It was a long Saturday at the Wizard World Comic Con 2012. The recognizable (and unrecognizable) Cosplayers were out and about. Super Dudes Power Show’s Charlie Lightning was forced to stand next to some of the most creative costumes of the day…but he didn’t seem super into it.
Charles instructs me on how to work his camera. I’ve never used one before.
“Psylocke? Meh. This Pepsi is better.”
“Spaceballs? Naaah…”
“My feelings about ‘Sucker Punch’ have not changed…”
“Zombie Gumby, let me look at my soda for a bit.”
“Space Bounty Hunters? Does it even matter?”
“Doctor who?”
“Hey, is that Mark Ruffalo?”
“These are really high ceilings…”
“Who the fuck leaves a half-eaten pretzel on the ground?”
“Did I step in gum…?”
“This isn’t even a real axe…”
“Ooooh! T-Shirts for sale!”
“Why does Joel Schumacher continue to live?”
…And that concludes our Wizard World Comic Con adventures in Philadelphia…for this year. And for more from Charles “Charlie Lightning” Lecki, visit his TUMBLRand listen to us every week on SUPER DUDES POWER SHOW: The Podcast.
Upon arrival on Thursday, I was impressed with the preparation, expectations and overall scope of the event. Previous Cons would have presented costumed and casually dressed guests with a long and drawn out wait filled with fits of sarcasm, pessimism and an almost palpable malaise. But not this time.
Thursday (May 31st) was a “preview day”. Simply, a 4-hour window of opportunity for those with VIP passes, all access cards, Press Passes, and Weekend Tickets to get their bracelets early and explore the premises before the event exploded over the next few days. The vendors were given a chance to set up their wares before attendees began their migration, and everything looked very professional and inviting. My Thursday experience filled me with optimism for the events to come and, while the halls and rows of the Con were virtually empty (save some hardcore fans), presented me with a brief preview of the kinds of ongoing and indistinguishable body odor I could expect to be treated to.
First thing Saturday afternoon, myself along with fellow SuperDPS podcaster, Charles Lecki, moved in to the Convention Center. I already had my Press Bracelet, but he had to wait in line for his. The cash and charge lines were vacant while the “Online Purchased” line zig-zagged through half of a hall. Surprisingly, the line progressed rather quickly, even though our minds and ears were subjected to Living Colour’s Cult of Personality (the theme song of Con Guest CM Punk) at least 3 times in a fucking row. And with that, it was Welcome to Wizard World Comic Con!
Saturday was a spectacular show in the main halls of Wizard World. Lots of celebrities, costumes, and thoughtful merchandise that truly brought out the giddy nerd in all attendees. It always amazes me that these conventions have an inevitable knife & sword vendor, given the notion that I wouldn’t trust most of the guests at comic con with anything sharper than an egg. Most people were well behaved and respectful, making the show an amicable environment for all ages, though things did get a little pushy and heated the closer we came to certain major celebrities. The excitement kept coming, and I believe most of that came from the dynamics of the cosplayers, slack-jawed expressions on the faces of children (seen above), along with the lean and hungry look in the eyes of many of the lesser-visited celebrity guests.
I’ll begin with getting something off of my chest. I know (essentially) dick about wrestling. The WWE (or WWF as it was when I used to watch) holds very little significance in my life; however, seeing some of the stars of yester-year jogged my memory of when the realm of sports entertainment was filled with much more entertaining (and attractive) characters. Wrestler, CM Punk, was among the highest profile guests at the event, sparking huge crowds of WWE fanatics paying Christ-only-knows how much money for autographs and photo-ops with the “Champion”. As for my admission of deficiency when it comes to the going-on’s in Vince McMahon’s puppet show, one celebrity that amazed me by how great she looked was Amy Dumas (or “Lita” from WWE).
Of course there were several celebrities that looked a lot better than expected, and some who turned out a lot worse. Women like Kristy Swanson (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) and Shannon Elizabeth (“American Pie”) were examples of individuals who Time has been very kind with. What struck me as odd with these two was that both were not only charging for autographs and photo ops, but also trying to sell their merch. I don’t mean professional photos, either. I mean that Kristy Swanson (above) was promoting a brand of “5-hour energy”-style Vitamin drinks, and Shannon Elizabeth (perhaps more understandable) was selling her line of perfume. As strange and seemingly unconventional as this was, I would rather see these celebrities–who are obviously looking for work–attempting to sell or capitalize off of their fame than celebrities who are doing obscenely well currently, trying to sell autographs and photo ops for twice the price of admission. It just feels petty to me. Maybe I have some growing up to do.
