Not All Fans Wear Capes

Rhode Island Comic Con is upon us again and thousands of excited fanatics will invade downtown Providence like a colorful misfit army of all backgrounds and backstories, much like their favorite characters. Some will even be dressed as their favorite characters — each year cosplayers dedicated to their artistic crafts bring to life heroes and villains of page and screen. Among the masses of mutants and maniacs lurks something in plain view, but creeps through the aisles of celebs and shops. It claims the frozen images and names of specials guests. It runs off with valued treasures to be stored away in its domain.  It is … just another ordinary happy fan.

Though they might not be dressed to impress all the time, they still share the same passion and are willing to hand over their paychecks to collect all the memorabilia they can. Let me introduce you to just three of such fans: Derek “Dr. Skatan” Rzemien – 46 with several heroes and villains tattooed on him, Melissa “Missy” Charbonneau – 33 and horror obsessed, and Amanda T – 36-year-old fan of many brands from Hellboy to WWE.

What is it that really drives them to spend money not only on the tickets, but also on marked-up items and pricey photos with the famous faces and names?

“Cons are also the perfect place to purchase comics that I have been in the market for, such as key issues and first appearances,” said Rzemien. He’s been going to cons for six years “religiously,” volunteering last year at RICC. “The most I’ve spent would be around $300 for my Star Wars #1 Boba Fett commission. It was $220 for the artist to draw Boba on the blank cover, $50 for Boba Fett actor Jeremy Bulloch to sign it, and $45 to have it graded and encapsulated,” he continued. “End result is a one-of-a-kind collectible!”

Universally, cons have evolved into a realm of connection and acceptance between fans on all levels. For Amanda, whose latest work can be found under Super Wolf Cosplay, cons become way to catch up with her friends. “It’s the only place I feel comfortable and can be myself, which most will think is geeky,” she said.

Even though Charbonneau has been to comic cons, it’s the horror conventions of Rock & Shock in Massachusetts and Monster-Mania in New Jersey that have attracted her the past eight years.

“I started collecting horror movies at first, then it made me want to start collecting memorabilia,” said Charbonneau. Her prize convention possessions include autographs from George Romero, Lloyd Kaufman, Reggie Bannister and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper; a signed picture with Jon Bernthal; and a talking Tiffany doll from Bride of Chucky.  [Author’s note: This writer is terrified of dolls, especially the talking variety.]

As the years go by, the collections will continue to expand until someone reminds these fans, “You can’t take it with you.” Although it would be pretty rad to show off your stash in the afterlife, I think the influx of celebrity souls in one place would devalue an item’s worth. When asked, everyone agreed they would sell most of their items or give them away to family and friends. With that exchange, the memories become mementos of good times and awesome people.

But were there any regrets?

“Any regrets of missed opportunities are a direct result of funds,” said Rzemien. “One of the challenges of cons is how much you can do with your budget.”

What does supersede the power of money at cons will always be the power of free-expression and communication between fans from all walks of life. Sure, it is costly for most, but the payoff is in the overall experience between fans. “From meeting celebrities to cosplaying, I enjoyed and cherish every part of my interactions,” said Amanda.