Denver Comic Con 2016 Kicks Off

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Let's be honest folks, the wait for Denver Comic Con 2016 has been an absolutely excruciating one this year, for so many reasons. For starters, it is the biggest convention in the state of  Colorado, and one of the largest in the nation and there's something incredibly special about being able to attend such a premier show in my home state. 

But the anticipation for this convention goes beyond bragging rights, this year features the best line up of guests to date and judging from the map on the Pop Culture Classroom app, the biggest show floor the convention has ever utilized as well. It's simply going to be an incredible weekend, and thankfully the wait is finally over and Denver Comic Con 2016 is upon us at last. 

So what can we expect for the first day of DCC 2016? Well for one, it's going to be busy, with 101,500 in attendance last year I'll be shocked if that number doesn't increase again this year since DCC continues to grow at an exponential rate. So be prepared for a crowd filled to the brim with your fellow geeks and be prepared to have a lot of fun, and if it's your first time at the convention, my advice is to go slow on Friday and take the whole experience in. Walk the floor, get familiar with everything before diving in for something specific, so you don't get overwhelmed by rows and rows of vendors and incredible artists. 

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As for some of the spots you definitely want to check out, start with the Pop Culture Classroom Lab if you're bringing your family to the con this weekend. You'll easily be able to spot this area on the con floor since it is clearly labeled and surrounded by activities and workshops for people of all ages. Your kids can learn and have fun with all kinds of crafts and activities available to them throughout the entire weekend and several of the artists in attendance will pop in from time to time to do workshops on art and if you're there at the right time, you can take part in a grand Denver Comic Con tradition...having a celebrity guest pop in to read to all the children hanging out in the PCC Corral. 

If you're looking to check out incredible cosplay, you'll find plenty of that all over the con but the fact of the matter is, the main lobby just beneath the blue bear is where you'll find the costumes you're looking for. Cosplayers will be on hand by the dozens to show off their hard work and pose for photographs and it's not uncommon to see a group of cosplayers dressed from the same fandom help create an impromptu photoshoot. Just be sure to remember to politely ask if a cosplayer is okay with having their picture taken, because cosplay alone is not consent and DCC is all about respect. 

The last thing to see on Friday, and a great way to end the day is by attending Opening Ceremonies. This year the event will be held in the Bellco Theater/Main Events area but this is always a great way to kick off the convention. It's an evening filled with incredible guest speakers and this year looks to add another wrinkle to the fold with some celebrity guests popping up on stage...and so much more. Either way, there is going to be plenty to see and do today and I can't wait to see all of your smiling faces throughout the day because Denver Comic Con 2016 is here at last everybody! ​

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