I have been to many conventions, expos and trade shows in my life but I have never been to a comic convention before. I applied for a press pass to this year’s Emerald City Comic Con but was turned down, which was disappointing, but also inconvenient as the tickets for the days I wanted to attend were sold out by the time the organizers responded to my request. So I wrote off going.
August has a friend who invited him to go along. They had an extra pass and after school on Friday August got to go with his friend.
But that wasn’t to be the end of it.
They invited August along for a few hours on Sunday morning but would return in the early afternoon due to other commitments. For the afternoon I would have use of their passes. Not only would I be attending my first comic convention, but I would get to share the experience with my kids. excited? You bet!
Cosplay is nothing new to me or my kids (having been to the Penny Arcade Expo several times). Still, the level of cosplay on display at this event was fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing what people had come up with, and while there were plenty of the usual costumes (Spider-Man, Deadpool, etc.) but there were a few that stood out. Joker seemed to be a popular option for many, but it was the attention to detail this couple had, as well as the fact they were a couple that made their Joker and Harley Quinn so enjoyable.
There were a lot of other great costumes, many of which I did not get a picture of. Some were passing by on the escalator or perhaps we were in a line that began moving. I did manage to get a few pictures, however.
For those needing a refresher, that’s Arthur (The Tick’s sidekick), a sandworm from the Dune novels, Benny The Spaceman from the 80’s LEGO sets and The Doctor.
After looking around a bit we got in line to get some comics signed.
First up was the artist team behind the Star Wars: Princess Leia limited series – Rachel and Terry Dodson. They also have done the cover art for the last couple issues of the main Star Wars comic as well. They were great to chat with and talk about bringing the Star Wars universe visually to life.
Then I met with Kieron Gillen, the writer behind the Star Wars: Darth Vader series. I asked him how daunting it was to be working on one of the greatest villains of all time and he remarked that it hasn’t really hit him yet and he will probably have a nervous breakdown in a few years time. When asked if there was anything that he wanted to write with regards to the character that was denied to him he said there were small details, but because we already know the story arc of the character much of what he writes feels like it is building towards what we already know.
We wandered around a bit more then it was on to the “family zone” or whatever it was called. There the Jet City Saber Guild and the 501st Legion were hosting a Star Wars experience which was free, but they were taking donations to benefit Children’s Hospital.
In this area there were several photo op stations which the kids each gladly participated in.
Some were better than others, but it was definitely worth the time in line.
I kind of wish I was had participated in the X-Wing pilot photograph.
After this area we hung out in the LEGO area for a few minutes then went on to the Jedi training and demonstration. Here the kids were (temporarily) given lightsabers and taught how to use them.
Not only that but they were each able to go one on one with a Sith.
Afterwards they were each given their own lightsaber crystal and a certificate acknowledging them as Jedi Apprentice. Only they ran out of those certificate and only had Sith Acolyte certificates. They handed out the last Jedi Apprentice certificate right before my kids got to the head of the line. Subtle messaging?
It wasn’t all Star Wars though. We made our way to the gaming area to visit Steve Jackson Games and check out the incredibly soon to be released Munchkin Marvel. I should write up a preview of this game as we wound up getting so much great information. I can not wait for this game to be in our house.
And this being Steve Jackson Games, they did not let us leave their booth empty handed.
We managed to pack in quite a bit in a short amount of time. It was fun to be there even for just a few hours. Next year I am hoping to be approved for a press pass as well as being able to attend more than a few hours.