The title of this article is the sentiment I have been hearing on the internet in response to Mile High Comic’s ‘break up’ letter to San Diego Comic-Con. Written by owner Chuck Rozanski, he shares that after 44 years, he is officially done with San Diego. From his letter, it sounds like the divorce was brewing for some time. He cites the diminished traffic at his part of the convention center, the proliferation of offsite events, and when there was a problem, the lack of personalized staff attention was the proverbial straw broke the taun taun’s back. In short, Chuck has decided that Comic-Con has changed and he doesn’t feel it has value to Mile High anymore. As a result of his letter, a myriad of writers, bloggers, comic book creators and fellow vendors have harrumphed in unity to show their support. Long time fans have agreed that the show is not comics focused anymore, gritting their teeth and shaking their fists at the Hollywood presence that dominates much of the attention. There is a lot to unpack here.
I too am a veteran of the show of a dozen years. While not as impressive as Chuck’s four plus decades, I’ve been paying close attention since the days you could go on a Saturday and buy a ticket at the door (2006). While there have been many changes to the show, I would argue that none so great than what has happened in the past 12 years. Since about 2010, San Diego Comic-Con has become the pop culture capital of the world and this site has chronicled that success over the years. While I don’t know Chuck, I’m very familiar with him and Mile High Comics. Owners like him are a dying breed as are comic book shops with the history and legacy of Mile High. No doubt after being their for 44 out of the 47 years of Comic-Con’s history that he deserves a memorable place in it’s history. So when I state the following, I say it with all respect to him, to Mile High and to all of his supporters; Chuck, grow up.
When I read his letter, it didn’t illuminate an underlying problem or reveal a sinister plot conspiring to his downfall. Instead, it showed me a crumudgeon that was not willing to change with the times. Blaming how the floor is laid out, the popularity of offsite events, the Hollywood presence and most importantly, the taste of fans, makes it sound like Chuck is a dinosaur cursing the meteorite that is plummeting to Earth. Change is going the hit the surface whether we like it or not- and blaming all the conditions around it makes Chuck sound like a sore loser. If Chuck is paying $18k for his booth and that’s the average rate for his peers, then that is the fair market value. Is Comic-Con expensive? Sure it is, but no one is forcing anyone to be there. With the explosion of shows around the world, there certainly are plenty of exhibit opportunities instead of SDCC. Honestly, when I read this letter and the related articles, I was just disappointed in Chuck and Mile High Comics. The philosophy of clutching onto the past has rarely bode well for business owners since the dawn of time. Culture and taste is not the enemy, but it’s one’s inability to adapt, innovate and influence that leads to death (anyone remember Blockbusters?). Complaining about how things used to be is a galactic waste of time. The next generation needs veterans to lead and inspire them- not show them how dinosaurs die. 44 years is a pretty solid run. How about instead of going down kicking and screaming, you throw a big farewell party at Comic-Con saying goodbye to fans. How about being remembered for 40+ years of great memories instead of a final year of disappointment. Again, dinosaurs don’t die with dignity but instead cause as much collateral damage as possible.
Let me remind you of Comic-Con International Mission Statement:
Comic-Con International: San Diego is a nonprofit educational corporation dedicated to creating awareness of, and appreciation for, comics and related popular artforms, primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture.
Comic-Con is doing what it has set out to do 47 years ago- creating awareness of, and appreciation for comics and all related popular artforms. 40 years ago, it was basically just comics, but now, the ‘related artforms’ have finally grown up too. Sure the show has gone through some serious growth and certainly the emphasis has gone to a lot of the TV and film properties. However, Comic-Con still celebrates and elevates more comic book creators than almost any other entity in the world (along with comic book vendors). As the programming is being released this week, try counting the hours devoted to comic book creators. The ‘changes’ of Comic-Con that Chuck refers to is the fruits of it’s own labor. World culture has changed largely because of Comic-Con’s influence- and our nerdy lives are richer as a result.
