KCON USA - Review

Photo Credit: KCON

ABOUT KCON

KCON is the world's No.1 K-culture festival celebrating Korean culture and music. Since launching in 2012, it has been leading the expansion of K-culture across the globe for 12 years and broadened its reach, going from 10,000 attendees in its first year to garnering 140,000 fans at KCON LA 2023. KCON has established its footing as a tentpole event series, taking place across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Latin America and has been providing the largest forum for fans to directly connect with each other, artists and professionals from the Korean entertainment industry.

ROWOON

Photo Credit: KCON

People from all around the world travel to Southern California to immerse themselves in KCON—the world largest three-day festival. This convention that took place at Crypto Arena, Convention Center, and Gilbert Lindsay Plaza was not to be missed!

The attendees stepped into a captivating journey through the vibrant tapestry of Korean culture, showcasing the very best of K-beauty, K-food, and K-pop. From the moment you walked in, the immersive experience celebrated Korea's rich heritage and modern flair in equal measure.

Kim Soo Hyun

Photo Credit: KCON

The K-beauty exhibits were a standout feature, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the world of innovative skincare and cosmetics. The array of products ranged from luxurious sheet masks to cutting-edge serums, all embodying the meticulous attention to detail that defines Korean beauty.

Besides getting free skincare samples of new and upcoming popular brands, the attendees received samples of the spread of Korean snacks and foods, making it a memorable highlight for food enthusiasts.

BOY NEXT DOOR

Photo Credit: KCON

The K-pop segment was nothing short of electrifying. Fans were treated to exhilarating performances by some of the genre's most dynamic artists, with each act bringing their unique style and charisma to the stage. The energy and passion of the performances perfectly captured the global phenomenon that is K-pop. Beyond the performances, the event offered exclusive meet-and-greets and engaging discussions with artists, further deepening the connection between fans and their idols.

KEP1ER

Photo Credit: KCON

The global sensation of KCON owes its success to the unwavering passion and dedication of its fans. Their fervent support and enthusiasm create an electric atmosphere and continuously elevates the event to new heights.

Overall, KCON was an extraordinary. It masterfully blended the best of K-beauty, K-food, and K-pop into a seamless, unforgettable experience, leaving attendees not only entertained, but also deeply appreciative of Korea's rich culture.

Until next year …

Photo Credit: KCON

ABOUT CJ ENM

CJ ENM is a leading entertainment company founded in Korea in 1995. CJ ENM's Entertainment division is engaged in a wide range of industry business areas, including media content, music, film and performing arts, providing its leading original content to various media platforms around the world. CJ ENM has created, produced and distributed globally-acclaimed content, including Oscar-winning film Parasite, Tony Award-winning musical Kinky Boots, record-breaking Korean films including Roaring Currents and TV series such as Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, I Can See Your Voice and more. United under the slogan We live to discover Untold Originals, CJ ENM has three major production and distribution studios: drama production powerhouse Studio Dragon, U.S.-based studio Fifth Season and K-OTT content production studio CJ ENM STUDIOS. CJ ENM also presents KCON, world's No.1 K-Culture festival, and MAMA AWARDS, the world's No.1 K-pop awards, in order to bring K-culture experiences to people all over the world.

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SDCC - Nerdist Brings Parties and Panels to Comic Con

Want to hang out and experience a unique party full with attainment? NERDIST schedule and events are below. See you all there!

Nerdist will toast the start of SDCC 2018 on Thursday, July 19th with the Alpha Book Club Happy Hour where avid readers and book club fans can chat and hang with hosts Maude Garrett, Hector Navarro, and Rachel Heine. Later in the evening party partner The Kraken® Black Spiced Rum joins forces with Nerdist to kick off San Diego Comic-Con with a special, members-only party for Alpha, the premium streaming entertainment service from Legendary Digital Networks. In addition to meeting the talent from their favorite Alpha shows, members will receive specialty crafted Kraken Rum cocktails, created for Comic-Con.

