Crush...Yiff...Destroy!

Paul · Coadjutor Joined: 01 Feb 2004 Posts: 138

I read quite a lot of comics, and I've always had a soft spot for what used to be called funny animal comics. It was only when I got a broadband net connection a year ago and started serious surfing for webcomics, illustrations, etc, that the full horrors of "furry fandom" dawned on me. After that, it was good to find CYD and learn that there are other people who are less than happy with the downward spiral that cute cartoon characters have been drawn into.

Still, my affinity for well-made funny animal comics remains relatively intact. A lot of the small press and/or self-published comic books are hard to find, though, so I thought that maybe one of the bigger "furry conventions" would be a good place to look for them.

But the reports in Loaded, Marie Claire and Vanity Fair about these get-togethers don't sound like a recommendation. The various convention homepages don't really help, either: Apart from the dealers' room (which is where I would go) all the focus seems to be on things like "Fursuit Performance", "Animal Spirituality", "Discovering Your Inner Animal", etc, etc, all of which I find silly, stupid, scary or any combination thereof.

On the other hand, I've read on I-can't-remember-which forum that the media reports from furry cons are misrepresentative, and that a con mainly consists of people buying comics and drawing in sketchbooks, with the contingent of "lifestyle furries" being a tiny minority.

So my question is this: Has anyone here been to a furry con, and if so, what's your verdict? Would it be a good place to find comic books, or is it one big atrocity parade best to be avoided?

(Or, alternatively, is it one big atrocity parade to be experienced and remembered for always?)

Wayd Wolf · Coadjutor Joined: 06 Oct 2003 Posts: 456

So my question is this: Has anyone here been to a furry con, and if so, what's your verdict? Would it be a good place to find comic books, or is it one big atrocity parade best to be avoided?

(Or, alternatively, is it one big atrocity parade to be experienced and remembered for always?)

I've been to two conventions, both of them Anthrocon. My experience with the first one has been gone over already on CYD. I can only add that on the last night of the con I was supposed to head home and it was late and some furs I never did get the names of shared their room with my wife and I, letting us crash there. No, nothing adult happened. We slept soundly, woke early, and left while they were still asleep.

My experience with the second was so-so. I saw a lot of people acting in ways I wasn't happy with and passed some room parties with their doors open that didn't make me happy either(naked and half-naked guys getting down in plain sight of the hallway, some obviously not more than sixteen years old). A number of people who swore up and down that they'd kick my ass I came across and when they connected my appearance with my badge and realized they were dealing with someone who could stuff them up their own ass and play basketball with their carcasses, they blanched and wandered away quickly.

I got to spend some time with some friends and there was adult foolishness in private as well as much dining out and some drinking in the hotel bar. I bought some art and wandered about. No one had the guts to accost me and I stayed away from the lifestyler themed events and didn't miss them.

The only way you'll have a really bad time is if you're being lured there for sex with someone you barely know or you're sort of into it and give signals you might be into furversions and then get those dumped on you. Or you attend any events that might make you offended religiously or whatever. Most of the artwork in the show isn't bad enough to cause wretching or it wasn't last time I went. Some of the dealers' room stuff can make gulp but you have to know where to turn away quick.

One last thing: shitloads of furries claim to be "massage therapists" and few know how to massage anything but your private parts with a fursuit glove. Leave this to really close friends you're comfortable with. No, I mean with real hands, not fursuit hands.

Dogthing · Coadjutor Joined: 26 Oct 2003 Posts: 207

:(

I went to one anime con in Tampa, and it was pretty horrible. Sure, it was fun with all of the UT2k3 being played, and the game room where I watched people make idiots of themselves at DDR, but there were some furry artists in the art room.

We were walking by, and I sniffed at the big table full of furry sketches, and continued. But one of our group, a young artist named Krista (I think her page is http://www.suta-raito.com), glanced at them and FREAKED OUT. She was instantly hooked and is probably drawing gay bunny man porn right now.

