All of the Daily Planet pictures were taken in the media room that wasn't open to all attendees (only VIP for an hour a day).  It was amazing! 

Going to my second Denver Comic Con, well I have to say that it was next to legendary.  I know this is only the second year of Comic Con being presented by Comic Book Classroom, but it will have to go down in the books as epic. Not knowing what this year would bring I was more than moved to see the turnout by the fans this year.

Arriving at the Convention Center at 12:40 pm via light rail, I could not believe my eyes.  The line was almost to the back.  I had to rush to get into the line before it almost wrapped around the back end.  It was a sight to see, and I never thought I would be able to witness this kind of event.  After last year, I thought that I would be good just getting to the Con two hours early and be one of the first in line.  Alas, that was not the case this year, being the three thousandth person in line.  I must say that I was blown away by the response from the people of Colorado and a couple of adjoining states.

‘This is gonna be huge!,’ I texted to more than a couple of people while waiting in line. The folks in front of me were talking about what they were able to see last year and what they were expecting for this year and I was able to add a couple more tidbits into the conversation.  ‘There is going to be a Daily Planet set up, along with a custom mold of Superman welcoming you into the room.’  Although, not seeing this before I was able to enter, I knew it was going to be worth the wait to see.  As the line started to move and the crowed started to cheer, I knew this con was going to be the greatest I had ever seen.  Turns out, I was right!

Getting into the convention hall was no problem after I had gotten my badge, and I must say I was blown away by the size.  The vendor booths were great, but once I was able to see how many extra artists were included in the alley this year, I knew this was going to be a fantastic weekend.  There were only two things that I needed to get done before the masses started to move in, one, get a Predator print from Robert Elrod and two, get my Peter Mayhew autograph (he played Chewbacca in the Star Wars series if you did not know).  Both were accomplished within the first twenty minutes of getting in, and I must say that I was more than happy.  The loud speaker announced that someone was going to be signing in fifteen minutes, Dee Bradley Baker stood up from his booth and shouted ‘Dee Bradley Baker is signing right now!’  His line cheered and he went right back to doing his thing, making them all laugh hysterically.  

Although I was caught up with helping to keep an eye on a friends daughters, sorry, princesses, for most of the day Friday and all of Saturday, I did not feel left out of the Con at all.  Seeing the eyes of these girls open up and the excitement behind them as an R2 unit moved around and chirped at them was worth the price of admission.  Someone so young, being able to enjoy what I was enthralled with in my youth almost brought tears to my eyes.  Seeing the amazing costumes roll through the aisles, along with all of the families stopping at the booths was just great.  Watching these children as they approach an artist, star, or vendor reminded me what this Con was all about, the kids.

As Sunday rolled around, most Cons would be slowing down, but not in Denver.  We were just getting warmed up with the Guest of Honor, William Shatner!  I must admit, even I was a bit excited to see him in the Mile High City, but I had no idea it would be this big.  His line was full by the time the normal ticket holders entered the hall, but I am happy to see that his stardom has not gotten the best of him yet as he sat back and read ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ to the kids. As five o’clock rolled around and everyone was starting to lose steam, the lines stared to disperse and you could feel the relief as the guests started to pack up their remaining goods, (although, most of them had sold through everything they had brought on Saturday).  The weekend was over and Denver Comic Con 2013 had gone down in the books with an astounding 48,000 people in attendance.  It just never seems long enough to enjoy these events, but happily, it is already booked again for next year.
I hope that everyone that wanted to be there was able to get in, but if not, I hope to see you all next year.  And remember, this is not just for us old fogies that love the names and faces that appear on the special guest list, it is for the kids.  With a great organization like Comic Book Classroom behind this event, I am not able to see a reason to complain, even if there is a line.  Have a great post Con hangover, it is time to get back to my reading.

PS.  Wil Wheaton Autographedbombed Dee Bradley Baker.  These are things you can only appreciate at a Comic Con.

Just in it's second year, Denver Comic Con's number of attendance alone was not only amazing but sensational. The amount of love that people showed Denver's very own Comic Con says something about our Mile High city. The costumes, the energy, the happiness that went around over the last three days was not just admirable, but astonishing. A adamant con goer myself, I'm here to give my perspective on the Con.

Now, when you go to enough conventions, you tend to run into the same people. There's often an abundance of conversation, alcohol, and shared interests that you build a lasting friendship with. More than just friends, though, these people become like a second family. No judgement, no hate, just love and the occasional fun bantering over who was the best companion to the Doctor. These people often throw the best room parties, will share a drink with just about anyone, and are always fun to be around. Meeting up with the Con family is easily best thing about con.

