Costumed Figures Appear This Weekend for Austin Comic Con 2013

This guest article is by Robert Luke.

There are probably few people out there who never once fantasized about beaming into space, flying through the air, or at least wearing a cool superhero outfit.

This weekend you can fulfill at least one of those goals at Wizard World’s Austin Comic Con, which will be taking place November 22-24th at the Austin Convention Center. The three-day event is guaranteed to be awesome, celebrating not just comic books, but pop culture in general.

For those who have never been to a comic book convention before, you can have so much fun getting a chance to meet some of your favorite pop culture stars, checking out some of the vendors’ tables, or just people-watching.

Costumes Make for Good People-Watching

Seriously, it is so much fun to watch all of the creative costumes that people make and wear as cosplay. You’re almost guaranteed to see some of your favorite characters from science fiction movies, comic books, or video games. Most of the time, cosplayers will be super cool and friendly about letting you take their picture, so don’t be afraid to ask (no matter how intimidating Zangief might look).

Celebrity Guests

Also, don’t forget about all of the celebrity guests. Some of the most noted celebrities in attendance include Stan “The Man” Lee and William Shatner. In fact, Mayor Lee Leffingwell is set to declare November 22nd “William Shatner Day” at a special ceremony to kick-off the the convention, conferring Shatner with an “Honorary Austin Citizenship.” These two legends will be at the Austin Comic Con on Friday evening and all day Saturday for autographs and photos ops with fans.

Familiar Faces from TV and Film

Other awesome guests in attendance who you might recognize from TV and film will be there as well. They include Scott Bakula of Quantum Leap, Ralph Macchio, Jason David Frank who is my favorite Power Ranger, Bruce Campbell, Lou Forrigno, and way more. Additionally, if you’re a fan of The Walking Dead, you’ll have many opportunities to meet some of the actors from the show, like Norman Reedus (Daryl), his fictional brother Michael Rooker (Merle), Laurie Holden (Andrea), and Chandler Riggs (Carl). If comic books and science fiction aren’t your thing, the Austin Comic Con will also feature WWE superstars John Cena and the Bella Twins.

Comic Book Legends

This is a comic book convention, so let’s not forget about some of the legendary comic book creators. First of all, I have to mention Neal Adams, who along with writer Dennis O’Neal helped turn Batman from his campy persona into the more modern serious vigilante we all know him to be. On the opposite end of time is artist Gregg Capullo, the current artist of the Batman comic books, who has drawn Joker to look the most terrifying he’s ever been. Another artist to be excited about is Mark Bagley, who drew Amazing Spider-Man in the 90s, and went on to draw Ultimate Spider-Man, the modern reboot. Other artists and writers in attendance will include Kenneth Rocafort, Barry Kitson, Mike Grell, Phil Ortiz, Arthur Suydam, and Michael Golden.

Special Screening for Doctor Who Fans

Now Doctor Who fans, listen up. BBC will be screening the highly-anticipated 50th anniversary special at the event this Saturday, November 23rd. There will be a fan meet up at 1:00 PM before the screening starts, in Ballroom D at the Convention Center. Also, as a charity initiative for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Neal Adams will be auctioning select pieces of his art. There are also a number of panels with many of the guests mentioned above, including William Shatner.

Don’t Miss Local Talent

Lastly, the most ignored group of people at most conventions are some of our own Austin-brewed, local talent. Usually, Austin Comic Con is separated between TV and film guests and the “Artists Alley.” Amongst all of the TV celebrities and toy vendors, please take some time to go check out some of the great, artistic talent our city has to offer.

Even if you’re not a science fiction or comic book enthusiast, you can most likely find something that peaks your interest at Wizard World’s Austin Comic Con, whether it’s an actor from your favorite TV show, collectibles to buy, or just checking out the awesome costumes. Austin Comic Con will be a weekend to be remembered. And hey, if you want to wear one of your favorite costumes, you’ll be in the best of company.

For more information and tickets for Austin Comic Con, please visit their website.

 

@OhNoRobertLuke asks:

Are you interested in attending Austin Comic Con 2013? What do you most want to see?

 

Robert is a film maker, born and brewed in Austin, TX. His favorite musician is Johnny Cash and he can frequently be found hiding at Alamo Drafthouse, Pinballz, or one of the many dive bars in East Austin.

 

Cover photo via Flickr CC, courtesy of Do512.com.