HAVING A ‘MARVEL’OUS TIME AT COMIC-CON 2012
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanSan Diego Convention Center was abuzz last weekend with fans of Comic-Con International, an event that draws in millions annually not just for its seminars, workshops and film previews but for the delight of playing the part.
Attendees truly get totally absorbed in all the latest masterful activities. They look forward to dressing the part and playing their favorite superhero for the world to admire.
What began as a small convention to showcase comic books, science fiction/fantasy and films/television has now turned into a $162.8 million dollar revenue producing event. It has set the stage for big screen blockbusters from the Marvel comic world as well as played a small influential role in the popular ‘Twilight’ series.
Since 1974, Comic-Con International has made the ‘Inkpot Award’ famous bestowing the honor upon guests and persons of interest in the Popular Arts industries as well as on members of Comic-Con’s Board of Directors and the Convention Committee. This year the award was entrusted to Arnold Schwarzenegger, actor turned politician.
Schwarzenegger made his mark on the movie world with “I’ll Be Back” in The Terminator. He starred in the sequels and went on to make The Expendables. Now he returns to the big screen in The Expendables 2 due out next month.
The convention has vastly expanded into the realm of horror, animation, manga, toys, collectible card games, video games, webcomics and fantasy novels. It is the largest in America of its kind and the fourth largest in the world after similar events in Japan, France and Italy.
Convention goers are treated to previews of upcoming feature films, portfolio review sessions with top comic book and video game companies and award ceremonies, a costume contest and an Independent Film Festival.
Exhibitors are welcome and it is not uncommon to find movie studios, TV networks, comic book dealers and collectibles merchants enthusiastically marketing the latest in this far-reaching world. Many of the well-known shows that have been promoted at the event include Grimm, The Vampire Diaries, Fringe and True Blood.
Fans can vividly remember the event for years to come as they purchase the memorabilia from official t-shirts to the 40th anniversary program book.
The highlight of the convention had to be the HBO Masquerade. With over 7,000 participants, it was a sight to be seen with 35 entries and over 80 costumes making their way to the stage. Best in Show went to ‘Project Runway All Star Wars followed by Party Rock Halo. Some of the other creative entrants were Nightmare, Fallen Angel, Justice League vs. Lex Luthor and more. Princesses challenged pirates and pictures were plentiful.
Comic-Con International seems to bring out the superhero in all of us. It is more than just a convention, it is an escape from the world of reality.
PHOTO CREDITS: www.publishersweekly.com and Jody Culkin
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