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Philadelphia Comic Con: An overview

Gearing up for San Diego Comic-Con? Well, Philly Comic Con is definitely a great precursor. If you’re interested in Bruce Campbell, Adam Baldwin, Billy Dee Williams, and Adam West, then read on.

Two weeks ago on June 18 and 19, I attended Philadelphia Comic Con, an amazing but slightly overwhelming experience. When I arrived early at the Pennsylvania Convention Center for its second day, a line encompassing the entire street snaked around the block. It continued to wrap around the building throughout the day, even when I checked again at 12 PM and 4 PM. Although more people came in, more remained out, signaling the fervent chaos of geeks and nerds alike.

The first panel I attended featured Nicholas Brendon (Criminal Minds, Buffy) and his twin brother Kelly Donovan (Buffy, City Guys). Initially, it was a quarter full, due to the huge lines outside. However, it grew to half-full before the panel ended. Equally surprising, Adam Baldwin’s incredibly candid and mega-awesome panel, located on the final day towards the final hour, also featured a smaller crowd.

Overall, I enjoyed the sessions I attended. A lot of my recent acquaintances are up and coming actors. If it’s difficult finding a spot in regional theatre, it’s even harder in Hollywood which draws from an international pool. I appreciated the honesty and directness of all of the panelists. Acting requires a good deal of intelligence and the guests proved that in spades. Nicholas Brendan and Kelly Donovon did a great improvisational Abbott and Costello comedy act. Billy Dee Williams surprised me as the penultimate Renaissance man. Burt Ward and Adam West are olds hats at charming the crowd. Julie Benz and Adam Baldwin were great concerning their directness about the acting process. Despite their multiple successes in various hit shows, they didn’t make it sound easy.

I loved seeing comic artists, pencillers, and inkers that I admired from afar like Doug Braithwaite, Huberto Ramos, Jim Cheung, Mark McKenna, and Tommy Castillo. I found myself walking past their booths awkwardly, awed by their ability to portray my favorite icons. Assuming they had already experienced it throughout the day, I suppressed the urge to run up and shout “I love your art, man!”

I have to acknowledge the session moderators. Burt Ward’s agent did an excellent job overseeing Adam West and Burt Ward’s panel. I loved the energy of the fully-garbed Pennsylvania Browncoat representative who introduced Adam Baldwin. I totally have to call out Jarrett Crippen for his professionalism and enthusiasm. Does anyone remember The Defuser from Stan Lee’s Who Wants to Be a Superhero? Well, now and again he moderates for comic conventions. Although I recognized him, I liked that he introduced himself as a Texas cop first. If the panelist was delayed, then he talked about his Stan Lee experiences. But, for the most part he ran the panel based on his confidence and ability to read both the audience and panelist. He is a great example of someone who knows how to inspire the crowd and encourage them to ask orderly questions with a positive manner. Did I have a not so positive example? In one of the sessions I attended, the moderator stated the audience’s questions weren’t interesting. Note: I was the only person who had asked a question at that point. Other than that, the panel itself was awesome.

All in all, I enjoyed Philadelphia Comic Con and I’d love to return again.

Photo Credit: Wizard World

Categories: | Clack | Comic-Con | Features | General | News |

5 Responses to “Philadelphia Comic Con: An overview”

July 7, 2011 at 3:57 PM

. . . . .

*swoon*

July 8, 2011 at 9:04 AM

Thanks, Mr. B. Are you swooning in appreciation of Philly Comic Con or because you are readying up for SDCC in the ensuing two weeks?

July 8, 2011 at 1:10 PM

. . . . .

“Mr. B” … !???!

An: One of my favorite places to be is at Comic-Con. I delight in just about every aspect of the event, from mingling with associates, friends and fans to the panels to the rare finds to the Blood Drive to discussing art to … well … you get the idea. I am on a complete and natural high when I’m at a Con.

Therein is the reason for my swoonery …

July 7, 2011 at 5:40 PM

I also attended the Philly Comic Con (for the second year in a row) and had a great time. I was able to meet and chat a little with Peter Jurasik, who was filling in for Claudia Christian. Peter is a great guys and it was awesome getting to talk with him. Overall the day was fun with a nice trip down memory lane. My only regret is missing out on meeting Adam Baldwin. Last year I got to meet Bruce Campbell. He is very giving to his fans and a fun guy to chat with. Looking forward to next year.

July 8, 2011 at 9:07 AM

Bruce Campbell and Adam Baldwin were amazing (both of whom I’ll post about later). Bruce’s brash candidness surprised me, but then again, he’s Bruce Campbell and his fans loved it. Adam Baldwin’s gentleness surprised me even more. He was considerate in the panel and doubly so during the autograph sessions with his fans. I didn’t schedule interviews with either as I wanted to get a feel for PhillyCC this year, but I hope to see them in the next go round –

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