It's like being the hero of a survival horror flick and screaming "NOOOOOOOOO!!!!" as one of your companions gets swarmed and devoured by zombies. :cry:

creature · Coadjutor Joined: 06 Nov 2003 Posts: 132

I have been to probably too many furry cons and seen way too much stuff at them, which is one of the reasons I am here. The two big conventions, Anthrocon and Further Confusion are pretty tame. The now dead (and thankfully so) Confurance (CF) is where a hell of a lot of the stories about how bad a furry con can be and rightfully so. Confurance is why most other conventions keep a strict rule set and enforce the hell out of those rules, even the last handful of CFs had to tone down things something awful and force people to abide by the rules.

For me, I don't do the lifestyler thing. I have no problems with 99% of the lifestylers in the furry fandom, since they keep it to themselves. It's the 1% of jackasses that try to force it on you like some rabid Christian fundamentalist a picture of Jesus tattooed on their weenie that drive me nuts. Spirituality is one thing, being the Jim Baker of a fandom is another.

Most of the conventions are normal. Most of the room parties are normal. It's the ones that get way the hell out of hand and spill into the hall that give furry conventions a bad name. Those are what I rally against and make fun of. They deserve it, same as any other.

If you are just looking for funny animal comics, your probably better off just mail ordering them. It's probably not worth it to spend the money to get a one day membership to a furry convention to buy $30 worth of comics. Rabbit Valley or even a local comic shop that works with Cold Cut Distributions or has a decent working knowledge of Diamond's Star System will be better for you.

Furry conventions about about seeing people you haven't in a while, same as comic book and anime conventions. I go to all three to see friends I haven't seen since last year, but talk to regularly in email or on IRC.

Take it as you will.

Sulaco · Rasophore Joined: 28 Oct 2003 Posts: 61

Closest thing to a furry con that I've been to was C-ACE in Ottawa. It's pretty small, less chaotic, has strict guidlines against porn, and more like just a big sketch party. There were a few wackos and assholes there, but vastly outnumbered by the masses of harmlessly average comic/anime geeks. They've also taken down any mentioning of 'furry' from their site, I was told, and have become more of a general cartooning con. Of course, there's still a big emphasis on funny animal stuff. Overall it's pretty nice.

Other than that, ComiCon is my stomping ground as of last summer. You'll find everything there, whether you want to or not.

Michael Hirtes · Coadjutor Joined: 04 Aug 2003 Posts: 519

If you are just looking for funny animal comics, your probably better off just mail ordering them. It's probably not worth it to spend the money to get a one day membership to a furry convention to buy $30 worth of comics. Rabbit Valley or even a local comic shop that works with Cold Cut Distributions or has a decent working knowledge of Diamond's Star System will be better for you.

I personally wouldn't recommend Rabbit Valley to anyone. The guy who runs it has turned into a real dick (assuming he wasn't a real dick since the day he was born), and I've heard some customers getting screwed-up orders from the guy.

Fortunately, Ed Zolna's back in business (under the biz name "Second Ed"), and I'd refer people to him instead.

Michael Hirtes · Coadjutor Joined: 04 Aug 2003 Posts: 519

Most of the conventions are normal. Most of the room parties are normal. It's the ones that get way the hell out of hand and spill into the hall that give furry conventions a bad name. Those are what I rally against and make fun of. They deserve it, same as any other.

In any of the "furry parties" I ever went to (SDCC 90', '91, ConFurence 2 in 1990, SDCC in 2000 & 2001), the events were truly "sad pathetic wanker" affairs. Never have I seen a room so filled with people each being all by themselves, if you know what I mean.

The last one I went to was mainly just an excuse to unload what I had left of my stock after shutting down my zine-publishing. One such butthole of a fanboy actually had the gall to bitch me out in public (probably because he'd be too much a coward to do it in private) because I had spent eight whole years of my life making all these zines and folios and not published ONE deliberate gaywad butt-plunging scene just to make HIM happy. He eventually bought one copy (even though it had no gay pr0n in it, but I think it had some nekkid guy in a hetero scene drawn by Steve Martin, so he probably went home and cut out the part of the pic with the babe in it) and acted like he was doing it oh so reluctantly. Dumbass didn't know it but he made my decision to shut down Furplay all the easier to take. Being free of these demanding little shits has been a liberation to me.

Anonymous · Coadjutor Joined: 01 Jun 2003 Posts: 767

the gall to bitch me out in public (probably because he'd be too much a coward to do it in private)

Eh? Wouldn’t it have been easier for him to confront you in private?

