Ah, it's a wonderful day. Fall has officially arrived, the leaves and the temperature have started to change and as we barrel toward winter we are all faced with the tough fact that con season is coming to its end. It's not something that any of us ever enjoy facing, but we can take solace in the fact that con season is going out with a bang, courtesy of Salt Lake Comic Con. 

Yes, today is the day and fans from all over the land have come to settle in and enjoy one last epic convention at the Salt Palace Convention Center and I am beyond excited for a chance to attend SLCC because this one is going to be special for me. Fact of the matter is, I've been to a lot of conventions in my day, love every second of them, but this is the first time I've ever done one out of state.

This is one that I've heard nothing but rave reviews about from my con buddies, in fact several of them damn near pleaded with me to attend, telling me day and night that I had to be there because it was going to be an absolute blast and well, when you hear that from every single person, how the heck do you say no? So as you read this, myself, Mattie and Shae are on the road, somewhere in the middle of Wyoming with snacks, tunes and whole lot of road in front of us and no doubt it's glorious (we'll do our best to tweet from the road depending on who isn't driving, social media responsibly my friends) because we are mere hours away from days of fun.  

I mean really, there's so much to see from what I'm told and the roster lineup for celebrity guests is pretty freaking awesome. The Captain America reunion is one that has caught my eye and I know the girls already have their combo photo opportunity with Chris Evans and Sebastian Stan purchased because let's be honest, that's going to be one epic photo on every fan's mantle when they get it home. I myself am looking forward to meeting the cast from Mystery Science Theater 3000 because that was one of my childhood favorites back in the day. 

But outside of that, what a fun little getaway this is going to be. Road trips can be a blast, and I'm expecting this one to be full of laughter and smiles because once we arrive in Salt Lake, we are once again among friends as we settle in for a convention that is new to us. We will no doubt make some new friends this weekend and spent plenty of time with old ones because that's what conventions are all about...camaraderie and I can think of no better way to say goodbye to con season than hitting the road with my pals and spending the weekend celebrating the fandoms I love. See everyone this afternoon! 

Guys! Guess what?! SLCC is literally at the end of this week. In just a few short days, Mattie, John, Dan and I shall be hitting the road and driving our way down to Salt Lake for the very first out of State Con together! I have not been this excited since….well, yesterday when a certain photo op went on sale. Actually, yeah, I was pretty giddy then. Mattie and I were really bummed when the Chris Evans photo op sold out in just a few minutes, so when I got on to check my e-mail and saw that Evans was doing a shoot with Stan….well, we hopped on that faster than any normal human should have. Needless to say, we get to have our picture taken with our two most favorite celebrities, and it’s all thanks to SLCC.

Now, Mattie and I have been to out-of-state cons before, we actually became best friends at Dragon Con, of all places. As I am learning, though, this seems to be a common occurrence for friendships and even relationships! So, when we decided to give it a go again, we thought that SLCC was the perfect place to start. It has been a few years, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t magical. Neither of us have been to this particular convention before, and even better, it’s kind of next door. Ish. Like that neighbor you could ask for sugar if you really needed it. Yep, that just happened.

So, what am I expecting from SLCC? A ton of fun for starters. Having had many friends attend this con previously, I am really looking forward to kicking back, getting to hang out with con friends, meet new people, and experience a convention that isn’t in Colorado. Don’t get me wrong, we have some rocking cons here, but hey, con season is nearly over and I need a fix. Not to mention, it’s the perfect time for a vacation. With the impending holiday season baring down on all of us, and life, that can add a lot of pressure. Salt Lake Comic Con has so much to offer in order to help break that mundane routine, even for just a few days.

Between the cosplays I cannot wait to see, and actually am going to do myself. I know I said we wouldn’t be, but, hey, we do have some fancy Star Trek uniforms just sitting around…might as well wear that, am I right? And I cannot forget about the Dealers room.  But guys, it gets better. POP! figures! They have an entire POP thing going on at SLCC. Like…I can’t even begin to explain to you how broke I am going to be at the end of this convention. Especially since I just discovered the Kitten may have knocked two of my existing POP’s into the trash without me knowing it. Sorry Groot and Vision! I promise to replace you! Kittens can be devious things.

So, yeah, between the celebrities, the venders, artists, authors, voice actors, cosplayers, and over all, just the awesomeness that is this convention. It’s going to be hard to get through work this week. I already want to leave now…annnd, okay, the fact that there is an In-N-Out down there, really isn’t helping! A great con, friends, and food? Really! This vacation only needs some random good surprise to make it perfect. And with the inability to have patience, I am forced to sit here and wait….which is literally going to kill me. Probably.

