Wizard World Philly In Pictures

I hadn’t originally planned on attending Wizard World Philly. Then I remembered, I’m too poor to go to the San Diego Comic Con, so why not? I had everything set to go when I realized, I didn’t have anyone to go with.

It wasn’t that no one wanted to go, it was just that no one could go. I’ll say it, there were a few shameless bribes but even my friend Chuck turned down the free fun. Oh well, I wasn’t going to let that stop me. What might have, however, was the fact that I underestimated the Pennsylvania Convention Center’s camouflaging ability. I don’t know if I came at it from the wrong angle or what but I had no idea I was driving through the center until I came out the other side. There were no handicap spots right out front either which didn’t help. And then it started to rain. I did manage to find street parking just a few blocks away but walking in the rain was not pleasant. At that point I was glad I decided not to go in costume. Finally I was in, I could dry off and…F#@%! I left my Nerdy Bird business cards in the car. Out and back one more time then.

Once I was back in the building I dried off my scooter and headed to the floor just in time to see this girl’s father telling her to beat up Black Manta. Now as entertaining as that is by itself, I’m curious, where does one buy a Black Manta head? Is there a factory that churns these out? Conversely, how would one go about making a Black Manta head? I’m always impressed at what cosplayers can do but stuff like this is particularly intriguing. I’ve seen Storm Trooper uniforms for sale but I’ve not once come across a Black Manta head. Also, how do you see? If anyone knows the answer I really want to know.

I got to the convention a bit later than I had planned so I took a quick spin around the floor before I headed to the DC panel (more on that later in the week). I stopped in my tracks when I saw a full-size Tardis. I’m usually pretty good at taking pictures of myself but there was no way I’d get the whole thing in with me. Luckily I notice a gentleman taking his own picture of the Tardis. I asked him if he wouldn’t mind taking a picture of me. He took one and showed it to me. Hmm, he didn’t get the top of the Tardis in. I asked him to take another one but hold it length-wise. I assumed that was the problem. He came back and showed me an almost identical picture. He was so nice, I didn’t have the heart to ask him to take another one. 

Don’t worry, I didn’t cut my hair (yet), it’s just not showing here. Don’t you just love my flaming roots though?

I adore Dobby but I don’t think I’d ever be able to fall asleep with this in my room.

Considering I went alone I had a pretty good time. I got to meet a lot of cool people for the first time like Luke from The Quarter Bin and Mark Torres and Mike from The Comic Book Novice     weekly radio show, which you can listen to online if you’re not in their area. Mark is also writing The Chosen Few, a comic penciled by Jade Smith and inks by Peter Palmiotti and Michael St. Martin.

Speaking of artists, the highlight of the convention for me was getting to chat with Mouse Guard creator David Petersen. I didn’t know he was at the NY Comic Con until the last day I was there and then I kept missing him so I was overjoyed to see him sitting here in artist’s alley. We had a really nice chat and I was fortunate enough to walk away with an adorable little sketch that will make me happy every time I look at it. I’ll have more on David later in the week as well.

Thanks to everyone at Wizard World Philly for making my first convention with you a pleasant one. Now that I know where to find you, I’ll be back.