I would hope that everyone that visited Denver Comic Con this year were able to find that once in a lifetime item that they will treasure for years to come.  Now for me, it is not only about the fantastic artwork that surrounds the floor, or the autographs from my favorite stars, but the books that are found around every nook and cranny.  I hope that everyone knows my love for a good book, whether it be a novel or a collection of short stories and once again, I was able to find just a couple more of both to help keep me busy for the months to come.

I was able to finally get a printed copy of Bones II, a collection of poetry, flash fiction and short stories based on what else? Bones.  Stories based around those things that help keep us together and give us a chance to evolve into something much more. I believe there is a walking skeleton in there as well, but will have to read it first to find out. I have been looking forward to reading this, not just for the stories, but it features a friend’s first published story. 

I also picked up Kevin J. Anderson’s Resurrection, Inc.  This was his first novel and the 25th Anniversary edition was slated to hit the shelves a couple weeks after Denver Comic Con 2013.  A story about bringing the dead back to life to do the bidding of the living that ends up in revolts?  Yes please.  This just sounds like a great ride with only one man, a dead man who knows how to stop his resurrected brothers…how could you go wrong?

When running around Celebrity Summit, I was told that the great mind that brought the cartoon Gargoyles to our Saturday morning television screen had a book out as well.  Rain of the Ghosts is the story that Greg Weisman has been able to bring back into novel form after his original story was not produced by the network.  An armband provides secret powers to see the dead and is used around the hidden world of the Ghost Key’s.  Sounds like a winner to me and his follow up novel will be hitting the shelves in a matter of weeks.

The final book I picked up is a duplicate of one I had purchased and read back in 2006, but this one has something special about it.  World War Z by Max Brooks was one of the prime novels to get me back into the zombie craze and to have added a signed copy of it to my ever growing zombie collection is just a feather in my hat.  As I have said numerous times, I get things that I like and I have never looked to sell any part of my collection and this is defiantly one that will stay with my prized possessions for years to come.

I certainly hope that everyone who attended DCC this year were able to get everything that they had their heart set on, I know I did.  I have a funny feeling that a couple more authors will come out to DCC next year as the event proceeds are going towards children’s literacy and people that are able to formulate ideas on a blank piece of paper or computer screen are really the heroes to getting the rest of our imaginations working.

A convention a year in the making, the planning for Denver Comic Con starts before the current one is even over. For me, I'm already looking forward to next year. With that, though, is the sadness that comes long with knowing that DCC 2014 is over. While the weekend is over, DCC is far from forgotten, and with the memories still fresh in our minds, lets take a trip and highlight some of my favorite moments this weekend. 

For me, DCC started Thursday the 12th. Mattie, Melissa (my best friend from high school!), and I packed up, and got our room across from the Colorado Convention Center. After, we hit up the party at the Mile High Comics Warehouse. Melissa got her ticket, and we got to see a lot of fantastic nerd things! Has anyone been to the Mile High Comics Warehouse? Because I never have. It. Was. Fantastic. There are so many comics, so many statues, and so many action figures! Guys, this place is like paradise. I am so beyond excited to go back there the next chance I get. There were a decent amount of people there, and of course food. They also had skits, entertainment, and Lou Ferrigno, TV's Hulk was signing autographs at the pre-DCC party. It was an all around fantastic experience and I am glad we got to make it there. Now to just get back and empty my savings on the various things they had there (don't tell Mattie).

After a good nights sleep, Friday took off without a hitch. Mattie and I met John, Dan, and Scotty, and we got a chance to see the entire dealers room just before the door opened. I have to admit, I was blown away with all the fantastic dealers, booths, artists, and everything that was there. Melissa and our friend Kendra joined us soon after, and the day was spent checking out everything the Con had to offer. I'm not going to lie, I was jealous about the Kids Corral. I wanted to color so bad! But, it's okay, we got some great pictures of Cosplayers, met a lot of amazing people, and even got to snag a few hugs. I was utterly blown away by the Cosplay's I saw Friday. Such talent, time, and effort go into making the perfect costumes and everyone who dressed up at DCC did not disappoint. It was so wonderful to see just how much people truly cared about their costumes.

