Tag Archives: awesome con

Around the Tubes

P1060324The weekend is almost here! Some of our team is heading to the Marvel museum set up in Las Vegas! What geeky things are you all doing? Sound off in the comments!

While you decide on that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.

Around the Tubes

Cleveland – Self-published zines are now in Cleveland Heights-University Heights main library – Awesome to see this.

One India – Rohit Sharma launches first superhero cricket graphic novel ‘Hyper Tygers’ – We await the graphic novel to explain this sport to some of us.

CBLDF – Organizations Urge U.N. To Take Action Against Free Speech Violations in Turkey – Sign us up for this fight!

Newsarama – Millennials Are Fleeing Movie Theaters…Or Are They? – Who cares, just stop looking at your cells and chatting during movies!

SKTCHD – The Long Article to End them All: On Ending SKTCHD and Riding into the Sunset – Another geek site shuts down.

The Beat – Awesome Con report: will this be the next fifth biggest convention? – A solid report. We’re a bit behind in ours.

 

Around the Tubes Reviews

Alibi – Kaptara Vol. 1

The Outhousers – The Wicked + The Divine #20

The Sights of Awesome Con…. Cosplay, Panels and More!

Awesome Con took place this past weekend at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. Running from June 3 through June 5, the convention brought celebrities, panels, comics, games, and more in an awesome combination of geeky fun.

I was there snapping away and attending panels, but first up is showing off some of the photos from the convention of the cosplay, panels, and even a celebrity sighting.

Expect more coverage over the next few days.

Valiant’s 2016 Convention Tour Storms into Phoenix Comicon 2016 and Awesome Con with Exclusive Merchandise, Panels, and More!

This weekend, the Valiant 2016 Convention Tour is doubling down for Phoenix Comicon 2016 and Awesome Con – and they’re bringing a can’t miss cavalcade of exclusives, merchandise, programming, panels, and the best-reviewed comics in the industry to both shows!

From June 2nd to June 5th, visit the Phoenix Convention Center in booth #760 for a complete journey through Valiant’s critically acclaimed universe with a complete selection of Valiant trade paperbacks and deluxe hardcovers for award-winning titles! And don’t miss the bundles of Valiant merchandise unloading into Phoenix, including the 4001 A.D. #1 (of 4) PHOENIX COMICON EXCLUSIVE VARIANT – featuring the artwork of fan-favorite artist Jeff Piña! New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt, blockbuster artist Clayton Crain, and superstar artist David Mack kick off the FIRST issue of Valiant’s most ambitious summer event here as Rai leads the heroes of the 41st century into an explosive rebellion against the despotic ruler Father and the forces of New Japan! And stick around to meet some of the hottest creators in comics throughout the weekend with a slate of special guests including Valiant-exclusive superstar David Baron, and Jeff Piña!

Then, from June 3rd to June 5th, hit Washington, D.C.’s Washington Convention Center in booth #508 for the weekend’s second helping of Valiant and its trend-setting titles with another complete selection of Valiant trade paperbacks, deluxe hardcovers, can’t-miss merchandise, and more! And meet the minds behind the upcoming FUTURE OF VALIANT throughout the weekend with special guests including superstar writer Fred Van Lente, and red-hot writer Rafer Roberts.

Plus: Get the inside scoop on the most celebrated superheroes in comics for VALIANT 101: NEW FANS START HERE—hitting Phoenix Comicon on June 4th in room North 121 C at 1:30 p.m. MST and Awesome Con on June 4th in room 154 at 1:15 p.m. EST! You’ve heard the buzz… You’ve seen the reviews… Now find out where to start with Valiant Comics!

No matter what city you visit, they’ll see you there!

Thursday, June 2nd – Sunday, June 5th
Phoenix Comicon

Phoenix Convention Center, Hyatt Regency
Phoenix, AZ

Friday, June 3rd – Sunday, June 5th
Awesome Con

Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Washington, DC

Friday, June 17th – Sunday, June 19th
Denver Comic Con

Colorado Convention Center
Denver, Colorado

Look for more dates to be added to the Valiant 2016 Convention Tour all year long!

4001_001_VARIANT-PHOENIX-EXCLUSIVE_PINA CON-TOUR-PROMO

Awesome Con Announces Full Schedule of Events

awesome conAwesome Con, Washington DC’s Comic Con, is proud to announce its full lineup of programming, including talks from celebrity guests Peter Capaldi, Kevin Smith, John Barrowman, and the cast of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.; scientific lectures with engineers, experts, astronauts, and Bill Nye the Science Guy; family workshops covering arts, crafts, comics, and literacy; and interactive activities including Sci-Fi Speed Dating, costume contests, and tabletop gaming.

