The first time I attended SDCC in 2009 I had no idea what I was getting into. I was hired as a host for a web series sponsored by an online comic book store, and full disclosure, I hadn’t read a graphic novel since I was 7. I was hired for my charisma, not my knowledge, and I may have even felt a little high and mighty about it. How cute was this small sub-culture of nerds. Little did I know how humbled and awed I would become.
During my four day journey, I was introduced to comic-book legends like Jeff Smith—author of Bone. I interviewed up-and-coming artists and discovered the very dramatic impact the right costume can make on a room. I was blown away to learn the amount of detail, artistry, and obsession that goes into every inch of the Convention Center floor.
Fast forward 10 years and it’s clear SDCC isn’t just for “comic-book nerds” anymore. Perhaps, more on point, Comic-Con has contributed to converting the rest of us into nerds. Cosplay costumes stitched together with magnificent detail aren’t just for our Dungeons and Dragons loving friends anymore. Now, people from around the world travel in droves proudly displaying their love for fantasy, movies, video games, and graphic novel culture during one fantastical weekend.
Though I couldn’t make it this year, I did scour the internet on a quest to discover the best of SDCC 2019, and I found some true treasures.
Here is my List of Comic-Con 2019’s Most Awesome:
DARK KNIGHT EXHIBIT
The Dark Knight is one of my all-time favorite movies (with Batman Forever not far behind), so when I heard a massive pop-up exhibit premiered across from the convention I was filled with a loathsome regret and envy. Folks who were in the vicinity of The Comic-Con Museum were free to roam the halls and take in the glory of The Batman over the decades. Batmobiles, graphic art, suits, and movie prop-filled displays decorated the rooms, making any Batman lover’s dream a reality. You can check out a full rundown of the exhibit and memorabilia here!
CREEPY CRY BABY
Meier’s “Walter White” mask
This year also saw the return of noted artist (and Denver local), Landon Meier. His famous Hyperflesh “cry baby” masks (pictured above) are known to both confuse and delight convention attendees. But, they aren’t his only claim to fame.
Meier’s eerily life-like masks have been featured on Jimmy Fallon and famously worn by GOT’s Sophie Turner and Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston.
“Disturbingly realistic,” and occasionally controversial, Meier’s masks have become a Comic-Con staple and undeniable fan favorite. Check out Hyperflesh’s facebook page for a mask of your own!
STUMPTOWN
I was a little too excited to hear about the upcoming ABC show, Stumptown. Not only does it star my biggest crush, actor Jake Johnson, but it revolves around a strong female lead. You know how much we love our strong women over here!
Stumptown is based on the graphic novel (written by Greg Rucka and illustrated by Matthew Southworth) about a female Marine vet/private investigator who suffers from a wide array of issues we usually see in three-dimensional male characters. She has a gambling problem and PTSD along with a brother who is mentally challenged. The physical training for the show was said to be extreme and creators promise a gritty and captivating pilot. With Colbie Smulders as the tough-as-nails lead, we wouldn’t expect anything less.
BEST COSPLAY
Now, on to the really good stuff… Everyone loves Comic-Con for the cosplay and I couldn’t choose just one look, so here is a must-see video of all the most awesome and outrageous costumes of the year. Enjoy!
