The first day at a con is always interesting. It’s part about getting the layout down and part figuring out what exactly you want to accomplish that day and the weekend. DCC Day 1 is no different. The layout has changed some (it’s freaking huge this year) and the entrances are in new places. Despite a couple minor hiccups with getting in, the day all and all was very, very smooth. We wandered the floor a bit before our first interview with author Liv Hadden (In the Mind of Revenge and the Adventures of Juicebox and Shame). You’ll have to give this one a listen because it’s a lot of fun. What started out as a regular interview ended up with an invite to a pretty awesome Christmas party and a note so subtle request to buy some of the original art from one of the books. I got to bum around Artist Alley a bit and get on a couple commission lists, pick up an original page or two and talk to some artists. I may have found a new niche of comic book art that I might start hunting down, comic art that is promotional for brands. Did you know the X-Men did something with Taco Bell? Me neither, but by the end of the weekend I might own that original art. So here is the thing about DCC, they have the biggest art/creator section I’ve ever seen, short of maybe New York Comic Con. The focus on the authors and independent artists is pretty amazing and sets this show apart. With the exception of maybe Heroes Con in North Carolina, you can find some of the best art you’ve ever seen at this show.
From a panel perspective, a few really great ones today. Weird Al is here and we watched his panel from outside the auditorium and it was pretty awesome. I was most focused on seeing (and recording) the Kevin Conroy panel. While I’ve seen him give panels several times, it’s always entertaining. You can tell he really is a stage actor because he just controls that stage from beginning to end. Some really great questions from the audience this time around too, and yes, he did sing “Am I Blue?”. Listen for coverage from that later on.
As always, the DCC swag is top notch and this year’s pint glasses are no exception. Every year DCC has a custom beer made and a matching pint glass. I’m happy to say that “I Am Brewt” is pretty good. Up until this year, I had been missing one particular pint glass for the brew of Brews Wayne. I am so lucky that my Denver friends have been on the hunt and secured one for me. It’s amazing. While I intend on coming to this show for many years to come, even if I don’t, I’m continuing this pint glass collection.
Just as day one at DCC is about getting your bearings, day two (Saturday) is about survival. It’s going to be the most crowded day by far. It will really test if the new con layout is going to work from a people perspective. Based on today, I would say there is a pretty good chance things work out ok.
That’ll do it for tonight. It’s late and tomorrow will test the limits of most mere mortals. Hope everyone is enjoying our coverage. See ya! – Cav