Denver Comic Con 2013 - Day Three

Written by:  John Edward Betancourt 

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.  

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