The Big Wow Comic Fest 2012 Report
Hey Gang,
So a late Con report here- this time a superhero extravaganza up in San Jose called the Big Wow Comic Book Fest. Teri and I were invited out to this by our friend Kelly who is friends with the organizer who wanted a strong cosplay turnout for this as well as essentially Comic Book mascots on the floor to help keep the vibe fun and family friendly amongst the dealers and artists. It was hard to say no as transport, room/board and a few meals were covered for us by the organizers. For once we were being almost paid to attend a con in costume.
So Kelly, Valerie Perez, Her BF Johnnie, Teri and I set out on the open road "on the way to San Jose" with our supersuits in hand ready to represent some classic Comics in mid-May of this year!
Big Wow Program
More pics
So the drive was long but a lot of fun geeking out over pop culture, movies and costumes in the car ride up. Reminded me of the trips I used to take as a kid with the family up to our Cabin in Brainard, MN.
Once we arrived check in was painless and we were treated to a banquet meal at PF Changs with a number of the other visiting artists and guests. We ate some fabulous noodles and chicken lettuce wraps among others and then finished it off down the street with some Apple Pie. Kelly's GF Amy joined us late and planned to spend a lot of the weekend writing up in the room or lounging by the Hotel Pool.
We got an early night expecting to get up and hit the con floor in costume as early as possible on Saturday.
SATURDAY
Cap and Black Canary suited up and ready to go
Entering the Con
Sat morning we awoke and took our time getting ready. kelly as Tim Darke Robin, Myself as Captain Marvel and Teri as the Black Canary. We were also joined by Tom as the Falcon sporting Wings Kelly had only just finished for him a day or two before and handed off to him while we were en route to San Jose! I always really dug the Falcon and enjoyed reading about his team ups with Captain America.
Speaking of Cap, Kelly's friends Nicole and Will also joined us as Emma Frost and Captain America. It was a classic Jack Kirby style suit that Kelly made that really looked smashing. Nothing like the old School! Along the same lines he made a Kirby style Thor costume for Jonny to wear that looked fab too.
Valerie suited up as Wonder Woman while Sam and his GF Kelbe got suited up as Classic Spider Man and Supergirl. We were a rocking looking comic book team and nicely divided down the Marvel and DC lines to boot.
Stopped by fans
First group shot
We hit the floor a little late behind some of the gang but we were instantly greeted by lots of smiles and requests for photos. Keep in mind this is a smaller con and in it's early years but it was refreshing to be at a strict comic book convention that wasn't overpowered by other media and had a more fan run vibe to it. Johnnie was quite a hit with the kids in his Thor costume plus Will's Captain America was well received due to the Avengers film popularity
The group grows!
Posing with Artist David Williams
On the floor Kelly pointed me to artist David Williams who was a big Captain Marvel/Shazam fan and he seemed pretty impressed with the costume. "He looks like a mint doll!" which is funny because we keep talking about doing a Mego interpretation of Captain Marvel and Captain America for a future con- maybe one day it'll happen!
It was great to meet him and check out his fab artwork. I highly suggest you check it out!
Cap and Cap Junior
Later we ran into a gentleman named Duane who had a deep voice perfect for radio announcing- he was doing a Captain Marvel Jr! So 2/3'rds of the marvel Family reunited!
Trio
Group re forms at end of the hall
Hemp mascot posing
Fighting the Stay Puft Marshmellow man
We made the rounds on the floor and had a great time facing off against a giant Staypuft Marshmellow Man and meeting a pretty cool looking Wolverine and Batman.
Wolverine Joins the crew
Darth Vader and the Empire drop in on the Avengers and JLA
Superheroes vs the Empire!
Emma Frost vs. Darth Vader
As we rounded towards the front again we ran into Darth Vader and a Legion of Stormtroopers! We had a lot of fun posing in some crossover shots here with Superheroes taking on the Evil Galatic Empire!
Spidey and Darth Stare Down
The BIG Big Wow Comic Book Cosplayer gathering
At the end of the day the official photographers gathered us up by their backdrop towards the front for the mass collection of all the awesome cosplayers at this con! Holy genre Collison Batman!
