Sunday at the Calgary Entertainment Expo 2017

I did not get many pictures today unfortunately. I intended to head down to the con early, but a situation came up at work. It ended up being a bit of a catalyst for a lot of things this week, but that's a story for another time. I'll likely do an update on all that after Dungeons and Dragons tomorrow night (writing this on Friday the week AFTER con). Anyhow, I ventured out one last time for Calgary Entertainment Expo 2017.

Surprisingly enough, it wasn't super busy that day. My main goal was to find Kathleen and hang out with her for awhile. Didn't end up meeting up, but I was able to see what the con looked like on the Sunday. I searched around for people I knew, the LEGO display and just last minute deals in general, but like the people I hoped to run into, they were no where to be found.

Fun story I heard from the con (I haven't confirmed this myself, so feel free to correct me) that Todd Mcfarlane got Stan Lee to come to the Expo despite Stan Lee deciding last year that he didn't want to do comic cons anymore. The stipulation was that since Todd got Stan Lee for the con, he could call the shots at his autograph booth. He mandated that all of his autographs would be free for the fans. So, as far as I am aware, for the whole weekend, fans got free autographs. His line-up was huge every single time I walked by while he was there. Seems like a decent thing to do to let fans see Stan Lee and at the same time give the man a break (especially since he agreed to come).

This is an awful picture of me, but I was trying to subtly take a picture of a mysterious gathering of cosplayers all standing in a circle. Occasionally a couple would be in the centre of the circle, but they weren't dancing or anything just...standing there or fixing costume elements. It was a HUGE circle too, so you wouldn't be able to talk to someone on the other side. I'm just going to assume it was a cosplay cult ritual to banish furries to the shadow realm (there was a furry in the centre of the circle at one point). 

Wandered around a bit more afterwards. I ended up getting stuck in a mass of about 100 people in one hall where one guy decided that a stressful, claustrophobic situation was the best time to hit on me and try to strike up a conversation. Like...good job trying to start a conversation I guess, but what about my stressed and strung-out face in the middle of a bunch of sweaty, smelly people screamed "hi I'm interested"? I pretended not to hear him with the excuse that he couldn't possibly be talking to me and escaped to pet a cute pit bull at one of the animal rescue booths. I was also an animal that needed rescuing so it was fitting.

I went outside to get some air and to avoid having a panic attack and ended up sitting next to a group of kids whipping tiny Pokeballs at each other as hard as they could. I watched a Batman cosplayer climb onto a statue and pose as a Joker cosplayer screamed at him until a group of people started smoking next to me.

Lessons learned for next year at this con. A lot more planning is required beyond the Thursday night, I need a person to distract me from the chaos, and I apparently can click and drag photos to wrap text around them. Why haven't I thought of this before...

Overall, mixed feelings about the con this year. Was super fun initially, but it definitely lost traction for me as the weekend carried on. I don't know if it was my attitude or just me getting old, but it was...different for me this year. The Expo volunteers and staff were excellent. They finally have a lot of the processes down to a science and the crowds are a lot better managed. I will be returning in future years, but hopefully they have more media guests I'm interested in seeing next year.

Saturday at the Calgary Entertainment Expo 2017

My main goal for Saturday at comic con was to see Mara Wilson's panel and to enjoy some of the amazing cosplay at the con. The weirdest thing is this was a couple days ago and I completely forget a few of the reasons I went to the con and what I did after Mara's panel, but I'm hoping it comes back to me as I write. It's there...I just need to find it in my head again...

Thank god for pictures.

I took the train down to comic con on Saturday as I didn't have to haul any goods back home and I didn't want to try to find a parking space down at the grounds. I ended up sitting across from a couple dressed as Rey from Star Wars and Black Canary, whom I would by chance be sitting behind during Mara's panel. Even at the entrance to the grounds, I could see there was a lot more people milling about. Also it wasn't freezing cold and raining.

I hurried to try and get to the panel, worried that I'd miss it as I had about 5 minutes to spare. I had to stop and get a picture of the only person I have ever encountered cosplaying as Red.

