For ourselves, LSCC 2014 is the first real con we genuinely look forward to at the start of the year and their third outing to date didn’t fail to impress. Everything about the event seemed more polished this year than the last two, as if the organisers genuinely take on board the comments and criticisms that fans put out over the interweb and set about to address them. The lack of a megastar, Adams excepted, was thought by many beforehand to mean a quieter convention but it certainly didn’t feel like it, if anything the vibe was much better than last year and things seemed to flow more smoothly. It was a shame that flight trouble meant Adams didn’t get there until late on the first day but these are unforeseen problems that the organisers have no control over, like Ezquerra the previous year.
The vast majority of creators were fantastic, really enthusiastic and inspiring and readily engaged with the audience. Some notable heroes were the ever-entertaining Chaykin, who seems to have a story about everything, John Layman who was incredibly humble and Mark Texeira who was shocked that so many people wanted to meet and get something from him. Jonathon Ross is also a notable ambassador for the comic book format and it’s great to see him at the convention too. This highlights the fact that many fans are hungry for the creators that aren’t necessarily megastars in the US but rarely travel outside of their country. Jansen last year was like a rabbit in headlights at times for the same reason.
The layout of the show was, in my opinion, much better again than the last couple of years, separating the artists was a good move and made the show seem more coherent. There was plenty of cosplay, which was well embraced this time round by the organisers and catered for with some professionals.
I don’t want to criticise as it was such a good weekend it would be unfair, but being as the people behind it seem to listen, there is one thing I’d like to see more of and that’s creators from outside the UK. I know they probably bring in more overseas creators than all the other cons (save Thoughtbubble maybe? Answers on a postcard…), but you can’t have too many in our opinion. Not that we don’t love our local contingent, we truly do, but it’s nice to bring in more of a mix rather than see the same names again and again. A less famous creator from the states is a much bigger star here (Texeira was a prime example, bring him back!) and will bring lots more of the true comic fans out.
Not only is LSCC maturing into a fantastic event, it also brings everyone out and is a great excuse to meet up with friends. Well done to the organisers for responding as they have. Roll on LSCC 2015.
Art Adams
Mike Grell
Mark Texeira