ConBust or bust!

This weekend I return to ConBust.  It’s a tiny convention here in Massachusetts that I’ve been attending for a few years now, thanks to gracious invitations from the staff.  It’s the smallest convention I attend all year, but it’s also one of my favorites.  This year’s show will be momentous, in fact, as it will be my infant son’s first convention.

ConBust’s small size and relaxed atmosphere are exactly what we need to introduce Leto to the convention scene.  My wife will have ample opportunities and room to walk him around should he get fussy.  The small number of attendees won’t overwhelm his tiny sensibilities.  The surrounding town is a charming escape should he need a change of scenery.  We couldn’t imagine taking him to a mammoth convention like Anime Boston next weekend as his first convention.  He’s warming up at small, intimate ConBust first… then he’s coming with us to Anime Boston.  It will be his second show.

I enjoy ConBust, and have for years.  It’s small size and relaxed atmosphere are a wonderful break for me, too.  Anime Boston is next weekend, and that’s going to be loud, large, and crazy.  Katsucon, our previous appearance, was also loud, large and crazy.  Ohayocon, our first show of the year, wasn’t as loud, large, and crazy.  You see a pattern forming here?  Every so often it’s nice to take a break from the size and insanity of the big shows to sit back, relax, and chat with attendees in a more intimate setting.  ConBust provides that much-needed relief.

But what I enjoy most about ConBust are its panels.  For all its smallness and intimacy, the panels feel large.  I’ve had the privilege to sit alongside established authors, gifted speakers, and webcomickers much more well-known than me.  I’m speaking on a good number of panels this weekend, and I’m thrilled to be joined by some old friends and new faces.  If you’re in the area, stop by and see what gets me so happy to return to ConBust!