Stockton Holiday Mini-Con

When you live in a small city in the middle of nowhere, between the sticks and the hills, you rarely expect anything good to happen, especially if that city is Stockton, CA., which was voted the 2^nd worst city in the Nation last year, just getting edged out by the ever-so-violent Detroit.  However, every now and again, there’s a sliver of hope beaming through the dark clouds of despair in the form of a mini Holiday convention.

The good folks behind the minds of the first Stockton-con decided to put on a smaller, holiday show, which saw the proceeds go to charity. There were maybe half of the vendors of the first show, but there was still a pretty good turn-out, and with the price of admission at a whopping $2, there was little room to argue.

The event was held at the University of Pacific gymnasium. Doesn’t sound too glamorous, but for what they wanted to accomplish, it more than got the job done.

 

There were even a couple of 70’s celebrities on hand in Herbert Jefferson Jr. and Richard Kiel.

I actually spoke with Mr. Jefferson for the first time, who was engaging and pleasant. I see him at these shows every year, so I asked him if he ever gets tired of it.  To my surprise, he loves doing these shows, enjoys travelling and gets a kick out of the adulation from fans. Hearing that was refreshing since the last show I attended saw former WWF/WCW wrestler Big Van Vader swear and curse someone out for taking a snapshot from afar.

There weren’t an abundance of vendors when you compare the two Stockton shows, but the ones there were just enough… and of course there were those that hoped to capitalize off the demise of Hostess.

$10 for Cup cakes? Please! I can’t wait to laugh in those people’s faces when Bimbo ultimately buys Hostess and starts pumping out more sugary, diabetes-inducing product.

They even had a silent auction going on, which was also for charity. If only Atomik Toys had a silent auction for that Darkseid. Even at an untaxed $80, that's too much for a figure that doesn't do jack.

There were a handful of cosplayers as well to keep you entertained. You can't be mad at a Sinestro Corps member.

There was an abundance of artists looking to break into the comic business. A good deal of them were talented, had zeal, enthusiasm and the right attitude. It almost made me regret not following through with my original career path.

 

This cute morsel thought I was taking photos of the merchandise, and, well, I was in a way. From the front, she looked like a young Kim Kardashian; thick and booty-licious.

Like a Warriors game, you don’t always expect a win, but this was a good time out. I always enjoy these smaller shows because with lower expectations, there’s lower risk for disappointment, and I normally walk out with hidden gems at great blow-out prices… and they announced that next year’s show will be moved to a larger venue at the brand new Stockton Arena to accommodate the throngs of humanity that showed up last summer to blow the roof off the place.

This move is definitely a spot of good news and a step in the right direction for the city of Stockton.