Denver Comic Con 2015 - Scotty's Monday Recap

Written by Scott Edwards

Waking up at my normal crazy time, I decided not to take the lap around the Convention Center.  I know it is blowing my tradition, but I was tired and just got my cup of coffee and went to inspect the line around 6:30 once again.  Nobody was there.  I started to get worried for a moment about the lack of people waiting outside the event, but then it came to mind that it is Memorial Day and most everyone would be running a little bit late, including me.

With DCC running over a holiday weekend this year, no one knew what to expect for what would happen today, but I was encouraged by the past couple of days that it would still be hopping.  When the doors opened, it was not the rush the Saturday or Sunday had brought, but it was still enough to take notice.  The Pop Culture Classroom lab was packed with kids before any other booth got busy.  This was great because the kids were full of energy and the staff seemed to be feeding off of it nicely.

Keeping an eye on Artist Valley, it was interesting to see where everyone was flocking to.  With just hours to go until the doors closed for the year, several artists got their big rushes as soon as the doors opened, since they had something special that their fans wanted to take part in.  As the hours moved on, the lines started to die down and everyone was back in the isles looking at everything that they could leave the event with.  With a couple more purchases being made by the Three-Day troopers, many of the fans that just got a one day pass were blown away by what they saw.

Not knowing where to go, there was an announcement over the intercom that the Animaniacs would be talking the stage in the Pop Culture Classroom lab and everyone should come.  Taking the stage, Jess Harnell, Rob Paulsen, Tress MacNeille and Maurice LaMarche were ready to entertain their fans of all ages.  Having the kids in the lab draw an original character, each of the group took one of the pictures and added a voice to it.  Trying to explain how their voice acting process has worked in the past, along with how they do it today, it was a great time had by all while there seemed to be more adults hovering around trying to get a little peak back into their youth.

Too quickly it came and the announcement came over the intercom that the doors would be closing in thirty minutes.  There was a mad dash for so many people to get that one last prize before they had to leave and all of the artists, authors and vendors were happy to accommodate.  With people being directed to where they wanted to get to, it was great to see everyone trying to help so that no one would feel left out on the experience.  When the lights finally did dim and the main floor finally closed, you could feel the Convention Center let out a sigh.  Another year had come and gone too quickly in many people’s eyes and a year seems like too long to wait for it to happen again. 

I am with the rest of you, saddened that it has ended.  As Denver Comic Con is the primary fund raiser for Pop Culture Classroom, I would say that success was achieved once again for the expanded curriculum that is taking place.  With over one hundred thousand people in attendance this year, it is easy to say that this is one of the premier cons in the nation, but when you look at the crowds here versus other cons, you get to see what it is all about.  The Kids.  Denver Comic Con is not only catered to the big kids that want to get away from their everyday lives for a weekend, but their kids, that have been able to bond over something other than a random sports team, but their love for comics, characters, artwork, or even their favorite role models.  It is easy to forget that this is the primary focus of this con, but when it comes back next year, I am sure you will get the same message once again.  Thank you Denver Comic Con and Pop Culture Classroom for putting on such as wonderful event and I for one cannot wait until next year, since each one seems to get better by leaps and bounds.

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