Totally Furrealz: Melissa Joan Hart’s prices went up to $30 and $45, and then were drastically reduced to $15
My final comments before I leave you with a podcast to fill you in on the rest of our experiences are twofold. First, the base of any comic book convention is, was, and always should be the comics and artists that not only provide you with the stories, images and characters we love so much, but are also ultimately responsible for the adaptation films that do so well in our theaters. The fact that Chris Hemsworth (who I couldn’t get anywhere near, btw) gets more recognition for playing Thor than the person who effectively created the Marvel character should be a travesty. But for some reason it isn’t. While heroes of the industry like Stan Lee (who I also could get nowhere close to) are still praised and admired for their contributions, the row of dedicated, hard-working comic book artists at these conventions are virtually ignored in favor of people like CM Punk who yells into a microphone for a living. I understand why, I’m just curious if anyone feels the same way about the Artists. A counterpoint may be that most artists don’t want to be huge celebs, and that’s why they’re artists and not movie stars…but I’m sure they’d still appreciate the recognition.
And secondly, I think celebrities have the right to be slightly fucking bitter and butt-hurt after their long and successful career ends with them sitting in a vacant booth on a convention circuit with only the occasional visitor; and overhearing passersby whispering, “Who’s that?” But I don’t think that means you have the right to condescend to or be so flippant to those who are willing to pay just to shake your hand. I think that paying for an autograph or photo op is a complete waste of time. The act of trading money for a picture with someone or someone’s name casually scrawled on a photo of themselves (which you also bought) seems a bit redundant. We went photo-hunting at the Con, snapping pictures and capturing some great moments. You can share in some of these moments by visiting our entire gallery here.
The Wizard World Comic Con was a great experience and we had a lot of fun. Perhaps next year we’ll try a new approach to interacting with some of your favorite pop culture icons. Thanks for joining us!!
The First Time I ever kissed a man and felt light headed and slightly confused, I married him! I always wondered when I was younger how I would know who the “one” was. I had heard “you just know”, and things of that nature. But when I kissed Michael on our 3rd date ( yeah right, it was the first!) I knew he was the one because of how he made me feel, both physically and emotionally when we locked lips. That passion still makes me dizzy and weak kneed today.
With the power of a god, I would liberate peoples minds to be able to see through the thick foggy glasses society has put on people’s faces. What a world it would be if people could and would think and choose for themselves and not be so ridiculously concerned with what the masses would think. Less judgment more involvement in ones own life.
I’ve always considered myself someone who is to make new paths for others to hike on. I have always preferred, not only the road less traveled…but the road not yet traveled.
I can’t stand when Motherfuckers talk meaningless banter about others in public forums especially when they do not know the individual. Take it out back and deal with your shit in private. I mean for crying out loud get out of high school already.
When I was a kid, I really wanted to be a veterinarian. This stayed a desire of mine until I was 15 and realized that as a vet there would be times I had to put animals down, and that sometimes they died no matter what I did for them. This changed my path. I still love animals, however I simply have them as pets now and leave the medical up to the pros.
If my life were a crappy romantic comedy, it would not have the crappy part! Romantic comedy perhaps but mine would so not suck. I am pretty sure, ok positive it would be xxx rated. Being Swingers and truly living the hotwife lifestyle, there has not been a week without hot sex and or nudity in over 18 years! We definitely have had some wild and funny experiences that I am sure would make anyone belly laugh but it has been a hotass sexy ride. Hmmmm, maybe we should document all this activity…oh yeah we have! (Smirk) www.brandilove.com IS my romantic comedy.
The worst advice I ever got was that I could trust the judicial system to work for the innocent.
God dammit, I wish I would have fucked that rockstar when I had the chance.
I think one of the shittiest things I’ve ever done was getting caught hiding Easter eggs when that was supposed to be the Easter Bunnies job. Needless to say the Easter Bunny ceased to exist that day…
One thing you should know about me is that I absolutely love what I do. I am asked all the time how I balance my adult life with my professional life with family life and to me it is simple. When you love what you do and know who you are there is time for the things you choose to pursue. Priorities are always in order and then of course time management is essential. I have definitely need a hand now and again with that last one but when I follow my schedule, shit gets done and everyone is happy! It brings me a massive amount of joy to see people liberated from that which binds them. If I help just one person get to know themselves better, and start living as that person…..I have accomplished my goal.
