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Awesome Con returns June 3 – 5, 2022

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Awesome Con

Over 50,000 fans of comics, technology and science, television and film, custom art, and over-the-top cosplay will gather for the ninth annual celebration of geek culture at Awesome Con. The iconic three-day pop culture convention presented by LeftField Media returns to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Friday, June 3 through Sunday, June 5, 2022. The convention will feature hundreds of hours of programming including: celebrities and experts hosting panels, signings and exclusive reveals; cosplay fashion shows; gaming tournaments; acclaimed pop culture memorabilia collections; and as always, a diverse array of activities for the entire family. 

This year, Awesome Con is excited to announce a lineup of top-tier headliners including Anthony Daniels (Star Wars), Giancarlo Esposito (The Mandalorian, Breaking Bad), Melissa Joan Hart (Sabrina the Teenage Witch), Star Trek: Discovery’s Anthony Rapp (Paul Stamets) and Wilson Cruz (Hugh Culber), and Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings, The Goonies, Stranger Things). Among guests confirmed to appear, Awesome Con is proud to welcome other celebrity and comic creators including Sylvester McCoy, Sweeney Boo, Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner, Sean Schemmel, and Christopher Sabat to this year’s lineup, with additional guests still to come. 

Awesome Con is teaming up with ACE Universe for the first-of-its-kind co-location, The ACE Experience, which will feature initial guests from Marvel’s Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings stars Simu Liu (Shang-Chi), Meng’er Zhang (Xialing) and Florian Munteanu (Razor Fist). 

The fan-favorite, Pride Alley, presented in partnership with Geeks OUT and Metro Weekly, returns this year with its largest slate of programming ever, including additional panels, special events, and curated experiences that spotlight LGBTQ creators and fans. The wildly popular feature Science Fair will also be bigger than ever with four divisions of NASA represented among other science-centric exhibitors. Fans will be able to attend events in two brand new programming tracks featuring content exploring both the Earth and the heavens, Science Fair TERRA and Science Fair COSMOS. 

Family-friendly programs take over Awesome Con Jr., which returns with playful events planned to educate and entertain the young and the young at heart. Back by popular demand is the Awesome Con Jr. Movement Zone, where Awesome Con’s littlest fans can shake a leg during Saber Guild Kid’s Lightsaber Training, Kid’s Yoga, and the Kid’s Costume Parade. Young aspiring artists can also engage with and learn from professional artists in Awesome Con  Jr. Workshops, where creativity and coloring is highly encouraged. 

The Awesome Con Short Film Festival, which debuted seven years ago by artist Joe Carabeo will showcase indie short films from around the world. 

Awesome Con will be following local and CDC guidelines in order to provide fans with a safe event. Proof of vaccination is not required to attend the event at this time and face coverings for Awesome Con are optional. Fans who are not vaccinated are encouraged to continue wearing masks while indoors as recommended by the CDC. Enhanced cleaning and additional sanitization stations will be in place throughout the convention center. The latest health and safety updates are located here. 

WHEN:

  • Friday, June 3; exhibit hall hours 1pm – 8pm, programming until 10pm
  • Saturday, June 4; exhibit hall hours 10am – 7pm, programming until 10pm
  • Sunday, June 5; exhibit hall hours 10am – 5pm, programming until 5pm

WHERE: 

Walter E. Washington Convention Center
801 Mt. Vernon Pl, NW
Washington, DC 20001

Headliners: 

  • Simu Liu (Marvel’s Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings, Kim’s Convenience)
  • Anthony Daniels (Star Wars)
  • Giancarlo Esposito (The Mandalorian, Breaking Bad)
  • Melissa Joan Hart (Sabrina the Teenage Witch)
  • Sean Astin (The Lord of The Rings, The Goonies, Stranger Things)

Screen Stars:

  • Wilson Cruz (Star Trek: Discovery)
  • Anthony Rapp (Star Trek: Discovery) 
  • Sylvester McCoy (Doctor Who, The Hobbit Trilogy) 
  • Florian Munteanu (Marvel’s Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings, Creed 2)
  • Meng’er Zhang (Marvel’s Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings)
  • Christopher Sabat (Dragon Ball, My Hero Academia, One Piece)
  • Sean Schemmel (Dragon Ball)

Comic Guests:

  • Jimmy Palmiotti (Harley Quinn, Painkiller Jane, Daredevil, The Punisher, Monolith)
  • Jason Badower (The Flash, Arrow, Supergirl, Captain Atom, Krypton, Wonder Woman)
  • Sweeney Boo (Over My Dead Body, The Joker – Punchline, Marvel Action: Captain Marvel) 
  • Amanda Conner (Lois Lane, Birds of Prey, X-Men Unlimited, Gatecrasher, The Pro)
  • Gavin Gurdy (Captain America: The Ghost Army, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) 
  • Stephanie Phillips (Harley Quinn, Wonder Woman: Evolution, Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight) 

Cosplay Guests:

  • Shady Haze 
  • Plexi Cosplay

TICKETS: Daily and full weekend passes are available. Badges purchased before April 17 will be mailed to a provided address. 

