While browsing the library two weeks ago, an interesting book caught my eye in a instant. When I saw the magic words, “comic-con” and “pop culture”, on the cover, I knew I had to read this book. And boy, was it one of the most fun books I have ever read. Digital media expert (and huge comic book fan), Rob Salkowitz, has written an enlightening take on San Diego Comic-Con and the U.S. comic book industry in “Comic-Con and the Business of Pop Culture”. He takes no prisoners as he goes over every aspect of what makes people love and hate the industry that has become popular with its elements of amazing art, vivid storylines, and iconic characters. Rob goes through his entire 4-day experience at SDCC 2011 and shares his thoughts on a variety of issues concerning the future of comics. From transmedia to distribution (retail and digital) to attracting casual fans to globalization, you get to learn about the folks that make San Diego the place to be. One of the most interesting segments in the book was his talk about Twilight fandom coming to SDCC. As everyone knows, lots of women love Stephanie Meyer’s tale of sparkling vampires. Rob talks about how more women need to be more accepted by men at comic conventions and he also says that women are the loudest and most vocal fans in fandom today. I find this an interesting statement as it seems men are getting more psychologically frightened by the growing power of women by the minute.   For those wondering if the book covers manga, Rob does talk about manga briefly. He chronicles manga’s rise and fall in the U.S. and how there hasn’t been a recent smash hit in quite some time. He goes on to say how manga is arguably one of the best ways to get the next generation of folks into comics. There is a mention about elements of manga style being used in American comics.  A word of warning for those who read the book though: there are a lot of business terms used and it might be a bit overwhelming. It is written in a tone where it appeals to both business readers and pop culture fans. Though if you are trying to self-publish your comics/manga, it’s extremely vital that you at least have some business suave to survive. This is a good book to start with. Overall, “Comic-Con and the Business of Pop Culture” comes highly recommended. Rob really shows off his passion for a medium that we all love. It’s amazing to see so much research done on how comics have grown and affected the entertainment industry in so many ways. Reading the book makes me wonder about the future of manga as it looks like it’s now or never to capture a global audience. Another concern is how much manga is accepted in the U.S. since it seems like it’s stuck in a dark alley at SDCC. The only thing I can say for certain is that fandom will always continue to the force to drive comics (and manga) forward. The more you encourage it, the more successful you will be. The book’s message very much leans toward that belief. Here’s a teaser video to get you hooked into the book: Let’s keep our pencils/pens/markers at the ready, shall we?
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