New Con Smell: Lock City Comic Con Lands in Stamford, CT

Coming right up in less than two weeks is Lock City Comic Con, the first convention in our new irregular series New Con Smell, in which we profile a first-year convention and interview the founder.

Lock City Comic Con will be held July 23 and 24, at the Italian Center in Stamford, Conn. The guest list includes some pop culture celebrities (cast members from Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, The Walking Dead and some Power Rangers, among others) and comic book artists. Cosplay guests and the increasingly popular roster of movie and TV show vehicles will also be on the scene.

One of the things that sets Lock City Comic Con apart is its Autism Sensory program — from 8 to 9 a.m. each morning, those with the special Sensory pass will have exclusive access to the convention guests and attractions.

We asked the founder of Lock City Comic Con, Felix Velez (who is much better known by the name Ace Fett in the con community) about the first-time convention.

Nerd Caliber: When did you decide you wanted to put on a convention, and why?

Ace Fett: I’ve always been a fan of conventions ever since I was a kid — just the whole aspect of it, the sights, the sounds. the smells. I said to myself when I finally decided to put on my show, I wanted it to be different. Being a cosplayer, a vendor, and a manager in almost every job I’ve had most of my life, I had a feeling that I could put on a different show, and look at it from every angle.

NC: Why this venue and why this location?

AF: I chose the city [Stamford, CT] because I managed a  few stores here and I was always shocked at the diversity of the people and I always felt like there needed to be a bridge to bring those people together. I chose this location because visually it’s stunning for cosplayers. It’s not a typical impersonal huge convention center. I also thought it would feel like a vacation to the vendors rather than just another convention. I wanted the vendors and the fans to be relaxed and I thought what better way to do that than an indoor-outdoor convention — almost like a festival feel.

NC: What thoughts or themes went into deciding which guests you decided to approach?

AF: I’d like to say most of it was based on fan reaction but I think I wanted to have a little bit for everyone — older, younger and right in the middle — but as every show promoter knows your guests are limited by your budget. So for a first-year show, you can’t go too big because you don’t know what kind of return you’ll get. You try to get guest that will appeal to a vast majority, but you also want to be willing to think outside the box and get a guest that fans will react to.

NC: What is the convention’s stance on cosplay?

AF: Wow I mean cosplay is a very touchy subject right now. I’ve seen both sides of the argument and I agree and disagree with things on both sides of the argument. I think it’s rude if a cosplayer stands in front of a vendor’s table and just starts taking a ton of pictures blocking their items but I also think they need a spot to showcase their costumes which is why we have a designated photo area for things like that. The amount of money, time, energy and effort on both sides — vendor and cosplayer — is amazing, so there needs to be an equal ground. A balance in the force if you will.

NC: How many people do you anticipate will attend the convention?

AF: 100,000 people I hope! But realistically you never know with a first-year show I’d like to lie and say we’re going to get a ton of people. I’m hoping we do, but you know, I have to be prepared that a lot of people might not show up. Attendance is always based on the attractions, the guests, how much promotion you did. I can tell you that I’ve been non-stop for the last two years promoting the show. I even quit my full-time job to do it so I’m fully committed, sink or swim.

NC: What are your hopes and plans for next year, and beyond?

AF: I can honestly say I have no aspirations to be as big as New York or San Diego. Being that big does bring a lot of money but also brings a lot of problems. I’d like to be able to do the show for the next 50 years, God willing. I hope to be able to find unique guests and unique attractions for my show year after year and hopefully change the perception of what a convention should be. We have to stay true to our roots and, you know, give thanks to the creators that came first — the writers and the artists — and welcome the achievements of the next generation of fans.

NC: What didn’t I ask that I should have?

AF: I think you should have asked, why me, and the answer is … everyone knows me. My father ran a fruit and vegetable stand in New York when I was a kid. He died when I was 6 but I remember everyone loving him because he was always so giving and he remembered everyone. I didn’t really know him but I think that people can honestly say I’m like him. I try to remember every person I interact with that and I truly am genuine when I say I want to help people. You know the age old story — I’d give the shirt off my back if I could and I’ve actually done it on several occasions.