The Marvel Family
Afterwards while they got separate groupings of guys, girls, Marvel, DC and the like I pulled our friend Ricki aside in her dark Mary Marvel along with Duane in his Cap Jr. so in a sense we had the complete Marvel Family together!
Stormtroopers rock out to Guitar Hero
On the way out we spotted more stormtroopers rocking ut to a Guitar Hero display in the main hall. They invited us back to play the next day which we decided to take them up on.
Lobby Group re-pose
Our group stopped on the way out to pose by the outer backdrop for some final shots before heading back to our rooms to change out and grab a late lunch at a realy great italian place down the street from the hotel called Original Joe's.
In the early evening the Big Wow Masquerade started and most of us attended in costume again except for Jonny, Teri and I. There was a lot of great looking costumes including my friend Chris Erickson as the 2nd Doctor from Doctor Who and a Villa from Blake's 7!
At the Masquarade
The 2nd Doctor
Villa from Blakes 7
Ricki as Dark Mary Marvel
Avengers Assemble!
Wolverine
Iron Man
Valerie hosted the masquerade and seemed to have a great time doing it while most of us hng out in the audience. Kelbe and Nicole competed in thier Supergirl and Emma Frost costumes. There were some very cool entries including a femme Blue beetle/Booster Gold Duo, an Avengers team, Death from Sandman and a very funny Swamp Thing Who arrived late but practically stole the show in his mascot style costume.
The Masque itself - entries
The 2nd Doctor won Most Humorous Costume, while Nicole won for her Emma Frost and the Avengers won best group. It was a very fun and relaxed masquerade!
The winners
On the Way out I took some Spidey and Cap team up Shots as I used to occasionally read in my 70's marvel Comics!
Spidey and Cap
Robin!
On the way back to the room, Kelly made me stop by the elevator window to get some shots of him as Robin. We had tried to get on the roof of the hotel but we missed the cutoff to get through the cafe doors that all owed access so we had to settle for some well framed shots by the top floor window.
Robin outdoors
Upon getting back, Teri and I took a nap while everyone went out for dinner. When we woke we went and got a late bite back at Original Joe's which was open late and a close walk. I got to try their Italian Sub- very tasty and Teri and I split some spumoni ice cream with some crisp wafers! We wanted to give the jacuzzi a try but we were too tired so we ended up watching some late night cable TV and falling asleep.
SUNDAY
Sunday Morning we woke a little late but planned to do another 4 hours in costume. We all went out as a group and got a breakfast at a nearby 50's diner loading up on chocolate chip Pancakes and their morning special with eggs, bacon and orange juice. Upon getting back, I suited up again as Captain Marvel, Teri did the same as the Black Canary as did pretty much everyone else Save Johnnie who was going to act at photographer for Valerie. Kelly was getting a late start and he followed behind us.
Captain Marvel and Blackhawk
Once we got down on the floor we did a few quick rounds and made our hellos. The fans seemed to really dig having the 'live' hero presence on the floor and the kids were just thrilled.
Guitar Hero- DC Style - Supergirl, Wonder Woman, Black Canary and Shazam Band
Down on the floor the Guitar Hero people took us up on thier offer and split as Marvel and Dc we all got up and performed a song. Somehow I got Drums in the DC group while Supergirl sang vocals, Wonder Woman and Black Canary on Guitar/Bass. I can't say we were very good but it made a nice photo op!
Guitar hero - Marvel Style Falcon, Spidey, Captain America and Emma Frost Band
The Marvel side fared much better. Spidey on Drums, Cap and Falcon on guitar/Bass and Emma Frost on Vocals. it was a sight to see. Although Tom Had to remove the Falcon mask to see the screen properly! I guess when it comes to Bands, Marvel is better than DC!
DC Girls watch on
Cap and Falcon!!
I used to read a lot of the Captain America Comic when he was teamed with the Falcon so I had to get some shots of the two together for myself- Go Old School Marvel!
Captain Marvel joins the team up
Ricki as Femme Rocketeer
Back on the Floor I saw Ricki's awesome betty/Femme Rocketeer that was very fetching. Golden Age Heroes unite!