  • Friday Only Admission: $40
  • Saturday Only Admission: $50
  • Sunday Only Admission: $45
  • 3-Day Weekend Pass: $85
  • Premium 3-Day Pass: $165
  • Kids Admission: $15. Valid for kids ages 3-10. Valid for full weekend or any day individually.
  • VIP passes & experiences range from the Premium 3-Day ($165) to 3-Day, limited quantity Club Awesome Membership ($399), which offers access to various celebrity appearances, reserved Main Stage seating, ‘Jump the Line’ cards and exclusive Club Awesome merchandise items.

Awesome Con Updates Attendees on Updated Safety Guidelines

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Awesome Con 2021

With COVID restrictions in flux and cities “opening up” by lifting restrictions there are still many questions out there as to who will be impacted how and what requirements will be outstanding for conventions. Awesome Con, taking place in August, has sent out an update as to where they stand.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced plans to lift most capacity restrictions beginning May 21, 2021, with a full reopening of Washington D.C. effective June 11, 2021. LeftField Media, which runs Awesome Con, is still being cautious with the health and safety of those attending the convention a priority.

So, while some precautions will no longer be required by local authorities, the covention will still evaluate their own guidelines and safety measures “based on the science of the moment”.

At this time, these precautions will include:

  • Required use of masks within the Walter E. Washington Convention Center
  • Enhanced sanitization stations and cleaning protocols throughout the event
  • Increased spacing with wider aisles, designated entrances, and directional signage to ensure social distancing in all areas of the event on the show floor, panels, meeting rooms and public spaces
  • Ongoing updates on queueing procedures and capacity reduction measures for higher traffic periods over the weekend

At present, they do not plan to require proof of vaccination for entry, but the situation is fluid and this and any measures could change at any time. Furthermore, Awesome Con does not plan to have on-site badge pickup or sales this year. To allow for adequate social distancing, the hope is to reduce the number of touch points and eliminate long queues at in-person registration.

All preordered badges will be mailed after the Friday, June 25th mailing deadline. Those attending are encouraged to purchase their badges before the mailing deadline as tickets ordered after June 25th will include increased shipping fees for expedited delivery. 

Again, please remember, all of this information is valid as of Friday, May 14, 2021, and is subject to change. We’ll keep things updated as Awesome Con releases more information.

Awesome Con takes place this August 20-22, 2021! 

Awesome Con 2020 is Cancelled with 2021 Taking Place Next May

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Awesome Con 2020

It shouldn’t be a surprise but Awesome Con 2020 has announced that the planned convention is officially canceled. The 2020 convention was to take place in May of this year but was rescheduled for December due to COVID. Now, with things still a raging dumpster fire, the convention has decided to put “the health, safety, and well being of our team, customers, partners, family, and friends above all.” Awesome Con has taken place a the Washington, DC convention center each year since it launched.

Attendess with pre-purchased tickets will receive an email offering to transfer their tickets to 2021 or get a refund (excluding service fees). Exhibitors and artists will also receive an email and instructions.

This shouldn’t be a surprise and is the latest convention to cancel, this time with a convenient 4 months notice. That leaves Baltimore Comic Con and New York Comic Con as the last two major conventions scheduled for later this year that have yet to call it. Both are to take place in October.

Awesome Con 2020 Moves to December Due to COVID-19 Concerns. Awesome Con Jr. is Providing Activities at Home

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Awesome Con

The spread of COVID-19 has thrown so many plans out the window. Conventions, concerts, and events are being postponed. Awesome Con has announced they’re moving their convention until December from the initial May. The new dates are December 11-13. The convention takes place in Washington, DC.

Awesome Con’s decision was to ensure the safety of the fans, exhibitors, and their own team. It also follows local guidelines about gatherings and the unknown length they may be implemented.

Attendees who have pre-purchased can transfer their tickets to the new date, transfer tickets to the 2021 convention, or ask for a refund minus servicing fees. Attendees have until July 1, 2020 to decide and if there’s no response, tickets will be transferred to the December date.

Attendees with Premium Passes will be refunded automatically and need to be repurchased.