That evening, we got to go to the first, official, DCC opening ceremonies. There was sword fighting, singing, and even a cello on stage! The biggest news, however, was Comic Book Classroom changing their name to Pop Culture Classroom. This amazing organization chose to change it's name so that they could encompass all of what they do into a name. Reaching beyond just comics, to include other various forms of media. The news was both shocking, and resounding. The goal stays the same, bringing literacy, confidence, and helping children! And the new name reflects it all perfectly. This Con is all about the kids, and it was utterly amazing.

Saturday saw even more people. That was so much fun. The amount of Cosplayers doubled easily, and it was like I was home. Now, I didn't get to Cosplay a whole lot, but I'll tell you, not being in Cosplay at a con is the weirdest feeling in the world (but don't worry, we did dress up, I'll link that blog in a bit). I did, however, get to hug a lot of Cosplayers and we got a lot of pictures of many fantastic costumes. With the fantastic costumes, the atmosphere was electric, and the children were in abundance. It's oddly rare to see so many kids at a convention like this, but I could not have been happier. Their costumes were just as amazing!

I also had the pleasure of seeing Jeremy Shada (the voice of Finn on Adventure Time) talk about bullying. This warmed my heart. Getting the opportunity to see how people react to such a subject, was very insightful. Words can hurt and last with us throughout the rest of our lives, and to children they can be even more damaging. Having such an influential voice actor, from such a well known kids show do this….it still brings a tear to my eye.

Saturday was amazing, but this weekend held so many moments that will forever be in my memory. Kevin Conroy read to the kids in the Corral, Stephen Amell and Caity Lotz did a Q&A that should go down in history as the best Panel in the history of Panels. I don't know if you guys read our live tweets about it, or if you read my recap of the Panel alone, but if you haven't, you should. They were, funny, outgoing, and utterly made my Con. You don't have to be an Arrow fan to enjoy the magic that happened in that Panel.

Speaking of, there were many Panels this weekend, some informative, like craft weapons, costuming, and wig design. there were also guest Panels. As this was the 75th anniversary of Batman, Adam West and Burt Ward got together in the Main events hall with Julie Newmar and gave a truly astounding Panel. And of course, there was the reunion of a lifetime with Star Trek: The Next Generation guests, moderated by the original Captain Kirk, William Shatner. Now, it was impossible to make it to all the panels that happened this weekend, especially on Saturday, but I truly hope many of you got the opportunity to make it to some.

Sunday is always the saddest day of the Con for me. It's the end of a great weekend, but it's not fully over. I started the day on a hunt in the Dealer's room for a particular Pops figure. If you've been following my blogs, especially my Gift and Guilty Pleasures one, you guys know, just how much I am addicted to Pops figures. Well, they make a Winter Soldier one…that has the full face mask/goggles combo…that I made the mistake of not buying when I saw it. I've never been able to find it again. While I could have easily found it online, there's just something about buying it in person that makes the experience so much more fulfilling. Believe it or not…I found it. I found the last, and likely only one at Denver Comic Con. I'd spent all weekend looking for it, and just as I walk up, one of the women working there pulling it out of a box and set it down. I bought it so fast it wasn't even funny. He's now sitting with my collection, on my bookshelf, next to my bed, and my friends can now rest knowing I'm not going to be whining about not having him. It's a win/win! Because it was Sunday, and the 75th anniversary of Batman, and not to be left out of the Batman reading to kids circle, Adam West sat down in the Corral, and read to the children. And I missed it. Thankfully, John was on the scene and got the chance to see and film it. For that, he is my hero because that might just be my new favorite thing about Denver Comic Con. While Adam was reading, Mattie and I were changing, and here is where I am going to leave you guys. As promised, our Cosplay got its very own, special, blog. 

I hope you all had a blast. Please leave a comment bellow with your favorite memory for the con, or tweet it to me personally @SoraLostSoul, or to @GirlsOfGeek12. I love hearing from you guys, always, and adore the stories we all get to share with one another!

