Philly Comic Con 2012 brings the thunder

This I weekend I returned to Philly Comic Con. The show increased in size to almost NYCC levels while bringing the big talent guns, including Chris Hemsworth, Stan Lee, Paul Wesley, Bruce Campbell, Melissa Joan Hart, Dean Stockwell, James Marsters, the Torchwood crew, and all five Star Trek captains (Patrick Stewart, Kate Mulgrew, Avery Brooks, William Shatner, Scott Bakula).

The Talent
In terms of talent, I enjoyed this year’s casual feel. Although Wizard World featured more stars, I noticed most of the celebrities wandered between panels by themselves and no one bothered them. I passed Jason Priestly talking to Clare Kramer (Glory, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and marveled that no one mobbed them. Note: Jason is both hotter (and shorter) in reality. I walked by Clare several times in the hall (and restroom), but felt shocked no one ran up for her autograph between sessions. Yes, I know, celebrities are people, too, but the Philly Comic Con crowds impressed me by recognizing that, as well.

I have to acknowledge the AMAZING Kevin Brown (.com, 30 Rock). Everyone described meeting him as incredibly awesome; so, I traveled to his booth to discover for myself. And, they were right. Kevin is kickbutt hilarious. He is as deeply charming and intelligent as he seems on TV. In fact, I suspect Tina Fey increasingly based .com on his real life personality. While other celebs sold their autographs for upwards of $25 or $50, he didn’t seem to do it for a profit. He sold signed “.com for president” buttons for $10, didn’t quibble with fans who wanted photos and chatted with people who said “hi” without ulterior motives. So, Wizard World organizers, definitely put that guy on his own panel next year. He will not disappoint.

Tom Batiuk (creator of the Funky Winkerbean comic) also deserves kudos for his generosity. At his panel’s end, he invited people to come up and chat while emphasizing they did NOT have to purchase anything.

For the panels I attended, yes, Chris Hemsworth is that hot in person and, yes, Stan Lee is that awesome. For an 89-year-old, Stan Lee remains incredibly witty and effervescent. Bruce Campbell remains the wild carnival ride you always want to attend and I loved watching the casual camaraderie of the five captains, showing their covert brotherhood.

I desperately wanted to attend the panels by both Sams (Witwer and Trammell) as well as the Torchwood panel, but, alas, I did not have the time.

The Events
The other reason I enjoyed this year’s events surrounded amping up the kid-friendly fun, featuring an awesome FREE after party, shifting cosplay to a better time, and adding on more interactive events for attendees.

If you don’t know already, Clare Kramer coordinated the launch of her site GeekNation (@GeekNation) with Philly Comic Con. Saturday night featured an awesome, blow out after party at the Field House bar. And, the evening photos on the next page show the lines waiting outside the door to enter.

Other events I enjoyed included the Sci Fi speed dating (which went incredibly well). Who else can say they went on a date with Batman? Yea. Thought so. Although one guy got pissed that no one signed up for him and one dude pompously told me how to do my job, I enjoyed it overall. They should definitely bring that event back or add another one similar to it on a friend level (like geek-ster/geek friendster). Geek Nation, get on that —

As usual, Philly Comic Con featured the adult cosplay, but scheduled it at a better, more convenient time on Saturday evening. Click on to the next page for samples of this year’s costumes.

Also, they amped up the kids-oriented activities by tapping into the local historic theatre company. As I have a nephew into all things comic, I’m more aware of kid-friendly activities. I loved that they added superhero improv, kept the kids cosplay and added other events as well. Did you know they have a Huntress costume for kids? They do. And, um, it’s literally a mini-Huntress costume (cut-out panels and all). Other kids costumes that impressed me included a highly detailed mini-Boba Fett and a baby Raven (from Teen Titans).

For photos, click to the next page!

Clacked by An Nicholson
on Jun 04, 2012 @ 12:00 EST5EDT