The Alpha After Dark Party with The Kraken Rum will also feature famed graphic artists Tom Hodges and Tony Parker, who will offer attendees the opportunity to receive personalized Kraken-inspired portraits. Guests will enjoy a variety of specialty cocktails created specifically for the event, including the Ahoy! Alpha, the San Diego Storm, and Kraken Kon-Tiki. The Kraken¹s exclusive membership program, The League of Darkness, will be available onsite for fans to show their commitment to the heinous sea beast.

On Friday, July 20th, Robo Rhythm, hosted by Legendary Television, in partnership with Nerdist, will offer invite-only guests an evening that¹s out of this world at Nerdist¹s annual Comic-Con Industry Party.

Nerdist will close Comic-Con with the Bizarre States 200th Episode Party hosted by Jessica Chobot and Andrew Bowser on Saturday night, July 21st. Celebrate the mysterious and spooky with music curated by IHEARTCOMIX and Nerdist House DJ Franki Chan, food, beverages, and more surprises thematically inspired by the paranormal show. With three nights of non-stop fun, fans will have their pick of parties with the Nerdist Team at SDCC!

NERDIST PARTIES - COMPLETE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS.
THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2018
7 PM ― 8 PM
Alpha Book Club Happy Hour
Location: Sparks Gallery
Address: 530 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Description: Join Maude Garrett, Hector Navarro, and Rachel Heine for a glass of wine with the ABC gang! Alpha Book Club Happy Hour is free and open to the public. Alpha members will receive exclusive Fast Pass and Priority Access wristbands.

THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2018
9 PM ― 1 AM

Alpha After Dark Party with The Kraken Rum
Location: Fluxx
Address: 500 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Description: Alpha & The Kraken Rum return to San Diego Comic Con for their exclusive Alpha After Dark Party. Alpha members will enjoy a curated evening of music by DJ Franki Chan of IHEARTCOMIX, the opportunity to receive personalized Kraken-inspired portraits by famed graphic artists Tom Hodges and Tony Parker, andcustom signature Kraken Rum cocktails! Invites are limited to Alpha members; non-members can sign up for Alpha at www.projectalpha.com. Fans will want to attend the party to see what The Kraken unleashes at SDCC this year!

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018
10 PM ― 1 AM 

Robo Rhythm: An Intergalactic Dance Party hosted by Legendary Television

Location: Oxford Social Club
Address: 435 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Description: In partnership with Nerdist, Legendary Television is hosting ³Robo Rhythm,² an intergalactic dance party celebrating LOST IN SPACE at the Oxford Social Club. Guests are invited to enjoy cocktails at the open bar featuring Don West smuggled booze, while dancing to a one-night-only special guest DJ set by the LOST IN SPACE ³Robot.² Private invite-only party.

SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2018
8 PM ― 12 AM 

Bizarre States 200th Episode Party hosted by Jessica Chobot and Andrew Bowser

12 AM Location: Sparks Gallery
Address: 530 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Description: Party with Jessica Chobot and Andrew Bowser! Celebrate the 200th episode of Bizarre States with music from our Nerdist House DJ, food, beverages, and more surprises thematically inspired by the show. Bizarre States 200th Episode Party will be open to Alpha members and invite-only industry and talent.

NERDIST PANELS - COMPLETE SCHEDULE.
FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018

11:30 AM ― 12:30 PM - Nerdist News Live – It’s Nerdist News, live! Join Jessica Chobot (Nerdist News, Bizarre States), Dan Casey (The Dan Cave, Nerdist News), Rachel Heine (Nerdist and Geek & Sundry Editor-in-Chief), Kyle Hill (Because Science, MythBusters: The Search), and other Nerdist stars as they discuss the biggest pop culture stories of the day like only Nerdist can. Go behind the scenes of Nerdist News and other Nerdist shows, and bring your questions for the cast and crew. Use only as directed. 9 out of 10 doctors recommend attending the panel right before this one just to get a seat. Side effects may include uncontrollable deep cuts, hilarious Star Wars theories, and hot takes lasting over 30 seconds. Room: 5AB