Sunday is usually the day for cons to start slowing down, but this did not seem to be the case this year.  As my morning regiment of walking around the convention center was delayed due to a late Saturday night, I was amazed to see that the line to get in was starting earlier than the previous days.  One man was sitting on the steps with his Evil Dead poster to have Bruce Campbell sign and he was determined to be the first in line for this to happen.  7:00am might be a little bit early, but for this gentleman, it was important to him to get this done and he gained my respect for being a hardcore fan to sacrifice his sleep to get his prized possession signed.

Even though I knew this was going to be a late morning for most everyone else, I was still up and ready to go on time.  Being reintroduced to an old friend from many moons ago and finding out that this was her first con, I was more than happy to show her around while the team completed their work. Watching her eyes wander from side to side of Artist Valley, I started to remember what it was like for my first show and got just that much more excited about giving each booth another look to make sure that I did not neglect anything. 

Although she had an affinity for buttons for her first con, I was not to be stopped from showing her my favorite artist booths but then notice was taken of Aldana Zanetta’s, The Tree House piece that I had picked up several months ago at a different event altogether.  I do not know what it is about this piece, but it seems to catch everyone’s eye when they walk by and I am still astounded by the feelings it invokes.

One of the most amazing things I noticed both on Saturday and Sunday was the appearance of Adam West arriving to his autograph booth.  I have never witnessed this before by any of the stars previously, but on both days he would walk down the line and talk and shake hands with all of the early arrivers, face to face, not behind the booth.  This had to be a thrill for all of his fans as that seemed to be very unexpected. 

As noon arrived very quickly, a large group of children were sitting and waiting at the Pop Culture Classroom Corral for yet another special person to read to them.  Adam West was their guest of honor on Sunday and as everyone that took the stage before him, he did not disappoint as he read If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.  The look in the children’s eyes said it all as listened to the original Batman, and although they may not have known who he was at the time, they will when they tell their children about their earliest con experience. 

While waiting in line to get an autograph from Kevin Conroy, I watched as the line right next store was moving right along for Michael Rooker.  Even though he was killed off in The Walking Dead, he is still very much alive for the fans to enjoy.  Taking pictures seemed to be what everyone wanted and Merle was not going to disappoint anyone with his antics. Even though he is a bigger guy, he was able to get some of the kids who thought he was scary at first to come around and get in the pictures with him. 

As the day started to wind down again,  it seemed to be a great experience for everyone who attended.  As the announcement came over the overhead speakers that there is fifteen minutes to make your final purchases, many people were running from booth to booth to get that one last thing they forgot, the vendors slowly started to pack up their remaining stock and the artists started to mingle with each other as the valley cleared out. 

I hope that everyone, attendees, guests and the event organizers all walk away from Denver Comic Con this year with even a fraction of memories that I have gained.  This is by far the most exciting Denver Comic Con I have attended and even though my legs were killing me, I hated walking away.  With great guests, local, national and international, great organizers and staff, it has to go out to the fans for making this the most memorable event in recent history.  Thank you DCC for bringing us all together once again and I know I am not the only one to say this, but I cannot wait until next year! 

Saturday is always the main day of a con and this year at Denver Comic Con, it still stands true.  With the stars from Star Trek: TNG in town for their late day panel, I thought the lines would start a bit later, but once again, when doing my morning laps around the convention center, it was amazing to see when people started to line up.  Still, at 5:30am, there is no one there, I think I must be crazy for being up that early to do this, but hey you got to do what works.  After breakfast I walked around again and at 7:00am there were about 250 people waiting happily for the doors to open.

This is a little bit more than expected for me as last year when I got there at 8:00am I was about a hundred people deep, but you know what, Denver Comic Con predicted 75,000 people this year, so I am starting to understand the scale.  As the doors opened a bit before 10:00am due to the lines, I noticed that there was a new feeling in the air that I did not get at the previous cons.  There was a feeling of excitement for the day and everyone wanted to see it all go off without a hitch, and it did.