Thanks Super DPS crew for allowing me this opportunity to hang with you guys! Cum visit me anytime (wink)
If you’ve ever used the Internet to any reasonable extent, you’ve probably seen tabloid photos of your favorite (or least favorite) celebs and thought “Wow, they’re really just…normal fucking people.” The beauty of this, of course, is that the more famous they are, the more enjoyable it is to see them fall…it’s just human nature.
One thing we all have in common (hopefully) with celebrities is our terrible Yearbook photos. Nobody likes the way they look in retrospect. Ever. Even if you take a picture of yourself and look back at it, your brain will fire off: “Christ, I looked like shit 20 seconds ago.”
Many many websites feature Yearbook Photos of famous people, but some of them are just…too normal. I don’t get what’s funny about seeing Brad Pitt back when he was in high school, looking exactly like he does now. It’s just not amusing. What is amusing is watching people who looked ridiculous in High School attempting to compensate for that by becoming an in-your-face Media Monster.
And that’s what this is all about.
10. Paris Hilton
I want an Oompa Loompa NOOOWWW!
Honestly, anything I could say about Paris Hilton has already been said. She looks like that girl in class that all the other girls are jealous of, but also never want to become. She’d come in to school and go “ew, where did you get that backpack?”
9. Renee Zellweger
Last seen: 1985
We all had our terrible class pictures, bad hairstyles, and “what the fuck was I thinking?” moments. But Renee Zellweger’s yearbook photo looks like a mug shot. It looks like it should read: Suspect Wanted for the Murder of Boyfriend, Parents. Consider armed and dangerous.She’s a very attractive woman…sometimes. I guess if you’ve ever seen her smile, making that face you do when you try to stuff as many Sour Patch Kids in your mouth as possible, you’d realized why she’s not smiling here.
8. Adam Lambert
Wait...Adam Lambert is gay?!
It’s almost cheating to call Adam Lambert a celebrity, but I found this photo amusing. I assume it was clipped from the local newspaper and separated from the headline that read: “Local Boy Fits 19 Hot Dogs in Mouth.”
7. Prince
See? Michael Jackson wasn't the only poor young black man who became a rich white woman
The question “What the fuck happened to PrinceThe Artist Formerly Known as Prince The Artist?” gets thrown around a lot these days. The tragedy is that there is no reasonably satisfying answer.
6. Lady Gaga
Let's be fair...she was intolerable in High School, too.
The music industry always has a way of combating itself…backing itself into corners and then fucking its way out. It seems like Lady Gaga was its way of combating the brief but seemingly interminable fame of Susan Boyle. In exchange for an ogre with the voice of an angel, they gave us a hipster hottie with the musical appeal of that Crazy Frog*.
*reference too vague? Fine…here. But I warned you.
5. Billy Bob Thornton
Oh, THAT'S why he turned into such a fucking douche.
Was Billy Bob Thornton always an asshole, or did he turn into one once he became a “musician?” I suppose when you spend your childhood being “that kid,” having people on your dick 24/7 makes you trip over your ego. I’m not saying that Billy Bob isn’t a quality actor, but…(I don’t know how to finish that sentence and don’t know why I started it)
4. Marilyn Manson
Image taken 2 minutes prior to his rejection of god.
He hasn’t changed much, has he? Brian Hugh Warner represents the American Dream. You can be an unattractive, awkward son of a bitch and still be a heart throb to overweight girls wearing your XXL T-Shirts from Hot Topic. I can’t honestly rag on Manson too much, because he’s such a nice guy…and it’s really not surprising when rock mega-stars sell-out and become a blurb in Rolling Stone after 10 years.
3. Steven Tyler
The Joker wasn't very popular in High School either...
Why so serious, Mr. Tyler? Aerosmith enjoyed an unprecedented period of popularity. Gene Simmons had the tongue. Little Stevey Tyler had the lips. What a time to be alive. I don’t have much to say about Tyler, or Aerosmith, except that if you’re that one lonely guy living in the past who actually bought Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, don’t worry. Society may be able to forgive you.
