This week San Diego will host some 125,000 people attending, Comic Con 2008. No one seems to mind that the politically correct term is now Graphic Novel. But then Graphic Con does not connote the real sense of whimsy that surrounds this event. On the other hand this is a serious market populated by a large and serious base that far exceeds the fraction of the fanatics that are lucky enough to attend. Many television and movie stars are expected to make appearances as there is widespread recognition of the marketing power inherent in this gathering.

This past weekend “The Dark Night” spread his wings and engulfed the masses shattering Box Office records. Much like the show in San Diego, this movie attracted its share of Jokers dressing the part, but there were also many more less extroverted consumers paying for their shot at simple summer escape.

I, apparently having no will of my own, found myself taking three of my Grandchildren to the market that targeted their need for simple entertainment, “Space Chimps“. This while my 30 something son, his wife and his in-laws took a chance on “Mama Mia” and my wife and youngest daughter were caught up in the dreamy good Knight.

So riddle me this marketers of the written word:
What is it that brings so many people of vastly diverse backgrounds to San Diego dressed as Heroes and Villians? Why does the 7th(or maybe it’s the 8th) movie about the Cape Crusader and the third rerun of Batman vs Joker attract $o much attention? How can Pierce Brosnan’s singing be associated with the #2 Box Office haul of the weekend? And why, OH WHY, did I have to sit through Space Chimps?