I cringe whenever I hear someone say that ‘the show has changed’ in a negative context. The show hasn’t just changed, the world has changed and certainly no one has felt it more than the publishing industry. We all know change is hard but writing letters and blaming everyone else for your business woes sounds like an entitled kid that wants to take his ball and go home. Chuck had 4 1/2 decades of pursuing what he loved and built one of the most noteable shops in history- hashtag #FirstNerdWorldProblems. I want good men and companies like Chuck and Mile High to win and get the respect they deserve. No doubt he has paid his dues and has committed his life to providing comics to a legion of adoring fans. My hope is that he and his business continues to grow each year without relying on Comic-Con business. However, after his letter, I won’t shed a tear for him and I hope Comic-Con International doesn’t either. Chuck, just go to the island, Chris Pratt will be along shortly to welcome you.
The organizers of Comic-Con are far from perfect. Managing the biggest pop culture event of the year is no easy task and they make mistakes as humans do. But if you think you can do it better- you can’t. Because no one understands the magnitude of a 150k+ crowd, 10k+ vendor staff, catering to half of Hollywood, organizing an legion of security and managing thousands of volunteers. They will learn from this backlash but more importantly, I hope we learn too. While the mission statement will stay the same, the experience will change year after year. Meteorites fall all the time and you can either evolve or hang out with the dinosaurs over in the corner. We all love dinosaurs but you know what we love more? To watch them fight, tear each other apart and die.
Agree or disagree? Leave your comments below and let’s discuss.
**Update July 9**
An example of someone who was on top of the world and got screwed in the most public way. This is how you go out in the worst circumstances. His last sentiment is priceless:
Crazy 4 Comic Con 
Nicely done here. I’ve been going since 2011 (minus one very unlucky year) and have never been interested in the actual comics. I was into everything else. But the comics inspiration is clearly a huge part of all of that. If it’s just a business decision to not go because costs outweigh profits, then just say that.
Its such a bummer for Mile High comics but it seems like that’s where comic con is going. You make a lot of great points on evolving. Hopefully the old school comic book shops can switch things up and make a bigger impact at comic con.
To simply skip over the fact that his goods were not dropped off by CCI on time and he paid for 12 employees to sit on their hands all day is a pretty big fact to skip over especially when his peers goods were delivered on time. To not get an apology, let alone a discount for last year or a credit to this year is pretty rough. Put yourself in his shoes and realize he lost time and money for CCI dropping the ball on logistics. Chuck has regularly discussed how poorly smaller vendors are treated and the loading docks get taken up by the Lucasfilms of the world. The real change that has happened is clearly CCI and how they treat their vendors, in particular smaller vendors.
I’ve been in those shoes before and I guarantee you there is more to the story. Comic-Con has always been committed to the veterans and I believe they made every effort to make it right. Bottom line is that he (and lot of comic book vendors) have been making less money for years and he just wants to blame everyone but himself. He should know that after 44 years that you win some and you lose some- no single day at CC is going to break his company. Its his attitude that will.
While I agree with you, I also agree with Chuck. The underlying fact is that changes happen, but not all changes have been for the better. The security that insists everyone keep moving, even when shopping, is the absolute worst team of security I’ve ever witnessed. I completely avoided the floor last year, deciding to stay within the confines of the hotels for interviews and off campus events. There seems to be an unpreparedness with those in charge over the past few years that has become more noticeable. The convention that has something for everyone, with some adjustments, can continue to keep that pledge.
I agree with you! You have to adapt to the times!
I agree times have changed. My very first comic con was the year Tarantino debuted Kill Bill and the lovely Eliza Dushku was promoting Tru Calling and I went on a whim. Now it’s incredibly stressful and difficult just to get in. I agree that the vendor should change as the comic medium isn’t the forefront anymore( the artists are still a main focus) but it has switched to the mainstream mediums of tv and film. I personally never really shop for comics at the con because of having to carry them and keep them in my room for the trip. I do think overall maybe he should have been treated better after his incredibly long service record with the Con. I respect his stand but at the same time I think you wrote an excellent article of the current landscape and the progression into the future.
Thank you for this, such a well thought out, well written piece on how to adapt. As a 55 year-old woman, I am constantly seeing people of my generation become grouchy old curmudgeons, wailing and complaining about how things used to be. I am married to one of those people and it’s so sad. Put your big girl panties on and grow up! Stop denying yourself the fun of life by refusing to adapt! Sure, it’s nice to remember the good ol’ days, but what about the new exciting adventures the future holds? Anyway, your post is on point. Good job! See you at Comic-Con!
