Awesome Con 2022: Friday Edition
Joseph Watkins Da Watcha
On June 3, 2022, I had the opportunity to attend AwesomeCon 2022 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Wash. D.C. I haven’t been here for a while, but I was glad to be back as this convention always provided something magical for its patrons. Whether it’s meeting a longtime fan or running into your favorite cosplayer after years of separation, AwesomeCons’ magic provided a nice escape from reality as many, for the weekend, took the time out to enjoy being a character from pop culture’s massive multiverse.
Walter E. Washington
For Friday’s excursion, I decided to just wander around. No aim, no goal. I decided to just aimlessly explore the rich tapestry of creatives and cosplayers within this ecosystem with just a camera and notepad. It felt good. Familiar stomping grounds always bring a smile to my face, and here is no exception. As I surveyed the terrain, the spirit of Comic-Con once again landed as the exquisite cosplay, innovative artwork, and up and coming creatives dominated the establishment. As Friday was a little less in appearance than usual, the event started to fill up after 5PM. I contribute this issue to Friday’s ‘happy hour’ in the DC-metro area. Happy Hour here resembles a tsunami coming inland destroying the populace and local neighborhoods. Think the flood scene in the movie: The Day After Tomorrow. That’s how enjoying one’s self works down here. Drink specials and Comic-Cons, that’s a two for one special, if I ever heard it.
Friday Edition
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AwesomeCon 2022:
Friday Edition 〰️ AwesomeCon 2022:
AwesomeCon 2022:
Friday Edition
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AwesomeCon 2022: Friday Edition 〰️
Anxious Gretchen
E.C. Spence (Chrissy Brinkman and Debbie Kerr).
AwesomeCon’s ability to unite both the south and the north is surprising . For example, a vendor I met at Big Apple Comic Con in NYC was there followed by a Comic-Con company who resided below the Mason-Dixon line, and while most cons do this collective unification as a norm, AwesomeCon’s approach to creating an environment of equality and respect is both noticeable and extraordinary. As I walked through the spacious alleyways, I couldn’t help but take notice of the creatives as each ecosystem encompassed its own particular theme. Their mapping says it all as the layout’s simplistic amalgamation created an array of talent showcased in the semblance of literature, posters, figures, comics, clothing, pins and Funko Pops. For this month, I decided to venture into Pride Alley to find a title that was interesting. For my 2022 pick, it was Anxious Gretchen; Space Archaeologist by E.C. Spence (a.k.a. Chrissy Brinkman and Debbie Kerr).
The storyline: A PhD candidate named Gretchen Borowicz trips into a green light during an archeological excursion. She arrives on the planet Destyr and becomes a participant in the search for ancient artifacts. Set against an intergalactic backdrop, and situated with a race against time, this story needs to be read. With multiple arcs dating back to 2020, E.C. Spence has created a character whose travels are both fantastic and memorable.
Panda.Panda.Panda
First time seeing this. Maybe I’m late to the game. There it stood, a column of artwork that featured a series of pop culture’s favorite characters drawn in a dazzling array of illuminated colors from the company, Panda Gallery. These pieces of art are situated on an acrylic background and are moving @ $75/piece. These prints seem to represent the new art flow. One print that caught my eye was the “Venom Ninja” aka The Black Spider Samurai by renowned artist sxeven.art. I like this one. A ninja-demon with the intent to kill, or what was once a person is now an entity consumed with revenge. It’s a hot piece.
Shout out to Nate for holding the print for this shot.
But That Was Just Friday.
It was great to step into the familiar as cosplayers and fans took to this Con. I know it was Friday, but judging from this convention, Comic Con’s are definitely making a full comeback. Is it safe to say the Pandemic is finally in the rear view? Maybe, just Maybe…
That After Party Though…
The After Party by Plus Ultra Entertainment was LITAF. How they do it down in WASH, DC is bananas: Bottle Service, VIP, Models, Top Tier Bar service, people swinging in the air; this collective provided the ultimate experience as participants and cosplayers had the time of their lives. Protected by security, I had a chance to meet friendly patrons, and an opportunity to see some amazing voice actors. Shout out to David The “OH” Oliver. How they do pop culture parties down here, I love it!!!. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
And this was just Friday.
One day down, Saturday to go.