2PM ― 3PM Geek & Sundry Live – Geek & Sundry has been delivering quality comedic and gaming content for six years now: that’s almost half a decade! Can you believe it!? Come join Marisha Ray (Critical Role), Anjali Bhimani (We’re Alive: Frontier), Amy Dallen (Shield of Tomorrow), Erika Ishii (Game Engine), Jeremy Walker (Sagas of Sundry: Madness), T.J. Rotell (G&S Head of Production) and moderator Sean Becker (G&S Senior Creative Director) to hear them talk about the future of the network, what new shows are coming out, what old shows are returning and ask them all your burning questions! Room 25ABC

SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2018
6:30 PM ― 7:30PM Talks Machina with Critical Role – Join Brian W. Foster (Talks Machina) as he hosts a special Critical Role community Q&A with Matthew Mercer, Marisha Ray, Liam O’Brien, Sam Riegel, and Taliesin Jaffe. The cast will answer your questions about Vox Machina, the Mighty Nein, and anything and everything Critical Role! Room: 6BCF

SUNDAY JULY 22, 2018
1:00 PM ― 2:00 PM Geek & Sundry: Welcome to the Wednesday Club – Geek & Sundry’s weekly comic book show, The Wednesday Club, is bringing their live panel to SDCC for the first time ever! Join Taliesin Jaffe (Critical Role), Amy Dallen (Sagas of Sundry) and Matt Key (Key Question) as they offer their 2018 SDCC review. They’ll talk about their favorite con purchases (and where you can get it), which Eisner Awards made them most excited and what comic book announcements made them giddy (and why). This is your comic book club on the internet, so come with your comic book questions and they’ll offer their comic book answers! Room: 7AB

2:00 PM ― 3:00 PM Bizarre States – Host Jessica Chobot (Nerdist News, Bizarre States), Andrew Bowser (Bizarre States), and a special guest as they take their popular podcast Bizarre States on the road! They explore the mysteries of the weird, supernatural and occult, dragging into the light current and historical paranormal activities and personal experiences. Room: 7AB

In addition to panels and parties during SDCC, fans can attend Nerdist House from Thursday, July 19th through Sunday, July 22nd. All four days of Comic-Con, Nerdist will take over the Sparks Gallery on 530 Sixth Avenue for all-day entertainment and refreshments, special social hours and fan parties, live Nerdist shows, in-depth interviews and conversations, meet & greets, exclusive merchandise, photo opportunities, a VR experience, and much more. Nerdist House will be open to the public and free of charge. Comic-Con attendees are welcome, but a badge is not required. For up-to-the-minute updates on Nerdist House, follow @Nerdist and #NerdistHouse on Twitter.

Alpha members will receive exclusive Fast Pass and Priority Access wristbands for Alpha Book Club Happy Hour, Alpha After Dark Party with The Kraken Rum, and Bizarre States 200th Episode Party. Not a member yet? Sign up at www.projectalpha.com and join the fun.

ABOUT THE KRAKEN®
AS IT IS TOLD, The Kraken Black Spiced Rum is an imported rum from the Caribbean blended with secret spices. Named for the sea beast of myth and legend, The Kraken Black Spiced Rum is bold, rich, black and smooth. AS THEY SAY, ³To not respect the power of the Kraken is to not respect the sea.² So drink with respect.

ABOUT LEGENDARY TV
Legendary Television produces and distributes innovative top-quality content for all platforms worldwide. The studio's roster includes the recently released reboot of the classic family adventure series LOST IN SPACE for Netflix and the upcoming CARNIVAL ROW, a fantasy noir drama starring Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne, from Rene Echevarria & Travis Beacham for Amazon. The third season of Legendary Television¹s critically acclaimed science-fiction drama COLONY, co-created by Carlton Cuse, is currently airing on USA Network. Three seasons of LOVE, a relationship comedy from Judd Apatow, are now available exclusively on Netflix. To learn more visit: www.legendary.com

ABOUT NERDIST
Nerdist is a multi-platform media and entertainment network for fans of genre and pop culture content. With flagship content including Nerdist News hosted by Jessica Chobot, weekly shows Because Science and The Dan Cave, and daily in-depth editorial coverage, Nerdist reaches millions of people every day on Nerdist.com and on leading platforms including the premium streaming service Alpha, YouTube, Facebook, and the Nerdist Podcast Network. Nerdist is owned by Legendary Entertainment and is part of Legendary Digital Networks, which also includes Geek & Sundry and Amy Poehler¹s Smart Girls.