The lines grew quickly for some of the headline artists being more than a fifty people deep in most cases, but it did not seem to cause a problem for being able to get around.  As I have said, there was enough room for people this year and it was a relief to not have to bump into people when trying to move around. It was amazing to see how the fan bases migrate from booth to booth to get their prized items signed.  Most of the people I talked to had the 3-Day Pass and were trying to get the full effect of the con under their belt before the next big event came up.

I did pick up a few more pieces on Saturday, I do have a problem when it comes to something that I like and need to have in my collection.  But when I got a few seconds away from the main con floor, I was able to check out the Costume Parade and was able to witness something very magical.  A local band was playing all of our favorite songs as a long, growing line formed behind them filled with children wearing costumes and smiles as they were escorted through the con floor.  Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces as they waived to everyone makes you remember what DCC is really about, the kids and literacy. 

After the parade was over, I was special enough to go along and witness something that I have never seen before, two Doctors being interviewed at the same time.  Peter Davidson and Sylvester McCoy were gracious enough to give the site an interview and were just amazing. It was hard not to laugh during the interview as both men were on their games and popping jokes left and right, it is one thing that I wish everyone could witness.

It turns out that during our interview with the two Doctors, I heard that something else amazing had happened.  Bruce Campbell’s panel was going on and there was a surprise guest that came into DCC that was never announced.  From what I have seen, it looked like Bruce Campbell was trying to test the fans knowledge of Burn Notice by having people come up to the stage and doing the narration of the beginning of the show.  A bearded man was last to go and when his voice was heard, everyone in the audience erupted as it was Michael Weston himself, Jeffery Donovan.  A little Burn Notice reunion that looked like no one expected this year at DCC, it just means that the little con that started three years ago has grown up.

The Pop Culture Classroom Corral was also full all day with children and some of them were able to have a special person come up to the stage and read to them.  Kevin Conroy, the voice of Batman in the animated series came up to the stage and read Mustache Baby.  The children lined up and listened as Conroy read the story and several voices came out that he has used over the years.  Staying to the basics of the story, you could feel the Batman coming out just a bit and everyone seemed to enjoy it.

As the night started to fade and everyone was heading to the TNG panel, I decided to call it a night and go watch a World Cup Soccer game at my hotel.  I was able to find an empty seat at the end of the bar and let my poor legs recover from all of the running I did on Saturday.  Not really surprised to see anyone one from the con there as well, I did get the opportunity to talk and eat dinner with one of the stars from the show as the Ivory Coast took down Japan in their match.

Con memories are something that you should never give away.  Either it be at a panel or at someone’s booth, or just walking around the floor and being asked to have your picture taken. These are the memories that cons are meant to provide and for you to remember for several years. I was lucky enough on Saturday to come away with memories that will last a lifetime and I hope you were too.

With Denver Comic Con 2014 starting on Friday much earlier in the day this year, I did not know what to expect from the fan turnout, especially in the morning.  I was lucky enough to get a hotel room at the Hyatt this year and was more than willing to use its proximity.  Before getting into what really went down on Friday, I must tell you my early morning regiment.  I have been an early riser for many years now since I have started to work an office job and find myself trying to get the blood pumping before work or a large event such as this one.

Walking laps around the Convention center this year was my pre con regiment this year and I must tell you, it really worked.  Before the sun was fully in the sky, I was walking around, getting my legs to loosen up before I would have to be running around all day long.  I was kind of disappointed at the turn out at 5:30am, but around 7am, the masses made their way into line and looked just ecstatic to be there.  It was nice to see so many of the three day ticket holders and how excited they were to get in and scout out their attack and when they walked into DCC this year, the con veterans were surprised about how much more space there was.

Following a couple of people around, trying to get my bearings of the floor as well, there were several things to take note of immediately, and the first was the size of the Kids Corral.  I think it was quoted as being eight thousand square feet, quite a bit larger than last year and with good reason as no child could be turned away.  Walking through all of the vendor booths, it was a noticeable change from last year with plenty more room to walk in the isle ways.  With the massive space for the vendors, I took a mosey over to Celebrity Summit to check and see who would be sitting where when they all arrived later on in the day, or on Saturday.  Once again, the size of the area and the list of heavy hitters was massive.  

