12 more convention dates.
By Shawn Scott Smith| August 24, 2011 | Comments Off
Dec 4th, 2012
The Big Crafty Asheville, NC
June 15th-17th, 2012
Anime Blues Memphis, TN
June 29th-July 1st, 2012
Anime Expo Los Angeles, CA
Ne Filk Boxborough, MA
Ba-con Columbus, OH
July 6th-8th, 2012
Inconjunction Indianapolis, IN
Polaris Toronto, ON
July 15th-17th, 2012
Libertycon East Ridge, TN
Readercon Burlington, MA
Aug 3rd-5th, 2012
Shore Leave Hunt Valley, MD
Mythcon Berkley, CA
Aug 24th-26th, 2012
Retcon Long Island, NY
Cosplay Daily: Arrgggh
By Shawn Scott Smith| August 24, 2011 | Comments Off
Guests for Mid-Ohio
By Shawn Scott Smith| August 24, 2011 | Comments Off
James Marsters, Billy Dee Williams, Adam West, Burt Ward, Claudia Christian, Walter Koenig Among Headliners At Wizard World Mid-Ohio Comic Con, October 22-23 At Greater Columbus Convention Center
Superstar Artists Jeff Smith, Mike Grell, Rob Liefeld, Greg Horn, Phil Jimenez, Bill Sienkiewicz, Arthur Suydam And Many Others Scheduled To Appear
NEW YORK and COLUMBUS, Ohio, August 23, 2011 – North America’s largest pop-culture tour continues atWizard World (WIZD.PK) Mid-Ohio Comic Con at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, October 22-23, with standout guests James Marsters, Billy Dee Williams, Adam West, Burt Ward, Claudia Christian andWalter Koenig headlining the list of celebrity attendees. The event will bring together thousands of fans of all ages and dozens of celebrities and industry professionals to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.
Williams (STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, BRIAN’S SONG) will appear on Saturday, while Marsters (“Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” “Caprica”), West (“Batman,” “Family Guy”), Ward (“Batman”), Christian (“Look,” “Babylon 5”) and Koenig (“Star Trek,” “Babylon 5”) are scheduled for both days.
The lineup of superstar artists at Wizard World Mid-Ohio Comic Con is impressive, with Jeff Smith (“BONE,” “RASL”), Pasqual Ferry (“Thor; Ultimate Fantastic Four,” “Ultimate X-Men vs Fantastic Four”), Mike Grell (“Green Arrow,” “Green Lantern”), Rob Liefeld(“Deadpool,” “Youngblood”), Greg Horn (“Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark,” “Hero For Hire”), Phil Jimenez (“Amazing Spider-Man,” “Astonishing X-Men”),Bill Sienkiewicz (“Elektra: Assassin,” “Moon Knight”), Michael Golden (“Batman,” “Spider-Man”), Arthur Suydam (“Marvel Zombies,” “Army of Darkness”),Mark Texeira (“Wolverine,” “Spider-Man”) and Ryan Ottley (“Invincible,” “The Walking Dead”) at the head. Read more
Lone Star Con 3, Worldcon 2013 website up and running
By Shawn Scott Smith| August 23, 2011 | Comments Off
The fine folks in Texas have their official Worldcon page up now right here. Some pretty impressive guests already scheduled with a nice western theme on the site. The dates for the 71st annual Worldcon in San Antonio, TX are August 29th-Sept 3rd, 2013.
Disney’s D23 Expo Recap
By Shawn Marshall| August 22, 2011 | Comments Off
Although I’d been a spectator from afar for quite some time, 2011 marked my first venture to Disney’s D23 Expo. In the interest of full disclosure, I think it’s important for you to understand that I am a Disney fan, but I’m probably not what you’d consider a Disney fanatic. I have a season pass to Disneyland and have been to Disney World a number of times, but I don’t purchase much in the way of memorabilia and I’ve never been to Club 33 (does having a knowledge of Club 33 make me a bit of a fanatic?). So, although I knew of the D23 Expo in the past, I had never thought it was an event that was necessarily for me. That being said, the ever-expanding Disney Empire lured me for this event with their relatively new acquisition of Marvel.
