Often, comic enthusiasts are depicted as being loners and geeks who have little to no interaction aside from purchasing their latest issue(s). While some may fit the stereotype, they are a minority and attribute to a highly erroneous misconception. There is a vast community that interacts via online forums, a multitude of web sites and various person-to-person events such as simply purchasing those weekly issues or attending local, regional and/or national conventions. To be able to meet with and openly discuss your enthusiasm with others who share your mutual interests without the fear of being judged, is very comforting and exciting at the same time. These discussions often provide the latest news about the occurrences within the comic industry, as well as engaging in often spirited debates over various relevant topics of the day. These exchanges also allow readers to exchange recommendations to other readers who may not be familiar with a particular title, writer, publisher, etc. and help each other discover something that may be better catered to their particular interests or even open them to expanding their horizons and try something different and enjoyable.

When attending a comic book convention ("comic con" or simply "con" as they are referred to as), the feeling of being part of a community is even stronger. People from all walks of life attend these conventions and there is a common bond between most attendees - the recognition of comics as a valid medium for artistic expression. When an enthusiast meets someone who shares their interests, when they thought that they were alone in having that interest, can help them break out of their proverbial shell.

Conventions also provide an opportunity for these enthusiasts to meet writers and artists whose work they enjoy. To be able to meet someone whose work has had an impact on you and tell them "thank you" is a great moment. Obtaining a signature and perhaps even a photo with the aforementioned writer and/or artist will leave a lasting impression and provide for fond memories in the years to come. While waiting in line to meet these writers and artists, people frequently pass the time by talking with those around them in line. It helps make the time go faster as well as provides the opportunity to meet new people who probably would not normally talk to each other, but with this common bond revealed, there is more openness.

I encountered such experiences at my attendance of the 2006 Baltimore Comic Convention. It was an enjoyable two days. This convention enabled me to meet a multitude of writers and artists whose work I have enjoyed for many years, as well as those whose work I have recently become a devoted reader of. There were quite a few highlights and I will now share some of them with you.

Shortly after 11am, the fire alarm rang and the Baltimore Convention Center had to be evacuated. This was a minor setback, though at the time, it was frustrating because the time outside was chipping away at the amount of time spent participating in the activities associated with the convention. However, I was able to meet Walt Simonson outside and he was talking with other attendees while waiting to go back inside. He drew a quick sketch of Thor in my sketchbook which was very nice of him to do so and shortly afterwards we were all able to file back into the convention center. The DC Nation panel, on Saturday, was a lively event with lots of interaction between those on the panel and those in attendance. Dan Didio fielded questions from avid (and often rabid) fans - with members of the panel (Jan Jones, Mark Waid, Jimmy Palmiotti and Bob Wayne) answering to the best of their knowledge. "52 "was a common topic of discussion. Not too many details were disclosed other than that more problems and deaths will occur, as well as interesting developments that will have lasting ramifications on the DCU. Also, Jimmy Palmiotti disclosed at this panel that he and writing partner Justin Gray signed a two-year exclusive deal with DC Comics. They will be working on issue number 12 of "Supergirl" with Amanda Conner providing the artwork.

Throughout the remainder of Saturday and then on Sunday, I was able to meet many people within the industry. There are a lot of great works being done within the independent publishers that are worth checking out and supporting. Independent publishers help push the boundaries of the comic industry and are ripe with talent that often goes unrecognized for years. Independents (or Indys) have provided such talents as Brian Michael Bendis, Frank Cho, Ed Brubaker, Jimmy Palmiotti, J.G. Jones, Billy Tucci, etc. who are now receiving recognition for their works. There was a publisher there called PLB Comics (website: www.plb-comics.com) who have some interesting projects on the horizon. One that caught my eye is "Seraphic" by Michael Carmean, it has an interesting premise and the artwork is very solid. Definitely check out their site for more information. Also, Skydog Comics has a new mini of "John Gallagher's Buzzboy" with cover art for issue 1 by Mike Wieringo and issue 3 will feature a cover by Frank Cho. I was fortunate to meet John Gallagher and he signed my copy of his book. Go to www.skydogcomics.com for more information. I assure you I received no compensation from these publishers, other than the enjoyment of reading their works.

Most may know Billy Tucci from his work on "Shi", he also is currently working on the book "Heroes For Hire" being published by Marvel Comics. This title is one of the last ones being worked on by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray before they go to DC (around issue 9 or 10 I believe). It's a great read and the artwork is very dynamic. Billy Tucci's artwork is very solid, possessing sharp line work with great attention to detail. He expressed his goal of hopefully being able to work on Captain America, which by the samples of his work that I and others at his table saw, would be an excellent idea. I was fortunate enough to get a sketch of Black Cat from him for my sketchbook, as well as purchasing several prints and a copy of his sketchbook. He was more than happy to sign them. I have enclosed a photo here of me with him. Pick up whatever book he is working on, you will enjoy it in my opinion.

There were so many people I met there - each very friendly and I enjoyed meeting every single one of them. One of the best moments for me was meeting both George Perez and Marv Wolfman. I was able to get all my issues of "Crisis On Infinite Earths" signed by both of them. I asked if I could get a photo with them and they were happy to oblige. George Perez make the remark, "Hey, everybody here is our unknown third collaborator", it made me and others laugh. Here is the photo of me with them, it is one of my favorites.

At the end of the convention, I met John Cassaday. His line was very long, nearly waited 3 hours to meet him. During that time-span I talked with some of the people around me. There was this kid who was with his father and uncle and he was very happy to be there, showing off his sketchbook. It is a great feeling seeing someone get such enjoyment out of comics and hopefully he will continue to do so in the years to come. When I finally met John Cassaday, he was very friendly and was spending quality time with each person in line, no one felt rushed by him. I was able to walk away from his line with a photo, my "Astonishing X-Men" run signed and a head sketch of Colossus.

I enjoyed this convention immensely, though there was only one negative aspect of it - some of the organizers. Prior to attending the convention, an attempt was made by a fellow member of ComicCovers.net to obtain press passes for the three of us attending. We were not given them and upon arriving I attempted to investigate further into the reasoning behind this. I was routed to several people, each one "passing the buck" to someone else and the last person I spoke with (someone named Brad Tree, according to his name tag) informed me that issuing us passes would have been "inappropriate". I pressed him to elaborate further as to why it was "inappropriate" but I could not get a definitive answer. He told me to "sit tight" and that he would return. I waited for over 45 minutes and was one of the last people to enter the convention because I was patiently waiting his return. He never came back to speak with me. Being treated like a piece of garbage can sour one's outlook. I did not let him deter me from enjoying the convention; nor should any attendees. Just press forward and make the most of the situation.

Best advice I can give regarding attending a convention is to be prepared. Have a list of what comics you wish to purchase, a list of people you would like to meet and bring the comics you would like them to sign. When arriving, you'll be given an itinerary of what panel discussions are going on, plan your day accordingly. A camera, pen, paper, sketchbook and something to hold your comics in (pull-cart, backpack, etc.) are essential items. It can be hectic at times, but with some planning things should go smoothly. Collect what you like, see who like and above all: HAVE FUN!