The Falcon with his statue
Captain America and his statue
I Took a trip through the Marvel Museum with original merchandise and artwork with Will and Tom to get pics of them near thier character's statues that was rather fun.
Captain Marvel Bored by the Electric Chair
There was booth with a nifty Electric Chair Prop that Nicole and I posed at, showing how unfazed we were by lethal electric shocks!
Emma Frost isn't too fazed either
Heroes United
Walking around we saw there was a lot of love for the artists there with many a long line. A couple of kids under 10 actually called me Captain Marvel, rather than the Flash or Shazam... so I called that a big win for the Big Red Cheese! Black Canary had her share of young fans as well!
Black Canary with her Fans
Superman vs Captain Marvel
On the way out I had to stop for another rematch with the Man of Steel!!!
Ricki and Valerie at the Cosplay panel
We ran into Kelly as Robin finally and hit Valerie and Ricki's cosplay panel. Toward the end Valerie Called me up to talk about my Original Tom Tyler Cape and how it guided/inspired me to do the Captain Marvel Costume I wore which was really nice of her. It was a cool panel that covered a lot of the basics. We all chatted with the attendees afterward talking costume tips and such which is always cool.
Showing off the Marvel costume at the panel
With a mini Batman!
Finally we did one last round of the Floor One Last time. A Wolfman got a bit crazy on us wanting to chock us or be choked. We ran into the fan who was in the Swamp Thing Costume who asked kelly and Valerie to sign pictures he took of them at previous cons in the same costumes which was flattering. Kelly had him return the favor with a photo of his Swamp Thing which was a nice gesture.
Best attempt to capture the Eclipse
Afterwards we all changed out of our costumes and into civvies. Will, Tom, Nicole, Klebe and Sam all had to leave early to make the drive back to LA in time to get a decent night's sleep for Work on Monday. The rest of us ran to a Thai food restaurant Johnnie looke dup on Yelp that had pretty tasty beef/rice with a coconut smoothie that refreshed me a good deal.
Eating Thai Food on Sunday Night
A lunar eclipse was going on at the same time which we all tried to see and take pictures of. Not very effective but hey we tried!
Kelly Happy to get Amy's visit in Psycho Prison
Teri can't decide on her Donut cravings
On the Way back we tried this Psycho Donut shop with Key Lime Donuts among others. Teri being a Donut junkie picked a few she wanted to try out while Kelly and Amy goofed off with a 'prison visitor' wall they had nearby. Strangely enough all of this was a lobby to a movie theater!
Rocking out on some late Night Uno Tournaments
Later that Night, we finally hit the Jacuzzi and Pool to soothe our aching feet and backs. Kellly and Amy retired Early to thier own room now that the 3rd space was freed up, Johnnie, Valerie, Teri and I continued to enjoy the pool 'til we pretty much had to leave. We wrapped up the night munching on donuts and playing some seriousUno cards. Valerie and I were neck and neck but I have to say the Magic of Shazam won the day!
MONDAY
The next day we packed up quickly and loaded up Johnnie's SUV. The check out was smooth and painless. Form here we drove to a nearby winery that was hosting wine tasting and a BBQ lunch that again was provided by the Big Wow Organizers as a thank you. The drive u was a bit harrowing with the narrow windy road but once there this place was really scenic and beautiful.
At the Winery Monday morning for Lunch
We arrived bang on time and got a very nice tour of the facility with a lot of Red and White wine glasses along the way. I'm normally a White Wine guy but I have to say they had a couple of Red Wine bottles that made me think twice. The area where they stored the barrels of wine was like a cool Batcave or Villains Lair! Our Hero costumes were only in nearby car trunk....hmmmmmm
Where the Wine is stored
We had a leisurely lunch eating brats, hot dogs, pulled pork, watermelon and cole slaw. It was yummy. After this and a handful of after dinner chocolates we all splurge don, it was time to finally call it a day. We took one final group shot and were on our way back to Los Angeles. We stopped for a great Steak Dinner on the way Johnnie spotted (good call again on that!) and finally got back around midnight. Tiring - yes but a great time at a really relaxing old school type of convention. We've been invited back for 2013 and I can't wait to go!
'Til next year!
Final Group Shot!