In order to prepare for the event, I began following the many discussions on Twitter about #D23 and #D23Expo. As a result, I decided to follow the advice of @evico and purchase a D23 membership for the first time (but not the last). The minimal membership was only $35 and immediately earned a $7 discount on each tickets, an exclusive watch, and, most importantly, access to the show an hour before the regular public. Although the D23 Expo is not the size of a San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) or a New York Comic-Con (NYCC), anyone that has been to one of these events can appreciate how much entry an hour early would mean to the overall rhythm of the day. Although we did not hit the exclusives hard like other events (as I said, I’m not a huge Disney collector), the extra time the membership gave us did allow us to grab extra swag and to get to the front of the line at many of the more popular exhibits. This meant that the rest of the day had a much more relaxed tone, as that one hour provided us with several hours worth of fun and entertainment. For those of you that might attend the next D23 Expo, my first two pieces of advice: 1. Follow @evico on Twitter and 2. Get the D23 membership.
Regarding the entertainment value of the event, although the tickets are a bit pricey ($47 per day without D23 membership and $40 per day with it), there are a number of great panels throughout the weekend. The big news of the weekend that emphasized part of this point is that with Marvel on their side (or vice-versa?), D23 Expo pulled off what SDCC could not this year and hosted an Avenger’s panel. Not only did this panel feature the wit of Robert Downey Jr., but it also included exclusive clips of the new movie. Furthermore, they followed this up with another entertaining panel on Sunday where Joe Quesada, Chief Creative Officer of Marvel Entertainment, held one of his “Cup O’ Joe” talks, where he led a discussion on the history, psychology, and sociology of the Marvel Universe. Beyond Marvel, Disney also utilized its other relationships and provided exciting panels related to Pixar and ABC (really sad I missed their panel on the new show, Once Upon a Time). Beyond these “fringe” relationships, the heart of the content was directly Disney. With a number of panels led by Imagineers, attendees had many opportunities to look behind the curtain to get a glimpse of the inner workings of Disney. Additionally, for the younger crowd, the D23 Expo had near constant programming tied to their Disney Channel shows. Although Lemonade Mouth and So Raven! may have not been on my “must see” list, the teens, tweens, and little ones seemed to have a blast with the many panels and performances in this vein.
Unlike many conventions where programming, vendors, and talent are the most important elements, D23 Expo also had many interactive experiences and exhibits. Of these, the Carousel of Projects was probably the most popular. Mimicking the original, Carousel of Progress, this exhibit gave attendees a number of glimpses at upcoming attractions that Disney has in the works. From the renovations of California Adventures to the addition of a new ship in the Disney fleet, the Carousel of Projects offered attendees the opportunity of getting up close with some of the interactive elements that would soon be making their way into the Disney Kingdom. Of the items featured in this area, the replica model of Disney World’s new Fantasyland was by far my favorite. Having just been to Disney World a few months ago, it was particularly interesting to see what is being built behind those barricades I had just recently seen.
Without a doubt, I found the D23 Expo to be an extremely enjoyable event. That being said, I do understand some grumblings I heard about the lack of presence by other Disney properties (ie. ABC, ESPN, Marvel, etc.) on the showroom floor. I think a Marvel booth, armed with free Avenger posters and shirts would have gone a long way to further integrate the company into the Disney family. So, although I was surprised that there wasn’t a stronger presence by some of these properties, I also understand that Disney is a successful business that is very pragmatic about their undertakings. Having seen the hysteria surrounding the new addition to the family, I’d be very surprised if Marvel (and others) aren’t more visible the next time around. In addition to the discontent about the lack of Marvel, I spoke to some who also felt the vendor room was a letdown. This is understandable, as it was one of the smaller vendor rooms I’ve ever seen at a show of this size. If you didn’t collect Disney pins, there wasn’t much else to purchase. Although my Disney collecting is limited, I definitely have been known to buy Haunted Mansion memorabilia or Vinylmations from time-to-time. Because of the limited offerings in the vendor room, I didn’t even have temptation. That being said, the Saturday sell-out of the D23 Expo indicates what we’ve seen recently at SDCC and WonderCon…big things are on the horizon. Although the D23 Expo is not scheduled to return to Anaheim until 2013, I wouldn’t be surprised if the immense popularity lured the company into coming up with something next year. Like LucasFilm, Disney has no desire to saturate the market with a con-presence, but despite this Star Wars Celebrations are becoming more commonplace. Similarly, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see some sort of con or expo related to Disney in Southern California prior to 2013. Either way, the next time there is a Disney-Con of any sort in my area, I’ll be there. The new partnerships Disney has formed, coupled with the increasing frenzy by the public for Con-Culture, leads me to feel that we’ll see the D23 Expo become an increasingly powerful player in the convention scene in the very near future.
