Colorado Springs Comic Con wrapped up a whirlwind three days on Sunday in an event that went off mostly without a hitch (still not entirely sure what happened with Dog the Bounty Hunter). The new location at the Chapel Hills Event Center seemed to alleviate the shoulder-to-shoulder crowding from last year’s edition, although there were still incredibly long lines on Saturday trying to get through security and into the event. That issue notwithstanding, the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful and the new two-story layout with celebs on the lower level and vendors on the upper level made for a very enjoyable event by attendees.
As is generally the case at Colorado Springs Comic Con, great artists were present throughout, with some incredible works representing all genres of film, television, comics, and gaming. Frankie Serna had some truly spectacular comic book artwork that I had to pick up (I got a couple of very cool Venom and Deadpool prints). Bryan Pedersen specialized in horror artwork that seemed to jump right off the page (his Predator and Evil Dead stuff, in particular, was pretty impressive). Other artists, such as Blake Henriksen, Kristopher McClanahan, Andrew Fox, and Bob Layton worked in a wide variety of media to produce some stunning designs.
The cosplay, as always, was another highlight of the weekend. From Rogue and Bane to Greedo and Jango Fett to Freddy Krueger and Groot, the work these individuals put into these very detailed costumes was simply amazing.
Of course, no comic con would be complete without the celebrity panels and photo/autograph ops. Some highlights from both the panels and speaking with various celebs:
- Brian O’halloran (Clerks, Mallrats) said chances of a Clerks III happening are virtually non-existent. Money issues (stemming primarily from some cast demands and the dying DVD/Blu-Ray market) have made development on the film stall out, despite a completed screenplay by Kevin Smith.
- Speaking with pro wrestler Rey Mysterio (who is very excited to compete this Saturday in the indy mega-show All-In), I asked him about rumors of a return to WWE. He said deals are still being worked out, but that things are looking very good. When pressed on who he might like to face upon a return to Vince McMahon’s company, he responded “AJ Styles, of course. Finn Balor, Ricochet, and Chris Jericho’s boy, Kevin Owens.” Aw, yeah! I’m all in!
- The Revenge of the Nerds panel was one of the most entertaining I’ve ever attended. From Larry Scott recreating his audition as gay nerd Lamar to Curtis Armstrong (Booger) guiding the ship to Donald Gibb (Ogre) frequently reminding everyone what he was doing when filming was done for the day (“I was picking up chicks” in his booming, intimidating voice), the crowd was howling with laughter. In between these moments of hilarity, we even got to learn some interesting tidbits, like Robert Carradine (Lewis Skolnik) revealing that his character’s iconic laugh actually came from veteran actor James Cromwell (Babe, The Green Mile), who played his father, and Armstrong describing how Booger’s contest-winning belch was a created combination of “a human belch and a camel orgasm.”
I think it’s safe to say that most Con-goers got their money’s worth. From vendors with goods ranging from action figures (both vintage and new), to some unique t-shirts and posters, and one-of-a-kind table top gaming items, there was a variety of ways to empty your bank account. The celebs were incredibly gracious with their time, whether a visitor was getting a photo/autograph or not. After three years, the event organizers, Altered Reality Entertainment, are still working out some of the kinks, but it is clear that the success of the event and big attendance levels ensure that Colorado Springs Comic Con (whether by that name or another) will be around for many years to come.
All photos courtesy of Mary Pacheco Photography