Well, it's finally happened, I'm going to be poor because Salt Lake Comic Con has announced another guest that has made the Must See List. Yesterday Anthony Mackie was added to the list of guests hitting the con we are all excited to go to at the end of his month. After all, you can't have a Captain America: The Winter Soldier reunion without the infamous Falcon. 

I actually know Mackie from other movies. I blame my obsession with Jeremy Renner for this one, because Mackie was in The Hurt Locker. Most famously for us nerds though, Falcon has been an amazing role for Mackie.

This con isn't pulling its punches anymore with the guests they keep announcing. All they need is Jeremy Renner of Karl Urban and I am pretty sure I will just fall over dead in my chair. With an already stunning list of A list celebrities, it's hard to imagine the sheer number of fans going to meet them. 

I've tried to imagine it and I can't. But I can imagine me meeting these amazing actors and all it does is make me giddy because....this is going to be the best out of state Con in so many ways! Should I start packing now? probably not, that might actually be a bad idea. You can bet I am working as much as I can to afford all the autographs. Mostly, I want pictures. Those not only last a life time, but look nice in the living room!

For pricing info please visit SLCC's website! Also, subscribe to their news letter for updates on when picture and autograph opportunities go on sale. More importantly stay tuned here for updates on guest announcements and recaps of the con! Which you know you want. I really wish time would hurry so we could be there now, but also not...because I'm not ready for Con season to be over.

Yesterday, just when I thought Salt Lake Comic Con was done bringing in incredible and amazing guests, they go and announce Hayley Atwell. Yes, the very actress who stole our hearts as the infamous Peggy Carter. Needless to say she is one of the main people we are going to have to see. After all, Mattie’s kitten is named Agent Carter and it would be a shame to miss the chance to meet the Agent herself.
 
Not only is this a pleasant surprise but a welcoming one. The growing list of actors and actresses to grace this convention is astounding. While I have yet to actually go to this convention, I can say I am beyond excited to do so. It was a huge shock when they announced Chris Evans, and you can bet Mattie was planning the trip seconds later. 

Then we get Sebastian Stan, and now Hayley Atwell, I can only cross my fingers and hope for Clark Gregg! With a growing list of grade A actors, it really is an amazement that they keep throwing more out there. I’m pretty sure there is no out doing their latest set of announcements. But seriously, how awesome is this? Hayley Atwell has pretty much established herself as an acting icon over the last few years with her work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe all because of Peggy. She has managed to bring one of the strongest female characters in film and television to life and well...I really am blown away at the fact that Mattie and I get to meet her. 
 
The only thing that could make this con even better is if we can convince all the guests to do one massive selfie. I’m only half joking. But really, it’s lining up to be an amazing convention. In just a few short weeks, fans are going to flock from around the ‘Verse to see their favorite people. You can bet we’ll be there with POP’s to sign and all. I guess it might be the perfect time to go shopping…

Shortly after my last blog went up, SLCC made another announcement of the celebrity guest kind. I was dead asleep this morning (as I am a vampire) when Mattie came bounding into my room to excitedly, and loudly, tell me that The Winter Soldier himself, Sebastian Stan, is going to be attending the very con we are going to at the end of this month. 

Now, there are a few things here that everyone should probably know, 1. Mattie liked this particular actor first, 2. she totally got me hooked. There are few crushes I have in this world, and needless to say, he is my kryptonite. While I was already excited for the list of guests this con had, I am now torn. 

This is a dream con in a lot of ways when it comes to guests. There's people from Firefly, Doctor Who, Arrow, and now Two Avengers. It's hard to choose which celebrity photos and autographs to get. Personally, I am kind of shocked that Sebastian is going to be there, and just a little lost. Like, how is this even my life? I'm not one to have shy moments, so this is completely throwing me off. Which, again, rarely happens. It's a double edged sword. While i'm really happy and excited, I'm also nervous. Me? Nervous? I swear it happens from time to time.

Needless to say, I am rather thrilled to have this opportunity. I just need to work up the courage to actually get a autograph. SLCC managed to bring in a celebrity that I was not expecting and can actually geek out about, just don't let Mattie or John know. I do have a reputation to protect here. With that being said, I suppose its time to start getting my head back into con mode. If I was a bit more with it I would have started working on my own Winter Soldier cosplay by now....butttttt life happens. With just a few weeks away, I might actually convince myself to not be nervous.

