Cons or conventions are characteristically known for their ability to bring individuals from all walks of life together to examine, discuss and celebrate a common interest. Now with that being said the only cons or conventions I’ve ever attended were home and boat shows some twenty years ago with my parents. So it suffices to say that I have no idea what to expect when it comes to attending Dreamcon.
Knowing what I do about RDC World who happens to be the host and presenter of Dreamcon, I’m expecting nothing less than to have to wholeheartedly defend my stances on multiple anime subjects; from One Piece being the most unnecessarily long anime to what anime has the best character development (it’s my hero academia). With that being said, I’m looking forward to discussions, debates, and insider information from guest speakers and everyone in attendance. Conversation creates comradery and helps build relationships that last beyond the con itself.
After trying to convince the whole con that Naruto is just a half-decent anime at best, it’s time to make a run for the food and drink vendors. Now as I mentioned earlier this would be my first con in a good while so I’m looking for a variety of foods and drinks to choose from. I’m hoping that there will be a lean towards Japanese cuisine to reflect what our favorite characters eat on the shows. Themed food and drinks that reflect anime and manga are starting to become more commonplace at smaller scale restaurants and drinking establishments just think of the DBZ-themed ramen bar.
Last but not least, I’m ready for the cosplay. I feel that a good measure of how well a con is doing overall is the lengths people will go to make their cosplay come to life. Let’s be honest if you go to a con and not one person is dressed up it basically sets the tone for the rest of your stay at that con. Overall I’m expecting Dreamcon to have at least these few key elements throughout the convention. Now if RDC has any other tricks or treats up their sleeves for those of us attending that will just act as the cherry on top of what I hope to be a very engaging convention.
If you had only one day to attend Riot Fest 2021, would you go? I sure did and it was one of the best days I’ve had in a long time. Having a day job and getting very little notice of my approval for a press pass meant I would only have one day (Friday) to attend. Thankfully three of my favorite bands were playing one after the other with no conflicts on that day. Motion City Soundtrack, Coheed and Cambria, and The Smashing Pumpkins: the bands that made up most of my high school playlists circa 2004. I couldn’t ask for a better lineup for my first event coming out of the pandemic. Riot Fest really brought the heat on this one.
COVID precautions also took center stage, with vaccine cards or negative results being a prerequisite to gain entry. I felt better about attending and being in such a large crowd with those guidelines in place. Riot Fest also went one step further and even had a rapid test station on-site (for $50), as well as a local hospital administering free COVID vaccines for those who wanted one. For us photographers, we had to wear a mask in the pit and in our press area when not eating or drinking. It wasn’t that big of a deal to me and I am glad they were thinking of everyone’s safety.
It’s been two years since my last festival, Intersect, and it was great to be back again. The lines to get in seemed to move quickly, the VIP line even faster. This being my first Riot Fest, I was impressed by the sheer size of it. However, trying to get from one stage to another can get tiring, and I’m not sure if I could have done all 3 days. I definitely got all my steps in for the week! The food vendors were great, most of which consisted of carnival-themed food, which I love, and the VIP area had an even better selection. I will admit being able to use VIP bathrooms was great. Upgraded (cleaner) bathrooms are where it’s at.
I started my day with Circa Survive, not a band I really listened to but still a pretty great show. Anthony Green was very energetic and it made for some great photos. After that, I went to see Anti-Flag, where I got to see some excellent moshing after we left the pit. I went to the ferris wheel during the remainder of their set where I got to witness one of the largest circle pits (seen in the cover photo of this post). Soon after, it was time for a band I’ve been into since I saw them at my first concert ever (Warped Tour 2004)… Motion City Soundtrack. Seeing them took me all the way back to high school, and they still had the same classic sound and energy as if they hadn’t aged a day. I took some of my best shots of audience members after crowd surfing; some of the happiest faces I’ve seen in such a long time.
Next up was a band just as close to my heart, Coheed and Cambria. While we were standing outside the pit, there were so many of us photographers who were split into two groups having 7 minutes each, and I thought to myself… what, so 1 song? And of course, the first song they played was In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3, but damn what a song to open with, and to be that close! I found myself getting lost listening and headbanging with the crowd. Who can’t resist shouting “MAN YOUR OWN JACKHAMMER!!!”?
I couldn’t have picked a better way to end my night and the whole reason why I would make such a journey for one day of the fest… The Smashing Pumpkins! I was born in ‘87 so I wasn’t quite old enough to see them in the beginning. It wasn’t until they released Zeitgeist and went back out on tour that I finally got to see them live. I had fond memories of watching MTV (when it played videos) waiting for Tonight, Tonight, or 1979 to air. Billy Corgan still has those pipes. They played pretty much all classics and some new songs from CYR. However my favorites had to be EYE with Meg Myers stepping in, and then Shame, two rarities I haven’t heard live before. It even rained and it only added to the magic of the night.
Trying to leave Riot Fest was madness that took hours, albeit through no fault of the festival. So many people using the same rideshare app made for long delays and surging prices. Also, downtown was mostly shut down due to celebrations of Dieciseis de Septiembre (Mexican Independence Day), another wild sight to see. All in all, it was a great day and an amazing festival. I would like to thank the staff at Riot Fest and congratulate them for pulling this off during the most difficult times for live music in our lifetime.