It is only slightly out shined by the meeting of beloved guests. This year had many an amazing guest to offer. For me, meeting George Takei and his husband, Brad Altman, was the highlight of my entire weekend. My Betsy and I had the honor of getting to talk to Brad while George took a break from autographs. An experience I will never forget. Both were so nice and amazing, it was a true honor to meet them both.

Wil Wheaton, my bestie, and I got to discuss who the best companion to the Doctor was. Thankfully he agree's with me that Martha Jones was the best. And Dee Bradley Baker talked as Klaus from American Dad as he did our autographs. It was a truly amazing experience.

The panel's were enthralling and exciting and to hea the Star's speak is perhaps one of the funnest things you can do, aside from meet them. The stories they share, the personal tales, it's all such an amazement. William Shatner reading to the children was not only memorable, but an absolute treat for everyone.  

The only downside to DCC was the fact that it had to end. I can't speak for everyone, but I know I definitely have PCDD (Post Con Depression Disorder.) and it's hard to know that it's another year before DCC can happen again. 

The dreaded Day Three arrived at last for Denver Comic Con on Sunday and it turned out to be one of the most memorable final days of a convention that I have ever been apart of.  Not only did the convention center stay completely packed throughout the entire day, I witnessed two incredible events that all occurred in the same place.  

There was no panel that could compete with this, no souvenir worth purchasing thanks to the participation of two of Sunday's guests at the Comic Book Classroom Corral.  One was already scheduled, with Peter Mayhew from Star Wars taking the time to read to children from his own book; My Favorite Giant.  It was incredible to watch Peter take time out of his busy convention schedule and stay true to the mission of Denver Comic Con, being a guiding hand in children's literacy.   
But Peter was not alone on the stage this fine day.  Oh no, in an unexpected surprise, one other guest took the stage to speak to the children in the Corral about the importance of imagination and the value of a book, and if the picture hasn't clued you in just yet...it was William Shatner.  

This was, without a doubt, one of the most incredible and sensational moments I have ever witnessed in my life.  To see an actor I idolize take the stage and inspire children in the same way he has inspired me and so many others throughout his career, brought tears to my eyes after he finished reading.  It was then that I realized how important this convention really is to our community and quite frankly, to everyone it touches.  

Let's really sit down and think about it.  Sure there were a few bumps this weekend when it came to the convention.  But I think that is to be expected when a second year con, simply doubles in size.  But what happened on that stage is truly what DCC is all about...the kids and learning.  I can't stress it enough that all of those tickets make more magical moments like this possible, and there are kids that are going to learn to read, all because I love Superman and Star Trek and want to hang out for a weekend with people who like those things too.  Heck, the kids who graduated from Comic Book Classroom this year even got to attend the convention as a graduation present! 

Our passions, our dreams are actually helping those in need and that left me one with one emotion when I walked out of the doors of the Colorado Convention Center...pride.  I was beaming with pride that I have done some good in the world, and so did all of you.  It leaves me excited for next year for a whole new set of reasons, and I can't wait for the opportunity to make the world a better place with the rest of you.  

I think it is safe to say that Denver Comic Con completely took my breath away on day two, simply because of the incredible turnout I witnessed on Saturday. Never have I seen lines of people that stretched as far as my eyes could see until yesterday morning when Girls of Geek pulled up to the Colorado Convention Center.

It was a sellout crowd Saturday at Denver Comic Con, and the crowds that mobbed downtown made for one incredible experience. I have only heard stories of Comic Cons where people stand shoulder to shoulder, but today I lived it and it was exhilarating.

There was never a dull moment as I walked the floor with costumes everywhere and lines for panels that seemed to never end. For the few panels I managed to get into, the crowds were completely into it.  I don't want to say that this is some kind of precedent, but let's be honest, we have all been to conventions where some panels are killer and others just seem to drag on. That wasn't the case on Saturday.  Crowds were hooting and hollering and shouting out with glee as they joined in on the fun. Maybe it's just me, but there is something cool about seeing droves of people lining up to listen, learn and participate on their favorite topics, and I was certainly not disappointed. 

The vendor room was equally as insane with every vendor or artist at every booth busy with customers.  That may sound like an exaggeration, but trust me, it was nuts.  It didn't matter if it was a new author or artist, or Neal Adams, there was barely any standing room at their booth.  The same could be said for the Celebrity Summit.  I've seen George Takei at other conventions and until yesterday had never seen a line as long as the one he had that afternoon.  I had to stop for a moment and take it all in, because I was truly in awe.  

This was the day that Denver Comic Con earned its stripes as one of the big time cons and it was an honor to be there.