What event brings film buffs, comic devotees, cosplayers, gamers, writers, creators, actors and celebrities all together under one roof? Comic Con, of course.
Salt Lake Comic Con, described as Utah’s most popular convention, will be taking over the Salt Palace from Sept. 1-3. Ticket quantities are limited, so if you haven’t already purchased yours, you can either snatch up one of the few remaining passes or try your luck at winning tickets through one of many online giveaways offered through their website and Facebook page.
This year, some of the most exciting guest celebrities hail from the silver screen. Thursday will bring a few such big stars: Mark Hamill, known as Luke Skywalker in the original Star Wars trilogy, will be participating in both a panel, where audience members are invited to ask questions to their favorite stars, and photo ops, where fans can, for a quick second, stand next to their favorite star and get a photo of the experience. William Shatner, whom fans may recognize as Captain Kirk in the original Star Trek or from his work in TJ Hooker will also be there. Other celebrities in attendance include John Cena (of WWE fame), Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley of Vampire Diaries, Millie Bobby Brown from the Netflix hit “Stranger Things” and Evanna Lynch of the Harry Potter movies.
Of course, celebrities aren’t the only reason to attend the convention. The convention offers a number of panels where authors, filmmakers and other creators gather to speak on their experiences. For any in attendance who are interested in creating their own comic books or podcasts, panels are an excellent time to hear from the professionals. Panels can also include more analytical discussions of various comic books or video games.
With so many options available, everyone is certain to find a panel they will love.
Another huge focus of the convention is undoubtedly the cosplay. For those unfamiliar with the term, cosplay is where individuals are encouraged to create costumes and outfits emulating a specific character from TV, movies or books. Salt Lake Comic Con has a host of professional cosplay groups to check out in the convention hall, and fans are also encouraged to participate and dress as their favorite characters. Part of the annual celebration also includes a cosplay competition, where participants can win awards and prizes for their work.
For Brianne Abbott, a long time convention attendee and cosplay enthusiast, Comic Con is mostly about celebrating being a nerd. It’s also an excellent place to make friends, and Abbott thoroughly enjoys meeting new people during the convention. Cosplay is her favorite part of conventions, especially because she cosplays as Disney characters.
“I get these cute interactions with all the kids that come,” she said. Abbott was also quick to note that conventions can be frustrating, with heat, crowds and other issues that may come up. Her advice? “Just have fun. At the end of the day, Comic Con is just about having fun!”
For more information about the upcoming convention, please visit the event’s website at www.saltlakecomiccon.com. You can also find them on Facebook through the Salt Lake Comic Con page, and on Twitter @slcomiccon.
@bwaygirl17