Thanks for reading!
-honorarydoctor
So a late Con report here- this time a superhero extravaganza up in San Jose called the Big Wow Comic Book Fest. Teri and I were invited out to this by our friend Kelly who is friends with the organizer who wanted a strong cosplay turnout for this as well as essentially Comic Book mascots on the floor to help keep the vibe fun and family friendly amongst the dealers and artists. It was hard to say no as transport, room/board and a few meals were covered for us by the organizers. For once we were being almost paid to attend a con in costume.
So Kelly, Valerie Perez, Her BF Johnnie, Teri and I set out on the open road "on the way to San Jose" with our supersuits in hand ready to represent some classic Comics in mid-May of this year!
Big Wow Program
More pics
So the drive was long but a lot of fun geeking out over pop culture, movies and costumes in the car ride up. Reminded me of the trips I used to take as a kid with the family up to our Cabin in Brainard, MN.
Once we arrived check in was painless and we were treated to a banquet meal at PF Changs with a number of the other visiting artists and guests. We ate some fabulous noodles and chicken lettuce wraps among others and then finished it off down the street with some Apple Pie. Kelly's GF Amy joined us late and planned to spend a lot of the weekend writing up in the room or lounging by the Hotel Pool.
We got an early night expecting to get up and hit the con floor in costume as early as possible on Saturday.
SATURDAY
Cap and Black Canary suited up and ready to go
Entering the Con
Sat morning we awoke and took our time getting ready. kelly as Tim Darke Robin, Myself as Captain Marvel and Teri as the Black Canary. We were also joined by Tom as the Falcon sporting Wings Kelly had only just finished for him a day or two before and handed off to him while we were en route to San Jose! I always really dug the Falcon and enjoyed reading about his team ups with Captain America.
Speaking of Cap, Kelly's friends Nicole and Will also joined us as Emma Frost and Captain America. It was a classic Jack Kirby style suit that Kelly made that really looked smashing. Nothing like the old School! Along the same lines he made a Kirby style Thor costume for Jonny to wear that looked fab too.
Valerie suited up as Wonder Woman while Sam and his GF Kelbe got suited up as Classic Spider Man and Supergirl. We were a rocking looking comic book team and nicely divided down the Marvel and DC lines to boot.
Stopped by fans
First group shot
We hit the floor a little late behind some of the gang but we were instantly greeted by lots of smiles and requests for photos. Keep in mind this is a smaller con and in it's early years but it was refreshing to be at a strict comic book convention that wasn't overpowered by other media and had a more fan run vibe to it. Johnnie was quite a hit with the kids in his Thor costume plus Will's Captain America was well received due to the Avengers film popularity
The group grows!
Posing with Artist David Williams
On the floor Kelly pointed me to artist David Williams who was a big Captain Marvel/Shazam fan and he seemed pretty impressed with the costume. "He looks like a mint doll!" which is funny because we keep talking about doing a Mego interpretation of Captain Marvel and Captain America for a future con- maybe one day it'll happen!
It was great to meet him and check out his fab artwork. I highly suggest you check it out!
Cap and Cap Junior
Later we ran into a gentleman named Duane who had a deep voice perfect for radio announcing- he was doing a Captain Marvel Jr! So 2/3'rds of the marvel Family reunited!
Trio
Group re forms at end of the hall
Hemp mascot posing
Fighting the Stay Puft Marshmellow man
We made the rounds on the floor and had a great time facing off against a giant Staypuft Marshmellow Man and meeting a pretty cool looking Wolverine and Batman.
Wolverine Joins the crew
Darth Vader and the Empire drop in on the Avengers and JLA
Superheroes vs the Empire!
Emma Frost vs. Darth Vader
As we rounded towards the front again we ran into Darth Vader and a Legion of Stormtroopers! We had a lot of fun posing in some crossover shots here with Superheroes taking on the Evil Galatic Empire!
Spidey and Darth Stare Down
The BIG Big Wow Comic Book Cosplayer gathering
At the end of the day the official photographers gathered us up by their backdrop towards the front for the mass collection of all the awesome cosplayers at this con! Holy genre Collison Batman!
