Rosa's Column: Nerds are from Endor. Geeks are from Ferenginar.

I'm a nerd.
I'll freely admit it. I lettered in Academics in high school, won state championships with my speech team, and went to a nerdy east coast university...where I was relieved to find out that I am not a geek. People often use the terms "nerd" and "geek" interchangeably. There's a difference though. As a nerd, I found it perfectly acceptable to watch marathons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, spend $90 on a bag full of fantasy books from Powell's Bookstore in Portland, and wear slacks, a white button-up shirt, and a black vest to the premier of the re-release of Return of the Jedi (it wasn't actually a costume, just a roguish way of dressing...pipe down--I was 19). As "not a geek" I never owned a Star Trek uniform or watched a season all the way through, I never played role-playing games, and I never read a Physics text for fun (I barely read them for class).

What does this have to do with Comicon? Trust me--we're getting there.

In my nerd-view,  Cons are geeky. I rolled my eyes every year I heard mention that my sister was going to a Sci-fi con or Sakura-Con...and I worried about how I would sound thankful when she bought me things like Area 51 beanie babies. What do geeks do with those things? Certainly a nerd like me didn't know, and had no idea how you make a whole convention out of that subject matter. I laughed and pointed when I saw people with giant papier mache "war hammers," or any type of animal extension (be it tails or cat ears). Comicon was no different in my opinion--a geekfest for...well...geeks. Those who knew that there were multiple Green Lanterns, what was really up with Hellboy's affinity for kittens, and were basically like Corey Haim & the Frogg Brothers in The Lost Boys--minus all the cool vampire killing.

I'm sure there was a little insecurity attached to my reluctance--what if my nerdiness was called in to question by, of all people...geeks? Sure I had watched the X-men cartoon as a kid, seen all the movies, beat two of the Xbox games, and even played a little of the old school Nintendo game...but that seemed like just enough to be a poseur--I'd never even cracked a compendium. I still wondered why Gambit wasn't a big part of the movies...he was the coolest guy on the cartoon! It somehow seemed that going to Comicon would expose my ignorance and I would then be ridiculed by these people that I had already written off as being a whole different species of humanoid. It turns out that my fears were all self-imposed (and that I was being kind of a jerk about Comicon attendees).

Thanks to my love of almost anything Joss Whedon, I picked up his X-Men series, followed by the Season 8 Buffy series, and eventually I ventured into the work of Brian K. Vaughn in the form of The Runaways and Y the Last Man. I felt this at least gave me a little cred...but wasn't really the tipping point that made going to Comicon seem worthwhile. As it turns out, I had to do no more work than to enjoy one of the most popular franchises of all time: Star Wars.  I've seen the original trilogy hundreds of times, and while browsing the internet, found some cool propaganda posters done by an artist that was...uh...going to be right here in Baltimore at Comicon? Would he be selling these posters at Comicon? I could potentially save on shipping and get the posters autographed...plus, going to Comicon meant that I might find new comics that would increase my pop culture value (this is the value assigned to all people who have the potential to be on a trivia team...random knowledge is of extreme high value)?

My interest was piqued...

...To be Continued.

The poster that started it all. 
http://www.cliffchiang.com/

Costumes: Catwomen

As sure as there will be a Comic-Con, there will be Harley Quinn Catwoman costumes.  I've always been a Batman guy, second only to Wolverine (hey, what other comic character is a short angry guy supposed to think is cool?  Tell me.)  And what's Batman without Catwoman?   And because Catwoman has been around for SEVENTY TWO years, there's a lot of different Catwoman looks to go around.  It's always cool to see which ones get picked.  Though, it is never my favorite!  Original Catwoman.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chi-o/

This actually is one of my favorites.  Dark Knight Rises Catwoman. She's even got kind of an Anne Hathaway grin which i like.  The pop-up goggles are a cool touch.  I have to assume she didn't just buy those someplace.
I'm not 100% sure what's up with the soooorrrt of cat claws she's making there.  She could also very well be casting some sort of spell.  Which also draws attention to her summery short sleeve action going on.  Still, she's working it.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chi-o

Catwoman number two.  This is the comic book Catwoman from the 2000s. (maybe a little Year One? [you see the exhausting research I do for you guys?])  I've seen a few of these costumes in the past and they all have one thing in common, leaving me with the question, "Do no stores sell big silver belt buckles like that, or does every would-be Selina Kyle have to make her own from cardboard and aluminum foil?"
Regardless, this is a well done costume, particularly the goggles.  Although I am not sure this Catwoman has an actual evil bone in her body.
... And there's that same cat claw hand. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chi-o

