"I'll accept any excuse to visit Italy, but knowing that one of the, if not the, biggest comic and fantasy cons in Europe was taking place, there was no way I couldn't go!" enthused Metropolis/ComicConnect COO Vincent Zurzolo about his recent trip to the beloved Lucca Comics and Games convention in early November.

"It's amazing to me just how much these shows are like their American equivalent," he continued. "It's estimated that nearly 150,000 attended this show, a huge number, and so many of them were dressing in fantastic costumes from comics, movies, video games, fantasy... it really felt like home."

As to be expected, Vincent did some buying at the show, scoring really nice keys such as an X-Men 1 and an Amazing Spider-Man 1, as well as some first issue rarities of Italian-edition Marvel favorites. "I really love seeing the European reprints of the big American titles," he said. "It's quite something to see how much these hometown heroes like Spidey and the FF have made such a big splash overseas, in both the comics and the movies. And it was great seeing some of our Italian clients there, with whom we've made such strong and lasting friendships, and seeing the community of comics buyers and collectors growing over time, all over the world."

"Seeing this small medieval town swamped with thousands of excited kids and adults dressed in such fantastic costumes and playing out their fantasies on cramped historic streets was somehow very moving and exciting," he concluded. "I hope to go again next year, as it was a truly one-of-a-kind experience that made me happier than ever to be part of this terrific hobby."