Cosplay Daily: Worldcon
By Shawn Scott Smith| August 22, 2011 | Comments Off
Some Costumers from this weekends Worldcon in Reno. Photo Credit Xavier Sword of Humakt
Worldcon day 5: On the homestretch
By Petrea Mitchell| August 22, 2011 | Comments Off
The most startling thing I’ve heard today came during the feedback session. Not a complaint, but a bit of backstory I hadn’t heard before.
It’s well-known that Worldcon has been held in Reno this year because a group of con-runners from Portland, OR wanted to run one, but Portland doesn’t have the facilities. (There’s a lovely and huge convention center, but nowhere near the number of hotel rooms needed within walking distance.) But today I heard con chair Patty Wells giving more detail about the search for a site than I’d heard before. She found five cities she really liked after researching convention center information, then asked another person to evaluate whether there were enough hotel rooms nearby, which eliminated three of them.
That other remaining city, which lost so narrowly to Reno? Omaha.
No, not somewhere that generally springs to mind when thinking about Worldcon. But if anyone’s looking for a site for a future bid, it’s now got the endorsement of one of the best facilities people in fandom.
And now, a few bests from this con.
Read more
Conventions this Weekend Aug 26th-28th, 2011
By Shawn Scott Smith| August 21, 2011 | Comments Off
August 26th-28th, 2011
Armadillo Con Austin, TX
Bubonicon Alberquerqe, NM
Context Columbus, OH
Creation Twilight Cinncinatti, OH
Creation Supernatural Vancouver, BC
Fan Expo Toronto, ON
Mechacon New Orleans, LA
Pax Prime Seattle, WA
Picon Enfield, CT
Worldcon day 4: Brain food
By Petrea Mitchell| August 21, 2011 | Comments Off
The big news of the day is of course that San Antonio will host the 2013 Worldcon. LoneStarCon 3‘s guests will be James Gunn, Norman Spinrad, Ellen Datlow, Darrell K. Sweet, Willie Siros, Leslie Fish, and Joe R. Lansdale, with Paul Cornell serving as toastmaster.
I’m particularly excited for Leslie Fish, the best-known filker there is, the person who wrote the two best-known songs in all of filkdom (“Hope Eyrie” and “Banned From Argo”), a great choice to show the world that filk is way, way, way more than just parodies.
Meanwhile, I’ve had one of those moments that make you think.
Read more
24 conventions added to the sidebar. June 2012 is getting full.
By Shawn Scott Smith| August 20, 2011 | Comments Off
Sept 15th-17th, 2012
Faerieworlds Harvest Oregon
Feb 10th-12th, 2012
Faeriecon West Seattle, WA
March 29th-April 1st, 2012
Mythic Faire Atlanta, GA
May 17th-20th, 2012
Nebula Awards Arlignton, VA
May 30th-June 3rd, 2012
Origins Columbus, OH
June 1st-3rd, 2012
Blackbeard Pirate Hampton, VA
A-kon Dallas, TX
Duckcon Naperville, IL
June 7th-10th, 2012
Anime Next Somerset, NJ
Colossalcon Sandusky, OH
Mego Meet Wheeling, WV
Sf Summer Con Atlanta, GA
June 15th-17th, 2012
Soonercon Oklahoma, OK
Anime Mid Atlantic Hampton, VA
Faerie Escape Atlanta, GA
Anthrocon Pittsburgh, PA
June 22nd-24th, 2012
Diecon Collinsville, IL
4th St. Fantasy Bloomington, MN
Haunted America 2012 Decatur, IL
Faerie Worlds Eugene, OR
Jafax Allendale, MI
Portconmaine Portland, ME
Texas Comic ConSan Antonio, TX
July 3rd-5th, 2012
CONvergence Bloomington, MN
Cosplay Daily:
By Shawn Scott Smith| August 20, 2011 | Comments Off
Photo credit San Diego Shooter
Worldcon day 3: Otherworldliness
By Petrea Mitchell| August 20, 2011 | Comments Off
I think I have been remiss in failing to describe the setting. The convention center is connected to the hotel housing the con office, con suite, and party floors, which is the Atlantis Hotel & Casino. Yes, casino. This is the first convention I’ve ever been to where getting breakfast involves wending my way through a maze of slot machines. Or where the path to the bulk of the con leads through an arcade. The whole over-the-top-ness definitely lends something to the Worldcon atmosphere.