ABOUT ALPHA
Alpha is a leading premium streaming entertainment service from Legendary Digital Networks that offers access to fully interactive live and on-demand channels, exclusive shows, and a suite of innovative features that empower fans to experience the programming they love in a unique and personally customizable way. Since its launch in 2016, Alpha has given members unprecedented access to engage directly with on-air personalities and form immersive communities around their passions. Alpha¹s slate of original and exclusive shows includes Talkin¹ Toons, Sagas of Sundry, Painters Guild, Because Science, Bizarre States Los Angeles, and Critical Role. Try the Alpha experience commitment-free for 30 days at www.projectalpha.com.

ABOUT LEGENDARY DIGITAL NETWORKS
Legendary Digital Networks (LDN) is the streaming media and branded content division of Legendary Entertainment and home to leading digital entertainment brands Nerdist, Geek and Sundry, and Amy Poehler's Smart Girls, as well as Alpha, a premium streaming entertainment service that gives members access to new and exclusive shows and immersive community-based interactivity.

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Chosen Wan Apparel - Marco Guzman Interview

Photo Credit: James Vallesteros

Chosen Wan Apparel is a NERD street wear brand created to empower our LIFESTYLE, our CULTURE.

Inspired by pop and urban culture, our blended brand is made for the C H O S E N few. Our concepts are inspired by our love for Retro while innovating and evolving with the trends of the Future. Our mission is to provide a positive and empowering brand that changes the NERD stereotypes. We are THE FUTURE OF NERD K I N D. Join the Squad and Stay Chosen.

NERD I POP I COMICS I COSPLAY I MUSIC I FASHION I TOYS I CULTURE

Chosen Witty I Authentic I Nerd® The Future Of NerdKind®
A Lifestyle and Streetwear brand promoting Academic Hustle, Street Culture, & the Geek Life Across the Galaxy!

VISIT THE >>>STORE<<< NOW

THE JBN TEAM INTERVIEW WITH MARCO GUZMAN
Journalist: MARK JOHNSON
Location: SVCC, SAN JOSE

Video and Audio/Edit: James Vallesteros (@jamesvallesteros)

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Anime Los Angeles 2017 Review

Anime Los Angeles

January 25 - 28

Omtario Convention Center

February 4, 2017
by Madelyn Lund
Photos by Madelyn Lund

Anime Los Angeles is a Japanese animation and pop culture convention unlike any other in Southern California. Due to its rapidly growing popularity over the past couple years, the convention which was once held in a small Marriott hotel now has fans traveling to its new location at the Ontario convention center. While the convention held panels, cosplay meetups, food trucks, and exhibit halls filled table to table with vendors, the unique friendly bond between attendees is what sets it apart from the rest. While walking around the convention center and seeing giant props and colorful wigs, you also heard giggling between friends who haven’t seen each other in a long time, and felt an upbeat and fun vibe throughout the entire three days of the event. The positivity, elaborate costumes, incredibly friendly staff, and simple badge pickup will make Anime Los Angeles an annual event for many anime fans for years to come. 

  

Anime Los Angeles truly cared about its attendees no matter what their weekend plans at the convention may have been. Outside of the convention center were numerous food trucks for a variety of unique foods for any diet. From BBQ and macaroni and cheese sandwiches to a vegetarian sushi roll; the food trucks were a popular area to hangout with friends and take a small break from the convention’s activities. Inside the convention center held panels and vendors which could entertain any attendee no matter what their fandom may be. Some of my favorite vendors are the independent artists found in the Artist’s Alley. The artists there often take the community's favorite characters and create them with their own artistic twist making their pieces one of a kind. Vendors were held on the top and main floor of the convention center, along with panels spread out throughout the con and to surrounding hotels for extra room. This made finding panels a bit confusing at times, but the staff were always eager to point their attendees in the right direction or happily give them a map. 