Yes! We need veteran to lead by example and to show the next generation how to evolve with the times- not just pack up their things and move on. No doubt change is painful but who has ever won that battle by complaining about it? Thanks for your comments!
You are a typical arrogant Millennial…. the most horrible, intolerant and self-righteous generation to exist. This article comes as no surprise.
Ha ha, jokes on you- I’m too old to a Millennial! Truth hurts.
I agree
I agree with you and I agree with Chuck at the same time, he should have been treated with more respect and Comic Con is a business the same way he is running one and pay people to sit around and eat all day is not right. He was there when people made fun of us for going and there was no internet to download and steal comics. He is the reason there is Comic Con for us to go to only because he kept going when business was slow. I have been going for 13 years and everything changed 10 years ago. Studios take over the show and push out the vendors who really need to be there to turn a profit for the year, I know the studios only come because its cheaper to go there for the weekend and let the fans do the promoting for them. And now you notice they even stopped giving out free tee shirts and posters like they did years ago, because they know we are going to Comic Con even if they don’t bring freebies . People like Chuck made have not changed with the times , but he in the end the change we get is not the one people like myself we be happy with. Save your money Chuck and sit it out this year and pocket the 18 grand and go on a long vacation with your staff after 45 years you earned it. I myself come for the comics and buy a big stack each year, that is my comic book buying week for the year. I miss seeing Mile High’s set up it’s something I look forward to each year, knowing that someone is still will to pay thousands to hold a real comic in their hand , makes my day.
I just read Chuck’s letter. It was a simple explanation about why they wouldn’t be there this year. That’s it. No drama on their part. I find it hard to believe that you actually read the letter if your response is “grow up.” If the event doesn’t work for them anymore and they had what sounds like a really bad customer service experience that cost them money last year on top of that, why on Earth would they go again? And why blast them for their decision? I think it’s sad you are taking this communication to their customers and turning it into something so negative.
Respectfully I disagree. If that were the case a simple ‘the times have changed and it no longer is profitable for Mile High to be at SDCC’ would have sufficed. Instead, he blames everything else except his ability to evolve with the times. I respect his decision to bow out but not his motive to blame the show. 44 years is a SOLID run- one that many would dream of. Instead, celebrate that and take the time to thanks the show runners and fans. Instead, he took his opportunity to be a curmudgeon. No thank you.
My first sdcc was 20+ years ago and it was awesome meeting Chuck. As a kid I had grown up seeing the ads for Mile High Comics in the books I was reading since I was little. Ive watched the con evolve, mostly for the better, attending what will be my 18th this year.
Like what often happens on the internet I feel you completely missed his tone. You say he came off bitter. I think he was laying out what happened, just as it happened. You for some reason doubt his story that SDCC didn’t try to make things right after failing to deliver his freight. Why? Do you have knowledge that wasn’t shared? If so I’d love to hear it. Otherwise I think it’s fair to take the word of a guy that has put 44 years and millions of dollars into something we all love.
Saying he’s just an old dinosaur that needs to go in the corner and fight and die with the rest of his kind is completely disrespectful.
It is what it is though, maybe I completely missed your tone, but I doubt it.
Thanks for your thoughts and I respect you for your differing opinion. Yes, there is always another side of the story. However, regardless of the ‘truth’ there was a better way to go out. I updated the page at the bottom with something that captures my thoughts. Thx.
Sorry, but (respectfully) if this is your take, you don’t understand his letter. In his letter, he addressed an issue which took place last year and the perceived indifference of SDCC to that problem. At the prices he’s paying for space, that’s not a dinosaur shaking its fist at a comet-that’s a BUSINESSMAN registering a serious complaint in a reasonable, well-considered letter explaining why he wouldn’t be attending an even for the first time in 44 YEARS. Unless you have proof that the problems with his stock not arriving in a timely fashion was partially or totally on him, there’s really nothing here for him to take “blame” for. Rozanski clearly states that the decrease in foot traffic isn’t the reason he decided not to go, but that, in his view, SDCC was completely indifferent to the fact that freight handlers hired by SDCC failed to deliver his merchandise in a timely manner. That you apparently don’t see that as a valid complaint speaks volumes. A mistake like that on someone else’s part is hardly his fault, any more than it’s an example of his not being able to “evolve with the times”. His letter and your interpretation of what he said vary widely with one another.
