Going to Connecticut’s #1 comic convention as someone with little knowledge of the comic book world was a shockingly amazing experience that taught me a lot. Terrificon is Connecticut’s largest comic con to date. The convention was filled to the brim with celebrities, self-made artists and writers, and small businesses from all over the United States. The three-day celebration kicked off this past weekend at Mohegan Sun celebrating Terrificon’s ninth year of production. Terrificon set up hundreds of booths for all the comic and pop culture lovers to roam through and explore. This was my first comic convention and the experience was unlike any other.
“It’s more than just a comic con, it’s a celebration of all cool stuff. . .” Promotor Mitch Hallock said in an interview with WTNH.
Many people think a comic con is strictly for those who grew up reading all the big-name comics and collecting them, however, Terrificon offers a wide variety of entertainment for everyone to enjoy. I’ll be honest, I am not the biggest comic book fanatic there is. While I do enjoy flipping through and admiring the art, I lack a lot of the cultural knowledge surrounding the comic book scene. Going to Terrificon opened up my mind to all the incredible art and writing comics have to offer. I learned so much from my experience and want to share that.
The Comics
Loving comic books will make the experience of Terrificon even more incredible as you will see huge names within the comic world such as Jim Lee, C.B. Cebulski, Chris Claremont, Mark Waid, and many more. I found that even though I didn’t have much experience and comic book knowledge the event was incredible.
Terrificon introduced me to so many self-made artists and creators. I got to read and purchase so many comics that I wouldn’t have thought to check out if I didn’t attend the event. Talking face-to-face with the talented and imaginative creators at this event was inspiring and motivating for me to also work hard at what I am passionate about. I got to hear the inspirations, origins, and insider information of so many great comics.
“The 8-Bit Slasher”
One of the comic books I purchased was “The 8-Bit Slasher”, a fantastically illustrated and written comic by Mike Spring. When I went up to Spring’s booth I was initially struck by how beautiful his work is. He introduced himself and asked what kind of things I was interested in. I am a big horror fan and I also love video games when I told him that he presented me with “The 8-Bit Slasher.” It has been a perfect fit for me so far combining the likes of horror and video games in harmony accompanied by beautiful illustrations by Dennis Tirona. Spring even signed my copy of the comic!
Speaking of signatures, I also got a copy of the Terrificon program and map which included a secret origin story of Captain Terrificon (the mascot for the event) signed by George Deep, the artist for all the promotional art.
Film and TV
Alongside the comic books, there were also film and TV celebrities that attended Terrificon to sign autographs, take photos/selfies with fans, and chat with any of the convention goers. Some of the celebs who attended were Tom Welling, Charlie Cox, Cobie Smulders, Michael Rooker, Matt Ryan, and C. Thomas Howell. It was very heartwarming to see longtime fans getting their chance to meet some of their favorite actors or voice actors behind their favorite animated characters.
Some of these celebrities, comic and film, got the chance to host panels that allowed for even more interactions with fans. They took place in a room away from the commotion of the ongoing convention and allowed for a private but open conversation. I had the chance to listen in on the panel with C. Thomas Howell shared a lot of insight about what it was like growing up in a sense within Hollywood considering his work on “The Outsiders.” Howell also offered insight into his other impressive roles as well as his current project.
Opportunities for Small Businesses
Mixed in with all of the film and comic book stars, I was pleased to find many small businesses set up within the convention. They were some of the sweetest and most inviting people I had met that day. Whether it was homemade fudge, uniquely made jewelry, plushies, board games, or comic and pop culture-themed artwork, all of the businesses I visited that day were welcoming and inviting.
“The Game Of HAM”
One of my favorites was the stand for “The Game Of HAM,” I don’t want to spoil all the fun of what this game has to offer but think of it like a larger, funnier, version of Cards Against Humanity that also has a board game component. It is a game for adults only but will guarantee a fun time for groups of all sizes.
“The Game of HAM is the ultimate board game for adults that has endless possibilities and variants that will make you squeal with laughter.”
I liked the presentation of this game a lot as the promoters that attended brought excitement and enthusiasm that felt authentic and contagious. They explained all the rules effortlessly and even showed some of the cards they had to offer.
Why Terrificon is Special
Terrificon is more than a comic convention, just like Mitch Hallock said, it is a celebration of all cool things. You don’t have to know every name on the lineup or have a massive collection of comics from your childhood, to thoroughly enjoy your experience at an event like this. I met so many interesting people at the convention, had so many insightful and inspiring conversations, and left with an overall good feeling and outlook on my passions and goals.
Watching others succeed in making their dreams come true and talking about your own with kind people looking to spread positivity to those around them is sometimes all you need to get out of a slump. Terrificon was all of that for me and more. I strongly encourage you to not let preconceived notions or fears of not knowing everything there is to know about something stop you from exploring. I learned so much and so could you.