Those who purchased merchandise, that will be transferred to December 2020 tickets if you go that route or you can request a refund.

Those who have made a hotel reservation through the convention block will get an email concerning that.

You can find all your options concerning ticketing here. Exhibitors can find information here.

In better news, Awesome Con Jr. is offering free, educational and interactive online resources to help you and kids at home stay entertained. Be sure to check out Awesome Con’s website, as new content will be pushed out regularly each week.

Big Easy Con Switches Dates to November Leaving Vendors and Attendees Holding the Bill

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Big Easy Con

It looks like those who were planning on attending the Big Easy Con aren’t having that much of an easy time. The first time convention being put on by LeftField Media has stumbled out of the gate already switching dates.

The convention was to take place June 1 and 2 and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans but nine days after we received our initial press announcement about the show, the convention has moved to November leaving exhibitors and attendees with a lot of questions.

Angry individuals took to the convention’s Facebook announcement voicing their displeasure and asking some pretty important questions.

Creators who attended Awesome Con, also a Leftfield show, were offered free shipping from that convention to Big Easy Con. With the convention now taking place over three days November 1-3, those creators are left trying to figure out how to get their product and other supplies back as some have shows between the original June dates and November. There’s also those who have had product shipped directly from the printer to the show as well who are left with questions and scrambling what to do.

Attendees as well are left holding the bill, along with some creators, as flights and hotels have been book with the show less than a month away. Some of that is non-refundable.

When questioned over what vendors can do, the convention responded:

…all vendors received an email today with their options listed. Getting a full refund on their booth is definitely one of those options. Hotel rooms in the Big Easy Con room block are also 100% refundable.

Vendors flights though are still a question and while some may be able to get credit for use later, others have non-refundable tickets, or will be forced to spend more changing flight plans.

In the announcement of the date change, the reason given was that the convention want to create a more “enjoyable and valuable experience” for the community and have expanded the convention to three days and more space within the convention center. They’ve also said fans weren’t “enthusiastic about the June dates.” Fans asked on Facebook about that with no response.

Big Easy Con has said they are upgrading two day tickets to three day, single day ticket holders can upgrade, and those who want a refund for their tickets can request one.

It’s unknown which guests will return in November though the convention announced Zachary Levi’s attendance around the same time as the date change.

For a first year convention, many are pointing out this isn’t a good first impression and obviously not a good look for a veteran company like Leftfield who also runs Anime NYC, Rose City Comic Con, and Awesome Con.

Awesome Con 2019: David Pepose Talks the Return of Spencer & Locke and Going to the Chapel

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At Awesome Con 2019 we got a chance to catch up with writer David Pepose to talk two new series, Spencer & Locke 2 and the upcoming Going to the Chapel.

Spencer & Locke 2 is the follow up to the hit first volume that’s a twisted take on childhood favorites like Calvin and Hobbes but thrown in to Sin City.

Going to the Chapel is an upcoming comic series of a wedding gone wrong due to robbers.

Find out about both, which are awesome, and you can get Spencer & Locke 2 in stores now.

Spencer & Locke
TFAW
Amazon

Dark Horse Reveals Their Awesome Con 2019 Exclusives

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Dark Horse has announced its selection of exclusive merchandise available at Awesome Con 2019! Please note, there will be a fixed number of exclusives set aside for each day of the convention. Check out the full roster of Dark Horse’s convention exclusives, along with quantity and price, below!

American Gods: My Ainsel #1 Convention Exclusive (Christian Ward)

$10.00 each
Limited print run of 1,000
Limit of 5 per person per day

American Gods: My Ainsel #1 Convention Exclusive (Christian Ward)

Black Hammer #1 Convention Exclusive (Fábio Moon)

$10.00 each
Limited print run of 1,000
Limit of 5 per person per day

Black Hammer #1 Convention Exclusive (Fábio Moon)

Black Hammer: Age of Doom #1 Convention Exclusive (James Stokoe)

$10.00 each
Limited print run of 1,000
Limit of 5 per person per day

Black Hammer: Age of Doom #1 Convention Exclusive (James Stokoe)

Fight Club 3 #1 Convention Exclusive (Becky Cloonan)

$10.00 each
Limited print run of 1,000
Limit of 5 per person per day

Fight Club 3 #1 Convention Exclusive (Becky Cloonan)

Game of Thrones Dothraki Map Marker

$30.00 each
Limited quantity of 1,000
Limit of 10 per person per day

Game of Thrones Dothraki Map Marker

Game of Thrones Tormund Figure

$40.00 each
Limited quantity of 300
Limit of 2 per person per day

Game of Thrones Tormund Figure

Hellboy: Seed of Destruction (25th Anniversary) #1 (Mike Mignola with Dave Stewart)

