But before we get to that, let me tell you about the pre WonderCon party. Prepare to be jealous!
Thursday night(the night before WonderCon) I attended the Hero Complex WonderCon party. Yes, that's right kids! PARTY! The party was hosted by Geoff Boucher(writer for the Los Angeles Times) and held at the Discovery Science Center. It was a great way to kick off WonderCon! Did I happen to mention that the Discovery Science Center is currently showing the, Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination exhibit. And since it was a party, they had to have booze! The event was sponsored by Sapporo(good beer.) What could be better then science and booze, Bill Nye would approve. But a full review will be posted shortly. Not by me, I don't remember the entire night.
But lets move on. Here is the first review. This one is written by JDazzle. Yes, JDazzle. That's not his real name...
WonderCon 2012 – Anaheim!
When I first heard that WonderCon, San Diego’s little brother, was relocating to Anaheim, I was shocked! I had always thought that WonderCon would remain in the San Francisco area. I’d also thought that any chances of a Comic-Con International convention coming to Anaheim died with the SDCC relocation debacle just a few years ago.
As the convention details slowly came out, I was excited. They got the big comic publishers (Marvel and DC) to come out! They got some video game publishers (Nintendo and Capcom) to attend! They even got some movie studios (Fox, Universal and Sony) to showcase their upcoming films. This was amazing to me after several WizardWorld conventions failed to provide the same big names.
Finally, the first day of the con started and I got to see what they were able to do. The first thing I noticed was the exhibit hall. Using only one of Anaheim Convention Center’s halls, they were able to create a mini-SDCC feel. Wide, carpeted aisles with no empty booths to be found anywhere kept me hopeful that this would be successful. Everything I wanted was there… except the guests. Friday was a low attendance day and it had me worried that WonderCon would not be successful in Anaheim. I found out the next day that I had nothing to worry about.
Saturday started off VERY busy. The parking situation was pretty bad, with traffic backed up 1 block in every direction from the con and Disneyland’s Toy Story parking lot. While offsite parking with free shuttles was offered at Angel Stadium, I did not find it an ideal option as I hate waiting for shuttles.
After finding a spot and walking to the con, I immediately noticed the crowds. Excited guests were everywhere! The exhibit hall was packed and the wide, carpeted aisles filled up quickly. Saturday was Movie Studio day and I quickly got in line for the presentations on the 3rd floor ballroom, Anaheim’s version of SDCC’s Ballroom 20.
I got in easily compared to Movie Studio day at SDCC, I later found out that some of my other friends were not so lucky and missed out on the Abraham Lincoln and Prometheus panel, the first one in the room that day. For those interested in the size of the room, imagine Room 6ABCDEF from the San Diego Convention center (the “old” big room from SDCC about 10ish years ago) and you would have a good idea.
I left after the first few panels, thinking I’d be able to come back later… the HUGE line found when I walked out proved me wrong. I discovered later that the entire 3rd floor was closed off due to capacity a few hours later.
The final day was busier than Friday but less so than Saturday. Panels were easy to get to and even the 3rd floor ballroom, while mostly full, could be re-entered after leaving. TV studios took their turn in the ballroom and we got to see new episodes of Once Upon a Time and Community and then hear from the cast of Fringe and Alcatraz. The con ended with Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog… all in all a good con.
One side note, parking at Disneyland’s Toy Story lot was easier in the morning on Sunday, but it became a pain to leave after the con. I think the only weak link for WonderCon’s first (and hopefully not last) time in Anaheim was the parking situation. However, now that everyone knows the crowds it will bring here, I’m sure solutions can be figured out for next year if it stays! *crosses fingers*
Up next is Gina. Yes, A GIRL! FYI, copy and paste are my friends
went to a few panels. DC all access, Superman vs The Elite, and I
stayed in the ballroom all day Saturday and most of Sunday. The free
swag From the Abarham Linclon Vampire Hunter/Prometheus panel was
awesome. If you haven't seen the posters they gave out you need to
check them out. They kick ass! My favorite panel or panels I should
say ( I have two ) were the Alcatraz and Fringe ones on Sunday. I love
both shows and it was pretty awesome to see almost the entire cast of
both shows. My favorite moment this weekend by far was being able to
tell Maggie Grace (who played Shannon on LOST and was there to promote
her new movie, LOCKOUT) that I loved her in lost. It was AWESOME!!!
The floor was alot of fun. I spent most of Friday checking out
all the booths. Most booths were smaller then I expected but since it
wasn't too busy it worked out great. My favorite booth were these guys
that had a zombie comic and did all kinds of cool zombie related
activities. My favorite is the zombie beauty pagent they have in
Riverside every year. I'm glad i checked it out.
All in all this past weekend was great. It wasn't busy at all and
most lines for panels were fairly short. I'm hoping it'll stay here in
Anahiem for the next couple years. Lets all cross are fingers.
And last but not least, Lenny!
Wondercon 2012
What do you get when you have a cheerleading competition in the Arena, Volleyball in Hall D, and a bunch of nerds in Hall E? WONDERCON 2012!
Usually, this convention takes place in San Fransisco, but due to renovations, it took place at the Anaheim Convention Center for the first time! Fans were drawn to Wondercon from Friday, March 16 through Sunday, March 18, 2012.
I had the opportunity to attend the festivities, and let me tell you it was AMAZING! Friday was a slow day for con-goers and a great day to check out the floor. Surprisingly, Wondercon seemed to be more dedicated to the artists and the realm of comic books. The whole left side was pretty much artist alley. Many independent artists were there selling and giving people the opportunity to buy prints or original pieces of art. One of my favorite artists, Eric Powell (The Goon, Billy the Kid's odd time oddities) was on hand in artists alley as well. He had a spotlight panel there, but seemed he had nothing prepared. Sadly, he had no art for sale as well.
Saturday was a busy day. We got there late due to rain and parking being a clusterfuck. We finally arrived at around 1:00. Our day was going to take place in the ballroom to see the Prometheus panel. Unfortunately, we couldn't get in.
Luckily enough, my friend had two tickets to the Q and A session with Ridley Scott at the Downtown Disney AMC! SCORE! However, he only agreed to trade with us if we saved him a spot in line for the Looper panel. We agreed, got our tickets and took a cab. Made it in time and saw the new trailer twice in 3-D and got a sweet poster when we left! We had heard later on that evening that they were showing a special screening of Cabin in the Woods at the Gardenwalk, but decided to stay home and get some sleep instead.
Sunday was a day I had planned on staying inside the ballroom for a day dedicated to television. Saw panels for Alcatraz, Fringe, Once Upon a Time, and Community. Dan Harmon, creator of Community, is awesomely insane.
They finally ended the show with Dr. Horrible's Sing-along blog. People were singing, laughing, and waving their hands in the air.
All in all, Wondercon was enjoyable. Not as bad as San Diego Comic-con, but great for what they had. What I really liked about this convention was the days in the ballroom: Saturday was dedicated to films, and Sunday was dedicated to television.
So long Wondercon! It was great to be a guest and I hope you'll be back next year!
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