One of the panels I was able to attend was “The Observation of the Wind Rises” put on by Douglas Ikemi. Ikemi talked about the Studio Ghibli film ​The Wind Rises and it’s history that not many movie viewers know about. He talked about connections between the movie and it’s director Hayao Miyazaki, how some of the characters were based off of real people during its time, and how the Studio Ghibli version of the film was a remake of a half hour long short film. This and many of the panels at the convention were very interesting and well planned! 

Filling the floor in and outside of this busy convention were hundreds of cosplayers bringing out their best work for this event. The exciting element to this particular anime convention is that an attendee never knows what the cosplay limit may be. From comics, to anime, video games, and movies; this convention had a costume that would make nearly every attendee want to snap a photo. Some of my personal favorites were the pokemon trainer and their pokemon cosplay and D.va with her giant pink robot mech from Overwatch. 

This being my third Anime Los Angeles to attend, I have seen a smooth transition in the convention’s layout from the Marriott to the Ontario Convention Center. Anime Los Angeles is one of the only larger scale anime conventions I attend where attendees are smiling for a full three days and the convention staff is smiling with them. Organized layout, location, time of year, a well trained staff, and an energetic attendance prove to me every year why Anime Los Angeles is my favorite convention to attend in all of Southern California. I can’t wait until next year’s adventure!

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Stan Lee's L.A. COMIC CON Review

Stan Lee's L.A. COMICCON

October 28th - 30th

Los Angeles Convention Center

by Jean Vallesteros
All Photos by jamesvallesteros.com

Stan Lee’s annual comic book and horror gala made its way to the Los Angeles Convention Center on another Halloween weekend. 2016 marks the first year of its rebrand as Stan Lee’s Los Angeles Comic Con, formerly Stan Lee’s Comikaze. In previous years, it has become a hit with fans and draws thousands of people to downtown LA. The tradition continues as the 3-day extravagant is filled with eager fans wanting to display their creative cosplays and industry artists and writers showcasing their upcoming projects.

As in previous years, this convention has been heavily catered to the fans of geek culture and entertainment. Although it only housed one side of the convention center, LACC made its presence known in the South Hall. Driving down on Figueroa Street on that Saturday, your eyes are met with colorful costumes from all types of fandoms lining up to get inside. Inside the main lobby is a sea of characters coming to life. Attendees are greeted with smiles and photo-ops with the cosplayers’ creative costumes. Scattered throughout the lobby are staff personnel that kept a sense of order in a high-crowded area.

Upstairs in the exhibit floor is where all of the artists, celebrities, and vendors can be found. There were a good variety of vendors to check out that can offer satisfaction to any nerd’s needs. Perhaps the most engaging aspect of any comic convention is the opportunity to meet some of the people behind it. Whether it be an artist, creator or writer, you are likely to not just meet them, but also have the opportunity to ask them questions. One of the biggest differences of LACC from other fan conventions is that their panels are displayed on the mainstage of the exhibit floor. Panels are not hidden away in closed doors but in the wide open as you are walking on the exhibit floor.

With so many fan conventions happening on almost a weekly basis throughout the country, one would assume the ticket prices to go up as a way to compete with others. However, the organizers of LACC are clever to bring a large number of vendors to ensure ticket prices remain low. Fans are able to enjoy and celebrate with other like-minded individuals without breaking the bank.

Fan conventions are growing and so are the attendees. Each year the numbers continue to climb and it is not looking to move backwards at anytime soon. The one thing that was time-consuming for attendees is picking up their badges on the day of. Perhaps mailing out the badges to pre-sales can trim out the lines leading up to the entrance door. Nonetheless, the staff was able to move the crowd rather quickly.

