Last weekend, Houston rolled out the ‘Welcome Mat’ for one of the biggest nerd and geek meetups in the Lone Star State – Comicpalooza! Being fans of the event (and it being held pretty much in our backyard) we jumped in our Fu-mobile and headed to the “Thunderdome-like” George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston. Being local boys, we’re always eager to see the ways this con grows because Texas is still making a name for itself in regards to comic conventions. After the 4-day show was over, it was clear that improvements have been made and will continue to keep being made. Comicpalooza and Houston is reaching for the stars with this event and it’s looking pretty good from where we’re standing.

If we had to pick one word to describe this con, “variety” would be that word. There is just so much to choose from that there has to be – and is – something for everyone. From a wide open space for physical play activities like Quidditch to the celebrity panels, to the amazing artist alley to smaller side rooms screening anime shows – you would really have to look hard for something that wasn’t covered. While a 4-day convention is not the norm for this type of events, it certainly maintained a 3-day con’s tempo. Fans were making good use of their currency in the Dealer’s Room where all sorts of collectibles, fandom apparel, games, and more waited to purchased and taken home. Artists like Jessica von Braun and Timothy Pittides were showing their incredible artwork while Cosplayers like Krystle Starr brought to life some fun characters with terrific DIY skills and technique. And you can’t talk Comicpalooza without talking celebrities. I was pretty much in heaven sitting in a room with Rosario Dawson – and yes, I kept myself from yelling “I Love You”. Of course our photographic master Sully was skillfully taking snaps of these ladies and gentleman for everyone to see. The George R. Brown convention is huge but we think the fans excitement reached all the way to it’s very high ceiling. I’ll say it again – keep Comicpalooza on your radar because it’s just getting better and better!

PANELS

Yes panels are sometimes consider a refuge for the weary while a con, but with folks like Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter, Black Hawk Down) and Rosario Dawson (Clerks 2, Kids, Daredevil), that tired feeling goes right out the window is replaced by thunderous applause and admiration whistles. For extra magic at Comicpalooza, we were able to see panels for other actors and actresses we love. Sharing the massive panel room were stars Cobie Smulders (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), George Takei (Star Trek), Stan Lee (You better know who he is), and the lovable and always charming Chloe Bennet (Agents of. SH.I.E.L.D.)! Not only were these big Hollywood stars out, but some local Texas flavor made an appearance as well. The Nerd Fu crew was invited for the second year in a row to be on a Podcasting panel were other local podcasters like Comical Podcast  and Metal Geeks. As an added surprise, we were joined on our panel by Ming Chen and Mike Zapcic from AMC’s Comic Book Men! These guys were hilarious and very humble while sharing tips for aspiring podcasters attending the panel. Make sure to check out those links for more photos and see what we saw…

 

COSPLAY

Seeing your favorite comic book, cartoon, or video game character on the big or little screen is always fun. But to see them walking the aisles of toys and comics or sitting next to you in a panel is a completely surreal experience. For me, I think it’s the admiration of knowing that the Spider-Man or Predator next you is a fan just like you…..albeit underneath hours and maybe weeks or preparation! See more of these talented fans in the cosplay attire here and be amazed!

 

IT’S A WRAP

Yes it’s true that all good things must come to end. However, it’s also true that Comicpalooza is held every year here in Houston so that makes is less sad! If you’re able and into traveling for cons like these, we highly recommend giving Comicpalooza a try. We make a handful of Texas conventions but we venture out to other cities for cons like SDCC and Emerald City because that’s part of the fun in this world of nerd of geek. Everything is bigger in Texas like people say and Comicpalooza is making sure they continue to keep living up that motto. We’ll be back next year!