It is official, I'm going to Salt Lake Comic Con! All right, it's been official for a while now, but I was on the fence about going. Mostly due to some personal life issues. However, Mattie excitedly talked me into going, and we all know I can't say no to her. The ever growing lists of guests had me buying my ticket first thing Monday morning. The excitement is almost unbearable. 

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a total lack of patience. This is no different, and I want SLCC to be here now. Sadly, there will be no cosplay this con. While I could pull up an old one, I'd rather just go and enjoy the con as is. My last out of state con was Dragon Con a few years ago, so I'm a bit out of practice when it comes to traveling to cons. Thankfully this one is close to home.

Mattie has given her list of celebs that she is excited to meet and I have to agree with her on all of them. There has been the addition of the Doctor's Latest Companion with Jenna-Louise Coleman, and of course who doesn't want to meet Captain America? I can't even wrap my head around the number of guests attending this convention. I guess it's time to start budgeting out for autographs and photos. Thankfully the pricing is available online, otherwise I would be a little worried. Passes, of course are still for sale on the site, and if available. At the door. Get them quick.

Let's be honest, though, we all know I'll be hanging out in the dealer's room for the majority of the con. It's just what a Shae does. After all, I have to find the coolest geeky gift things for you guys, not to mention my own need for shiny things. Funko will be there, and you know what that means? POP! figures. If those things could literally be any cuter I might just fall over and never get up. Seriously, they keep coming out with more and more POP's. With their various brands and even con exclusives, I guarantee there is a POP for everyone. And I mean, everyone. 

Every single one of our close friends can expect at least one POP! from either Mattie or myself as birthday or Christmas gifts. That's even extended to our non-nerdy families. Yes, my family, while quietly somewhat nerdy, has come to love the POP! just as much as I do. Which is impossible. But, it happens. I plan on expanding my collection from SLCC, especially since Mattie still has more than I do....which is not okay at all. Stay tuned as we bring you guys updates, live tweets, and of course my obnoxious commentary, as well as even a podcast, maybe. And, more blogs. Always, more blogs and I will see all of you at Salt Lake Comic Con! 

The night before Denver Comic Con I sat on my hotel bed excitedly going through the list of panels happening over the weekend. I soon came across a panel about women in comics. I thought it had an interesting premise because it was about the history of women in comics as well as the women currently writing. The description seemed a little discombobulated, but I kept reading it and was relatively intrigued. Then I got to the bottom of the page. All of the names listed were male names. I thought maybe I was mistaken and though they were traditionally used as male names, maybe in this case they were representing women who would be on the panel. Nope. After further investigation I was sure that the Women in Comics panel consisted solely of men. “Well, think I’ll pass on that one” I said to my dad and then continued to read about science panels and Muppet panels and family panels.

Having a completely male panel about women in comics was a big mistake. No amount of explanations or apologies can change that. And the aftermath of this event could have been handled better as well, but that’s not what I want to talk about today. There have been several articles and discussions about this topic already and this is important! But I also strongly believe that it is important to talk about good steps that are being made and positive things that are happening. Having acknowledged that structuring the panel in this way was unacceptable, I want to address a big worry I have. I worry that the Women in Comics panel will overshadow all the great work that the Pop Culture Classroom did at Denver Comic Con 2015. On the day of the infamous panel, my Twitter was filled with people tweeting about the mistake and how disappointed they were. Again, this is an important discussion, but I wish I would have seen it side by side with a discussion about the great kid’s area that Pop Culture Classroom set up in the center of the Con floor and the fun, interesting NASA panels that were full of science and nerdiness. I wish I would have seen more tweets about the smiling children that were enjoying a convention bursting with activities directed specifically at them.

Denver Comic Con is a non-profit convention whose proceeds are used by Pop Culture Classroom to fund curriculum that is written using comics, graphic novels, and other pop culture materials. And this is so cool!! I am an incredibly antsy person and school has always been frustrating for me because sitting through class can be draining and exhausting. I’ve always found, however, that when I can connect what I’m learning to something else I’m interested in, class becomes fun and exciting! This isn’t a new concept at all, but Pop Culture Classroom has taken this idea a step further than most education professionals dare to go. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, comic books can be amazing learning tools if in the right hands. Pop Culture Classroom understands this fact and is using a medium that is often frowned upon to create fantastic opportunities for students to learn and have fun in the process! There is a stigma surrounding comics that they are less intellectually challenging than books, but this does not need to be the case! As with all media, there is a depth and a range to comic content. Yes, there are some comics that are just plain silly and some that just seem to be violent for violence sake. But so many comics, a plethora of comics in fact, are educational, thought-provoking, and engaging! Pop Culture Classroom knows this and is working incredibly hard to bring the fun of comics to children in a genuine educational format.