The cosplay scene is perhaps one of main features of any con. It is also the most enchanting. Fans are able to display their love of a character through the art of cosplay. Whether it is an extravagant costume that took hours to complete or one that was quickly put together, the end result is the same…to celebrate the love for a character in their own special way. With our digital age, Social Media is splattered with some of the coolest costumes emanating from the convention. Thousands and thousands of photos are taken each day for keepsakes and even for professional use as photographers snap away to not only showcase the costumes, but to also sharpen their skills. 

There were multiple events happening in Downtown LA as the League of Legends World Championship Finals were being held next door at the Staples Center. Intentional or not, it turned Downtown LA into a colossal celebration of nerd culture. Although it was a quite a sight to see so much spillover between events, it did create major congestion on the streets going to Downtown Los Angeles.

Stan Lee’s Los Angeles Comic Con is a strong get-together for fans to rejoice their geek lifestyle and a place to meet others who share the same fandoms. It is more intimate that other fan conventions. Attendees are able stand together instead of being separated in rooms during panel discussions. LACC is a major player in the con scene as proven with the climbing numbers each year. Each year just keeps getting bigger, better, and stronger. 2017 already has a date: October 27-29. Stay tuned for ticket details at www.stanleescomiccon.com.

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Anime Expo 2016 Review

Anime Expo 2016

July 1-4, 2016

Los Angeles Convention Center

July 14, 2016
by James Vallesteros
Photos by jamesvallesteros.com

For most part of the country, Americans spend the Fourth of July weekend with family in their backyards cooking up tasty BBQ items. In a certain part of Los Angeles, thousands of people stockpile the Convention Center on Figueroa Street to celebrate the nation’s largest Anime Convention, Anime Expo. Hitting a record breaking 100,000+ Unique and 305,000 Turnstile attendance, 2016 marked its first year to reach such phenomenal numbers.

Bringing guests from all over the world, Anime Expo, which is organized by the non-profit Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, attracted fans all over the country. Filling up the West and South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center, attendees were treated to a heap of entertainment and cosplays along with the intense Japanese Culture inspired vendors, artists, and exhibitors. In order to accommodate this event’s growth, the Kentia Hall parking garage was converted to the Artist Alley. There was a lot to experience during this extravagant weekend and attendees were able to immerse themselves throughout four days.

@minibobafett as Sora from Disney/Square Enix's Kingdom Hearts 3 Video Game

One of the prominent changes made this year were to stop non-badge holders from entering the South Hall lobby area. In past Anime Expo’s, the lobby area was open to all and only the exhibit floor required badges. With the recent shootings in Orlando and Dallas just weeks prior to AX, it was necessary to enforce it. On a side note, many attendees were standing in zig-zag lines outside of the convention center to pick up their badges on Day 1. Some complained about wasting over two hours in line which could have been used to spend time inside the exhibit floor. Many attendees are open to the idea of having badges sent to their homes prior to the event to save themselves from standing hours in line in the hot July Los Angeles weather.

The Fire Nation was hot at AX 2016.

@petahface as Fire Lord Ozai

@mikumouse21 and @nipahcos as The Banished Prince Zuko

@disneycutiepie as Princess Azula

The enormous growth since the prior year, the staff of AX were equipped with knowledge and were able to maintain a safe environment for all. Staff kindly asked people to not block major common areas that were used to get from one place to another and sustained a level of professionalism in the process. A trait that is rarely seen at other conventions I have attended before.

Anime Expo is directed towards the promotion of Japanese inspired popular culture but all walks of life gathered to showcase their art in the form of cosplay, art and creativity. Cosplayers came out with top tier costumes for all to see and appreciate. Many of the craftsmanship to these costumes clocked in hours and hours of work. The love and inspiration of a certain character really brings out the creativity from someone as seen with their costumes. Attendees, photographers (pro or novice), snapped away with their phones or cameras to take home a piece of memory with them. Children enjoyed the cosplay scenery as most of the characters worn by cosplayers are not commonly seen in theme parks. It is a breath of fresh air to see an animated character come to life.

