The final day of Emerald City Comicon started with my moment with a sci-fi icon. When the doors opened I started feeling nostalgic and rushed down to the media guest level to meet George Takei. I chose a photo of Hikaru Sulu from Star Trek The Undiscovered Country in which the U.S.S. Enterprise helmsman was now Captain of the U.S.S. Excelsior.

  I thanked him for being a trailblazer in his career and in his personal life. It’s amazing to think how he could be a cultural breakthrough decades ago as the first Asian American on a network television series and now being a champion for equality as an openly gay and married man. Sulu is just cool – then, now and forever.

Back up to the show floor in search for rare comic book finds I was sporting my “Mutant and Proud” t-shirt starring the X-Man Beast and it really attracted the X fans in costume including Emma Frost and Gambit.

I went in search of autographs from some of my favorite writers and artists including Chris Yost, Dustin Weaver, Georges Jeanty and I got a sketchbook from DC Comics star Phillip Tan.

I had the opportunity to meet up and coming writer Sam Humphries. I bought a copy of his Fanboys Vs. Zombies (about a zombie outbreak at the San Diego Comic-Con) and talked about his new work for Marvel. Humphries will be co-writing with Jonathan Hickman then taking over the Ultimates.

  I was surprised to see him again on the Marvel: Next Big Thing panel with other favorite writers (of Punisher, Hulk, Spider-Man, X-Force, Secret Avengers) in a no holds barred question and answer session. I think these panels are the real pulse of a con. It’s the real interaction between fan and creator that leads to praise, pans and always passion about comics.

As the final hour approached I was almost ready to head home when a friend invited me to see Star Trek: Phoenix.  This is a fan film written, produced and starring Seattle fans that takes place 42 years after the Star Trek: Nemesis. I went in to the screening on a whim but was really impressed. I left wanting more of the crew of the U.S.S. Phoenix and hope the voyage of these local fans continues. I didn’t plan it but my final day began and ended with Trek.

Emerald City Comicon was beyond my expectations. When it comes to cons, always have a game plan but be ready for the unexpected: a moment with a new friend as you bond over the fate of the X-Men, discover a new comic book you want to try or experience the joy of seeing fanboys and girls express their love in costumes and cheers.