It was a beautiful spring day as students of Stonybrook University traveled across the campus grounds from one class to another, looking to earn an A, a degree and a better life, but that life was disturbed by an invasion of ill proportions when hundreds of creatures descended upon the normally peaceful grounds, looking to explore, pillage and even conquer. Yes, it was once again time for the annual science fiction I-Con convention where hundreds of fans dress up as their favorite characters in science fiction, anime and video games as they explore dealer tables, new anime titles, movies and books, get their hands on free goods and compete in various contests to gain supremacy amongst their peers.

     "Welcome to I-Con 23, the Northeast's largest convention of science fiction, science fact and fantasy," said event coordinator Lisa Soto. "Attended by over 6,000 members annually, I-Con is a three day festival designed to encourage literacy, creativity and interest in science and technology through science fiction and its related genres. We present for your perusal over a thousand hours of exciting and interesting programming, including films, authors, media guests, science/technology, panels, anime, gaming, artists, comics, medieval fact and fantasy and a whole array of performances from film to the cabaret. Just when you thought we couldn't cover any more, we've also got an entire track dedicated to our smallest members with a special presentation of children's programming."

     Yes, there was a lot on the menu at this year's annual event and while I enjoyed it as I always do, I felt a little bit disappointed by the offerings this year. Granted, when I first attended the I-CON during their 20th Anniversary and then their 21st, when they were old enough to drink, there was much reason to celebrate and go a little overboard on what they offered. So many companies came out to support the event and show off their goods. It was the greatest place to meet new contacts and become reacquainted with older ones. Padwolf Publishing was back this year, showcasing an expanded roster of great book titles; this time complete with unique and entertaining shirts to go with their titles. The anime company Media Blasters was also present.

     Now, don't get me wrong. I did have a lot of fun at this year's convention. It became a true family experience with not just me and my partner attending, but her family and my family happily paying to enjoy what was around them. They found pleasures in a dealer room, which I still feel should contain more deals to be given such a name (if I can go to a store and get it cheaper or at the same price, it is not a deal and selling videotapes cheap when everyone has DVD players is not a deal either. Still, the hardcore fans seemed to walk out happy with their swords, imported items, bags of DVDs and freebies from movies like the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Hell Boy and Punisher.

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