Pop Culture Classroom and Denver Comic Con’s commitment to education and to getting kids excited about comics was apparent all throughout the con. With the programming and activities offered all three days, children were left without a moment of dullness. Not only did kids benefit from this, but the whole con had a really awesome, optimistic feel to it. I’ve never seen so many happy families at a con and it was an absolute joy. The show floor was buzzing with life and enthusiasm and this atmosphere permeated into every room I entered at the Colorado Convention Center. There were phenomenal family cosplays and a significant lack of tears as children didn’t have time or reason to be bored and upset. But the happy feeling of the family focused con was not the only benefit. You can bet I was excited to go to a panel about real robots in space and the practicality of our sci-fi favorites like R2-D2 and C-3PO. And I was right in the mix of all ages of fans ogling a table full of incredible Lego artwork. Denver Comic Con had the perfect balance of directing activities at the younger generation while still making it an unforgettable experience for every age.

So long story short, yes Denver Comic Con made a glaring mistake, but it is my sincerest hope that this does not overshadow all of the good that Denver Comic Con and Pop Culture Classroom are doing. Denver Comic Con has only been around for four years and I am astounded by how far it has grown in this short time. I hope that the Women in Comics panel will be a learning experience for Denver Comic Con and that they will be given the opportunity and support to keep moving in a direction of education and acceptance. Denver Comic Con and Pop Culture Classroom have so much potential to change children’s lives and make their days a little better. I know it sounds cheesy, but it’s so true. I know that I, as a child, would have been thrilled to experience Pop Culture Classroom's curriculum and it could easily be a turning point in a student’s life, helping them realize how fun learning can be. Here’s to many more years of family friendly conventions and an atmosphere of awe at Denver Comic Con.

Every year I go to Denver Comic Con, I am always able to find something that I cannot live without.  This year was no different for me as I still have a maybe a foot or two open on my walls that need to be rearranged, so these pieces will help me in doing that.  Now, I always have my go to artists that show up to the con, and this year was no different, but to my surprise, they had something new that I have not seen before.  

So, jumping right in, I always have to stop by Ben Templesmith’s booth.  I have loved his artwork since the first time I saw it, but sadly, I already have all of the zombie greatness that he has put out in prints.  The trip was not wasted since there was something that caught my eye as soon as I walked up.  He had a new Joker that I do not have in my collection. If you know me at all, you know that I have an obsession with the Joker, and if I find something from one of my top artists, well, I just have to have it.  Digging a little bit deeper, I must admit that I love Leatherface from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and there was a piece that filled that void.  Last, it took me a little bit of time to decide on what to get since everything else had just enough darkness, but I had to go with the Raven.  Always being a Poe fan and knowing that many people would get the reference, this is a piece that will be built around for years to come.

Keeping my eyes open when wandering the floor, I found a new artist that I will need to follow named Frankie Serna. What drew me to his booth, besides the lines was a fantastic Venom piece that was calling out to me.  This is another one of my collections that I will continue to grow and this one seemed to embody the madness of the beast with just enough brightness to keep it from giving me night terrors.  I also picked up a Batman print, just because who does not like Batman?  Always a staple in anyone’s growing collection.   

Continuing to walk through Artist Valley, I stumbled upon Blake Henriksen’s booth.  Last year I purchased a great mug shot of the Joker from this talented artist, but this year he had something more that caught my eye.  With an Arkham Proposal featuring Harley Quinn looking happy and the Joker looking very unimpressed, I was sold. Also finding another Venom for my collection that would scare the kids, I also discovered a fantastic Thanos in space with one half of his head as we know it from the Guardians movie, while the other side is eating galaxies.  Talk about something that I don’t have in my collection yet, but might need to build.

After last year, I know that there is always a booth that I will need to stop by and that is the booth of Leila del Duca.  The very talented artist of Shutter, she was paired up with the writer of The Pantheon Project, Erik Taylor.  I would be a fool not to pick up this comic and Leila had a special going on as well with her own sketch covers for Shutter number seven.  When getting my sketch back in the morning, I was amazed how awesome it tuned out.  After showing it to a couple friends, they were all shocked to find it out it was not a printed cover, but a sketch. 