This year Amazon decided to up the madness by not having just one or two activations but three all in one giant area. I was invited to a special press preview on Wednesday to see the madness first hand and without all the lines. The installations for this year consisted of The Expanse, returning for another season, and two brand new shows, The Boys and Carnival Row. Upon entering you are greeted by the extra friendly staff who give out tokens that could be used for a variety of snacks, such as kettle corn, fruit cups, pretzel bites, and my favorite Churros.
And an extra special treat for the media folks was the free Carls Jr burgers and fries. I was in heaven and even tried the new beyond burger because let’s face it at Comicon this would be my only healthy meal.
The first Activation was based on their hit show the Expanse. We were loaded into what looks like a spacecraft after a briefing from our commanders we exited and were transported to an alien world as un peacekeepers to find out what’s going on with the “belters” who were accused of attacking settlers. After some conversations with prisoners, we heard loud inhuman noise and quickly had to leave. Once over we received this lovely show branded mugs. After that, I went to The Boys installation. A brand new show coming out this week based on the Comic book by the same name (top comic in my list). We went inside to a full setup electronic store where a car had crashed through. We were briefed that we were to help the boys hide the crime of defeating a superhero. Once over we got a nice branded pin.
Unfortunately, I was not able to complete carnival Row due to prior engagements but I hear it was the best one. Smack dab in the middle of the area was the large glass pyramid structure where we were treated to special acts based on the three shows. If the shows are even half as good as the activation Amazon prime will be a force to reckon with when it comes to streaming televison.
This is my third Comic-con in a row being from Austin and a party blogger for SXSW, you could consider me an expert at parties off-site from the conventions. I was disappointed to find out the Wired CAFE would not be returning for their 3-day bash and had to find something. Thankfully I was able to find an event at the luxurious Fluxx night club in San Diego. Xlevelent hosted a 3-day party from Wednesday to Friday night each day had its own theme.
The club itself was set up each night to represent the theme for each event. My first night there I was thrust into the world of ready player one. The second (my favorite) I was transported to the upside-down. And for the final third night, we were treated to the awesome mixer that was themed after Marvel and the guardians of the galaxy. What set this event apart was the sheer star power that these events were able to obtain. Each night there was a red carpet for special guests such as RJ Word, Dan Fogler and King of Rap, Darryl “DMC” Mcdaniels. An even better surprise was the Celebrities that came to the party with the Vip crowd. From the cast of Agents of Shield to the Workaholics Crew.
Everyone wanted to show up to these parties during ComicCon. Of course, the best part was not needing a badge to attend just a ticket purchase. The music was top-notch several different Dj’s, the 80’s cover band the Flux capacitors, Dan Fogler and Darryl “DMC” all performed for us. We can’t wait to see what they will do next year. Hopefully, they will think about coming to my neck of the woods and doing an event for SXSW but not sure if they’re ready for 14 days of madness…or are they?
Here’s the RSVPS we have been waiting for hope to see you all there.
IGN’s Official SDCC Party featuring The Expanse: Belter Party What: Dedicated to our fellow humans born on the Asteroid Belt, this party will feature cosmic cocktails and delicious eats that are out of this world. Attendees will dance the night away with select cast members of The Expanse. When: Thursday, July 18 Time TBD Where: The Amazon Prime Video Experience at Comic-Con, MLK and 1st, San Diego, CA 92101
Important Info: For our parties, 21+ to attend, ID required.
The Boys: World Premiere Fan Screening and Party What: Cast & creators of The Boys will join fans for an exclusive 2-episode sneak preview ahead of the series premiere. When: Friday, July 19 from 7 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. PT Where: The Amazon Prime Video Experience at Comic-Con, MLK and 1st, San Diego, CA 92101 Important Info: For our parties, 21+ to attend, ID required.
The series is rated MA.
PUBLIC / GENERAL ADMISSION RSVP: https://rsvptheboys.eventbrite.com
Carnival Row: Come As You Are Party What: Come as you are! Whoever you choose to be, your individuality will be celebrated at this closing celebration of the 50th Annual San Diego Comic-Con. As you enjoy a drink or a few, be on the lookout for characters from Carnival Row, enjoy a sneak peek of the upcoming series, and dance to live DJ performance. When: Saturday, July 20 from 7 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. PT Where: The Amazon Prime Video Experience at Comic-Con, MLK and 1st, San Diego, CA 92101
Important Info: For our parties, 21+ to attend formal ID required.
PUBLIC / GENERAL ADMISSION RSVP: https://rsvpcarnivalrow.eventbrite.com
Fans will be Transported into the Worlds of the Amazon Original Series The Boys, The Expanse and Carnival Row through an Immersive Activation Designed to Captivate Customers with Live Performances and Experiences Inspired by the Shows
The Amazon Prime Video Experience will also Host Exclusive Parties and The Official Fan Premiere of The Boys
Amazon Prime Video’s Panel Line-up Includes Cast & Creators from New and Returning Series, Including Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne from Carnival Row, Karl Urban and Jack Quaid from The Boys, the stars of The expanse, Undone, The Man in The High Castle and More.
