In my worldly con experience (because I have so much), there are two types of con goers. There are those who go for just a day or so, and those who come and stay the whole weekend. Over the years, I’ve done both options, and any variation of them, and I’m not sure if one is better than the other. It truly depends. I’m rather excited to have a room at the Hyatt this year. After all, if you’re cosplaying, having a room is a huge life saver. With DCC around the corner, I figured I’d geek out about what I’m most looking forward to, and well, also just geek out about the fact that the hotel I’m staying in isn’t too far away. I’m just not a huge fan of commuting!

I have to say the biggest thing I am most excited about is the Animaniacs coming to town. I grew up watching this cartoon, and even got my sister into it when she was a bit older. It’s something we both loved to watch. On top of that the voice actor for Brain will be there. Which, is also another huge childhood moment for me. My parents even liked Pinky and the Brain! Having the chance to see these actors and hear their panels is an event I absolutely refuse to miss. They were such great shows in the 90’s and even today I can still watch them and laugh. I mean, it’s the sole reason my cable bill is so high! I had to have the Hub….they play reruns….Plus, at an event that benefits kids, you know this is going to be a huge success. I even have a few friends coming down just to see these guys!

I had the honor of meeting Rob Paulsen at an event called Nerd Nite. These events take place once a month at the Oriental Theater a little north of downtown Denver. They’re hosted by a fabulously talented young lady named Sara, whom I have the honor of calling my friend. This year, Nerd Nite Denver is having a few performances themselves. If you have not been to one of these events, you really need to think about going. While DCC will give you just a taste, I guarantee you’ll be hooked. This vastly spreading event has come to take place in so many different cities and its popularity continues to grow. You learn the coolest things at Nerd Nite, and above all, you get the chance to meet the most amazing people. 

If it hadn’t been for one little e-mail, Sara and I never would have gotten the chance to know each other, and that would be sad. Thankfully, we are friends, and Nerd Nite continues to happen monthly. Opportunities continue to arise for various presenters, and I can speak from experience, it’s the funnest thing to do. Yes, I said funnest. And you’re like, Shae, that’s not a word, and guys, you’re right. But that is how wonderful it was. Even if speaking in front of people isn’t your thing, you can go and watch these breath taking presentations. You can also laugh, because what’s wrong with laughing? Nothing, so do it.

How can I talk about DCC without mentioning the artists? Throughout the years, if you go to enough cons, you get to know some of the artists. Well, several of my favorites are going to be there. I know Scotty is more of the art person, but I like to indulge. Being able to walk through and see such original works is part of the fun at DCC. Not to mention, if you’re not careful, you end up broke…It happens. You can find the most unique things at the Artist’s tables, such as socks, shirts, knitted hats, and so much more. Pretty sure I’m running out of space on the walls of the apartment…either way the day is almost here! I can't wait to see all of you guys, this weekend is going to be a blast! 

Denver Comic Con is literally days away. In fact, it’s the only thing getting me through the work week. I can’t explain how excited I am personally, or how much the idea of DCC makes me want to just be there now. While I do love this con, I kind of don’t want it to be here so fast. The sooner the weekend arrives, the sooner it’ll be over, and that, does not sound like any fun. Either way, I figured a countdown to Con Times was in need!

Did anyone get that song stuck in their head? Final Countdown….because I did, now it’s all I can think about.

Throughout the past few years, I have watched Denver Comic Con grow into this massive, amazing, convention that has quickly overtaken the entire Denver area. That last part is a bit of an exaggeration, but not really. More and more, DCC has been growing in numbers. It’s the fans that fuel the flames to this convention. I actually remember sitting in a literature class as Dr. Chris Angel talked about the launch of DCC. I wish I could go back and re-live that moment. Now, Angel is the director of DCC and every year has completely out done itself. To say that it was an honor to be in her classes is an understatement. The amazing things she’s done over the years for DCC and Pop Culture Classroom  are miraculous. Sadly, I wasn’t able to attend the first year of Denver Comic Con. I was, however, there for the second and last year, and to say they’ve blown me away is not quite right. I’m always left a little bewildered at how things have grown. A convention of this size has its own commercials on television and radio. I didn’t even know that was a thing!

The celebrity guests that have also come to show their support here have made for some incredible moments. Every year celebrities read to the children. While it’s hard to pick a favorite, there are many who have a favorite. For me, it’s genuinely hard to say, I just love them all. Having a favorite isn’t a bad thing at all, it’s just such a phenomenal moment to witness. Denver Comic Con and Pop Culture Classroom exist to bring literacy to children through various methods. I remember being that little kid, who liked things like Batman, and I remember feeling ashamed. PCC and DCC make it so that little kids feel joy when they read comics. It’s not just about reading, but self-expression. And, really, who doesn’t want to be a superhero? PCC has done wonders for children. The popular cultures we love have been seeping into the academic world for quite some time now. There are many a college course, even, on comics, manga, and the literary benefits keep proving that these are valid avenues of teaching.

We can’t forget the fun, either. Isn’t that what all of this is about Vendors from all over come to share their unique merchandise, and we all know I love the dealers room. Seriously, it might actually be a problem for me. Like…a clinical problem. You can find the coolest nerd things in the dealers room, and sometimes the hardest to find items. The dealers room isn’t just filled with vendors. It’s also filled with artists, aspiring and professional alike. There’s also many an author waiting to be discovered, and we cannot forget the celebrities we love so much. Aside from that, the panels, the cosplay, and my personal favorite, meeting people. Where else can you strike up a conversation about which superhero is better? I mean, I tried that in the grocery store once…it didn’t go well….but at DCC, it’s a fun, wonderful, amazing place to be with the benefit of helping the children and it cannot get here quick enough.

It's a magical period of time a few weeks out before Denver Comic Con. The finishing touches are being put on costumes, and all of us are no doubt going over the vast and impressive list of guests that DCC has to offer to decide just exactly who we plan on meeting at this amazing convention.  

Yes, it's final prep time when you think about it, unless you're the tireless staff at Denver Comic Con, where they are making sure that every single fandom is satisfied and today they surprised all of us once again by announcing another incredible guest that will attend this year's convention, Gwendoline Christie. 

Now every single Game of Thrones fan out there will recognize her name instantly, since she plays Brienne of Tarth on this fan favorite program but already she is quickly finding her way into other important fandoms as well. She will portray Commander Lyme in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 when it premieres later this year and she has also landed a role in one of the biggest films of this year; Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens, where she will play Captain Phasma.  

Her announcement today marks yet another up and coming Hollywood star to join the already stellar Denver Comic Con 2015 roster and man, this is a big one. After all, only a handful of shows are as big as Game of Thrones and to top it off, the fact that she has a role in Episode VII already speaks volumes to her talent and I'm stoked someone of her acting caliber will be heading to the convention.

DCC simply continues to impress, and I'm stunned at such an epic and awesome announcement arriving just mere weeks before the con. Just stay tuned ladies and gentlemen, if DCC can land someone as awesome as Gwendoline this close to the con, you never know what other surprises might await us...