The first comic book convention, known as the Golden State Comic-Con, took place in 1970 in San Diego, California. The event was organized by a group of comics enthusiasts, including Shel Dorf, Richard Alf, Ken Krueger, and Mike Towry. It was a one-day convention held on March 21, 1970, at the U.S. Grant Hotel.
The Golden State Comic-Con was relatively small compared to modern comic conventions, with around 100 attendees. It featured guest speakers such as science fiction author Ray Bradbury and comic book artists including Jack Kirby, Arnold Drake, and Don Thompson. The convention also included a dealer’s room where attendees could buy and trade comic books.
The success of the Golden State Comic-Con led to the creation of the San Diego Comic-Con International, which has since become one of the largest and most well-known comic conventions in the world. The San Diego Comic-Con grew over the years, attracting more attendees and expanding its scope to include not only comic books but also movies, television, video games, and other forms of popular culture.
Since the first comic book convention, numerous similar events have been organized worldwide, providing a platform for fans, creators, and industry professionals to come together and celebrate the world of comics and related media. These conventions have become important gatherings for fans and a significant part of the comic book and pop culture industry.