It was clear by Sunday that Albuquerque Comic Con had become about more than just comic books, celebrities and costumes. The marked success of the event in Day 1 seemed to express that not only has geek culture in Albuquerque blossomed into a massive community, it also seemed to be something of an indictment of the current Gubernatorial and Legislative attempts to roll back New Mexico tax incentives aimed at drawing the film industry to our state. That sentiment wasn't just expressed by Albuquerque Comic Con organizer Jim Burleson, but it had been expressed by nearly every guest, vendor and artist we spoke to. Don't be mistaken, the primary reason for the success of Albuquerque Comic Con, is because of the success that the Film Industry has had in New Mexico.
Though Day 2 got off to a quiet start, by noon people were once again flocking into the event in droves. Many vendors expressed that the slow start was something of a blessing, given that the extremely high volume of traffic from Saturday had left them with the need to regroup. At noon, the world famous physique that first brought the Incredible Hulk to life on TV, Lou Ferrigno took the stage for a very entertaining Q&A where Lou talked about everything from his youthful fascination with Superheroes to his years on the Incredible Hulk show, and his cameo's in the Hulk movies and other films.
Ferrigno was especially passionate about the influence of heroes on our youth. He said that when he was a child he was extremely effected by those Icons because of the example they provided. He also said, that more than anything, that is what he wants the children of today to see him as.When Ferrigno was asked what his thoughts of Albuquerque were he said. "I Love Albuquerque, I'll never forget it...But you might recall a few years ago during your Balloon Fiesta a balloon got tangled in power lines and slammed to the ground. Thats why I will never forget Albuquerque...Because I was in that balloon!" We will have a full write up on the Lou Ferrigno panel soon.
The day played out with several more panels, a lot more celebrity photo taking & autograph signing. Oh yeah...Costumes,costumes,costumes. The fans came out in full force to bask in the geeky light of Comic Con. The first annual "Comics in Film Festival" had an extremely successful run with many films in the running and a resounding amount of approval from fans.
To be sure, Albuquerque Comic Con will be back in 2012. So will the fans. However the enthusiasm of the fans may well depend on how they feel about the future of the film industry. If New Mexico does drastically cut the film incentives that have helped the film industry grow here, then we will be just one voice in a chorus of states offering the same thing. Which leads to a rather dark thought. If those tax incentives are cut is the Avengers going to be New Mexico's cinematic swan song? 2011 should have been the year that we celebrate the future, with the knowledge that Disney & Marvel's upcoming Mega Movie will be shot here. However the looming prospect of State budget cuts really cast a small cloud over the otherwise raucous event.
This weekend Albuquerque's civic pride was on display and what every crazy kid in a costume was really expressing was a love for comics, film and the major contribution that their fair city and state has made to both in recent years. The fans have indeed spoken, but unfortunately this one is going to be up to the politicians in Santa Fe. Which costumes will they be in next year? Heroes or Villains?
-Admiral Duke
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