Denver Comic Con 2013 - Scotty's Take

Written By Scotty 

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.

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