So that was super exciting. I ran up to the empty line where a volunteer told me to check with the volunteers at the next door to see if they'd let me in. They mentioned the Boyce Theatre might already be full (it was not), but that I might be lucky. I ran over to the door where I waited behind a couple trying to get inside the building for a panel. They were arguing with the dude for a bit until the volunteer finally got fed up and just told them to go over to the Corral entrance to try their luck there, and then walk inside to sneak over to the Boyce Theatre. Being the creeper I am, I just acted casual and followed them inside.

Though I kept thinking that I would be accidentally walking into some random panel by accident as I never ACTUALLY heard the couple say they were seeking out the Mara Wilson panel. I just guessed.

The theatre was about 3/4 full, so the volunteer was probably just saying it might be full in case they wouldn't let me in. The couple I saw on the train ended up sitting in front of me (that's one of them in the lower right there), but I'm antisocial so I just played Fire Emblem for 2 minutes until Mara was introduced.

And she was introduced with the wrong pronunciation of Mara. I initially felt like an idiot as I had asked a few people outside about where the panel line was for Mara Wilson and thought I had been saying it wrong the whole time. Turns out I was right (yay). It ended up being what I hope was a running joke as the moderator kept saying her name wrong, but Mara was really good about it.

The panel was excellent and Mara was really easy to listen to as she talked about some of her experiences as a child actor, her book and her real love of storytelling. She interacted really well with the audience as well, but to be fair, this has to be one of the only panels I've been in where there wasn't a REALLY awkward question of some sort. I think the most borderline question was something to do with Doug Walker (Nostalgia Critic) and a past feud between them.

My pictures are the blurriest pictures. The spotlights were really bright though.

One of the key things I was glad to go and hear about was her experiences with anxiety and how she deals with panic attacks and feeling uncomfortable. She recommended a lot of books (both about that topic and a bunch of her other current/favourite reads) and a few of her videos (one of which I used that night as I was really struggling with anxiety over the weekend). She gave a lot of advice about interacting with people online and how you don't need to take everything personally, or read things when their sole purpose is to upset you.

Overall, a fantastic panel and while it was the only one I went to, it was definitely worth attending.

And then I lost all the change out of my jacket pocket in the mass exodus from the theatre. I heard a little jingling noise and looked back to see a quarter. Had I stopped to retrieve it, I would have been trampled or tripped over so I just...left my $3.50 on the ground. Guess someone had a lucky find.

I wandered the con and picked up the Cyanide and Happiness game for Oliver while I was wandering around. I meant to get a picture of how busy the hall was, but this picture didn't really do it justice.

THIS ONE, however, gives a little bit better of an idea. I think this was the crowd that really threw me over the edge for that day as it was a little difficult to navigate anywhere. I went back for the "I Was Groot" coaster because it was so morbidly amusing, then I tried to search for the LEGO display, which I regret to say either does not exist this year, or I did not find it.

I ran into a few people I knew and chatted for awhile. They spent most of their day attending panels and autograph sessions (they were getting the Popfigure versions of all the media guests signed 'cause that's their thing). I should have stuck with them at that point as the crowd really got to me without any other people to distract me. I did, however, see some great cosplay.

I am so sad this picture ended up blurry (maybe I put my thumb on the lens or something), but his Pyramid Head was the best. He was wandering around the con with the Pyramid head gait, slowly limping and dragging the weapon. Everyone was hilariously freaked out except this tiny little 8-10 year old who walked up to him with a huge grin and asked for a picture with him. Pyramid Head held her head with one hand as a pose.

After that I saw about 5 different Pyramid Heads around the con that were good, but weren't at that level.

This in general was just amazing. The picture really doesn't do it justice as a volunteer was trying to break up the improvised photo session. It was a little ironic because there was absolutely no blockage here and had these cosplayers ventured past the autograph area they would have been trapped in a sweaty sea of people.

Have to admit this was one of my more favourite Wonder Woman costumes that I've seen. Loved the boots.

Another thing the con had everywhere this year was a bunch of life-sized Daleks. I spotted about 4 of them scattered around the con at different booths. There were also large cut-outs of bears everywhere, but I forgot to snap a picture of those.