@disneycutie as Silk, @sabrinaspaceprincess as Sabrina (Pokémon), @princesssunshinee as Xion (Kingdom Hearts 3)

This year saw the world’s first Anisong World Matsuri event that featured an assortment of live music and experiential performances. Electronic pop icon DJ TeddyLoid provided music during AX’s fashion show alongside unforgettable performances from J-Pop band Dempagumi.inc. From premiers such as Makoto Shinkai’s “your name”, exclusive clips of season two of FLCL, and industry top dogs like Shoji Kawamori, Kenji Horikawa, and Nami Sano, Anime Expo provided a place for these creative people to gather and for fans to get a unique once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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Heroes & Villains Fan Fest Review

Heroes & Villains Fan Fest
San Jose McEnery Convention Center
November 21-22, 2015

By James Vallesteros

The inaugural Heroes & Villains Fan Fest emanated at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center on a weekend before the Thanksgiving Holiday. Billed as “It’s not your Dad’s comic con, it’s your Fan Fest”, it stayed true to its moniker. The festivities were built around giving fans an experience like never before. The usual convention scene is mainly made up of the artist alley, vendors, exhibitors, and behind curtains where the celebrities usually conduct their photo-ops and autograph signings. However, the setup took in consideration of the fans who really want to immerse themselves into their favorite fandoms.
The main attraction for the first stop was CW’s Arrow’s Stephen Amell (Oliver Queen) and Willa Holland (Thea Queen). The autograph signing for both of these stars were set up right on the exhibit floor. Even if you weren’t in line for an autograph, fans were able to get a glimpse of their favorite stars. The photo-op section was handled professionally by the volunteer workers who did an outstanding job keeping everything in order. The lines moved along smoothly and most fans agreed that the wait times were decent.

Prices for admission were affordable and most fans were happy with the autograph and photo-op price tags. There were other festivities happening on the floor exhibit as well such zip-lining, bouncy house for the kids, and arts and crafts. So when it was labeled “It’s not your dad’s comic con”, these added elements certainly validated that statement.

The San Jose McEnery Convention Center was a perfect choice for a Northern California stop. There were plenty of parking to accommodate the fans. The Convention Center is not super big like some other buildings, but it played well with the whole “fan experience”. Everything that the event had to offer was in walking distance and didn’t have to hop from one hall to the other.

Heroes & Villains Fan Fest is a unique kind of convention. It’s focus on one single franchise provided fans assurance that they will get what they came for. Much like its sister con, Walker Stalker Con, we see Heroes & Villains Fan Fest to expand to other franchises and the end result will remain to be an unforgettable experience.

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Comikaze Expo 2015 Review

Comikaze 2015
Los Angeles Convention Center
October 30 – November 1, 2015

November 7, 2015

by James Vallesteros

If you have never attended a comic convention before, consider attending Stan Lee’s Comikaze. Not only is Stan Lee the iconic man behind the Marvel Universe, but Comikaze is his Convention. But don’t be discourage if you are thinking this convention is mainly for the Marvel Enterprise, it is a massive collection of everything that is labeled “Pop Culture”. 

From Marvel to DC, Video Game Franchises to Anime Hits, Comikaze has become one of the biggest Comic Conventions in the West Coast. Usually scheduled around Halloween, it is a nice rejuvenation from getting drained out from all of the big blockbuster comic movies of the summer. The fall weather makes it a perfect environment for the cosplayers as well. With a wide variety of vendors, exhibitors and special guests, attendees are able to find what they are looking for.

One element that I have happened to enjoy about Comikaze is the implementation of having the panel stage right on the exhibit floor. This gives the fan a unique experience as oppose to having panels in closed doors. The Costume Contest is also performed on this stage and it systematically transform into a concert-like environment with people crowding the floor to see the stage.

The Los Angeles Convention Center accommodates plenty of room for all of the festivities even when another event is being held. There were two separate events going on but Comikaze was still able to deliver just as if they had the whole convention for themselves. The only complaint from attendees is the separation and distance between the two exhibit floors. 