I am not blasting his decision but how he chose to go out- by taking swings at Comic-Con International when it’s a global industry problem. I updated the page at the bottom with something that captures my thoughts. Regardless, thanks for your comments.
Chuck has been complaining for a decade now, and noting the $18k price tag on his booth is a bit disingenuous as it leads one to believe all comic book vendors pay that: they don’t. His booth space is huge. Unfortunately, he also has a reputation (often correct) of being overpriced when compared to other dealers, which also impacts sales and foot traffic.
The complaint that Comic Con is pushing out the comic book is hilariously false. The other media is vastly expanding the Con, but the comic book is still there all over the floor and especially on that side of the dealers cavern. In additional, if you wanted to create a pure comic book con out of SDCC, ignoring all Hollywood, you can. There is a comic book focused panel at any time of the day, and dozens of great creators to speak and sign.
Chuck’s voice is unfortunately a crabby voice, and I hope it’s taken with a grain of salt. If I had not missed out on attending SDCC for the first time in 13 years, I would be right at his usual spot first thing to see which excited waiting listed vendors were finally allowed entrance due to his exit.
My biggest nerdy passion is comics. I went to SDCC last year and left with 25+ comics and I’m sure I will this year as well. Last year, I passed Mile High many times and never stopped. Why? Because they jack the prices of their books so high.
Thanks for your thoughts and for the comment.
I feel for him – SDCC is a giant ship and trying to get it to move for you is pretty tough. I’ll miss the big wall of comics. I can also understand a desire to want to be noticed and attended to in a special way when you’ve been around the longest – and the frustration that despite that time, you’re far from the biggest or most important. That reputational dissonance must be difficult. All that said, it seems like he’s been growing frustrated for a while and writing this letter was probably getting some things off his chest as professionally as he could manage. I can’t disagree that what he went through must be frustrating, but it’s clearly a larger issue of the shift in fandom that makes his booth not worth the trouble or money (even though a core group of comic book focused fans will miss it – myself included). Sad to say that happens to all of the most influential companies in history over time. Would have been fun if he could have done one last hurrah instead of fizzling out with a frustrated memo.
I went once, and it was so incredibly packed that it was hard to do most of what I wanted to do. Comic Con seems to want to pack the halls with celebrities and people willing to spend THOUSANDS instead of focusing on their mission statement, IMO.
Myself and a group of people have been conveniently ‘out’ of the lottery system, too. I feel like their creating content for people they can convert or those who are already in entertainment.
He is not the only vendor disappointed in the prices and content and programming. I think seriously that other things need to be done. I support other conventions in place of Comic Con… It’s San Diego Mega Media Con, not about comics anymore.
Agreed. I feel for him but things change & maybe this show isn’t geared to his needs anymore but that’s ok. We adapt or we find things that fit us, we can’t expect others to retrain their own growth because of our needs. That can be applied personally or professionally. There are a lot of cons, and the number of nerd/comic events keeps in creasong in part to the high visibility of events like SDCC. I acknowledge that the event has shifted a lot, especially in the last decade but I disagree it is for the worst. There is perhaps an over abundance of fan centric stuff but that benefits the fans. Fans who spend their cash all yeae round not just during this four days. You can appreciate the spectacle and still support your local stores.
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First off, Telling someone to “Grow up” is basically just being, no offense, a total A Hole. While Chuck’s run of 44 years is very impressive, has anyone tried to understand what it takes to run a business for that long? While there is a cost of doing business, poor foot traffic to a booth can easily cut into the business’s bottom line. When that happens, Is the business owner supposed to feel happy about it? Are they supposed to jump up and shout “That was FUN!” No, they get a little sad about it. When it happens year after year, the anger and resentment will build up. Remember, this is their livelihood you are talking about.
But for some people who have been going to the Convention for less than 10 years, I can understand where “Holier than thou” Kim is coming from. As someone who has been going for 34 years and have actually SEEN things evolve at this Convention, I wish Chuck (And yes, I have met him and spoke with him plenty of times over the years) and his business the best of luck at the other conventions. But to kick a man while he is down, I must quote a favorite celebrity Nerd of mine here, Wil Wheaton. With the upmost respect “Don’t be a D***!”