Now that I was able to figure out who I wanted to get an autograph from in the Celebrity area, I was able to move back and check out where my passion lives, Artist Valley.  Once again, there was plenty of space between booths for lines to form and people to still be able to move through.  This however was dangerous for me, as I had a list of things I wanted to get picked up before the infamous Saturday rush..  So I did.  I stopped by Allen Bellman’s booth to get his newest Captain America print, then Ben Templesmith’s booth just to chat for a moment and see what he had available this year since I was not able to pick up anything last year.  Then as always, I headed back to find Robert Elrod’s booth as his work has become a fixture in my collection.

Getting everything I wanted before my favorites sold out, I was able to scout the remainder of the con floor and found a couple more booths and familiar names and faces that I would have to make sure to at least say hi, but looking at the clock, it was time for the Opening Ceremonies and a must see for everyone.  I say that because Christine Tubbs, the new executive director of Comic Book Classroom took to the stage with a new announcement that changed the future of the program.  It was a goodbye to Comic Book Classroom as Pop Culture Classroom was born at Denver Comic Con this year and with the proceeds going towards this program update, it is exciting to see everything that will be incorporated into it.  With adding in music, gaming, and film this will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.

As the doors closed and everyone was going on their way, I was happy to just go back to the hotel and get some work done, but one thing that an event like this does is bring people together.  Getting a call to go out for dinner, I would be a fool to refuse and ended up going to the Hard Rock with a couple of people to discuss our thoughts of the con along with life in general.  We all enjoyed Friday and were looking forward to seeing what Saturday would bring. 

It was a strong opening for Denver Comic Con this year and with the changes that are coming soon to Pop Culture Classroom, it will be amazing to see what is about to happen with the convention for years to come.

Denver Comic Con is in the books and I will say that I am more impressed than last year.  Most of the weekend I was lurking around Artist Valley and I am not ashamed to say I found several treasures once again.  The first thing on my agenda was to go over and pick up one of the new prints from Allen Bellman as he always seems to sell out on Saturday… and yes, I got exactly what I wanted.

Even though Allen has just celebrated his 90th birthday a week ago, he is still a kid at heart and will give even the wittiest of fans a run for their money.  He is a complete and utter class act and he is willing to give his fans what they want be it a story or a Captain pose.  

So as we have discussed on the podcast, I do have a problem with buying things for my collection.  Not that I do not have enough, but I buy too much for it.  It is hard for me to say no to anything if I really like it.  But my concerns did not hold me back as I made my way to Ben Templesmith's booth.

Being able to talk to Ben Templesmith for a couple of minutes, well it was great to hear his views on what is going on in the world along with seeing all of his artwork.  Even though I have already gotten a copy of one of his trades, there is plenty more artwork to seen and he is willing to make sure you find something that you truly love.  Yeah, I took more than one and am very happy with my purchases.  His booth is always a joy to spend time at since he is a very entertaining individual.

One of my favorite artists working in the Valley, just happened to have a great deal on his Kaiju books that has a sketch cover attached, I am of course talking about Mister Robert Elrod. Robert Elrod is one of the best if you ask me and is able to make even your strangest dreams come true.  He has several original pieces that have a found a home with me and there will be more making their way very soon.  Ask him for whatever your heart desires, even a fez hat and I am sure that he will give you the response you are looking for.  I did ask for the biggest, baddest Cthulhu he had ever devised and I am more than happy with the results.  

Now I did run into a person from a con last year and was extremely happy to see him making it this year’s DCC.  Todd Jones, the author behind Stakes and a couple stories in Wicked Takes 1 and 2.  A very nice man with great ideas in his head that he is able to get down very well into comic form.  It was great to hear about his stories and for a select few he may or may not have shown them his special piece that he is working on for Batman himself.

There is fun to be had by all at Denver Comic Con, and I know this is just a taste.  Hope to be able to bring you a little bit more, as there is a fantastic Lego display that will even make a grown man cry.  Either way stay tuned, I know myself and the rest of the team will be bringing you plenty more stories from this glorious weekend.  