Since in public, there is an audience, i.e. more people to see him (potentially) humiliated or otherwise get the worst of it.

Though, I suppose it depends on his motivations. Perhaps he did it to make “sport” and get attention.

Michael Hirtes · Coadjutor Joined: 04 Aug 2003 Posts: 519

Since in public, there is an audience, i.e. more people to see him (potentially) humiliated or otherwise get the worst of it.

You must be new to furry fandom. It's a fact that dissing Hirtes can actually help you climb the furry social ladder.

Snotty asshole probably was offered a dozen congratulatory yiffs that later that night too, I'll bet.

Paul · Coadjutor Joined: 01 Feb 2004 Posts: 138

Many thanks for the replies, everybody.

I think I'd better go to the San Diego Comic-Con instead, then. I've been buying comics via mail order for years, but I'd prefer to actually see the small-press stuff before I buy any, as I've already bought too many crappy comics that looked interesting judging from the description in some catalogue or other. And one never knows what gems one might miss because they don't look interesting in said catalogue.

(Slightly spooky final note: I just did a Google search for some reports on the San Diego Comic-Con, and guess what was fifth on the search result list? ManaWolf's report of furry debauchery on the con! It's old, but still: Bad omen.)

Wayd Wolf · Coadjutor Joined: 06 Oct 2003 Posts: 456

Fortunately, Ed Zolna's back in business (under the biz name "Second Ed"), and I'd refer people to him instead.

That right there if anything is a good reason to do whatever passes for a happy dance. When I requested a price list Ed got it out faster than Radio Comix gets around to send an e-mail reply.

mouse · Coadjutor Joined: 13 Jul 2003 Posts: 662

Closest thing to a furry con that I've been to was C-ACE in Ottawa.
...
Other than that, ComiCon is my stomping ground as of last summer. You'll find everything there, whether you want to or not.

Actually C-ACE is the only convention I wanted to go to, but Ottawa's way out there...they really should consider moving it to Toronto at some point (IMO). Especially If it grows larger.

ComiCon I would actually really like to go to..but then again, thinking about it ...I buy shit thru the mail, hate travelling etc. The main appeal for me would be that its a very large market.

Cons in general dont really dont have much interest to me in the first place. It tends to be the thing I would talk about doing then forget or never get around to , or change my mind. Like Creature said, they are mainly for meeting people and I got nothing to sell, show off, nor is there really anyone I particularly want to meet in the first place.

Before a bunch of my friends up and moved away we were gonna take a road trip to New England for that H.P. Lovecraft-oriented convention that happens bi-anually, but that sort of fell through. I dont even know if they are having it anymore. Nocronomi-con is it?

They've also taken down any mentioning of 'furry' from their site, I was told, and have become more of a general cartooning con. Of course, there's still a big emphasis on funny animal stuff. Overall it's pretty nice.

I noticed that the Pawpet Megaplex in Orlando, FL - that convention is doing the same sort of thing. Billing itself as an entertainers and puppeteers convention. I dont think the word furry appears anywhere onthe site other than maybe in the forums or something.

If furry fandom ever becomes a 'normal' fandom - this is how it will happen. Bitch-slapping these people into places where they DO have to conform to a higher standard (in theory). Kind of like how if there were no furry cons, and instead furries had to actually mingle with other people with other interests at a more general convention. I think this would wind up being better for everyone (larger exposure for artists selling thier work at furry cons, that sort of thing).

Anonymous · Coadjutor Joined: 01 Jun 2003 Posts: 767

That right there if anything is a good reason to do whatever passes for a happy dance. When I requested a price list Ed got it out faster than Radio Comix gets around to send an e-mail reply.

Yeah, Ed is a very stand up guy. Personally, I don't see how Rabbit Valley can do their thing and not own a comic shop (not that I know if they do or not anyway). Must be a side line business.

Anonymous · Coadjutor Joined: 01 Jun 2003 Posts: 767

Same nerd here.

I can only advise you, if you have delicate sensibilities, to stay away from Anthrocon. Too much alcohol. I've heard that Further Confusion isn't quite as nutty, but I haven't been to it yet.

creature · Coadjutor Joined: 06 Nov 2003 Posts: 132

I can only advise you, if you have delicate sensibilities, to stay away from Anthrocon. Too much alcohol. I've heard that Further Confusion isn't quite as nutty, but I haven't been to it yet.