Wandered back outside to get some fresh air and return to the Big Four and artist's alley. I snapped a few pictures outside to share an idea of how many people were on the grounds on Saturday.

A lot of the cosplayers, especially with the larger costumes, were wandering around outside to cool off and get pictures with people. My favourite is when cosplayers are taking a break as you just see someone like the Wolverine sitting around eating over-priced perogies on a sidewalk curb.

Speaking of Wolverine, I had a Wolverine cough in my face when I was in the main exhibition hall. So that was nice. I blame the mild cold I have now on him.

I found Justin at the tabletop gaming area (as I mentioned on Thursday, he teaches people how to play the games and helps run the tournaments on Sunday). I missed him on the not busy night, so I made sure to seek him out on Saturday.

Afterwards I headed upstairs to buy some soap and a bath bomb from Wednesday and ended up getting a really adorable Eevee hat that I'm not sure if I want to keep or donate to Extra Life (it's REALLY SOFT). Once I wandered upstairs a bit and (unsuccessfully) searched for the LEGO display, I decided I had enough of the con for Saturday.

I would return for awhile on Sunday...which was a little less fun than anticipated.

STAY TUNED.

Thursday at the Calgary Entertainment Expo 2017

This is a good week. I have really needed a good week for awhile. Kevin O'Leary dropped out of the Conservative leadership race, I figured out some annoying RPG maker script stuff, Outlast 2 came out, I got a free parking spot really close to work today (vs a 5 minute walk), my good friend had her baby and oh, yes IT'S COMIC CON TODAY. And tomorrow. And the next day. And the next day.

I'm writing this before the con, and obviously I will add pictures and experience updates later. Today is my preview and shopping day. I actually have a bit of money to spend at the con this year saved from the sale of my broken car. I'm hoping to find some good items Kathleen and I can use to raise money for Extra Life this year. I also have a mission to find various people I know are going that I tend to miss for whatever reason in other years.

Oh my god, I just realized I wore the EXACT same clothes on Thursday last year. Same necklace and everything.

Last Year

This Year

Oops. 

Anyway...I finished up work around 4:30 and headed over to the Stampede grounds, which are fairly close to where I work. I at least knew where to go this year to get my wrist band, so that process was relatively quick and painless. Below is the general crowd (lol) walking to get their tickets. 

I ended up intercepting Justin by accident on the way, and in turn I happened to be walking behind another few people he knew, so he was essentially assaulted by a bunch of people while he was desperately trying to run and grab something. I told him I'd meet up with him later...and never did BECAUSE HE WAS ON BREAK. GOD.

Anyway, Justin is a friend from dodgeball and one of the key members of the Friday Night Gamers. He's one of the volunteers this year teaching people how to play various board games. I'll get back to that area later.

I escaped the Big Four and made my way back to the main exhibition hall, eager to get started with some shopping. I stopped by a tree to clear some streetpasses out of my 3DS and watch a Stormtrooper watch a bunch of Vikings scream and hit each other with sticks. This is...probably the least busy I've ever seen the Viking area the last few years I've attended.

Inside was tables and tables full of FRESH UNSULLIED MERCHANDISE. And now that I've said "fully stocked" in the weirdest way possible, please see the above obligatory comparison crowd shot. Thursday is absolutely wonderful for just exploring the con, talking to the booth owners and artists, and just generally being able to breathe. Navigating the floor is still an infuriating exercise in patience as you need to be borderline dancing to get around distracted people who don't know how to herd, but it's nice to not feel like cattle while you're there.

I essentially wandered up and down every aisle, taking subtle pictures of everything I could as I wasn't too sure whether vendors would get mad at me for snapping shots of their merch. I tried to take a secret shot of an image of Trump dressed up as a fairy, but the pictured turned out blurry.

I'm fairly certain that the LEGO display simply does not exist on Thursday preview night, because for the third or fourth year in a row (I'd have to go back in the blog to see) I could not for the life of me find them. I did, however, find a booth with hundreds of minifigures for sale ($5 each). I soon discovered that there were many many booths for minifigures.

And those Popfigures...