$10.00 each
Limited print run of 1,000
Limit of 5 per person per day

Hellboy: Seed of Destruction (25th Anniversary) #1 (Mike Mignola with Dave Stewart)

Mystery Science Theater 3000 Coaster Set

$10.00 each
Limited print run of 1,000
Limit of 5 per person per day

Mystery Science Theater 3000 Coaster Set

The Quantum Age #1 Convention Exclusive (Marcos Martín)

$10.00 each
Limited print run of 1,000
Limit of 5 per person per day

The Quantum Age #1 Convention Exclusive (Marcos Martín)

Sherlock Frankenstein and the Legion of Evil #1 Convention Exclusive (Daniel Warren Johnson)

$10.00 each
Limited print run of 1,000
Limit of 5 per person per day

Sherlock Frankenstein and the Legion of Evil #1 Convention Exclusive (Daniel Warren Johnson)

StarCraft: Scavengers #1 Convention Exclusive (Wei Wang)

$10.00 each
Limited print run of 1,000
Limit of 5 per person per day

StarCraft: Scavengers #1 Convention Exclusive (Wei Wang)

Stranger Things #1 Convention Exclusive (Fábio Moon)

$10.00 each
Limited print run of 1,000
Limit of 5 per person per day

Stranger Things #1 Convention Exclusive (Fábio Moon)

Stranger Things #1 Glow-in-the-Dark Convention Exclusive (Kyle Lambert)

$15.00 each
Limited print run of 1,000
Limit of 5 per person per day

Stranger Things #1 Glow-in-the-Dark Convention Exclusive (Kyle Lambert)

The Umbrella Academy: Hotel Oblivion #1 Convention Exclusive (Mike Mignola)

$10.00 each
Limited print run of 1,000
Limit of 5 per person per day

The Umbrella Academy: Hotel Oblivion #1 Convention Exclusive (Mike Mignola)

The Umbrella Academy Hazel and Cha Cha Enamel Pin

$10.00 each
Limited print run of 1,000
Limit of 5 per person per day

The Umbrella Academy Hazel and Cha Cha Enamel Pin

The Umbrella Academy: Hotel Oblivion T-shirt

$25.00 each
Limited edition
Limit of 2 per person per day

The Umbrella Academy: Hotel Oblivion T-shirt

The Umbrella Academy Crest T-Shirt

$25.00 each
Limited print run of 400
Limit of 2 per person per day

The Umbrella Academy Crest T-Shirt

Xerxes: The Fall of the House of Darius and the Rise of Alexander #1 Convention Exclusive (Frank Miller) Gold Foil

The Xerxes: The Fall of the House of Darius and the Rise of Alexander #1 Convention Exclusive’s cover is made of thick cover stock with metallic gold foil stamping highlights.

$15.00 each
Limited print run of 1,000
Limit of 5 per person per day

Xerxes: The Fall of the House of Darius and the Rise of Alexander #1 Convention Exclusive (Frank Miller) Gold Foil

Dark Horse Announces its Programming Schedule for Awesome Con 2019

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Dark Horse logo

Visit Dark Horse Comics at Awesome Con to meet some of your favorite creators and get your hands on some free swag, such as comics, pins, posters, and more! They’ll also have a variety of Dark Horse comics, graphic novels, art books, and collectibles for sale in their booth. Check out their signings and panels, too!

DARK HORSE AWESOME CON 2019 SIGNING SCHEDULE

All creators signing in our booth offer their autographs for FREE. FREE prints, comics, or posters are provided for most of the signings (while supplies last). You may purchase or bring items to be signed; however, they may restrict the type or number of items to be signed as necessary. Lines may also be closed for some signings due to crowding or time restrictions. All events are subject to change. Some restrictions apply. Please see Dark Horse Comics staff if you have questions.

FRIDAY, APRIL 26

2:00 PM–2:50 PM:CRIMSON LOTUS: Mindy Lee 

3:00 PM–3:50 PM:SECRET LOVES OF GEEKS: Amy Chu 

4:00 PM–4:50 PM: HOUSE OF PENANCE: Peter Tomasi 

5:00 PM–5:50 PM:PLANTS VS ZOMBIES: Ron Chan

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

12:00 PM–12:50 PM:BAD LUCK CHUCK: Lela Gwenn, Matthew Dow Smith  

2:00 PM–2:50 PM:STRANGER THINGS, STARCRAFT: Jody Houser 

3:00 PM–3:50 PM:RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET: Amy Mebberson 

DARK HORSE AWESOME CON 2019 PANEL SCHEDULE 

Join Dark Horse at the panels below, brought to you by Dark Horse Comics and friends!