Awesome Con takes place June 3-5 in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, with events running each day from morning to night. For Awesome Con’s full schedule, please visit awesome-con.com/schedule and see below for select highlights.

Celebrity & Comic Guests

Learn what makes Awesome Con’s biggest guests tick with talks from the stars behind fan-favorite TV shows, movies, and comic books.

  • Peter Capaldi (2:30 PM – June 5 – Hall D) The current Doctor in Doctor Who comes to Awesome Con all the way from the UK to talk about his role in the iconic series.
  • John Barrowman (3 PM – June 4 – Hall D) Whether he’s in BBC’s Torchwood, CW’s Arrow, or the British stage, Barrowman is a showstopper. Find out why at Awesome Con.
  • Adam West & Burt Ward (1:15 PM – June 4 – Hall D) The stars of 1966’s Batman series speak about their careers and the classic series’ lengthy legacy.
  • Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (12:30 PM – June 4 – Room 146) B.J. Britt, Brett Dalton, and Elizabeth Henstridge talk about their hit series, just after the shocking season finale.
  • Karl Urban (5 PM – June 4 – Room 146) Urban plays McCoy in the upcoming Star Trek Beyond and was recently cast in Thor: Ragnarok. Learn what’s next for this rising star.
  • Tom King (12:30 PM – June 5 – Room 152) Following a career in the CIA, King started penning comics – and is now writing Batman. Hear about his unique career firsthand.
  • Paranormal Lockdown (1:30 PM – June 4 – Room 145B) Paranormal all-star Nick Groff and ghost hunter Katrina Weidman discuss their hit Destination America series.
  • A Haunting (4 PM – June 4 – Room 145B) Tony Call goes behind the scenes of this Destination America series, shot entirely in DC, Virginia, and Maryland.

Evening Events

Stay up late at Awesome Con with two extra special evening events, and grab premium tickets including autographs with their stars.

  • Kevin Smith (7 PM – June 3 – Hall D) The prolific, actor, comedian, comic writer, author, and podcaster comes to DC for an evening of candid stories and laughs.
  • Eugene Mirman (8 PM – June 4 – Room 152) Brooklyn comedian and the voice of Gene in Bob’s Burgers, Eugene Mirman brings his unique comedy show to Awesome Con.

Science Fair

Awesome Con’s Science Fair presented by Science Channel features three days of lectures, workshops, and discussions with scientists from Science Channel, NASA, the Smithsonian, and more.

  • StarTalk Live! (12 PM – June 5 – Hall D) Bill Nye and Eugene Mirman co-host StarTalk Live!, a talk show blending science and comedy with acclaimed special guests.
  • Exoplanets: Stranger than Fiction (5 PM – June 3 – Room 145A) A panel of NASA scientists discuss planets depicted in science fiction and how our knowledge of planets in our solar system – and beyond – present a picture stranger than fiction.
  • 3D Bioprinting: Moving Beyond Cyborgs (12:30 PM – June 4 – Room 145A) In this panel, organized by NationOfMakers.org, engineers explain the cutting-edge research that may someday replace mechanical implants with engineered human tissue.
  • Mars: Past, Present, and Future (7 PM – June 4 – Room 145A) Scientists talk about searching the Martian surface for clues about the possibility of life and how astronauts might someday explore the Mars on foot.
  • Outrageous Acts of Science (1:45 PM – June 4 – Room 145A) Join Science Channel as they celebrate their hit series Outrageous Acts of Science with some of the greatest (and most hilarious) scientific minds.

Kids Zone

Check out the Kids Zone on the Awesome Con show floor, filled with events and activities for little ones. Admission for kids under 10 is free.

  • Say Yes To Capes (6 PM – June 3 – Kids Zone) Personalize your own cape and mask and wear it around the con.
  • Scribble Scramble (3 PM – June 4 – Kids Zone) Kids and artists compete in a series of rapid fire drawing challenges.
  • Make Your Own Superhero Symbol (4 PM – June 4 – Kids Zone) Artist Carolyn Belefski helps kids create their own superhero symbols unique to their interests.
  • Making Mini-Comics (3 PM – June 5 – Kids Zone) Comic creator Laura Lee Gulledge helps kids write and draw their very own comic books.

Interactive & Nerdy

Beyond talks from celebrities and scientists, Awesome Con offers a wealth of interactive entertainment connecting fans with fellow fans.

  • Sci-Fi Speed Dating (Multiple Times – June 3-5 – Room 140) Looking for that special someone to spend New Comic Book Day with? Grab a spot at Sci-Fi Speed Dating.
  • The Backlot (All Day – June 3-5 – Exhibit Hall) Hold Captain America’s actual shield, snap a photo with a reproduction Batmobile, and check out larger than life props.
  • Tabletop Gaming (All Day – June 3-5 – Salons A-C) From Magic: The Gathering to Cards Against Humanity, play non-stop in the Foam Brain Games Tabletop Room.
  • Artemis Bridge (All Day – June 3-5 – Salon F) Ever fancied yourself a Starfleet commander? Live the dream in the live-action starship roleplaying experience.

