Conventions: Awesome Con D.C. 2013

On Saturday of last week, my little brother and myself attended what was billed as Washington, D.C.’s first ever comic book convention Awesome Con. The event was held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The promoters thought it would have a small turnout, but it was much larger than they expected (YEE-HA!!!) The celebrities who in attendance were Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters, Ghostbusters II, Oz), Billy West (The Ren and Stimpy Show, Ren and Stimpy’s Adult Party Cartoon, Doug, Futurama), Nicholas Brendon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Phil Lamarr (MADtv,  Samurai Jack,  Futurama) and Theodus Crane (The Walking Dead). They were there to take pictures and sign autographs, but the visitors and myself were told that it was not free, but I did get a chance to talk with the legendary Ernie Hudson.

Another celebrity who was in attendance was Larry Hama, who played a big part in the revival of Hasbro’s G.I. Joe in 1982. It was his designs of the characters that were seen in the comic book series that was a big hit with Marvel Comics from 1982 until 1994. The series was under name G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. I had the chance to speak with him as well. There were panels, one of them was the ongoing debate of Star Trek vs. Star Wars, and I missed that one.

The one panel that I did participate in was about professional wrestling!!! I caught some heat during the panel for wearing a Hulkamania t-shirt that I got last Christmas, but I told them that it’s MUCH, MUCH BETTER than John Cena’s new t-shirt. Afterwards, I did shake hands with all three of the panels moderators, and became friends with one of them on Facebook!!! Another feature was Sci-Fi Speed Dating, that one I sat out and watched. There was also a costume contest, but a lot of people were unable to get in.

This two-day event was a wonderful celebration of comic books, movies, television, anime, art and popular culture in general. I am one of many who can’t wait until next year!!! While I didn’t take a lot of photos, here are some below that I did take. Enjoy!!!