The Marvel Family
Afterwards while they got separate groupings of guys, girls, Marvel, DC and the like I pulled our friend Ricki aside in her dark Mary Marvel along with Duane in his Cap Jr. so in a sense we had the complete Marvel Family together!
Stormtroopers rock out to Guitar Hero
On the way out we spotted more stormtroopers rocking ut to a Guitar Hero display in the main hall. They invited us back to play the next day which we decided to take them up on.
Lobby Group re-pose
Our group stopped on the way out to pose by the outer backdrop for some final shots before heading back to our rooms to change out and grab a late lunch at a realy great italian place down the street from the hotel called Original Joe's.
In the early evening the Big Wow Masquerade started and most of us attended in costume again except for Jonny, Teri and I. There was a lot of great looking costumes including my friend Chris Erickson as the 2nd Doctor from Doctor Who and a Villa from Blake's 7!
At the Masquarade
The 2nd Doctor
Villa from Blakes 7
Ricki as Dark Mary Marvel
Avengers Assemble!
Wolverine
Iron Man
Valerie hosted the masquerade and seemed to have a great time doing it while most of us hng out in the audience. Kelbe and Nicole competed in thier Supergirl and Emma Frost costumes. There were some very cool entries including a femme Blue beetle/Booster Gold Duo, an Avengers team, Death from Sandman and a very funny Swamp Thing Who arrived late but practically stole the show in his mascot style costume.
The Masque itself - entries
The 2nd Doctor won Most Humorous Costume, while Nicole won for her Emma Frost and the Avengers won best group. It was a very fun and relaxed masquerade!
The winners
On the Way out I took some Spidey and Cap team up Shots as I used to occasionally read in my 70's marvel Comics!
Spidey and Cap
Robin!
On the way back to the room, Kelly made me stop by the elevator window to get some shots of him as Robin. We had tried to get on the roof of the hotel but we missed the cutoff to get through the cafe doors that all owed access so we had to settle for some well framed shots by the top floor window.
Robin outdoors
Upon getting back, Teri and I took a nap while everyone went out for dinner. When we woke we went and got a late bite back at Original Joe's which was open late and a close walk. I got to try their Italian Sub- very tasty and Teri and I split some spumoni ice cream with some crisp wafers! We wanted to give the jacuzzi a try but we were too tired so we ended up watching some late night cable TV and falling asleep.
SUNDAY
Sunday Morning we woke a little late but planned to do another 4 hours in costume. We all went out as a group and got a breakfast at a nearby 50's diner loading up on chocolate chip Pancakes and their morning special with eggs, bacon and orange juice. Upon getting back, I suited up again as Captain Marvel, Teri did the same as the Black Canary as did pretty much everyone else Save Johnnie who was going to act at photographer for Valerie. Kelly was getting a late start and he followed behind us.
Captain Marvel and Blackhawk
Once we got down on the floor we did a few quick rounds and made our hellos. The fans seemed to really dig having the 'live' hero presence on the floor and the kids were just thrilled.
Guitar Hero- DC Style - Supergirl, Wonder Woman, Black Canary and Shazam Band
Down on the floor the Guitar Hero people took us up on thier offer and split as Marvel and Dc we all got up and performed a song. Somehow I got Drums in the DC group while Supergirl sang vocals, Wonder Woman and Black Canary on Guitar/Bass. I can't say we were very good but it made a nice photo op!
Guitar hero - Marvel Style Falcon, Spidey, Captain America and Emma Frost Band
The Marvel side fared much better. Spidey on Drums, Cap and Falcon on guitar/Bass and Emma Frost on Vocals. it was a sight to see. Although Tom Had to remove the Falcon mask to see the screen properly! I guess when it comes to Bands, Marvel is better than DC!
DC Girls watch on
Cap and Falcon!!
I used to read a lot of the Captain America Comic when he was teamed with the Falcon so I had to get some shots of the two together for myself- Go Old School Marvel!
Captain Marvel joins the team up
Ricki as Femme Rocketeer
Back on the Floor I saw Ricki's awesome betty/Femme Rocketeer that was very fetching. Golden Age Heroes unite!
