So many great programs. Take a look at the complete schedule here.
Here are some highlights that Scout and I are looking forward to:
Her Universe Fashion Show Update
For the last two years, Her Universe and Hot Topic have produced The Her Universe “Geek Couture” Fashion Show at San Diego Comic-Con. Each year two winners were chosen and given the unique professional opportunity to design a fashion collection to be sold in Hot Topic stores. Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein,Cat Carson(SVP of Her Universe), Ed Labay (VP, merchandising), and Andrea Lewis (director, brand marketing) from Hot Topic and 2015 fashion show winners Kelly CerconeandLeetal Platt take you behind the scenes of the making of their all-newStar Wars: The Force Awakens line for Hot Topic. Learn how these designers went from runway to retail! Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek at this new Star Wars collection and hear details about how to submit your designs for the 2016 Her Universe Fashion Show at San Diego Comic-Con!
This panel covers what it takes to perfect your cosplay by having great makeup to go with it. It will cover beauty makeup, appliance application, special fx makeup, sculpting, molding, casting, and wig styling. The panelists include Dawnielle Banks(Makeup By Siryn, Batgirl Spoiled lead makeup designer), Ashley Troub (Ghost Hunters, winning look SDCC Her Universe Fashion Show), Kelton Ching (SDCC 2014 Apocalypse makeup demo, Blizzcon 2015 4th place winner), and Chrissy Lynn (Super Power Beat Down’s Darth Maul, League of Steam’s White Wolf), who have honed their craft in the makeup, film, television, and cosplay photography worlds. They will answer your questions about makeup to match your costuming and cosplay, as well as offer tips and tools of the trade to use. Moderated by cosplayer Mac Beauvais(Monstrous Makeup Manuals 1&2 model, actress in The Gloaming).
With an ever-growing appetite for new content and rapid-fire advancements in technology, it has never been easier for a creator to get their work in front of an audience (and hopefully in a profitable way). But as traditional barriers to entry tumble, the exponential growth of alternatives (such as digital publishing, social media content distribution models, crowdfunding, and print-on-demand services) also result in an increasing assortment of traps, cons and hazards to navigate. And while it’s true that with great (technological) power comes greater reward, it’s the creators who must be responsible for protecting themselves and their creations from the unscrupulous and the deceitful who are gaining an ever-expanding bag of tools for fleecing the unwary. But luckily, creators have their own Defenders they can turn to-and not just Jessica Jones and Matt Murdock. WonderCon welcomes back noted IP attorney Michael Lovitz, author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, to discuss the truths (and debunk some urban legends) of protecting your creative capital. Attendees are invited to participate in an interactive discussion led by Lovitz, concerning the basic rights provided under the U.S. Copyright and Trademark laws; including the basics on the ownership and protection of ideas, a brief overview of copyright & trademark rights and their application to works of authorship, characters, and names. Along the way, there will be plenty to learn about the protections, and pitfalls, of the U.S. intellectual property systems. (Please note: The Comic Book Law School seminars are designed to provide relevant information and practice tips to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. However, the seminar is presented for information and entertainment purposes only, and the information presented and opinions expressed at the seminars do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. This program is approved for one credit of California MCLE).
Fans love to geek out, but they also like engaging in important culture topics. In thisStar Wars edition of Geek Wars, professional nerds battle it out over Star Wars trivia while also discussing relevant social topics like stereotyping, feminism, body shaming, and much more. Plus, the panel will speculate about Episode VIII! This will be a lively and enlightening conversation that might challenge your view on the pop culture world. Panelists include Chris Gore (comedian, personality), Amy Ratcliffe(writer), Ivy Doom Kitty (professional cosplayer), and Jennifer Landa (YouTube personality). Hosted by Tony B Kim (host, blogger).
How do you create and sustain a business that caters to the geek lifestyle without exploiting the very people to whom you provide services? Join this panel of entrepreneurs, whose traditional businesses cater to a predominantly nerdy or geeky clientele. Panelists Matthew Arevalo (Loot Crate), Donna Ricci (Geeky Teas, formerly Clockwork Couture), Janelle Badali (Badali Jewelry), and David Nett(Nerdstrong Gym) discuss how these businesses started, and how they sustain their service to their clientele in the face of mass-market exploitation of geekdom. How do you compete with the giant corporate conglomerates that have suddenly discovered the geek marketplace? How do you sell goods and market services to a community seeking authenticity, without falling into the trap of pandering or gimmicks? Moderated by Brian Ward (The Arkham Sessions, Shout! Factory).