    Costume Contests (Multiple Times – June 4-5 – Hall D) Awesome Con offers attendees two chances to strut their stuff on stage, with prizes from Cosplay by McCall’s, Capture Me in 3D, Funimation, HERO HAIR: Cosplay Wigs for the Serious Adventurer, and Kotobukiya.

Awesome Con tickets are available now.

Awesome Con coming to Washington, DC 6/3-6/5

awesome conAwesome Con, the biggest annual comic and pop culture convention in Washington, DC, expects to attract its most dynamic crowd yet in 2016.

This June, fans will experience an impressive line-up of celebrity guests from the worlds of television, movies, and comic books and specialized pavilions focused on science and technology, family activities, and larger-than-life props and we’ll be there to cover it all!

Panel discussions bring together noted experts from comic creators to scientists at NASA; costume contests, sci-fi speed dating, and gaming tournaments celebrate all things geeky; and the show floor will feature exhibits dedicated to comics, collectibles, toys, cosplay, and original art.

Fun for fans of all ages, Awesome Con continues its commitment to creating an inclusive atmosphere for diehard fans, casual fans, and families. This year also marks the convention’s first year in partnership with LeftField Media, an event organizer created by the founder of New York Comic Con.

When: Friday, June 3; 12pm – 8pm
Saturday, June 4; 10am – 7pm
Sunday, June 5; 10am – 5pm

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

Special Guest Headliners:

Cost: Daily and full weekend passes available

  • Friday or Sunday Only Admission: $35
  • Saturday Only Admission: $45
  • 3-Day ‘Geekend’ Pass: $75

VIP passes & experiences range from $150 to $465 and offer access to various celebrity appearances and special events

Valiant’s 2016 Convention Tour Adds 10 New Dates – Beginning at Emerald City Comicon 2016!

This year, Valiant is taking the most critically acclaimed publishing line in comics on the road and gearing up to meet more than a million fans in the US and Canada throughout 2016!

Valiant is proud to announce a slew of new dates for the Valiant 2016 Convention Tour – a months-long, coast-to-coast celebration coming soon to a town near you! Continuing at Seattle’s Emerald City Comicon 2016 (ECCC) in April, Valiant’s one-of-a-kind convention road show is slated to storm through Los Angeles; Houston; Denver; Washington, D.C.; and more:

Saturday, April 2nd – Sunday, April 3rd
SC Comicon 2016

TD Convention Center
Greenville, SC

Thursday, April 7th – Sunday, April 10th:
Emerald City Comicon 2016

Washington State Convention Center
Seattle, WA

Saturday, April 9th – Sunday, April 10th
LA Times Festival of Books

University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California

Thursday, April 28th – Sunday, May 1st :
Calgary Expo 2016

Stampede Park
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Wednesday, May 11th – Saturday, May 14th
BookExpo America

McCormick Place
Chicago, IL

Saturday, May 21st – Sunday, May 22nd
3 Rivers Comicon

Century 3 Mall
West Mifflin, PA

Friday, May 27 – Sunday, May 29th
Space City Comic Con

NRG Center
Houston, TX

Thursday, June 2nd – Sunday, June 5th
Phoenix Comicon

Phoenix Convention Center, Hyatt Regency
Phoenix, AZ

Friday, June 3rd – Sunday, June 5th
Awesome Con

Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Washington, DC

Friday, June 17th – Sunday, June 19th
Denver Comic Con

Colorado Convention Center
Denver, Colorado

*More dates to be added all summer long!*

The year’s greatest celebration of your favorite superheroes takes flight in Seattle, WA at Emerald City Comicon 2016 (ECCC)! From Thursday, April 7th through Sunday, April 10th, join Valiant at the Washington State Convention Center for a weekend packed with programming, special guests, and ECCC exclusives that no fan will find anywhere else!

Visit Booth #1702 all weekend long to find out why Valiant has captured the nation’s biggest headlines with a complete collection of trade paperbacks and hardcovers!

Come for the highest-proofed exclusive of the weekend with the A&A: THE ADVENTURES OF ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #1 ECCC EXCLUSIVE VARIANT – featuring the artwork of fan-favorite artist Ian McGinty (Adventure Time)! Red-hot writer Rafer Roberts (Plastic Farm) and superstar artist David Lafuente (Ultimate Spider-Man) kick off the FIRST ISSUE of Valiant’s next blockbuster series here with “IN THE BAG” – an insane rescue mission sending Archer into the depths of Armstrong’s bottomless satchel to free his roguish partner from an ages-old enemy…but only if he can fight his way through a mind-bending maze of history’s greatest lost treasures first!