With every year, it seems that more food vendors are parking their truck to feed hungry attendees. There were a variety of food to choose from to “regain” health so-to-say from experiencing all of the spectacular that Comikaze has to offer. Perhaps one suggestion is to have more food vendors inside the convention.

Comikaze is one of the biggest conventions in the west coast during the fall season. Stan Lee and the Comikaze staff have been able to deliver an experience that will last a lifetime year after year. We look forward this event year. The show gets bigger and bigger and we, just like any fan, are ready to immerse ourselves into a 3 day weekend of fun. 

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Long Beach Comic Con 2015 Review

Long Beach Comic Con 2015

Long Beach Convention Center

September 12-13, 2015

September 19, 2015
by James Vallesteros

When most people think of Long Beach, the obvious image in their head is probably a beach. However, twice a year, this city is invaded by an assortment of superheroes and villains when Long Beach Comic Expo and Con rolls around.

Located just walking distance from the coast, the Long Beach Convention Center serves as the perfect venue for such an event. The large walking space in front of the convention doors was filled with many vehicles from popular fandoms such as Batman, Jurassic Park, and Back to the Future. Attendees are welcomed with these iconic cars before they even step foot in the door.

Inside, the lobby is just a beautiful scenery and provides a spectacular setting for photo-ops with the cosplayers in attendance. The cosplay community in Southern California are approachable and are always willing to take pictures or simply talk about their fandoms. The exhibit floor is located below ground level was like an entrance to a whole different world. From a variety of vendors, exhibitors, and special guests, attendees are able to locate exactly what they are looking for. Whether it be to add a figure to their collection or to fill in the missing issue from their favorite comic book series, there were an abundance of vendors to choose from.

For the last three years, this convention has continued to grow. One might assume that the growth would make the con experience less pleasing, however, the Long Beach Comic Con staff has done an excellent job in keeping it unique and non-stressful. The staff was very helpful in locating certain aspects of the convention. The lines to pick up badges went smooth and attendees were able to go about their business and immerse themselves with the show.

With the list of Conventions our team attends each year, we always look forward for Long Beach Comic Con. It has become a place we see old faces and meet new ones as well. The two-day event is sure to put plenty of value into your admission price. Look out for Long Beach Comic Expo coming in early 2016.

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Wizard World Sacramento 2015 Review

Wizard World Sacramento

June 19-21, 2015

Sacramento, CA

Sacramento Convention Center 



By Kyung Kim
July 1, 2015

Twenty six years have gone by with nothing to hold on to, until I stepped foot into Wizard World Comic Con Sacramento.

On my way down to the convention hall, I met some very friendly people who were also on their way to the convention hall. We walked together while sharing many similar interests for anime, comic books, and cosplay. We arrived at the convention center and the group I was with parted, but I think it is safe to say that I made some new friends. I opened the glass door and walked in to a place filled with energy and excitment. The amount of people that was inside the building boggled my mind. I wanted to take pictures of everyone!

As I walked around snapping pictures, I stumbled upon the entrance for the dealer hall. It was lilke a whole new world in there filled with art, props, music and much more. If you have never been to a comic convention, it is basically an esemble of very talented people coming together to showcase their art. It was entertainment every where you go. Wizard World is known to gather the most talented in the industry, whether it be television, movies, artists, or authors, they know how to pick them and provide an experience like no other.

Mad Max: Fury Road Cosplayers

The costume contest was my personal favorite. As a cosplayer myself, it was very awe-aspiring to see everyone's creativity. To showcase it in front of a packed auditorium is another aspect that I find appreciating. It was great to be able to see other individuals' passion.

The winners of the Costume Contest

The Sacramento stop was my first Wizard World. Luckily I don't have to wait too long as the next Wizard World adventure in my neck of the woods will happen on Labor Day weekend in San Jose, CA. They have already created an awesome esemble of special guests. Tickets are now available at wizardworld.com. I will be there and I know you will be, too!

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