And they’re very happy to have us. So happy they have not only renamed the cocktails with science-fictional names like “Harry Mudd”, but also the spa treatments. A special version of their current promotional flier has the model on it photoshopped to look sort of like a Na’vi. And then there’s the rumor that one of the hotel restaurants is serving a Soylent Green hot dog.
Read more
Stan Lee Baltimore Schedule
By Shawn Scott Smith| August 19, 2011 | Comments Off
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Worldcon day 2: Getting down to business
By Petrea Mitchell| August 19, 2011 | 1 Comment
Thursday morning saw the first official Stroll With the Stars of this convention attended by over 100 people, which just goes to show that no fandom is too tiny for a get-together at Worldcon, not even morning people.
This was also the morning of the Preliminary Business Meeting, which mainly exists to set the agenda for the next day’s main meeting, but also handles minor business that doesn’t require the main meeting to be involved. The headline item here was a motion to tell the Mark Protection Committee (which handles trademark issues relating to the World Science Fiction Society) that it doesn’t have the authority to add extra rules about who can and can’t serve on it. For the 1% of you whose eyes haven’t glazed over already, I promise that when the video is posted, you will see choked-up speeches, convoluted parliamentary maneuvers, and one person tearing up the WSFS constitution to dramatize the effect he felt defeating the motion would have. It is something that mattered very deeply to those close to the issue, but I will spare you the saga here and simply report that it passed.
For the rest of you: Okay, time to talk Worldcon bids!
Read more
Cosplay Daily
By Shawn Scott Smith| August 18, 2011 | Comments Off
As Worldcon kicks off how about a cosplay from last years event in Australia.
Bill Moseley added to Horror Weekend
By Shawn Scott Smith| August 18, 2011 | Comments Off
BILL MOSELEY ADDED TO LINEUP!
We are proud to announce the following additions to the show:
Bill Moseley is best known for his role as Otis in Rob Zombie’s House of a 1000 Corpses and The Devils Rejects. Bill can also be seen in Texas Chainsaw Masscre 2, Night of the Living Dead, Army of Darkness, Rob Zombie’s Halloween, Repo! The Genetic Opera. Also he will be appearing in the 2012 Texas Chainsaw Masscre 3D.
PLUS THE FOLLOWING GUESTS!
Bride of Diablo Caynon D.H. Scott, Dana Campbell and TJ Cantwell will be in attendance for FREE signings and a sceening. Plus more to come. . Read more
Kill Shakespeare at BCCC
By Shawn Scott Smith| August 18, 2011 | Comments Off
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The 12th issue of the series, nominated for the Harvey Award for Best New Series, is being released today (August 17th). Co-creators Anthony Del Col and Conor McCreery are excited to debut the series finale in Baltimore and eager to take part in the Harvey Awards festivities. “It’s our first time in Baltimore and win or lose, we can’t wait to meet Baltimore’s comic fans and Shakespeare buffs,” said McCreery. The entire Kill Shakespeare run will be on sale at the duo’s booth (#2201).Worldcon day 1: Tired already
By Petrea Mitchell| August 18, 2011 | Comments Off
Things I have done today:
- Pre-supported 2 Worldcon bids
- Attended 3 program items
- Distributed some zines
- Contributed to a physical wiki
- Tried some mysterious Russian candy in the con suite
- Visited 5 parties, unless I’ve already forgotten one
Things I have not managed to do today:
- Sign up a SIG slot for a Tiger & Bunny fan meetup
- Visit any of the auxiliary programming outside the convention center
- Get a chance to look around the dealers’ room or art show
And this is the quiet day, the day that the crowds are only starting to form, some of the exhibits aren’t even up yet, and there’s no actual news to report. Which gives you an idea of just how much will be going on later in the con.
The best moment of opening ceremonies, if you’re sentimental, was when video of the late Charles N. Brown, Fan Guest of Honor, was brought up to answer a couple questions on the current state of sf that were asked of all the panelists. And if you’re not, then it may have been special guest Bill Willingham enthusing about the wonderful new world of electronic publishing where there are no gatekeepers, while sitting right next to the editor GoH.
I have to explain the physical wiki. The latest version of the Fancyclopedia, Jack Speer’s guide to fannish culture, is being converted to wiki form. This now includes a big board in the exhibit hall with a few starter entries and encouragement for people to add to them. Paper, pens, and yarn are provided. Yarn? Well, it’s to make links between the articles.
Tomorrow, the con really kicks into gear. Must go restore energy for it…
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