His choice is his own, but I really wish Mile High would be at Comic-Con again this year. Possibly take up a slightly smaller space, and say goodbye to the fans. There are still lots of comic fans out here. However, most of us get our comics monthly at our local shop. There are lots of comic panels and events for anyone to see (who’s not in Hall H), so that complaint never holds water with me. This year the other comic vendors might have an increase in business due to their absence, but Mile High Comics will be missed.
Sdcc rules!
This will be my 20th year as an exhibitor.
We adapt or we die.
Warmest regards
Sal Abbinanti
Alex Ross Art.com
As a fellow dealer and friend of Chuck, I think your article does a disservice to Chuck and Mile High Comics. First, you are reading one post about his decision not to go back to San Diego when he has actually been talking about this for several years. In the past it has always ended with sentimentality of staying with the con being the winner. He has stated for years that monetarily, physically and emotionally Comic-Con was really not worth doing but he persisted for various reasons. One of the main reasons he continued to go was to try and keep some importance to actually having comics there. Your article seems to take the stance that comic books are not really integral to the purpose of the show. That may be true and it has been a lament by numerous comic dealers, not just Chuck. The other implication is that, as a business person for over four decades, one needs to adjust to the changing market and conditions. Let’s see. Mile High was the first major company to run its majority of business on the internet. That seems to be someone who saw the handwriting on the wall, wouldn’t you say? Mile High was also one of the first major international player in the comic book business and I would daresay for an individual business is still the leader in international sales. (That information is purely speculative but I would love to hear some challenges to it,) The fact that after many years of declining comic book participation he has decided to call it quits is again a decision that will probably be seen as a wise one. It has not only been Chuck talking about the declining dealers and customers but numerous others have said the same. I am an East Coaster and have only had the pleasure of attending one show and that was in 2000. At that time there were so many dealers there was no way to look through everyone’s booth, especially since I was only there one day. I can’t say for sure but I do not believe that would be a problem today. Here is my final say on this. Collecting comics is not just something to do. For most of us old heads, it is a passion. We want to live in the past and do so every time we open an old book and embrace those four color treasures. The same can be said about the experiences of comic book buying. We remember the exact spot when we first picked up that Spidey 34 or that Conan 1. Those memories trigger the endorphins that make us happy. It is hard to give that up. Knowing Chuck, he pondered the decision for a long time, made up his mind and now it’s done. Time and energy will be spent on bigger and better things with little regret.
Well written article, but that last line sours it a fair amount for me. If those dinosaurs were never around (and I am one of them), the con you like so much nowadays would not be around at all.
Ken, I totally agree. Comic book vendors have been the backbone of the show ever since it’s beginning. However, there is a better way to go out even if screwed over. I updated the page at the bottom with something that captures my thoughts. Thx.
I agree with the need to adapt to changes, or recognizing whether or not something doesn’t fit the vision of one’s company, but I understand Mile High’s frustration regarding logistics and their experience with setup. Dropping $16k-$18k and not getting proper attention can make you feel robbed. I would think if vendors spend that much, SDCC would have proper staff to make sure things move smoothly, but there also might be details not shared.
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Sure, comic con can do better in many aspects, but, I do agree with this post on the overall idea that change is not just on side of con, but exhibitor as well. Change isn’t always good, however, but change will always happen, and an exhibitor can work to make some changes on their part too to work the system to their advantage (sure, easier said than done, but possible). When you spend time focusing on the negatives, you’re taking time away from thinking about how you can make the best of the situation. Comic con isn’t a con about comics as much as it is a multimedia pop culture convention, and thinking about it that way can help alter the focus of a how comic store goes about not only deciding if they should exhibit there, but what’s going to be the best content and marketing to make people aware of what’s available. Note, that’s not to mean comics aren’t a big deal, but it’s only part of it, and it’s not always about the comics as much as it can be about the artists or another aspect. I’ve found myself more attracted to go to comic store booths that have artists signings or web comic artists who show up than to go there to specifically buy comic books. However, that gets me there, and often I’ll leave with an added book or something. Also, I actually love the sponsored events outside of the convention (especially those that don’t require a badge since-talking change-those are harder to snag now), and this would be a great something to maybe team up even with other stores and popular bloggers on comics to sponsor a special event. Worst comes to worst, there are so many con choices now out there, that, really, I don’t think anyone should feel like they’re missing out on possible income if they’re not at SDCC. In fact, that might very well be the con that will do nothing for your company/brand.
