SUPER SHINY NERDS
Comic Con!: Convention at Oaks Expo Center draws fans of all stripes
An estimated 10,000 to 12,000 fanboys and fangirls got their geek on at The Great Philadelphia Comic Con! convention at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks last weekend.
The event, which paid special tribute to “Star Trek” and “The Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers” was replete with brightly colored costumed rangers and more than enough Starfleet officers to man a mission to boldly go where no man has gone before.
Many of the attendees dressed as their favorite characters from the comic books and the sci-fi multiverse to meet and have memorabilia signed by celebrities such as Nichelle Nichols, Lt. Uhura in the original “Star Trek” series; Jonathan Frakes, Commander Riker from “Star Trek: The Next Generation”; and several members of the Power Rangers, including Walter Emanuel Jones, the original black ranger, and David Yost, who played the blue ranger in the 1995 Power Rangers film adaptation.
The most popular celebrity to appear at the convention was the original “Star Trek’s” George Takei, whose Saturday-only appearance drew throngs of fans eager to get a chance to meet the cultural icon who got his start as Mr. Sulu.
For the most discerning comics fans, the most eagerly anticipated stars to appear were the comic book writers and artistwho bring their favorite heroes to life, like Mark Morales of Marvel Comics fame, author and artist Mike Capprotti and the legendary JimSteranko, whose groundbreaking work as an artist, innovator and historian spans more than 50 years.
In addition to the presence of comic book and sci-fi royalty, vendors were on hand selling comic books, original art, figurines, jewelry, replica weaponry and costumes inspired by comics.
There was also a food court with tables where Deadpool could unwind while sipping ona soda next to a Klingon munching on a hot dog.
The Comic Con faithful were also invited to panels, some of which concen- trated on specific shows or guests and others with topics as varied as professional makeup for professional cosplay and geek speed dating.
Although the convention goers seemed thrilled to reside for a while in “geek heaven.” The artists and performers seemed just as thrilled to get feedback from the fans.
“This is fantastic to be here at Comic Con,” said Seth Gilliam, famous for his roles as the Father Gabriel Stokes on “The Walking Dead” and police Lt. Ellis Carter on “The Wire.” “You know, after the last few episodes (of The Walking Dead) that father Gabriel had. I was kind of curious as to what the response would be.
“But I’m getting a lot of love, a lot of love to hate you!” he addedwitha smile.
Philly’s version of Comic Con is the brainchild of 35-year-old Lehigh Valley native Christopher Wertz, who organized his first convention in Allentown in 2009. This is his first convention at the Expo Center inOaks. Wertz plans to continue the Lehigh Valley comics convention and hopes that The Great Philadelphia Comic Con will become an Easter weekend tradition.
“Our motto is ‘Get Ur Geek On,’”said Wertz. “The whole idea behind this is that different people from different backgrounds with different fan bases get together andhave a ton of fun enjoying what they do, be it cosplay and getting dressed as your favorite character, meeting their favorite artist, meeting their favorite actor, celebrity, writer. We try to have it all.
“And then maybe even getting a chance to buy some great toy, product, clothing or whatever it happens to be that they might want to add to their special collection or wear next time they come to the show.”
Wertz’s original Allentown show featured only comic books and artists, but has expanded along with the growing market and interest in comic books and science fiction movies and television shows. Wertz was proud of the vendors, celebrity guests and enthusiastic fans, but never forgot the passion for comic books that led him to found the convention.
“My true passion, at the end of the day, for doing this, is to try to get kids to read.”