 I get the feeling that statuesque Catwoman #3 here would look the part in a black T-shirt and yoga pants.  Ears or no ears.  She didn't even need a mask, opting instead for stylish earrings.  A mostly modern costume with a little bit of 60s flair ... oh, and a whip. 

photo by Ma

Like Catwoman herself, this lady was elusive.  More accurately, she wasn't one to stand around, posing.  Like the rest of us, she had business at Comic-Con.  An agenda.  Something we forget when we see cosplayers walking around - they're looking to buy, meet people, and take pics of their own.   It's a shame because her Arkham City style style costume was really well made and she looked great in it.  Neither Manny or I got a photo during the costume contest, so we have to settle for this, though now I'm wondering what she was looking at.
I mean if it makes Catwoman stop and shoot ....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chi-o/

 Peta?!!
I have no problem with vegetarians and vegans.  I try not to get hung up on what other people eat or don't.  But if you want me to go vegan, I'm not sure Zorro-caped-Catwoman is the right spokesperson to send my way.  I have two cats.  They like meat.  And they are really judgmental about costumes.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chi-o/

Are ... you ...Catwoman ...?

Someone help me out here...

And I'm saving the best for last.  At least in my opinion.  Okay, so I don't remember any Catwoman who had streaks of pink in her hair, but I do remember the first Catwoman I ever saw. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chi-o/

Julie Newmar. 

For me, before there was Princess Leia, there was Julie Newmar as Catwoman... okay, maybe at the same time there was Princess Leia ... either way.  I never knew what was so cool about the mid-60s mod gals, since I was watching Batman reruns in the mid 80s.   I just know that i wished Catwoman was the villain in every episode. 
Thanks for everything Julie Newmar. 
From eartips to boots, this Catwoman is a perfect homage.  Even when just sitting, waiting for the costume contest to start, she never breaks character.  (Just hearts.)  She might, in fact be Catwoman.  Did anyone think to check her bag for stolen jewelry?  or salmon?

A better look at the original.

Artists: Erica Hesse likes to draw the ladies

from her gallery

Erica Hesse is a bright, friendly and fiercely talented artist.  As you can read on her website, she is into creating pin-up, burlesque, roller derby, hot rod, and comic book related art, or, as I would call it, a list of everything Pete loves.  
She also has an original work called The Key.
Like a lot of artists, she does her take on both superheroes and modern pop culture, but what makes her unique is where she truly kicks ass: 50's and classic pinup style: from pulp girl, to tongue-in-cheek exploitation to vaguely Tiki.  

And If you're any kind of roller derby fan, then most likely you've seen this iconic image somewhere (everywhere):

  

 For the past few years, I have been getting commissions of an original character.  It helps when I'm at the booth of an artist I like and want to commission work from the artist, but can't seem to figure out what to get.  It's like *boom*, now I have a go-to character.  which helps solve that problem of stage fright that comes mmediately after asking, "Do you do commissions?"
"Yeah"
"Do you have time to do one for me?"
"yep.  What would you like?"
"Ummmmmmmmm .... a ... thing ... with ... you know that ... Ummmmmmmmm..." *thwump*
"Were you holding your breath trying to think of something?"
"... "
 I am 100% pleased with the work she did.  There's something that really good female artists put into female characters ... it's a quality I can't quite put my finger on, but I definitely see it in her work.  To sum up: she's awesome.  Check her out. 

Costumes: Battle Royale

Ha!  I told you Lady Thor was at Comic Con.  It's a shame she didn't meet up with the other female Avengers, but sometimes you gotta fly solo, I guess. 

Also, despite the sheer height of her opponent (not to mention those giant horns) our Thorina seems at least a match for the Lady Loki who was walking around Comic-Con all day.

Also also, since I am the king of good ideas, I say why wait for the matchup to come to us at all?!  Comic-Con officials, get on this train; costume contests are cool and all but with all that convention floor space, wouldn't it be more awesome to pit comic book enemies against each other in a fight to the death.  That would make winning those gift certificates all the sweeter.
I would feel bad, though for anyone dressed as the nemesis of Harley Quinn or Black Widow (do they have any?) or they would be killed instantly.