The Falcon with his statue
Captain America and his statue
I Took a trip through the Marvel Museum with original merchandise and artwork with Will and Tom to get pics of them near thier character's statues that was rather fun.
Captain Marvel Bored by the Electric Chair
There was booth with a nifty Electric Chair Prop that Nicole and I posed at, showing how unfazed we were by lethal electric shocks!
Emma Frost isn't too fazed either
Heroes United
Walking around we saw there was a lot of love for the artists there with many a long line. A couple of kids under 10 actually called me Captain Marvel, rather than the Flash or Shazam... so I called that a big win for the Big Red Cheese! Black Canary had her share of young fans as well!
Black Canary with her Fans
Superman vs Captain Marvel
On the way out I had to stop for another rematch with the Man of Steel!!!
Ricki and Valerie at the Cosplay panel
We ran into Kelly as Robin finally and hit Valerie and Ricki's cosplay panel. Toward the end Valerie Called me up to talk about my Original Tom Tyler Cape and how it guided/inspired me to do the Captain Marvel Costume I wore which was really nice of her. It was a cool panel that covered a lot of the basics. We all chatted with the attendees afterward talking costume tips and such which is always cool.
Showing off the Marvel costume at the panel
With a mini Batman!
Finally we did one last round of the Floor One Last time. A Wolfman got a bit crazy on us wanting to chock us or be choked. We ran into the fan who was in the Swamp Thing Costume who asked kelly and Valerie to sign pictures he took of them at previous cons in the same costumes which was flattering. Kelly had him return the favor with a photo of his Swamp Thing which was a nice gesture.
Best attempt to capture the Eclipse
Afterwards we all changed out of our costumes and into civvies. Will, Tom, Nicole, Klebe and Sam all had to leave early to make the drive back to LA in time to get a decent night's sleep for Work on Monday. The rest of us ran to a Thai food restaurant Johnnie looke dup on Yelp that had pretty tasty beef/rice with a coconut smoothie that refreshed me a good deal.
Eating Thai Food on Sunday Night
A lunar eclipse was going on at the same time which we all tried to see and take pictures of. Not very effective but hey we tried!
Kelly Happy to get Amy's visit in Psycho Prison
Teri can't decide on her Donut cravings
On the Way back we tried this Psycho Donut shop with Key Lime Donuts among others. Teri being a Donut junkie picked a few she wanted to try out while Kelly and Amy goofed off with a 'prison visitor' wall they had nearby. Strangely enough all of this was a lobby to a movie theater!
Rocking out on some late Night Uno Tournaments
Later that Night, we finally hit the Jacuzzi and Pool to soothe our aching feet and backs. Kellly and Amy retired Early to thier own room now that the 3rd space was freed up, Johnnie, Valerie, Teri and I continued to enjoy the pool 'til we pretty much had to leave. We wrapped up the night munching on donuts and playing some seriousUno cards. Valerie and I were neck and neck but I have to say the Magic of Shazam won the day!
MONDAY
The next day we packed up quickly and loaded up Johnnie's SUV. The check out was smooth and painless. Form here we drove to a nearby winery that was hosting wine tasting and a BBQ lunch that again was provided by the Big Wow Organizers as a thank you. The drive u was a bit harrowing with the narrow windy road but once there this place was really scenic and beautiful.
At the Winery Monday morning for Lunch
We arrived bang on time and got a very nice tour of the facility with a lot of Red and White wine glasses along the way. I'm normally a White Wine guy but I have to say they had a couple of Red Wine bottles that made me think twice. The area where they stored the barrels of wine was like a cool Batcave or Villains Lair! Our Hero costumes were only in nearby car trunk....hmmmmmm
Where the Wine is stored
We had a leisurely lunch eating brats, hot dogs, pulled pork, watermelon and cole slaw. It was yummy. After this and a handful of after dinner chocolates we all splurge don, it was time to finally call it a day. We took one final group shot and were on our way back to Los Angeles. We stopped for a great Steak Dinner on the way Johnnie spotted (good call again on that!) and finally got back around midnight. Tiring - yes but a great time at a really relaxing old school type of convention. We've been invited back for 2013 and I can't wait to go!
'Til next year!
Final Group Shot!
Thanks for reading!
-honorarydoctor