Saturday, the 14th, Stephen Amell and Caity Lotz sat down in the Mini Main Events Room and had a Q&A that was the best panel I have ever been to. Before hand, Mattie and I were in line to get Stephen's autograph when he had to leave for a Panel. With some quick thinking from Mattie, before he left, we darted out of line and made it to his Panel in time. I didn't know Caity was going to be there as well, so that was an amazing surprise to see her there! Bashfully they both sat down and the Q&A started hilariously. While Stephen was slightly shy at times, he was funny, out going, and beyond friendly. This was the first Panel I've ever live Tweeted, so we took over the Twitter and shared our favorite moments, the best quotes, and even the tidbits we learned from our amazing guests.

Caity answered openly, honestly, and was just as charming as Stephen. Once the MC opened the floor to questions, it was even more fun once the crowd got to ask their questions and boy did they get answered. Many asked about spoilers for the coming season of Arrow; to which no confined or denied answers were given. Of course, the Justice League movie was asked about. While both Stephen and Caity would love bring the characters they have sculpted so carefully to the big screen, neither has been approached about the film, yet. What about Arrow crossover in the new Flash series? Well, as Stephen said, both shows have the same producers, are owned by the same company, film in the same set, and city; Stephen doesn't know. But it is a strong possibility. Maybe. While there were no spoilers or leaks, there was a hint as to the start of Season Three, you can expect Thea and Merlin to have a part to play in the upcoming season. Until then, look forward to the DVD and Blu-ray edition of Arrow Season Two, where we get deleted scenes, and of course, bloopers.

Apparently, John Barrowman and Stephen Amell are notorious for pranking each other on the set of Arrow. As well as their fellow cast mates. Emily Bett Rickards raps her lines, according to Stephen and Caity.  Caity's favorite villain is DeathStroke. And Stephen's favorite episode was the death of Mrs. Queen. After hearing funny stories of on set moments, of them trying to be serious in costume while wanting to geek out, and of their personal attachments to the characters; Caity decided to call Emily and get her to confirm her own awesomeness.

In the end, this Panel was utterly amazing. I have never quite experienced anything like that before and have never felt so connected with an actor. Caity and Stephen made the whole thing feel like we were all friends just chatting it up. Later, after the Panel, Mattie and I had the honor of getting our picture with Stephen and later his and Caity's autographs. They being life to their characters, believe they are that character, and go out of their way to connect with their fans on as many personal levels as possible. Stephen has always been active on Facebook and gotten really well at sharing, replying, and over all being connected with his fans. The entire Arrow cast tries to make this fandom feel like a family. In my opinion they completely succeed, after today's Q&A I find myself in awe, and in love, with this show all over again. It was a wonderful experience.

Thank you all who replied, asked questions, and joined in on the live tweeting of that Panel. Mattie and I both did our best to try and reply to every single one of you. It was a fantastic time being one on one with you guys and keeping the Q&A as live as we could.

Sadly, Saturday is over, but today is a brand new day and there's a lot of con ahead!

There was an incredible announcement on Day One of Denver Comic Con, one that I think we need to take a moment to discuss because well...it was pretty awesome.  You see, for the last three years, Denver Comic Con has of course benefitted Comic Book Classroom, a fantastic program that teaches kids how to read and write by way of comic books.  

I've seen it in action, and it is effective and worthwhile programming.  Well, yesterday DCC decided to go ahead and up their game and make the program all that much more inclusive and powerful by introducing the new name and direction for the curriculum...Pop Culture Classroom.  

I have to say it's a move that I totally love and if you weren't present for the opening ceremonies last night, it's time to fill you in.  See, the folks at Pop Culture Classroom came to a realization, that there was more than one way to reach a student. There's nothing wrong with using comic books, in fact I'm sure the curriculum will continue to make use of those incredible stories, but let's be honest.  Not all of us connect with comic books.  I do, because my dad put one in my hand when I was in grade school, but different mediums have different effects upon us. 