THE AMAZON PRIME VIDEO EXPERIENCE
The Amazon Prime Video Experience will celebrate the new Amazon Original series The Boys and Carnival
Row, as well as the upcoming fourth season of The Expanse, with an immersive 60,000 square-foot activation
located across from the San Diego Convention Center. The Amazon Prime Video Experience will be open from
Thursday, July 18 through Sunday, July 21, with a special preview day open, to press on Wednesday, July 17.
Located on the corner of MLK and 1st, fanboys and fangirls will be drawn into the Amazon Prime Video
An experience by the sight of a 40-foot tower adorned with giant LED screens that will be playing scenes from The
Boys, Carnival Row, and The Expanse. Comic-Con attendees will also be treated to live, show-specific
performances taking place atop the multi-level tower.
Once inside, attendees will receive collectible gold and silver coins which they can use to further explore the activation. Fans can begin their day covering up the crime scene of a superhero kidnapping at the Audio Visual shop where Hughie works on The Boys. On the opposite end of the space, a Rocinante spaceship is positioned that will take adventure-seekers on a United Nations peacekeeping mission to a newly colonized planet seen in The Expanse. Guests can also discover the Carnival Row universe in which humans and exotic creatures coexist before entering The Forbidden Lounge, a neo-Victorian decorated hideaway venue, to enjoy a special performance. Amazon Prime Video collaborated with LG within the series activations to provide a premiere viewing experience for attendees.
After exploring the shows, guests can escape the summer heat and relax under a tented awning with refreshing beverages and a selection of mouthwatering bites, including Carl’s Jr., which will provide burgers on-site for press and fans as part of The Boys campaign. Cosplayers can even find a Cosplay Photography
Corner within the walls of the Amazon Prime Video Experience, where a lifestyle photographer will be onsite to take professional portraits as digital takeaways.
The third and final day. I must admit that I am very sad to see this epic party come to a close. Day 3 at the WIRED Café included celebrity guests Holland Taylor (Mr. Mercedes), David Harbour and Matthew Modine (Stranger Things), Michael Rooker (Guardians of the Galaxy), Graham McTavish (Preacher), Ricky Whittle (American Gods) and more! DJ Artistic helped bring the house down by starting an amazing dance party worthy of any good con. I’ve been to countless parties for SXSW with some of the biggest brands sponsoring them and Wired is king among them. Thank you for having us out a our first comic and showing us Texans a great time.
What a day we had at the Wired Cafe, costume dance-off and cake, what more could you ask for? Day 2 at the WIRED Café included a special celebration where Jamie Chung (The
Gifted) and Nicholas Thompson (WIRED Editor-in-Chief) cut the 10th Anniversary cake
to the tunes of happy birthday while guests cheered with a champagne toast.
Other celebrity guests in attendance included, Jimmi Simpson (Westworld), Caleb
McLaughlin and Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things), Tim Roth (Twin Peaks), James Van Der
Beek (What Would Diplo Do?) and more!
He still knew nothing
Lady Deadpool Dance Champ
Jamie Chung (The Gifted) and Nicholas Thompson (WIRED Editor-in-Chief)
We started our day off right with some delicious bites and cold drinks at the annual Wired Cafe. The opening day of WIRED Café included celebrity guests, Justin Theroux (Lego Ninjago), Dave Franco (Lego Ninjago), Katheryn Winnick (Vikings),the Teen Wolf (Tyler Posey) and Timeless (Abigail Spencer) casts and more! We’ve been to a lot of events and parties through out the years but Wired Cafe has really out done themselves. We cant wait to see what or most importantly, who day two will bring.
I personally didn’t get to see too many films at this years Fantastic Fest, but this film is one of the best I’ve seen since 2012. Before I begin, Ballers, you must first understand the amount of work that was put into this film. Takahide Hori has spent nearly 7 years creating this stop-motion animated masterpiece with little to no help. The visuals alone look as though he had backing from some big production company, but he did it all himself. That alone is an impressive feat but that’s not what makes this film fantastic. Hori first hooks us with a juicy sci-fi plot, humans achieved near immortality but lost the ability to procreate, so clones were created to help with menial tasks. Eventually, the clones rebel and move underground. Pretty good so far, then he skips us to 1300 years in the future, humans are dying and need to go underground to see how the clones have managed to survive and evolve. Reading that description in the fantastic fest program had me hooked. Once the film began I did have some reservations about the stop motion being clunky but was surprised at how well animated and smooth the characters and creatures moved. Not only did the visuals keep me interested but the soundtrack used was top notch, especially the action scenes. The story was paced pretty well and was able to provide a good backstory to important characters with out making the film drag on. Without going into spoilers, I’ll say the film had everything: thrills, chills, action, adventure, comedy and even a scene that had me tear up a bit. As of now, JunkHead doesn’t have a distributor. But Takahide has the 30 minutes know as Junk Head part 1 on youtube. Check it out here.