Actually, the alcohol level is pretty well contained to room parties and the hotel bar for both AC and FC. As one of the folks who is into the Saturday liquar runs, I can attest that the room parties get pretty toasty but the cons themselves are pretty bland on it.

SLaitila · Coadjutor Joined: 03 Jun 2003 Posts: 126

I can only advise you, if you have delicate sensibilities, to stay away from Anthrocon. Too much alcohol. I've heard that Further Confusion isn't quite as nutty, but I haven't been to it yet.

Ever been to a summer festival?

That's something... That's where my heart's at. Being completely thrashed for three days, jumping and causing mayhem at gigs and running around naked with a plastic fork up the ass. (a couple of friends have done that actually)

Auryanne · Recusant Joined: 08 Jan 2004 Posts: 1

My experience with the second was so-so. I saw a lot of people acting in ways I wasn't happy with and passed some room parties with their doors open that didn't make me happy either(naked and half-naked guys getting down in plain sight of the hallway, some obviously not more than sixteen years old). A number of people who swore up and down that they'd kick my ass I came across and when they connected my appearance with my badge and realized they were dealing with someone who could stuff them up their own ass and play basketball with their carcasses, they blanched and wandered away quickly.

Sup Wayd :D

I believe this is the same Anthrocon at which I saw a flyer advertising a, erm, party for DOG LOVERS if you get my drift, as well as being joined in the elevator by a fellow wearing naught but a towel.

I've been to a fair share, though I don't any more. There are some cool people there, but locating them can be tricky at best, and most cool people have the sense not to hang out at the con itself, anyway.

creature · Coadjutor Joined: 06 Nov 2003 Posts: 132

I believe this is the same Anthrocon at which I saw a flyer advertising a, erm, party for DOG LOVERS if you get my drift, as well as being joined in the elevator by a fellow wearing naught but a towel.

I've been to a fair share, though I don't any more. There are some cool people there, but locating them can be tricky at best, and most cool people have the sense not to hang out at the con itself, anyway.

Yeah, I remember that one. Pretty sad, luckily the flyers were torn down pretty quickly. That's all AC needed/needs is something like that to get out big time.

Damn weird shit people do.

Wayd Wolf · Coadjutor Joined: 06 Oct 2003 Posts: 456

Sup Wayd :D

I believe this is the same Anthrocon at which I saw a flyer advertising a, erm, party for DOG LOVERS if you get my drift, as well as being joined in the elevator by a fellow wearing naught but a towel.

I've been to a fair share, though I don't any more. There are some cool people there, but locating them can be tricky at best, and most cool people have the sense not to hang out at the con itself, anyway.

Hey there.

I recall most party posters being in that stairwell that runs around the elevator at the Adam's Mark and most furs running through there don't tend to pay close attention to what they're doing so I was rather busy watching out for them and trying not to bump into them, but I do remember some questionable flyers.

While I didn't run into the baby fetish party, I did see some other stuff that made me wince. I was also very glad in retrospect that the elevators were out of order as it kept the external stairways somewhat frequented. I have to wonder what they might have been used for had the elvators worked perfectly. On the other hand, you run into some very strange stuff in the elevators. Ask Kline.

Fins · Qualificator Joined: 19 Dec 2003 Posts: 25

I saw a "Dog lovers" type flier when I was at the Adams Mark... back in early July of 2000. The convention I attended had nothing to do with animals or anthropomorphics. At the time, I figured there must've been some truly messed up people in attendance... but now I'm wondering if it wasn't put by a fringe lifestyler in anticipation of Anthrocon.

creature · Coadjutor Joined: 06 Nov 2003 Posts: 132

I saw a "Dog lovers" type flier when I was at the Adams Mark... back in early July of 2000. The convention I attended had nothing to do with animals or anthropomorphics. At the time, I figured there must've been some truly messed up people in attendance... but now I'm wondering if it wasn't put by a fringe lifestyler in anticipation of Anthrocon.

That's just kind of weird. Sad that it was early in the month. Gotta wonder how it got there.