Well ultimately weather killed it for me since freezing rain hit right when I was to be heading to the show Friday afternoon... On my way home from work though, I avoided an accident on some fresh ice, so I can't exactly say I felt bad for not coming out Friday like I planned.
That stuff hit exactly as they predicted and treating didn't seem to help it. Weather's the only part of the December show I can't stand, since it's unpredictable generally.
I wound up making it Saturday. I got to hang at James' booth a little while, but that was the extend of my visiting with anyone as I didn't see anyone else there Saturday while I walked around.
That's my really only regret and/or disappointment with this show.
When they said they were doubling the size of the show, they weren't kidding...
Saturday was PACKED with wall-to-wall nerd.
The main hall was simply jammed with people... Parking was, simply put, a nightmare at this show compared to any other I've ever attended too. I was really kind of disappointed in that respect as well, actually, however it didn't dampen my spirits... It was what it was. I just was wondering if my (IE: Diane's) car would be there when I left.
The show's toy hall seemed a little more full this time around, and I found some good deals again... Vintage Collection figures for 3/$25 at one table and they were selling some quality figures for that price too like Fleet Troopers, INC, and more. I felt that was a steal at the show's normal mark-up on TVC figures... I'd take $8 RFT's all day long.
I got a 5/$20 deal on some old ROTS and Saga figures as well... Grabbed a Tanus Spijek, Capt Antilles (2003), Blue Senate Guard, Wookiee Warrior, and Madine for $20... That's all army building/customizing fodder there, so I was pretty pleased with that purchase.
I saw some pretty goofy prices on some newer figures... NOT a lot of Black Series sitting around, and what was available was mostly older Wave 1 stuff with overpriced tags on it (Padme and Luke for $15 or more? Maybe in September but not now!).
I didn't see much 6" or 4" from Black Series really...
Noticing more guys getting into gutting Legos for mini-figures.
Vintage Star Wars was, again, in shorter supply... It becomes less every show it seems, and James always appears to lead the way in both quality and quantity.
Felt bad for the NotLD guys being stuck in the toy area rather than the "Celebrity Hall" area. They look like someone wheels them there and drops them off.
I like the "Con" feel they're going for... Panels are interesting. I'm thinking that's something that could really expand into something great in the future, as there are obviously some pretty knowledgeable collectors around the area.
I saw a much more diverse crowd too... A lot more women seemed to be in attendance. I think the expansion had to have been a success from what I was seeing... The hours have to be hell on the dealers though.
I didn't get to snap a pic of George Takei as I had hoped...
Love that guy! He looked as happy as I've seen any celebrity at that show, ever, and he had a huge line of people to see him.
I've got a busy couple months coming up but I hope to see some of you guys soon, even if it's just to grab some beer and conversation at BWW's or something.
Looking forward to the next show already!