Take a moment and think about it.  We go to conventions for different reasons.  Some of us could care less that comic greats are roaming the halls of the Colorado Convention Center. Those folks might be there for one of the big names. They are dying to see William Shatner or Bruce Campbell.  Or perhaps cosplay is their passion, and they are here for the epic costumes and a panel or two on making your own cosplay.  

The bottom line, we are all inspired in different ways, and that is what Pop Culture Classroom is out to accomplish.  For those kids who connect better with film or video games, then the new curriculum will cater to their passions. It is in many ways, boundless teaching and it will reach so many students.  I found it to be a wonderful gift from Denver Comic Con and I look forward to hearing more about how this new curriculum will work and if I'm lucky, hopefully see this incredible evolution of teaching first hand.  

This Friday the 13th saw the start of Denver Comic Con 2014, and it was utterly astonishing. Before the doors were even close to opening, people were lining up to get their passes. Starting with an astounding response; many people were strutting their stuff in fantastic costumes, amazing shirts, and above all, their high spirits. 

After all, nothing makes a con more than the enthusiasm of the fans. This con is a bit different. United by a common interest, Denver Comic Con is run by the none profit organization Comic Book Classroom.

Today, however, Comic Book Classroom announced at the opening ceremony their name change to Pop Culture Classroom. If there was any more reason to love DCC, it's the evolution of this great convention into something more. Sticking with their original idea to help children through the various creative ways, such as Comic Books, Pop Culture Classroom is expanding to include more than just Comics, but I won't say much more than that since we'll talk more about that later on. Now along with that fun came a wide selection of panels to start off the con, and so much more planned for this weekend. With such vast programming, there is something for everyone, and something for all ages, to enjoy.

Of course, my first stop was the Dealer's Room. As you all know, I am an advent  lover of all things merchandise, and this year did not disappoint. For 2014, I swear there is twice as much space and twice as many venders. Amongst them are the wonderfully talented artists of Artist Valley. And I absolutely cannot forget about the Celebrity Summit, where fans can come and meet their favorite stars and get their autographs. Guys, there's a vendor with a wall of Pops Figures. I don't know about you, but that's one of my favorite parts about anything. The guests, of course, are the first, but you know my love of Pops! It's going to be hard to not spend so much money there! The guests, artist, and venders, are all in one massive area upstairs, of the Denver Convention Center.

Hopefully you can all make it this weekend! There's so much to see, so many panels, and great guests, the profits go to a wonderful cause, and of course, all the people who come to cosplay and have a fantastic time. For quicker updates check out our Twitter, Instagram, tumblr, and of course Facebook.

If there is one constant when it comes to Denver Comic Con, it's the fact that we all have trouble waiting for it.  It's the biggest convention of the year, so it makes the wait all that more difficult.  That's why, thankfully, we get a couple of "tastes" right before the convention kicks off that keeps that excitement from keeping us awake all night long.  

The first is the Breckenridge Brewery Beer Launch, and the second event happens on Denver Comic Con Eve...the Pre Party at the Mile High Comics Superstore.  Yes, just off of Jason St. lies a vast warehouse, filled to the brim with comics and collectibles and for the past three years, the night before DCC, this warehouse is transformed into something so much more, a gathering of friends and a chance to meet some the artists in advance.

In fact, this party is more or a less a true slice of Denver Comic Con, especially with the addition of a mini Artist Alley where the team said hello to the amazing George Perez and even caught a glimpse of the legendary Allen Bellman before heading off to take a look at the other sights to see, which this year around included a mini Costume Shindig and a live show on the other side of the complex where in between performances people had a chance to place their bids for amazing artwork in a live auction. 

I should also take a moment to mention that somehow the folks at Mile High Comics managed to get a replica X-Wing onto the floor which was worth admiring, but I think my favorite moment of the night was simply walking around and taking it all in.  There were plenty of collectibles that my wallet shuddered at as I ogled them with glee, but more importantly I got to spend the evening with great friends and even had the chance to say hello to some old ones and that's what Denver Comic Con is all about, that sense of home.  Either way, it was enough to calm my excitement for the big day (a little bit) and I can't wait to walk the floor of Denver Comic Con 2014.