Over this previous weekend, I had the fantastic pleasure of attending the Philadelphia Fan Expo, the yearly conference dedicated to all issues popular culture. If you weren’t capable of make it to town of Brotherly Love your self, enable me to fill you in on what you missed.
Not Exactly A Comic Con
At least in comparison with final yr, there was a markedly smaller comedian guide presence at Philadelphia Fan Expo this yr. Whereas final yr boasted a number of the hottest names in comics, akin to Donny Cates and Charles Soule, this yr the pickings for up to date creators have been way more sparse.
Artist Alley, which was beforehand way more packed, felt noticeably sparser this time round. Furthermore, the precise variety of comedian guide retailers was pretty minimal, although they did occupy a reasonably outstanding place on the showroom ground close to the doorway.
Superior Comic News
While the main target of Fan Expo was probably not on comics, that doesn’t imply there was no comedian information. At the conference, Marvel and Dan Slott introduced that there would quickly be a 3rd quantity of Superior Spider-Man. The first quantity of Superior Spider-Man adopted Doctor Octopus within the thoughts swapped physique of Peter Parker as he got down to show he might do the job higher than Peter ever might.
Fans have been incensed at this improvement initially, however have since embraced quantity considered one of Superior Spider-Man, with many contemplating it one of many biggest Spider-Man tales ever advised.
When I requested Slott at Fan Expo if the brand new quantity of Superior could be taking the place of the adjective-free Spider-Man title, he acted coy and stated he couldn’t say come what may. He did, nonetheless, inform me that challenge #31 of the present Amazing Spider-Man run could be an outsized challenge with tales from quite a few Spidey creators and would come with two four-page tales from Slott. One would reveal main particulars in regards to the new character Spider-Boy and the opposite would arrange the brand new establishment for the third quantity of Superior Spider-Man.
A Lot Of Community Engagement
One of essentially the most notable options of this yr’s Philadelphia Fan Expo was the variety of completely different breakout areas for numerous communities. Gamers, cosplayers, native organizations, and extra all had distinct areas to interact of their chosen hobbies. This offered quite a lot of completely different teams with a plethora of alternatives to create distinctive, partaking programming which may not have occurred in any other case.
Two specific areas that jumped out at me have been the creator stage and the tattoo artist row. The former was used for a number of completely different workshops and dueling sketch battles, whereas the latter was at all times stuffed with patrons getting contemporary ink. These areas and others like them converse to the enduring worth of those conventions and the distinctive alternative they afford people to be their most genuine, nerdy selves.
Major Celebrities
Compared to the New York, San Diego, and Chicago comedian conventions, Philadelphia Fan Expo is a a lot smaller affair. This makes the lineup of main celebrities who attended the occasion and the number of fandoms they characterize all of the extra spectacular. Henry Winkler, Michael J Fox, Sam Raimi, Giancarlo Esposito, Kate Sackhoff, and Sean Astin are, however six of the host of main popular culture figures in attendance.
Phenomenal Programming
While I didn’t have the possibility to attend as many panels as I’d have appreciated, the few I used to be capable of attend have been unbelievable. Two specific standouts have been “The History of Comics” by skilled Historian Zachary Kelly and “Man of Schmear: The Secret History of Judaism And Comics” by Josh Steinhouse. As one thing of a comic book guide historian myself, I used to be amazed by how a lot data was on show in these classes and the way a lot of it was new to me. Never overlook that conventions should not only a good spot for neighborhood, however private enrichment and studying as properly.
Conclusion
While Philadelphia Fan Expo was not precisely what I used to be anticipating, it was nonetheless a terrific occasion greater than value the price of admission. If, in roughly one yr’s time, you end up able to have the ability to attend, I’d strongly encourage it.
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