The first Wonder Northwest kicked off today, and continues through tomorrow. I wasn’t able to stay long this afternoon, but I did swing by to check out the show floor for an hour or so. At which point I discovered that these exist.
I had no idea. And, despite my glee, and despite it being right there, I inexplicably did not purchase the glorious plastic abomination that goes by the name “First Officer Donatello”—a stupid, stupid decision that I’ve been regretting with every fiber of my being for the past several hours. One day I shall own you, First Officer Donatello. We shall have all sorts of adventures together, be they in sewers, or space, or sewers in space. My heart will not rest until that day.
ANYWAY. Wonder Northwest! The sentiment among the retailers, exhibitors, and attendees I spoke with hinged on variations of one phrase: “It’s hard to start up a show,” “It’s hard to get a show going the first year,” and “It’s the first year, so….” The retailers I spoke with said business had been steady, if not spectacular; speaking as someone who was only there to check out the proceedings, I noticed there were plenty of tables hawking old videogames, comics, and toys… but also plenty of room in the aisles. Maybe I hit the show at a slow point—I was there from about 2:30 to 3:30 or so?—but attendance seemed low, and definitely smaller than two shows that’re probably the closest things Wonder Northwest has to analogues, the Portland Comic Book Show and the Portland Retro Gaming Expo.
That said, the people who were there seemed to be having a good time—and, as promised, there were a good number of anime cosplayers, wannabe pirates, Scott Pilgrims, et al. As an attendee, the low-key atmosphere wasn’t a drawback—it was easy and fun to browse around, and while I didn’t attend any, I imagine getting into panels wasn’t the game of musical chairs it can be at larger shows—but the question is whether there’s enough support to sustain future Wonder Northwests.
So those are my quick impressions, but for the rest of you who went, I’m curious: What’d you think of the show? Think there’s room, or demand, for a “nerd catchall” show like this in Portland? Would you go back next year? Did anyone else have their hearts warmed by the sight of a kid dressed up as Doctor Who winning a pair of Empire Strikes Back Nikes? Are you as impressed with this headline as I am?
Also, anybody going tomorrow? If so, pick me up that First Officer Donatello? I’ll totally get you back.
The Doctor Who kid was so cool and so excited to win those giant sneakers. The Star Trek Ninja Turtles belong to my gf, you should come and buy them today or you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.
Aw man, they made Michaelangelo a redshirt? That’s just wrong.
I will be saving all my pennies for Geek Girl Con in Seattle this Oct. Another new start up, with lots of buzz. I was tempted but then I ended up broke this weekend and that made the decision for me. =( I wanted to check out the Lovecraft last night. Alas.
FYI – Star Trek Ninja Turtles are gone, sorry dude.
I think you caught the show at a slow point. For the most part there was a decently sized crowd (even on Sunday, which I wasn’t counting on).
I really enjoyed the show and was glad to see a mix of older and younger crowds. The costume contest was amazing.
I think there’s a place for a show that integrates so many facets of local nerd culture. With the show this good in the first year I’ll definitely go be back next year.
I have been going to a few cons a year for the last 7 years, and I can sincerely say that this was one of the best that I have been to. The staff and vendors were polite and well organized. The attendees were all walks of geek life: geeks, pirates, robots,children, lolitas, cosplayers, and all of them seemed to be having a great time. Panels were varied and offered up something for just about everyone. I can’t wait for next year!