Crossing over into every genre, Steampunk has transformed many Marvel characters into some of the steamiest superheroes and villains in the galaxy. Enjoy a walk on the wild side with everyone from Ant-Man and Deadpool to Spider-Man and Doctor Strange as they are reimagined in the Steampunk style! Panelists include Dina Kampmeyer (Lady Steam), Crystal Rose Schaefer (cosplayer), Mac Beauvais(Strange Like That Cosplay), Anastasia Hunter (chair of Gaslight Gathering), andOakley Boren (cosplayer).
Jet Set Nerd Anastasia Washington (Anastationtv, Jet Set Nerds) and jet settersStephanie Pressman (Fashionably Nerdy), Angelique Toschi (Nerds in La La Land),Stacy Renfroe (Nerds in La La Land), Michelle Chubby Bunny (Geek & Sundry), Yume Lee (Lootcrate), Marlon (Nerd Coolture), and Curious Joi (Curious Joi) chat about packing up your bags and finding Nerd Mecca wherever you go! Moderated byJennifer Kretchmer (producer).
In addition to a great Con floor, Dallas Comic Con offered up some great cosplay! Scout and I hit the floor on day one with Star Wars cosplay, Scout as Finn and me as Han. Our friend, Troy, was ObiWan. I was so glad we chose to go for a Star Wars day because on the floor was a landspeeder photo op. For a few bucks, we got to get in the speeder and take some pictures with a Storm Trooper. Here is just a sampling of the silliness that ensued:
As you can see, Scout has a lead foot and got us pulled over for speeding. Can’t wait to teach her how to drive!
Day two, Scout and I were Star Lord and Rocket. This is the first cosplay that we came up with completely on our own, so we really love to rerun this cosplay. Troy was Doctor Nemesis. Rocket prevailed…
The Con floor had a nice red carpet area to show off your cosplay as well.
There was one pro booth for cosplay photos. SuperHeroPhotos.com. Click on the link for more info. Here are the pics that we had done:
I love how these turned out! If Super Hero Photos has a booth at your local Con, get some pics done!
As you can see, we had a fantastic time at this Con. This might need to become a regular thing with us. Next up, WonderCon!
Tony B. Kim talked about this here blog on Crazy4ComicCon.com today. I’m so excited about this! Besides that, he makes some great points about blogging and how to get started and build an audience. Con season is in full swing, so get bloggin!
Wow, so many geeky lifestyle panels to choose from! Scout and I will have a full schedule for sure! Here is the link to the full preview, but here are some highlights:
The Her Universe Fashion Show Update—For the last two years, Her Universe and Hot Topic have produced The Her Universe “Geek Couture” Fashion Show at San Diego Comic-Con. Each year two winners were chosen and given the unique professional opportunity to design a fashion collection to be sold in Hot Topic stores. Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein,Cat Carson (SVP of Her Universe), Ed Labay (divisional merchandise manager of music and licensing), and Andrea Lewis (senior brand marketing manager) from Hot Topic and 2015 fashion show winners Kelly Cercone and Leetal Platt take you behind the scenes of the making of their all-new Star Wars: The Force Awakens line for Hot Topic. Learn how these designers went from runway to retail! Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek at this new Star Wars collection and hear details about how to submit your designs for the 2016 Her Universe Fashion Show at San Diego Comic-Con!
Cosplay Makeup 101—This panel covers what it takes to perfect your cosplay by having great makeup to go with it. It will cover beauty makeup, appliance application, special fx makeup, sculpting, molding, casting, and wig styling. The panelists includeDawnielle Banks (Makeup By Siryn, Batgirl Spoiled lead makeup designer), Ashley Troub (Ghost Hunters, winning look SDCC Her Universe Fashion Show), Kelton Ching (SDCC 2014 Apocalypse makeup demo, Blizzcon 2015 4th place winner), and Chrissy Lynn (Super Power Beat Down’s Darth Maul, League of Steam’s White Wolf), who have honed their craft in the makeup, film, television, and cosplay photography worlds. They will answer your questions about makeup to match your costuming and cosplay, as well as offer tips and tools of the trade to use. Moderated by cosplayer Mac Beauvais (Monstrous Makeup Manuals 1&2 model, actress in The Gloaming).
Geek Wars: The Star Wars Edition—Fans love to geek out, but they also like engaging in important culture topics. In this Star Warsedition of Geek Wars, professional nerds battle it out over Star Wars trivia while also discussing relevant social topics like stereotyping, feminism, body shaming, and much more. Plus, the panel will speculate about Episode VIII! This will be a lively and enlightening conversation that might challenge your view on the pop culture world. Panelists include Chris Gore (comedian, personality), Amy Ratcliffe (writer), Ivy Doom Kitty (professional cosplayer), and Jennifer Landa (YouTube personality). Hosted by Tony B Kim (blogger).
