to read from a book he is working on, not something already published or ready for publication. We were the first audience The Dead Lands a paranormal story bouncing around the in time, sounds interesting and after the reading one I will want to read.
He also spoke about Warrior-walk.com which is his program he used to rehabilitate after being in the hospital (he’d died from a blood clot).
Steven mentioned how he likes having AI read things back to him… yes, that is a good use of AI in the creative process. For those keeping score that’s 1 for AI, a bajillion against. He thought the voice to text interface used through the con for deaf interpretation was awesome.
As for the state of the world-
We’re doing the best we can. This is just the shit that happens.
Autographing: Steven Barnes
I rushed from his author talk to make sure I had a place in line. Steven commented over the condition of Dream Park (yes, it isn’t pristine and the pages are brown with age) and asked me why it was my favorite, what I really liked about it… fanboy stutter and trying to come up with an answer. I’m not sure he was impressed.
The Comic Book Sommelier
From the Program: “Even with sales numbers dropping and the distribution channel scattered and shredded, it’s a great time to be a comics fan. Marvel and DC are doing some of the best work they’ve done in years, and there are strong stories from “second-rank” companies and a surge of independent publishers. We will look at how things are going, then become an audience-led “comic book sommelier,” where we match an individual with a perfect comic title or two.”
Some discussion as to the validity of the program description. Sales aren’t down.
Absolute Batman changed things
Manga/anime people post on Insta and followers hunt for those artists works.
There has been a societal shift towards comics. Reading comics isn’t as taboo as it once was (unless you have one of those teachers 🙄).
Many people are learning via Digital storytelling and the WEBTOON infinite scroll which can be difficult to turn the comic into a printed book.
Unfortunately for many creators there is a belief that “If it’s on the Internet it should be free” while things are changing to more of a subscription service model, it is still a bit of a challenge to get people to pay for your work.
After that some members of the audience volunteered to have the panel pick comics for them due to their likes and interests. This was interesting as the recommendations were almost entirely Indy publishers or stuff I had never heard of. I did make a list and will research some of them. Not knowing the group I chose not to contribute anything…
Life Drawing Workshop
From the Program: “A lightly instructed life drawing workshop. Participants will draw a costumed figure beginning with quick gesture drawings and gradually progressing into longer poses using traditional techniques. Participants are also welcome to work with other drawing materials if desired.”
This was a nice break, the instructors didn’t realize it was two hours, they thought it was only one. Having taken life drawing classes it was nice. The materials used were newsprint and charcoal. The models were in costume, but the set up wasn’t as conducive as it could be. Rows of tables blocking the view of the models. There were three models which was awesome, one dressed as Odin, one in a Star Trek uniform, and one in Steampunk attire. All various shapes and sizes. One of the participants also joined in as she was in an Amazonian armor and helm. I switched to my sketching pencil after a time. My conclusion- I need to be doing this more.
The Makerspace - making a blinkie
Next to where life drawing occurred was the Makerspace, costume repair, and a place to learn how to solder and make a flashing badge. I figured I would give it a go. I picked the LAcon V logo and headed in.
When my former school was going through its renovation the powers that be decided to put in a Makerspace. When I left, the area was being used for test prep and remediation, but it’s the thought that counts. 🙄 one thing that the “experts” kept saying we needed was soldering irons. I recall vetoing that idea for multiple reasons including safety and teacher comfort in using the tool.
Doing this badge I realized that I am smarter than the average bear. It was a lot of fun and I ended up with a great blinking badge. In a classroom setting, it would have been chaos, and kids would have burned tables, clothes and themselves. Here in a controlled setting with people helping clueless (yes, that would be me) adults it works. I highly recommend doing this if you have a chance.
Caring for Your Collection(s)
From the Program: “Many fans love collecting items. It may be books, art, trading cards, fanzines, textiles, or other fun stuff! Yet just obtaining the item may not be enough. Time may take its toll on the collection. Collections may be damaged by water, light, pests, and even dust. In this presentation we will show what we can do at home to improve the safety of our collection(s).”
Two topics were covered:
Protection - keeping disaster away
Preservation - longevity
Up, up and away! Keep things away from walls and off the floor.
Protection - if water damage happens - dry it as quick as possible - freeze it
High value? Talk to insurance company
Pests- bugs, rodents, mold
Keep the space clean
Check regularly
Cool and dry area
Vocab: Frass- bug poop that looks like sawdust
Mishaps most bad things happen because we aren’t careful when handling things.
Current thoughts in the profession- those cotton gloves aren’t needed except in rare cases just have clean hands and use common sense.
Preservation
Vocab: Inherent Vice- everything is falling apart (entropy)
Accelerating Factors- light, temp & humidity (big fluctuations ), and other materials in contact with your stuff.
Pencil lasts longer than Sharpie - who knew?!?
Light-
direct sunlight bright rooms old fluorescent bulbs
+ LED lights kept low & UV filtered glass
Keep your stuff where you live, not in the attic or basement (up, up & away)
While your mileage may differ- Statistically speaking the attic, basement, or garage aren’t good places.
Housing- how you store your stuff
Most office copy paper is acid free now.
Plastic tubs- better than cardboard
Post it notes, pvc sleeves, scotch tape are bad
Up, up and away.
Declutter remove things touching items.
Out of the attic & basement.
Inspect your stuff at least twice yearly
He is not a fan of slabbing comics - out gassing things need to breathe.
If you are concerned about new item being contaminated - Bag and freeze for 6 months… to destroy pests (bugs & molds)
Enjoy the stuff you have while you have it.
Comics - Acid free bag & board should be fine. No mention on when to swap out.
The WorldCon Masquerade
From the Program: “The Masquerade is one of the prime events at a Worldcon - an onstage presentation extravaganza where genre costumers of all levels and abilities show off their skills and compete for awards. The event also includes a half-time show featuring Rogue Shimmy performing Star Trek themed belly dancing and Tadao Tomomatsu's comic musings to take place while the judges are conferring. Please join us for a night of excitement and wonder!”
Having been to a few costume contests at conventions this one seemed to be a lot more low key. These didn’t seem to be professionals and that made it fun. The work was amazing, but more driven by a love of the source material or genre than trying to make a duplicate of some character from a film or game. I’m reminded of Adam Savage’s TED Talk.
I was tired so I did leave before the judges returned with their decision.
I do apologize for not posting this earlier, I took Sunday to visit my father and am catching up now at the airport as I wait to hoard my circuitous route home.
For me the winner here is "Caring for your collections." Very valuable advice that increases in value as your collection ages. Everythuing else here required talent, for which I'm still searching!