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Pittsburgh Comicon at the Expomart -- April 29 - May 2, 2004
Make-a-Wish made every effort this year to distance itself from the Pittsburgh Comicon -- at least publicly! Not even a reference on their online calendar.
Several weeks before the Comicon, the Pittsburgh Comicon website removed all references to Make-a-Wish for 2004.
So were they or were they not partners in 2004? Only a visit to the Comicon would answer that question!
Unfortunately a visit the evening of May 1 proved once again that the partnership existed -- Make-a-Wish was the benefactor of the Charity Auction. Additionally, according to the printed program, they also benefited from the previous night's All-ages Casino Night. Now the question remained as to whether the pornography was present as it was last year.
Another visit on the afternoon of May 2 did find a vastly improved Comicon over last year -- at least no Playboy Bunnies this year! But . . . Michael and Renee George did invite Jasmine St Claire (nude model and 'sidekick' of wrestler Blue Meanie), and Acid Pop Tart (fetish model) to be guests. Probably one of the most offensive items found at the Comicon this year was that Jasmine and the Blue Meanie were located on the side of the Expomart simply under a sign "Wrestlers." Apparently this was designed to get the attention of kids. Anyone walking near the table was immediately greeted by an offensive picture of Jasmine St. Claire dressed in thong underwear, bent over and looking over her shoulder at you.
Also present again this year were Playboy magazines in a box. Unlike last year there were none on display racks. Adult comic books and X-rated videos were also available.
Make-a-Wish is continuing its policies and practices which are not family or kid-friendly!!
Contact Make-a-Wish of Western PA's President Judy Stone by using the form at http://www.wishwesternpa.org/i/contact.cfm
Pittsburgh Comicon at the Expomart -- April 25 - 27, 2003
Because of our concerns over the presence of pornography and Playboy Playmates at the Pittsburgh comic book convention and the close ties that the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Western PA/Southern West Virginia have with them we decided to monitor the Comicon to see for ourselves. Below is short list of what we encountered there:
1.) Playboy magazines on the bottom shelf within easy view and access to children. These were contained in a booth that also sold children's toys and trading cards.
2.) Playboy Playmates including Mandy Fisher, Jennifer Lavoie, Lindsey Vuolo and Julie Cialini were there having their pictures taken with 'fans.' On each of their tables were nude and semi-nude photos of themselves.
3.) Illustrators Stacey E. Walker, Jennifer Janesko, David Nestler (specializes in erotic artwork) and Dorian had their very revealing artwork in easy view of children. (The organizers of the Comicon had requested that they put little stars or dots on the nipples of the women's breasts! Obviously this made it acceptable for children to view!)
4.) There were also bins of adult comic books and tables of not-rated and X rated videos at eye level of children. Titles included "Girls Gone Wild," "Girls Gone Wild 2," and "Jane & Vince Neil-uncut/uncensored" Penthouse videos were also available at this table.
5.) On Saturday two boxes of non-shrink wrapped Playboy magazines were noticed on the floor under a table of 'regular' comic books. They were positioned for the front covers to face outward so any passerby could see them. Many men were leafing through the magazines.
6.) There were also many books on spiritualism, wicca, witchcraft, and even a book entitled How to Commit Suicide Successfully. You had to be at least 18 to purchase this 'educational' book!
Ms. Judy Stone of Make-a-Wish of Western PA/Southern WV had made the statement that all the pornography would have to be removed or they would have to drop their affiliation with the Pittsburgh Comicon. According to her all they (Make-a-Wish) had was their reputation and they couldn't afford to lose that. Well, according to the short list above pornography was very easily accessible to ALL who attended -- no matter what the age.
Make-a-Wish's greatest connection to the Pittsburgh Comicon is through the Casino Night and the Charity Auctions. All proceeds go to benefit Make-a-Wish of Western PA/Southern WV. Both these events were heavily publicized over the Comicon's public address system. They each took place in the Showroom of the Radisson, where additional Comicon activities took place.
So again, . . . why would an organization, which seeks to help hurting children, have such close ties with an industry that hurts so many women and children? We have asked that question of Ms. Stone several times? We have yet to get a satisfactory answer!!
She can be reached at Make-a-Wish, 555 Grant Street, Suite 425, Pittsburgh, PA 15219-4408 or e-mail using the form at http://www.wishwesternpa.org/i/contact.cfm
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