Calling Chuck and anyone who doesn’t like the changes to Comic Con sore losers seems a bit simplistic. Comic Con has become a media convention, there have been Glee panels, Modern Family panels, 400 square foot displays for comedies on the main floor that have jack to do with any of the stated goals comic con is trying to promote, meanwhile artists tables keep getting smaller and comic vendors can’t afford to come. I think it makes business sense, but it doesn’t benefit the fans or the artists. Obviously comic con doesn’t suck, it’s amazing and a vital part of the downtown economy, but it has lost a lot of what made it great with the Hollywood money taking over and the comic vendors being driven out.
But.. but.. chuck is not complaining about the change in the industry, he’s complaining about the organizer’s treatment to him and how he should deserved proper planning and arrangements from the org. And working with traffic and floor plan is the obligation of the organizer.
I think i can savely assume that the organizer is on a “take it or leave it” mindset, which is never been good.
Ps: your update is completely different case man. Conan was paid by the network. While chuck is PAYING quite some of money to the organizer. With both surely cash in a lot of profit from each partnership over the years, its still very different case.
great read… and here I am bitching and whining about wristbands
It’s odd, some of your opinions I can get behind, but others, usually the majority in comparison, I can’t. This is one of the latter. Your tone almost sounds condescending, as if to say, oh you’re too good for SDCC? Well off to die you go; you won’t survive without this God of a con. Chuck has been vocal for YEARS about leaving San Diego, for numerous reasons. But each year he has swallowed whatever bitterness and came out to be there for people who want to support and buy comics. Yes, his revenue wasn’t was it used to be, and yes, the times are changing, and his opinions on such was well known, but for all intents and purposes he set those aside each year and came regardless. But one needs to see this from the point of view of a businessman, and an experienced and reputable one at that; if the staff that is handling your merchandise is performing below average and giving that space to larger, more richer companies, and you are losing money as a direct result, you have every right to express, complain, and bow out of the event. And to a businessman, money is EVERYTHING. That’s how you survive, how your employees survive. If you aren’t getting the foot traffic, you aren’t making money, and thus you no longer have a business. 44 years is a LONG time; Chuck has seen life, death, births, triumphs and failures, marriages and divorces, more life experiences than probably anyone else there, and amidst all of that he has been able to create and run possibly the most profitable and successful comic book retail store in history. And with that comes an aura of respect. You, calling him an honestly cliched phrase, ‘dinosaur’, shows no respect. You pride him for his many years in the business yet you tear him down at the same time. This is a man’s life, this is his dream, his work, the whole reason he was put on this earth and I feel like you utterly disrespected him; to tell him to grow up, to go to the island and wait for Chris Pratt…that’s honestly not very humorous at all. And CCI should have shown him a similar level of respect, with his seniority with the convention. And it’s not just him, I’ve read about numerous small vendors being put through the same runaround that Mile High has. CCI has a reputation of being down on small vendors, I mean, sorry they’re not Hasbro, or BBC, or Lucasfilm…but they matter just as much to the convention and the fans as they do. Allow me to sound hypocritical now, as despite my harshness to the con, I will of course continue to attend, but I always try to support the smaller vendors, give them at least some of my money in hopes that they will make some profit and return next year. But I’ll greatly miss seeing this staple of SDCC, and I wish them all the best, but honestly SDCC doesn’t deserve them. SDCC isn’t about the comic anymore; it’s simply not. And it will be a sad day in history when, if, all the other comic vendors no longer attend, allowing the ever looming Hollywood presence to finally, completely take over.