Like ALL the Popfigures this year. Last year there were at least 5-10 places you could get them. I want to say that a good 1/3 of the booths in the main exhibition hall and the adjoining one had at least a small selection to choose from. To be fair, some booths had secondary locations, but the sheer number of these things are ridiculous. Naturally I bought a couple (cause Shauna was looking for one and I found a masked Corvo). I saw what I assumed was a rare one in one of the booths which was selling for $299. I don't remember what it was. 

Also:

Big Bird will be supplying my nightmares this evening.

It was good to see some classics were back, like the finger tentacles.

And the uncomfortable number of bodypillows.

And the Tower of T-shirts with its ominous hanging bathrobes (which I can see they learned the merits of putting it in the MIDDLE of the floor vs the side near the washroom).

And the corset place, which I'm fairly sure has drastically increased their stock from previous years. 

The place that sold the giant cutouts of people, however, did not have any new Trumps...or really all that many cut outs. It had been replaced by a massive wall of Popfigures. 

Discovered some new things...and new oddities, including what appeared to be a secret tea party of some sort.

Something for Kevin. He knows what.

A series of...

...ominously...

...stacked...

SHEEP.

And...just...this...

Then I came across something I didn't quite know what to do with. I was staring at it for about 5 minutes, screaming internally and trying to determine whether paying $6.99 was worth finding out what it was.

They're...they're...Fire Emblem trading cards. 

FIRE EMBLEM TRADING CARDS. I did not know these existed. I have no idea what they are. I don't know what you do with them. But here they are. I think I weirded the dude out a little cause I was just standing there, staring at them until some kid came up to actually buy some of the cards.

Oh yeah, and then there was this. Pretty sure I saw these another year, but...well...you'll see it. Or them rather.

After browsing the hall and losing track of time a little, I checked out the connecting hall to see what was happening over there. Normally the LEGO display is here, but, every year it makes me think I'm insane when I don't find it the first day, then it's just THERE the next day I go.

I have no idea what any of this is. I am the best investigator.

Another picture for comparison, likely on Saturday. This is the autograph area. Only two of the booths had lines while I was there.

I pet some puppies at one end of the hall, then I pet a snake at the other end of the hall. 

Then I found a close cousin of the bodypillow...the LOG PILLOW (they're stacked on the top and all have anime patterns similar to the bodypillows).

huehuehue

Spotted a msi station with a Vive set up. Snapped a picture for the HTC crew. I was tempted to try, but there was a pretty big lineup for it.

On my way out to the Big Four and Artist's Alley, I found LEGO Batman atop a booth that apparently isn't coming back next year. Figured I'd snap a shot for posterity. 

Meanwhile at the tabletop games area, Justin was off on a break, so I stood, alone, looking at the Pips games. So lonely. So heartless. 

Just kidding Mr. A. I'll come say hi on Saturday or Sunday.

I was wondering why I took this until I looked at the top of the booth. Say hello again to tonight's nightmares. 

I breezed through a lot of Artist's Alley since I was running out of time for the evening and I was on a quest to find the tea place. I randomly encountered Kyle, who for some reason I ALWAYS meet in the exact same place by chance. I rushed around, couldn't find it, asked for help, got directed to the booth and then I was side-tracked by Wednesday.

Aka. Danielle who also works at the Starbucks near my work. She has a line of soaps and bathbombs, I was tempted to get some soap, but I had a mission to get to the tea place...which was two booths away at that point.

After I purchased my samples, I rushed out the building and across the many many parking lots to my car where I drove to the hospital. There I met my friend and she made the mistake of letting me hold her baby. Bad mistake Stacey. The aura is too powerful. Your son's a nerd now. 

So yeah, I'm glad to see that there's just so much at the con now to browse and that tons of local artists have a chance to sell their work in addition to the big vendors. Honestly, it started out with the smaller, local artists, so I'm glad to see that they have their own dedicated space in addition to the main exhibition halls. I wish I had more time to wander today, but there was so much and I got stopped at a lot of booths. Thursday is just great if you want to chat with a lot of the artists and media guest. They haven't been through Saturday yet, so they still have items to sell as well as the will to live.

I won't be covering Friday this year since there's nothing/no one I really want to see at the con and Shauna picked up Outlast 2 this week. We'll be starting that tomorrow.