galacticjourney

Two conventions in as many weeks! What as I thinking? And yet, despite the undoubted ardor of the undertaking, it was well worth it. San Diego's intimate little science fiction and comic book convention, aptly titled "Comic Con," was the most fun I've had at a convention in 1960.

There was plenty to see and do, including a well-stocked exhibit hall, fascinating panels with opportunities to meet creators--like the new Marvel (formerly Atlas) Comics hotshot, Stan Lee, and, of course, people in costume. There was a refreshing number of female and juvenile attendees--and not just Millie the Model fans, either!

One could say that D.C. (Detective Comics) ruled the roost, with big exhibits devoted to perennial favorites like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, though there are rumbles that Marvel Comics may return to superhero comics next year. I remember the brief revivals of Sub-Mariner, The Human Torch, and Captain America with fondness, so here's hoping they can pull it off.

Now, they say that a picture is worth a thousand words, so let's take a look at these lovely (color!) photos I took at the convention, speedily developed for my eagerly awaiting fans.

(see the rest at Galactic Journey!

Seattle really knows how to throw a science fiction convention.

I had been saddened that I hadn't gotten to join Bjo Trimble in her caravan across the country to Detention last month. After once again experiencing the joy that is GGC (the acronym was never explained to me), all of my regrets disappeared.

I mentioned in my last article that GGC is quite remarkable. Much of the attendance is female, and the emphasis is on female creators and protagonists in our niches of the literary and cinematic worlds. There were lectures on our woman science fiction luminaries, with Judith Merril and Katherine MacLean particularly prominent. There was an update on the state of women in the sciences. Someone from Space Technology Laboratories talked about scientist Frankie van der Wal and engineer Jenny Sanders: the former directed the Mouse In Able project that launched rodents atop several Thor-Able test rockets; the latter is the first woman to work at Cape Canaveral. There was also a spotlight on women in comic books, Wonder Woman being the obvious example, but with much also made of newcomers Supergirl and Lady Blackhawk.

For those who couldn't attend the convention (and for those who did and want to see themselves), here is a selection of photographs, on which I rushed development to get quickly to press. I did not get pictures of the science-fiction play or the costume masquerade--the light level was too low, but I did get a nice selection of attendees. Take a look!

A superheroine, by the name of Bluebird (a new character, apparently).



This is Nick, a gentleman with whom I had a pleasant conversation, and behind him are a number of attendees playing various card games.



Michael is an interesting chap. He is part of a growing group of people who finds solace in the past, reveling in past literature, culture, and clothing (he appears to be from the 1920s). It's a seductive idea, though I'm certainly not about to go in for that sort of thing.



Miss Molly (good Golly!) is a vendor for a small publishing group called Northwest Press. They print, among many things, comic books of a rather progressive and subversive nature. Avante garde indeed!



I'm sure you've all seen Walt Disney's newest masterpiece, Sleeping Beauty. These costumes are exquisite.



(These are the best I could find amongst my rolls of film, but perhaps other attendees have contributions they'd like to make. There were certainly plenty of snapshots to take!)

In many ways, the convention was a glimpse into the future of society and fandom. Someday soon, women and men will work in all arenas of life as equal partners, heading shoulder to shoulder to the stars. I can't wait for this golden time to arrive.

Until then, at least we have GGC. See you next year...

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P.S. Galactic Journey is now a proud member of a constellation of interesting columns. While you're waiting for me to publish my next article, why not give one of them a read!








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