Now, I always try to save the best for last and I pretty much did this when visiting my favorite local artist, Robert Elrod.  Although I talked with him throughout the show, I did not make my final purchases until time became a factor.  Since I already own so much of his art, I am forced to look at his other print mediums, and one that he brought this year was canvas printings.  This is something that I have not dealt with before, but they came out amazing, so I had to get a couple.  The Breach and Cowl were my two favorites that he brought in, and then I needed to splurge a little bit and get the original painting of Exalted.  I never can say enough about this man and his work.  I am always coming up with ideas of what to have him draw next since there is no limit to what he can do, at least not that I have seen.

With so many other great artists in attendance this year, it is much too difficult to call them all out.  So this is just a small sampling of what is about to grace my walls and maybe even overflow into my work cubicle.  I hope that you were able to find your treasures this year, since there was so much to choose from at Denver Comic Con this year. It only matters what you like and what speaks to you when you are trying to find pieces of art to put in your collection. Even if it is not someone else’s cup of tea, never let it persuade you purchasing and hanging something that you love.  I know I sure as heck don’t!

Just one week ago today, a magical thing happened. Denver Comic Con 2015 wrapped up its final day of the convention with something so unique, I truly was astounded. Friends and family gathered inside the main events while everyone waited outside, lined up to see a beautiful ceremony and a closing to a convention that Colorado has not seen before. It’s not every day that a convention hosts a wedding. While I have seen a wedding happen at a con before, it was nothing compared to what happened here. As we all filed in one by one, took our seats, and waited, we got the opportunity to see a union between two people happen on the main stage before our very eyes. Now, I know a lot of people who would think this strange, but as I sat in a crowded room filled with excitement, I couldn’t help but be in awe. This couple was not just getting married, no, they were indeed having a ceremony, and they chose to involve us. It’s a choice that not many would make. To involve an entire community is one thing, but to make your special day so open, so inviting, to the geeks and nerds that you share a camaraderie with is something that is so endearing. I have known many a friend to have small weddings, and even those who have had bigger weddings were nothing like this.

If you’ve been on the site, you might have noticed my line of Geeky Wedding blogs. I am adorably obsessed with anything geek wedding related, mostly because it combines something so awesome with something so beautiful. I love weddings; it’s all about the message of love and commitment. And I really love nerdy things…because I am a huge nerd and geek and proud of it. Well, I’m not alone. Geeky inspired weddings have been growing over the years and this wedding at DCC was probably the most nerdy wedding I have ever had the pleasure of attending. Sadly, I do not know the bride or groom personally. What I do know is that this was my favorite wedding to ever attend ever. And I didn’t even have cake. Which, guys, seriously, I have flown out of state for wedding cake before…it’s a problem. Okay, I truly went to support some friends, but listen, that’s not as cool of a story. My mind is still blown by the whole thing and all I could think as it ended was “How do we make this happen more!?” I can’t imagine setting this up, or the nerves it took to stand before us and proclaim their love. What I do know is that the bride was gorgeous, the groom was dashing, and this brought my desire for my own geek wedding (it’ll happen eventually one day, probably) to a whole new level.

For starters, I’ve seen people do superhero shirts underneath the tuxedos of the grooms men, which is a really cool idea, but this….I mean….this! Cosplay and weddings of geeks are not something I’ve not seen before, just not in person. Both sides of the wedding party stood in their costumes, the girls in gorgeous dresses, and the men in some pretty wicked costumes. We had Storm Troopers, Jedis, and even the God of Thunder himself while the Dark Knight stood and married the Mother of Dragons. It was an adorable display, and they used their cosplay titles at first, before getting serious. I wont lie, I cried when they each read their vows. They were touching, funny, and above all, from the heart. It was an intimate affair with some really amazingly new ceremonies. Instead of lighting candles or mixing sand, the two mixed the spice melange. And soon Batman was wrapping his cape around his Queen, they were exchanging rings, and peace between Gotham and the future ruler of the Iron Throne was made….I’m not entirely sure about that last part…but…It totally happened.

As far as a closing ceremony of a convention go, this wins the most original one that I have ever been to. After, we were permitted outside to speak with the wedding party. And by permitted, I’m pretty sure a lot of us just charged up there for pictures, congratulations, and so much more. This was so much fun and such a great way to combine everything they loved. After all, why can’t you get married in front of a StarGate, with Jedi and Sith and Gods and warriors around in front of a massive crowd, in costume, no less? The best part is, you can. These geeks combined so much of their lives that day. All I can say is, thank you.

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.