Emerald City Comicon 2015 is just one week away. The Seattle celebration of comics and pop culture is completely sold out.
Hayley Atwell (Agent Carter) and Chloe Bennet (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) are making their first official convention appearances.
Clark Gregg of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Anthony Mackie of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, John Barrowman of Arrow, and Steve Yuen of The Walking Dead are among the major celebrity guests on the roster. Sci-fi legends Anthony Daniels, Marina Sirtis and Amanda Tapping will be here for photos, panels and autographs, too. Plus, the one and only Stan Lee returns to Seattle.
Top creative teams like Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie of The Wicked & The Divine, Batgirl team Cameron Stewart, Brenden Fletcher and Babs Tarr are on the massive list of comic book creators fans can meet on packed show floors.
Emerald City Comicon has Hulked up into a huge event taking over the entire Washington State Convention Center with even more new features like a Cospitality lounge including a cosplay repair station, food truck alley and a beer garden How do you maximize your experience?
Back by popular demand – here’s Comicon for Virgins.
If you’re brand new or an old pro here are some steps to help you enjoy your comicon.
1. Have fun. Bring cash. You’re going to blow your budget but you’ll love it later when you have the photo op or autograph from your favorite stars or that sketch by a top comic book artist. This is your chance to dive into a geek marketplace to find classic comics, cool art or awesome collectibles.
2. Do a little homework and make a plan. I have a wish list of stars and creators I want to meet and my must attend panels. Be sure to check the programming guide for panels. Each celebrity will have a schedule for panels, autographs signings and photo ops. Major publishers like Dark Horse, Image Comics, Valiant Comics and Oni Press will have their own spaces on the show floor. Be sure to check with publishers’ websites ahead of time a list for their special autograph sessions with their marquee artists and writers at their display. This way you can know if you should wait in a guest’s line or not because they have a panel.
3. You know what they say about best laid plans! If you miss something don’t worry, there’s always something cool around the corner. It’s good to have a strategy but Emerald City Comicon is so huge, if one panel room is full then check out another or support the creators in the Artist Alley or check one of the many groups like Comic Book Characters for Causes.
4. Autographs and Photos, Part One. When it comes to autographs from writers and artist – know when they have panels booked so you’re not waiting in line and then they have to leave for a panel. Autographs/photos from celebrity are on a schedule and do have fees. Be sure to pay attention to instructions from the ECCC volunteers (aka Minions) and follow the rules especially about snapping photos with your phone in the celebrity area – just don’t do it.
5. Autographs, Part Two. Be selective about the comic books you bring to have autographed. I take only a max of 4-6 books to be signed by a writer or artist. I pick my books based on if they are number one issues, the first issue for that creator or because they were part of a cool story with my favorite hero. Respect the other fans waiting just like you. Don’t drop dozens of books to be signed. You can buy new books at their table usually. This is your chance to talk with the creators. If you’re going to be critical, do in a constructive and respectful way. If the writer killed off your favorite character, don’t worry, they’ll be resurrected eventually. This is your moment with the creator but remember your fellow fans are patiently waiting for their moments too.
6. Sketches. Imagine having a sketch of your favorite hero by your favorite artist! Most artists charge a fee for a custom sketch. Ask the fans ahead of you what they’re charging and if you should provide the paper. Some fans bring sketchbooks or a comic book card. Sometimes you might catch an artist in a mood and sketches are free but most have a fee – many have already been commissioned. I would recommend trying to see the artist on day one to get on the list or reach out to them via social media to see their commission requests and prices ahead of time. Even if they’re drawing they will still autograph your books. Be patient and again, respect your fellow fans.
7. Let your geek flag fly! This is comicon – don’t be self-conscious. If you want to go all out with a costume – go for it or just wear a cool t-shirt celebrating your favorite comic, sci-fi or fantasy genre. This is your chance at a second Halloween so go for it! Show respect for others who are expressing their comic or sci-fi love. Geeks come in all shapes, sizes, colors and orientations. Comicon is not the time for ridicule, objectification or unwelcome advances – this is a time for celebration of the genres we all love.
8. Panels – If it’s a big star or artist then expect a huge crowd so get there early. For a major celebrity or publisher you may want to get in line at least an hour. If the room is full then check your guide for another panel for revisit a new exhibitor on the floor.
9. Expand horizons and enjoy! Comicon is huge and packed with diversity. This is a great opportunity to discover a new artist, writer, comic book or fan club. Check out the program guide and find something different that intrigues you.
10. Final reminders: Have fun! Bring cash! Be Patient! Respect others! Enjoy!
Hope you enjoy Emerald City Comicon or a convention near you this year. I’ll be appearing at the Rotten Tomatoes: Critics vs. Fans panel Saturday at 12:50pm if you want say hi and come back here for coverage of the big weekend in Seattle.
Thanks to all the cosplayers seen in here.
By Editor