I’m in the Nerd Business—How do you create and sustain a business that caters to the geek lifestyle without exploiting the very people to whom you provide services? Join this panel of entrepreneurs, whose traditional businesses cater to a predominantly nerdy or geeky clientele. Panelists Matthew Arevalo (Loot Crate), Donna Ricci (Geeky Teas, formerly Clockwork Couture), Janelle Badali (Badali Jewelry), and David Nett (Nerdstrong Gym) discuss how these businesses started, and how they sustain their service to their clientele in the face of mass-market exploitation of geekdom. How do you compete with the giant corporate conglomerates that have suddenly discovered the geek marketplace? How do you sell goods and market services to a community seeking authenticity, without falling into the trap of pandering or gimmicks? Moderated by Brian Ward (The Arkham Sessions, Shout! Factory).
Jet Set Nerds—Jet Set Nerd Anastasia Washington (Anastationtv, Jet Set Nerds) and jet setters Stephanie Pressman(Fashionably Nerdy), Angelique Toschi (Nerds in La La Land), Stacy Renfroe (Nerds in La La Land), Michelle Chubby Bunny(Geek & Sundry), Yume Lee (Lootcrate), Marlon (Nerd Coolture), and Curious Joi (Curious Joi) chat about packing up your bags and finding Nerd Mecca wherever you go! Moderated by Jennifer Kretchmer (producer).
Geeklings & Parental Units—Explore what it’s like be a geek, working in a geek culture vocation, while raising a geekling. Join panelists for a rousing discussion of modern-day parenting, attending conventions, using devices, cosplaying, online privacy, and using tech to make you a better parent, as well as when is best to introduce kids to the Star Wars movies (and in what order?), and more! Bring your kids and your questions! The panel will have some coloring books to keep kids occupied so you can try to focus! Panelists include Melody Mooney (writer, Geekmom.com), Kendra Moras (Photography by Kendra Jean), Heather Pritchett (technical director, Disney Animation), and Cris Moras (lighter, Disney Feature Animation). Moderated by Theresa Wollenstein (organizer, Geeklings & Parental Units playdate group).
I’m so lucky to know a lot of these great geeks that are going to share their knowledge and expertise with you! They bring so much to the table. Should be a fantastic con!
OK, so we are at t-minus 25 days and counting to WonderCon 2016! Scout and I are super excited. We have some new cosplay to debut (more on that later).
WonderCon has posted a list of vendors, artists and small publishers as well as a floor map. You can find all of that here.
They also posted pictures of the exclusive con t-shirts that will be available. They come in a variety of sizes for men and women. Women’s all the way up to a size 22/24 (the XXXL). Nice addition to this merchandise to include everyone. They are not taking pre-orders ala SDCC, but will be available on the floor. Pictures of the styles are below.
OK, so the first Con of the year is done! Scout and I had a fantastic time! To recap:
I grew up in Arkansas and a few of my oldest and dearest friends still live in Arkansas and in the South. We went to SDCC a few years ago together and had a blast. As the years went by, we kept trying to synch up and go to another Con together without success. Life happens. So, when I noticed that they got together for the Dallas Comic Cons (they have two a year), and Scout’s birthday trip was coming up, we pulled the trigger on making the trip to Dallas.
The Con we attended is the smaller of the two. I expected something LBCC sized, but got more Comikaze sized instead. Nice surprise.
Irving, Texas- Home of Dallas Comic Con
The panel situation there was a bit different. There is way more emphasis on meet and greet opportunities with celebrities. These experiences are a separate ticket, but you are guaranteed to meet the celebrity, take a picture with them and get an autograph. I think that is definitely worth the money.
The main ballroom had Q and A sessions with various celebrities rather than the cast of a movie or television show. I was unable to attend these sessions due to time, but my friends saw John Barrowman and said he was fantastic!
This Con is a big cosplay con. The cosplay competition was wonderful. So many talented cosplayers in that part of our country. I did not envy the judges having to award the best in show to just one cosplay.
The show floor was also a bit different. There wasn’t a dedicated Artists’ Alley, instead the artists and small publishers were mixed in with all the other booths. This does have its advantages. The floor was relatively small, so the artists had guaranteed foot traffic.
Scout and I really loved the vendors that Dallas had to offer. Lot’s of fashion, jewelry and accessories. We took full advantage!
Cowboy hats for sale at a con? Well, it IS Dallas after all.
We also had an endless supply of Funko Pops to choose from at several booths.
OK, so we bought a few…
Part Two of our experience, I will go into more detail on the cosplay experience!
Here is 9 O’Clock Bedtime Cosplay’s planned cosplay for Dallas Comic Con 2016, taking place on February 13 and 14! If you plan to be there, please track us down and take a picture with us!