2. Lil Jon
During segregation, the kids who were half black, half ANT were left out in the cold.
You always wonder why certain people have such “in your face” personalities. Hip Hop icons tend to be some of the most “in your face” celebrities for some reason. My reasoning was that the culture, style, and attitude called for that kind of super-aggressive behavior. The gold chains, loose clothes, hot cars, and loose women all lend towards making your character larger than life. But now I know the truth…big personalities come from growing up looking like you shit yourself all the time.
Few people know that "YEAH! OKAY!" was what his prom date responded to him, sarcastically.
1. Ryan Seacrest
I can only imagine a young Brian Dunkelman
In Ryan Seacrest’s defense, he really turned into a good looking guy. This kid, on the other hand, looks like “the fat one” in any kids’ movie you could think of. At least now, Seacrest is the host of a show in which he has the power to tear apart social rejects as mercilessly as I’m sure everyone in his life did to him. This kid was picked last for damn near everything. He would break out in tears in the middle of class and call the teacher “mommy.” His life was a living hell.
Rarely am I ever compelled to write a synopsis of the casual goings-on across the pop culture spectrum, but this, the first week of May, created a Wocket in my cerebral Pocket.
Let’s start off with Swine Flu; as good a place to start as any, I’d imagine…
Evidently, “pandemic” status is much less serious than we‘ve come to expect from watching zombie movies. Swine Flu will probably be around forever, but as of now, it’s no where near as fucking serious as the plain old boring influenza.
What an interesting and terrifying several weeks of obsessive hand-washing.
A Brazilian Blink-182 fan site declared May the Third a day in honor of Mark Hoppus, the band’s bassist.
Aside from having a notorious Peter Pan complex and having habitual tour-sex with Tom DeLonge, what has Mark Hoppus done to achieve such notoriety?
Not that I would classify being glory-holed*by a Brazilian website as a momentous accomplishment, but the fact that it was immediately spread all over the internets and social networking sites like swine flu hysteria.
Twitter has enabled me to celebrate two wonderful things this week.
1. Star Wars Day–May 4th (May the Fourth Be With You)
2. #AnnoyaTrekkie–Since the release of the new STAR TREK film, many good-humored Trekkers have been posting their Star Trek/Star Wars misconceptions, jokes, japes, and mockeries. It has been quite an afternoon.
Last, but definitely not least, the nude pictures of Rihannathat leaked onto the internets within the last couple of hours.
I’m not sure who found the pics first, who published them the fastest, or what the paranormal impenetrable soulless force-field that surrounds Perez Hiltonis that makes him so un-fucking-likable…but regardless, they’re here, and now we can all share a communal boner just like we did when Vanessa Hudgens’perky tits sprung into the blogosphere.
In case you haven’t seen these pics, here’s a few:
Perez Hilton lives for moments like this...and to make sure celebrities know he's better than them.
And that’s it, everyone!! I hope you enjoyed this little experiment! Maybe next time…or sometime in the near future, we’ll have our own table at this thing…and then we’ll have some real fun.
The First Time I ever kissed a man and felt light headed and slightly confused, I married him! I always wondered when I was younger how I would know who the “one” was. I had heard “you just know”, and things of that nature. But when I kissed Michael on our 3rd date ( yeah right, it was the first!) I knew he was the one because of how he made me feel, both physically and emotionally when we locked lips. That passion still makes me dizzy and weak kneed today.
If my life were a crappy romantic comedy, it would not have the crappy part! Romantic comedy perhaps but mine would so not suck. I am pretty sure, ok positive it would be xxx rated. Being Swingers and truly living the hotwife lifestyle, there has not been a week without hot sex and or nudity in over 18 years! We definitely have had some wild and funny experiences that I am sure would make anyone belly laugh but it has been a hotass sexy ride. Hmmmm, maybe we should document all this activity…oh yeah we have! (Smirk) 
One thing you should know about me is that I absolutely love what I do. I am asked all the time how I balance my adult life with my professional life with family life and to me it is simple. When you love what you do and know who you are there is time for the things you choose to pursue. Priorities are always in order and then of course time management is essential. I have definitely need a hand now and again with that last one but when I follow my schedule, shit gets done and everyone is happy! It brings me a massive amount of joy to see people liberated from that which binds them. If I help just one person get to know themselves better, and start living as that person…..I have accomplished my goal.