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

Dark Horse Comics: Behind the Books
5:30 PM–6:15 PM
Room 102

Are you interested in working at a comics publishing company? Dark Horse wants to give you insight into the many opportunities waiting for you in the comic industry! Join Dark Horse staff members from various departments for a conversation about working at a major publisher and what it takes to make your favorite books!

Oni Press at Awesome Con 2019!

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Oni Press is headed to Washington D.C. for Awesome Con 2019, April 26-28 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center! Join them at booth #1821 for plenty of coveted exclusives, new releases, and more!

Check out the convention exclusives: A limited quantity of Rick and Morty™ #1 Lenticular motion cover, Morning in America #1 with exclusive cover by Rii Abrego and the Dream Daddy deluxe limited edition hardcover by Kris Anka (based on the popular Dad dating simulator video game by Game Grumps)! Need some new sketch covers? Oni has Rick and Morty™ vs. Dungeons & Dragons, as well as Rick and Morty™ Presents: Jerry #1!

In addition to your new favorites, pick up a couple of Oni Press licensed trade paperbacks! The latest editions to these collectible volumes are Invader ZIM Volume 7, with variant cover by Ian McGinty, and Rick and Morty™ Volume 8with exclusive variant cover by Julieta Colás.

Oni will have new releases including The Long Con Volume 1 by Dylan Meconis, Ben Coleman, and EA Denich; Cretaceous by Tadd Galusha; Rick and Morty™ vs. Dungeons & Dragons trade paperback; Our Super Adventure: Press Start to Begin by Sarah Graley; Long Road to Liquor City by Macon Blair and Joe Flood; The Ballad of Sang Volume 1 by Ed Brisson and Alessandro Micelli; the Guerilllas Omnibus by Brahm Revel; Pilu of the Woods by Mai K. Nguyen; and Limerence Press’s new A Quick & Easy Guide to Queer & Trans Identities by Mady G. and J.R. Zuckerberg.

Awesome Con 2019 Panels
The Building Blocks of Quality Characters
Join Oni Press Publisher James Lucas Jones alongside creators in a head-to-head competition where characters are built with literal children’s building blocks.Date: Saturday, April 27th
Time: 4-4:45pm
Location: Room 150

Monster Battle Time KO!
Three artists go head-to-head in Monster Battle Time! Three stellar cartoonists will design your monsters and battle for ultimate artistic glory! Free comics to all attendees!Date: Sunday, April 28th
Time: 3:45pm-4:15pm
Location:  AC Jr. Stage

Renegade Game Studios and Oni Games bring you Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Card Game, and The Tea Dragon Society Card Game
with white variant box.

Pick up a couple of Oni Press faves while you’re out and about at the convention! They’ll have Aquicorn Cove by Eisner and Harvey Award-winning Katie O’Neill, along with The Tea Dragon Society and the new The Tea Dragon Society pin set! 

If you’re looking for the next big thing, check out Kyle Starks’ Kill Them All, which was recently optioned for film by Paramount,and Stumptown by Greg Rucka and Justin Greenwood, which has just wrapped the pilot episode for CBS!

Atlas Brew Works and Awesome Con Debut 2019 Beer Collaboration

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AwesomeCon-mockup-can
Photo credit: Atlas Brew Works

Ivy City brewery Atlas Brew Works is partnering with Washington DC’s Comic Con Awesome Condebuting Hop Bot, a limited-release pale ale canned exclusively for the convention and available for purchase at local restaurants on Monday, April 22, and the brewery’s Tap Room starting Friday, April 26, while supplies last.

The seventh annual Awesome Con returns to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center from Friday, April 26, to Sunday, April 28. Before then, guests can visit outstanding area restaurants and bars, including The Capital Burger, City Tap Penn Quarter, Espita Mezcaleria, Iron Horse Tap Room, Jackpot, Lost & Found, Morris American Bar, Moxy Washington, DC Downtown, and Penn Social.

Hop Bot is generously hopped with funky Citra and juicy Mosaic hops. Atlas adds wheat malt to the grain bill of the pale ale to give the beer a robust body and silky mouth feel that perfectly complements the floral and citrus flavors from two of the brewery’s favorite hops. The blend was derived to play off the iconic robot face that has become emblematic of Awesome Con since it began in 2012 and will be used on the cans and tap handles at participating locations.

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