There were some changes this year for the L.A. Comic Con, but it was a mix of great experiences and tired feet! The convention started in 2011 as the Comikaze Expo. It became Stan Lee’s Comikaze in 2012. Later, it became the L.A. Comic Con and still remained at the Los Angeles Convention Center. I worked at the 2016 con and I think most likely I have not attended since that time. The change I noticed, picking up badges was in the next building, I remember it was in the hall so you just take the escalator to the con floor. The other part was of course expected, your vaccine card (or negative test) was shown with your i.d. before you enter the hall for badges.
L.A. Comic Con, Show Floor, photo by the author.
Next, it was great that there were piles of hand sanitizing wipes, so it is easy to clean your hands, much easier than hand sanitizing pumps that usually run out. I hope all cons can have something similar. The other part was confusing for me, my autograph ticket reads, “Sun, Dec 5, 2021” that also read “at 4:00 p.m.” So I expected that would be the time. Wrong. The signings were all day and when I got there before 4 p.m., two of three signing celebrities were gone. It doesn’t read the con opening, 9:30 a.m. to the last time, 4 p.m. So I’m trying for my refund. Remember that no convention guarantees you will get an autograph, but I think the ticket must make the times more clear. I also didn’t get much help from information who thought my tickets were for Friday.
The convention was primarily in South Hall and the West Hall. I think the entrance once you get your badge is by Kentia Hall that featured video games. So it was a walk to South Hall which passes the autograph and photo op area, crowded, I didn’t see any tables to ask questions about the autograph tickets. Then, the South Hall is expansive, I walked around, no paper maps or signs. I found out that you have to download the app for schedules and maps, less information than the usual con maps. I will say ATMs were easily assessible and found in many locations. So my objective was really to make my sweep around Artist’s Alley. Also, I have to note that I only went today, Sunday, but really needed to go at least another day to get the layout and not try to pack everything in a limited time. I mentioned this before, but I usually go to get my Hero Initiative 100 Project books signed.
Cosplayer, Joanie Brosas, at her table, photo by the author.
In this case, it was about four books, you get some fantastic artwork signed by artists you know and some that may be new for you. It’s also fun to find the artists and walk around Artist’s Alley. You can find the books at the Hero Initiative table at cons or check their website: https://www.heroinitiative.org/merchandise/. Also remember that whatever you buy, it’s a worthy cause helping comic creators in need. I got a watercolor sketch from Agnes Grabowska, recommended for anyone who likes original art. Remember that many artists have art prints, I like smaller artwork that I can easily carry around. I picked up a special edition of Spider-Girls’ first appearance and the new comic book, The R.I.G.H.T. Project #1 from the classic duo of Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz. There was a great display of cars; Ecto-1X with Slimer in front, the Nascar Herbie, and the Pizza Planet truck.
It was great to visit the Edgar Rice Burroughs booth, I picked up the novel, Swords Against the Moon Men (2017). The author, Christopher Paul Carey was there and answered some questions. I was able to meet with actress Jackie Dallas at her table, she was Jen in Stranger Things and a news reporter in the “Mother” (2021) episode of Fear the Walking Dead. Don’t worry if you missed her at the con, she is also on the guest list for Comic Con Revolution, along with many special guests! It is on the weekend of December 18th and 19th. Check out details here: https://www.comicconrevolution.com/ontario/. I also saw cosplayer Ivy Doomkitty, cosplaying as Stay Puft Marshmellow Woman!, always fun to catch up with her. A cosplayer that I just saw at that con was Joanie Brosas, she was dressed as Chun Li, and modeled for covers of Vampirella and Red Sonja. L.A. Comic Con offered some fun meeting with artists, writers, and cosplayers!
#LAComicCon, #AgnesGrabowska, #TomDeFalco, #RonFrenz, #TheRIGHTProject, #ChristopherPaulCarey, #JackieDallas, #IvyDoomKitty, #JoanieBrosas
No comments:
Post a Comment