Hey, at least there’s Salt Lake Comic Con, right..? 😉
I’m like some of the others here. I agreed with you and see Chuck’s POV also. That being said, you really hit a point that I resonated to when you referenced the CCI mission statement for SDCC. They are doing what they set out to do and although it’s not all about “comics” anymore I do enjoy, as do most, what SDCC has become. I’ve been attending for 20 years (I live in SD) and I’ve seen first hand of the growth of SDCC for all the good and bad. I’ll miss Mile High but I hope to also find perhaps a new vendor come in and fill the spot so I can buy a few more comics. Thanks for the post.
I read with great disappointment Tony B. Kim’s exasperatingly insulting article, aimed at comics dealer legend Chuck Rozanski. Also, Mr. Kim, if you’re going to call anyone a curmudgeon, it might help, if you knew how to properly spell it. And, it was hilarious, that you ‘point out’, at the cost of each booth (SEVENTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS – YOW!!!!). and then, in the next breath, have the gall to call it a non-profit event!!! Does anyone on Earth truly believe this? I also would love to hear what YOUR role is, in terms of the San Diego Comic Con. You sound like you’ve got a business stake in it, yourself. Someone named Dustin said THIS: ” Dustin
July 6, 2017 at 6:16 pm Reply
To simply skip over the fact that his goods were not dropped off by CCI on time and he paid for 12 employees to sit on their hands all day is a pretty big fact to skip over especially when his peers goods were delivered on time. To not get an apology, let alone a discount for last year or a credit to this year is pretty rough. Put yourself in his shoes and realize he lost time and money for CCI dropping the ball on logistics. Chuck has regularly discussed how poorly smaller vendors are treated and the loading docks get taken up by the Lucasfilms of the world. The real change that has happened is clearly CCI and how they treat their vendors, in particular smaller vendors.” Unquote. Which you, Tony B. Kim, didn’t even mention, in your nonsensical rebuttal. Who are you kidding?!? Chuck R paid $17,000.00 to be there, and (a) they didn’t deliver his wares to sell, and (b) they didn’t even appologize. And, Chuck Rozanski should get a FULL REFUND. He shouldn’t have to sue, in order to recoup his losses, from this year and last year, in terms of table fees. And then, Tony B. Kim, you have the GALL to call Chuck Rozanski a dinosaur?!? Jesus Christ.
you guys keep saying “adapt, adapt adapt” but you offer no actual methods. are comics retailers *not* supposed to sell comics?
would you tell an artist “no dude, people aren’t interested in prints, sell funko pops!” you wouldn’t tell a plumber “of course you can’t install toilets anymore! fix this lawnmower engine!” you’re asking comics retailers not to be comics retailers. don’t be ridiculous. they’re not general stores, they’re comics retailers.
It’s because they know NOTHING about comics. They are movie fans, NOT comic book fans. Dark days ahead.
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Then let them have a CGI Movie Con and give the Comic Con back to us! These stupid kids in stupid Halloween costumes (not even true cosplay), just make the Con suck!
Tony B Kim? More like Tony B Trollin, or if you were writing this from the utmost sincerity in your heart, Tony B Ignorant AF. This isn’t about “comics are old and you’re just sad”, this is about a man who got screwed over by a con he supported most of his life.If you aren’t as insulted as he is about how he was treated, you’re probably just soulless.
As to the Comicon change, it’s gotten way too big, way too dudebro normie “geek”, and it’s never gonna slow down because all that $$$$. You can be against this opinion all you want, call everyone dinosaurs all you want, etc but one day it’s gonna happen to you and you’ll be complaining about how “COMICON HAS CHANGED” and some author is going to blast you on the Internet as the grumpy old man who just “doesn’t get it”.
Mile High has always been overwhelming and overpriced RIP finallly looks like Chucky gets his just deserved awards. Comic Con attendee for the past 20 loved them all. There always be pushy jerks in this crazy Biz. Jh
Remember that someday YOU TOO will be discarded like used toilet paper. That man had every right to say what he wanted to say. And you sound extremely arrogant like every younger person who feels they are holier than thou. I hope, I really hope, that someday you turn around and look at the world and see a world that no longer gives a fuck about you. You must be one of those “fans” who thinks The Last Jedi is a “great and bold” movie. You are pitiful, really. People who hate the past and want to kill it always are. Shove this article straight up your ass.
Wrong again… The Last Jedi was the worst. And when that day comes, if I haven’t changed, I will probably deserve that fate.