Then, meet the minds behind your favorite superhero sagas with signings throughout the weekend from an all-star cast of special guests, including superstar artist Clayton Crain (4001 A.D.), acclaimed artist Adam Gorham (DEAD DROP), breakout writer Jody Houser (FAITH), and New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti (X-O MANOWAR)! And get ready for the bottomless satchel’s worth of brand-new Valiant merchandise screaming into Seattle, including t-shirts featuring X-O MANOWAR, NINJAK, HARBINGER, FAITH, and ARCHER & ARMSTRONG, infant snapsuits, and more!

Then, get the inside scoop on the most celebrated superhero universe in comics on Thursday, April 7th at 5:30 PM in Room T301 with Valiant 101: New Fans Start Here! You’ve heard the buzz… You’ve seen the reviews… Now find out where to start with Valiant Comics! From X-O MANOWAR to NINJAK to FAITH and ARCHER & ARMSTRONG, jump on board here with a concise and fun-filled introduction to Valiant’s biggest, most memorable characters…and find out for yourself why Buzzfeed calls Valiant “a universe full of your new favorite superheroes!”

But Valiant’s seismic plans are just warming up! On Saturday, April 9th at 12:15 PM in Room W3A, blast into Valiant’s most ambitious blockbuster event yet with Valiant: The Summer of 4001 A.D.! This summer…the future of Earth will be decided in the stars when Valiant presents the blockbuster crossover event of the year in 4001 A.D.! Now, get primed for the epic showdown between Rai and the forces of New Japan right here at Emerald City Comicon with an exclusive panel presentation from an all-star cast of Valiant staff and creators! Plus: don’t miss an all-new round of news and announcements for ARCHER & ARMSTRONG, BLOODSHOT REBORN, DIVINITY, FAITH, NINJAK, X-O MANOWAR, and more!

As Valiant’s chart-topping place in comics climbs ever higher, the road to this year’s most exciting announcements, exclusives, and can’t-miss comics begins right here with one of the biggest shows of the year, only at Emerald City Comicon 2016!

A&A_001_VARIANT-ECCC_MCGINTY CON-TOUR-PROMO.

LeftFeild Media Acquires DC Convention, Awesome Con

LFM_wht2LeftField Media LLC announced today the addition of Awesome Con to its growing roster of events. LeftField was launched in 2014, and Awesome Con held its third convention earlier this year in Washington, DC. Awesome Con also briefly held a convention in Indianapolis, IN.

This expands LeftField’s existing events which include:

  • Stream Con NYC – An online content creator fan convention and industry conference in partnership with Tubefilter, October 30-November 1, 2015 at Javits Center, NY
  • Play Fair – A toy and play-focused convention for families and collectors in partnership with the Toy Industry Association, February 13-14, 2016 at Javits Center North, NY
  • AXPONA – A high-fi audio convention for audiophiles and the audio industry in partnership with JD Events, April 15-17, 2016 at Westin O’Hare, Chicago

AC_2015_logo_DCAwesome Con was launched in 2013 by Ben Penrod, and this past year’s convention attracted over 40,000 attendees, massive growth compared to its first year. The convention spans the worlds of comics, toys, games, cosplay, movies, and television. In 2015, Awesome Con welcomed over 50 celebrities from the worlds of TV, film, and comics, including William Shatner, George Takei, Sean Astin, and Kevin Eastman, creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

LeftField Media was created in 2014 by New York Comic Con founder Greg Topalian and trade show veterans Britton Jones, Mac Brighton, and Sharon Enright with the vision to build a company focused on nimble thinking, a commitment to new audiences, and bringing together the best of B2B and B2C experiences. It is staffed by a team of veterans who have worked on comic cons and pop culture festivals across the US, Europe, Asia, and Australia. In the span of one year, LeftField has emerged from a new concept in the event world into an organizer with a portfolio of dynamic events.

Awesome Con 2015 in Photos

Last weekend the third annual Awesome Con descended upon the Washington, DC convention center. The convention floor was on the lower level, as opposed to the upper level last year, which presented even more space to take over. Celebrities lined the floor, and there was a nice mix of comics, and other entertainment.

Check out the photos below from the convention!

Kickstarter Spotlight: Chatting The First Law of Mad Science with Mike Isenberg & Oliver Mertz

At Awesome Con this past weekend, I chatted with comic creators Mike Isenberg and Oliver Mertz about their comic series First Law of Mad Science.

They’re currently running a Kickstarter to print the first five issues of First Law of Mad Science as a trade paperback, 164 pages, and a new anthology issue (68 pages). That’s over 230 pages of comics!

Check out the interview, and if you’re interested, you can pledge now to their project.

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