Blerdcon 2022: Homecoming - Friday Edition!!!
Joseph Watkins Da Watcha
July 8th, started BlerdCon 2022, one of the most prestigious comic cons for Black Creatives, Artists, IG enthusiasts, fellow Blerds, and fans of pop culture. Second time attending, I’m proud to be a fan of this gathering as I was able to see an awesome array of pop culture enthusiasts come together to share their knowledge, sell their merchandise and just be themselves in an environment filled with positivity at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport in Virginia. There was, however, one change that took place:
Registration was moved to another hotel to handle the massive influx of traffic walking into and out of the con areas. Last year, there was a slight bottleneck in the hotel as people, who wanted to pay, came into conflict with people who reserved tickets and fellow patrons.
This new setup allowed for less congestion and easy access to areas. This adjustment also led to an interesting conclusion; the event is growing. More people are discovering this phenomenal convention and the magic that surrounds it. BlerdCon is more than just an event, it’s the “EssenceFest” of Blerd culture for some, a pop culture escape for others, and provides an opportunity for POCs to discuss various themes with their fellow peers. As for me, coming here feels more like a family reunion with everyone’s favorite uncle. You’ve been dying to hang with him, and you only get this one weekend because he’s always busy, so you make the time to go. BlerdCon has that type of family vibe, that love energy, and that is what makes BlerdCon, in my opinion, a magical experience.
Friday Vibes
Arriving late, I decided to explore the artist floor and see the “At Night” events, all, while looking at some fabulous cosplay for Friday’s excursion:
Owner of Bad Waifu, Linda with content creator, animexsundays
Bad Waifu
I’ve seen them on the ‘Gram and their outfits are amazing; Bad Waifu. They’re a lifestyle brand that caters directly to women. Through the use of research, anime, and creativity, BAD WAIFU created a clothing line that provides support, coverage and style for women of all types. One of their outfits, their body suit, has a secret ingredient that makes viewers turn their heads, the sacred Hip Line. What 50 Cent did to t-shirts, Bad Waifu is doing to the body suit as their hip line delivers extra exposure for the wearer, giving the leg a more sleeker, beautiful, and sexier look.
RAE Comics
TJ Sterling was here promoting his newest creative endeavor: Okemus: Dark History. This work provides the backstory of how the Okemus Universe came to be. Monsters, Cyborgs, Biomech warriors, and a vaccine gone wrong, this graphic novel is worth the read.
Orlando Jones
Blerdcon had the pleasure of hosting Orlando Jones; famed Actor, Comedian, Writer, and Awesome Black Dude. Orlando Jones showed us love, as he made us laugh about representation in the film industry, his origin in becoming an actor, and his case of mistaken “actor identity” in BKLYN, NYC. It was a blast. With a filmography that spans over 3 decades, we saluted Jones for his amazing energy and down to earth vibe as he dropped some serious gems about the entertainment industry and as he signed autographs for the fans. LEGEND.
The Cosplay
BlerdCon’s cosplay is always grand as Friday’s fashion brought out the creativity in people. The fabrics, the colors, the styles, it was amazing to see these creatives showcase their hard work for the fans and fellow creators of color.
Friday Edition
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BlerdCon 2022: Homecoming
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Friday Edition 〰️ BlerdCon 2022: Homecoming 〰️
BlerdCon 2022: Homecoming
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Friday Edition
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BlerdCon 2022: Homecoming 〰️ Friday Edition 〰️
After Hours….
BlerdCon 2022: Friday After Party
As the vendor doors came to a close, Club BlerdCon came out in the after hours (11PM+), playing both House and Hip-Hop music. As the music played louder, the cosplay scene became more intense. I also had the privilege of listening to the musical group, AEOXIS and Wreck the System.
BlerdCon 2022: After Hours
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BlerdCon 2022: After Hours 〰️
BlerdCon 2022: After Hours
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BlerdCon 2022: After Hours 〰️
AEOXIS
Comprising of Tovaun Anthony (Right-Lead Singer) , and Yusef Curry (on Drums), the musical group AEOXIS tore the roof off as they played in the Regency Room. As Yusef played the hell out of the drums (peep the solo below); Tovaun, shirtless, had the crowd in an uproar as he versed anime-based theme songs, with dark “overlord voiced” tones. I loved it !!!
Wreck the System
Cam3, LadyJ, and Osiris Green. The group Wreck the System provided Rock and Hip-Hop vibes as they performed some of their hits from previous albums: Culture Shock, Lady J’s Again and Again, and Osiris Green’s Demon in the Back (Yuujiro Hanma Tribute). What really had me was how they moved like ninjas, spitting their wordplay, feeding off of each other’s energy, while shining in their own light. These creatives made a fan tonight as they showed out their talents and abilities to the crowd. I was also mushed by Lady J in the Mosh Pit, she strong y’all.
The House Party
DJ AWESOMUS PRIME
As more and more creatives started to flood the convention floor during the after hours, the energy started to grow inside and outside the Regency Room. Outside the room, a wave of fans swayed, gyrated, and enjoyed the music from the DJs (shoutout to kingzeus100racks and DJ JusJamz for that “MF” Energy!!!), and inside, was a whole new world altogether: the Annual “House Party” (think Kid and Play, you get the idea). The last official event of the evening, The House Party, headlined by DJ Awesomus Prime had featured guests Roxxy Haze, and Cin Von Quinzel and a third creator (I wasn’t able to grab the 3rd guests name). That event had everyone parting till dawn, leaving us ready for what Saturday had in store: Tha Realness.
@blerdconDC Was Lit AF!!! pic.twitter.com/BcnjPBNLpJ
— RGN99 (@Rgn99Mag) July 11, 2022
Blerdcon: House Party
Blerdcon continues to get better and better. In between the events, they had gaming, 24-Hr anime streaming, and keeping it 100, a barbershop for them sharp edges. I loved it at Blerdcon, and with Blerd Culture on full high, Friday was just a warmup for the awesomeness Saturday had in store for us.
(*Shoutout to the Cosplayer who was The Watcher!!! You’re the real MVP!!!)
