Denver Comic Con 2017...In a Nutshell...

Written by Scott Edwards

When it comes to describing your con experience, it is in everything that you took away from it.  While this can be in all of the goodies that you picked up at the artist and merchant booths, or getting an autograph from your favorite stars, these all fall into your memories that you never want to forget. Being part of the media groups running around this event, I do not always get to make every stop that I want, especially when seeing the lines for my favorite stars, but I do tend to take away plenty when all is said and done. 

Arriving at the convention center on Friday and seeing many of the familiar faces that I have grown accustomed to over the years, I was happy to see some new ones as well. Not really being prepared for what Denver Comic Con had in store for me this year, I was open to most anything that it was willing to bring my way. Being able to sneak in some quick hellos to my artist friends that had made the show is always at the top of my list of things to do, especially since I only get to see them once or twice a year. This always puts the con in to perspective for me, listening to how they think that the show will go.
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As Friday continued on and an influx of fans made their way to the main floor, I was amazed to see how much they were actually picking up from the artists. As Friday is usually the day for everyone to make their way into the convention center to get their bearings, it was great to see people getting their treasures first thing this year. As the day moved on and night started to settle in, food was on the mind of almost everyone and I had the pleasure of joining, Todd Jones, his wife Bethany, Ron Root and Matt Campbell for dinner. While this is off the clock time for me, it was great hearing childhood stories and where these very inventive minds had come from. With plenty of laughter at the table, the night had come to an end with little time left before Saturday would be upon us.

Saturday started off as expected, lines circling the convention center as everyone was ready to make this a sellout day for the record books. Watching as the lines migrated into the event, it really was something else this year as it seemed like every aisle was packed with people looking for their con treasures and not being too upset that they were not getting anywhere too quickly. Keeping an eye out for things of my own, I saw plenty of smiles while passing the Pop Culture Classroom side and watching the Red Team Go team hammer out sketches for the kids. There really is something to be said about this, since it is really what Denver Comic Con’s focus is on, the youth at the con. 

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With the lights turned down and the doors locked up, the yearly dinner at the Hyatt Regency was in effect for some of the special few. Being able to dine with my artist friends is always a good time as we all took a load off and got to chat not only about the con, the web site, but some life in general. This is the new highlight of the con for me, as everyone is just out to have a good time and catch up. And while the stories change from year to year, the attitudes do not as smiles and laughter radiate through the bar, but if it is because of the beverages being consumed or how many Street Tacos someone is eating, well, that is a story for another day.
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When Sunday finally rolled around and seeing that the con had truly set in for everyone, in a good way, we all knew that this great experience was coming to an end. But the fans did not seem to think so as they all made their way back for one more day of greatness. As everyone seemed to find what they were looking for, there were very few frowns to be seen as the floor was packed once again. It appeared that everyone was still going full force this year, and that is what really made this con one for the memory banks. I do not ever remember seeing so many smiling faces, even when making their ways through the aisles as I did this year, which would indicate that they were all having a great time all around.

As Sunday came to an end and the customary applause took place from everyone working on the con floor took effect, it was time to say goodbye to Denver Comic Con once again. Getting the quick goodbyes to everyone who made this a great event once again was key. Not one handshake, fist bump or hug was wasted in showing the appreciation to everyone who made this an experience that I will never forget. Thank you once again to Denver Comic Con for allowing us to be a part of this fantastic event and to everyone who is unnamed behind the scenes, especially the volunteers who kept everything running without issue. Even though this event only takes place once a year, my Denver Comic Con family tree continues to grow and overall, that is not a bad thing. I cannot wait to see what is on the docket for next year!

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