Also thanks goes out to Chi from London, who has allowed me to link his photos from the con.  They are far better than mine.  This is his FB.  This is his Flickr.  bask in awe.

Artists: Kevin Bolk

My apologies to Kevin Bolk for the thoroughly unflattering photo.

I love artists who add humor and playfulness to their work when they can.  It's the kind of work that covers our walls and adorns T-shirts.  And Kevin is no stranger to playfulness, whether it's through his Daddy/Daughter Ninja Day, or pop culture strips of everything from Star Trek to Mario and Luigi (called It Sucks To Be Weegie).

And if you watched The Avengers and own a computer, then it's probable that someone this summer shared the image below with you.  Along with the caption, "what if every character in the Avengers posed like Black Widow."

from http://kevinbolk.deviantart.com/

 I love the humor and the man has skill, but where i think he excels is at the Comic-Con staple of character cards.  His cards have his signature style, which is equal parts sexy (when applicable) true-to-character and cute as hell.  I mean check out that gallery.  There's something for any kind of fan.  There's Zuul from Ghostbusters, Dr. Whos (or is it Doctors Who?), Carmen SanDiego, the Land O'Lakes girl (that's right!) and Freddie Mercury to go along with the standard superheroes.  Rosa scooped up Miyazaki's Naussica and Totoro to go along with my sexy/cute Transformers.  No I am not kidding with my description!  Meet Megachan and Optomiss Prime (get it)

If you know me, this should be far less surprising than the fact that he has like six more transformers cards that I did NOT buy!  How's that for restraint?

I swear, I want to convince someone to wear these costumes and be this guy's booth models!

Costumes: Where's Jay?

Going as Kevin Smith's alter ego Silent Bob could be the laziest costume this side of the jackasses who wear a Superman T-shirt under a half-buttoned dress shirt (We get it dude, your wussy-ass ego is too fragile for the red boots).
But if you want to turn lazy into awesome, take a cue from our fellow here and go the extra mile.
This Silent Bob had his expressions (not to mention hair and beard) perfect.  he carried a fantastic fake-lit cigarette and most importantly, the guy never spoke.  Not ever. 
Well done, Lunchbox!

Artists: Keron Grant has swagger

Keron Grant is pretty badass.
I'm pretty sure he knows it.
He has a sketchbook for sale called Dope Book, or as he calls it "sketchbook of the year."  Who can blame him?  I'm always impressed with artists who have a confidence about their work.  And he deserves to.
Keron is a Jamaican-American artist who has done work with Marvel, but his superb watercolors and mixed media seem custom made for the iconic look of the DC superheroes. Check this gallery.  There's a lot to see.
 Cars, animals, and some amazing Transformers work, Grant's art conveys power in a detailed-yet-messy, beautiful and dynamic way. 
 My boy Manny has always been a Superman guy and indeed all Super-family have a place in his heart.  And as for me, I've been on a huge Wonder Woman kick lately, so when we hit this booth we sounded like 12-year-old girls at a Justin Bieber sighting.  While Keron Grant looked on in cucumber-cool silence, Manny scooped up a bunch of Superman and Supergirl art including these pieces.

While I grabbed this gorgeous (and unapologetically Kardashian-looking Wonder Woman)

His website.
His blog.

Costumes: The Lady Avengers

Saving the world with smile power.

This trio of lady Avengers gets props for originality.  Lady Hulk, I see has picked modesty over green-tinted nudity, and Lady Stark has chosen designer shades over that unflattering helmet.  I mostly approve here.

Not pictured: female Thor (Thorina?) Although, I did see one wandering Comic-Con, and Hawkeye (He's pretty much a girl anyway).  I think these women definitely missed an opportunity to recruit some long-suffering friend-zone guy to be their cross gender Black Widow.  

"Please, Andrew?  You'd look soooo cute."

"well ...ok."

"And can you buy our tickets?"

"Um.  I guess so."

"Andrew can't find his red wig"

Artists: Tony Fleecs made fun of me

Meet Tony Fleecs ... my new nemesis.
Don't let the beard, the cool hat and the amazing piece of artwork behind him fool you...
It was the end of day two of Comic-Con and our feet, minds and wallets had kind of long abandoned their usefulness.  That was of course about the time when we realized that somehow in our wandering around the convention floor we had managed to miss an entire row!  I don't know how we did this.  This wasn't just a row filled with comic book vendors and their identical boxes of back issues; it wasn't even one of the rows of classic transformers and heroclix that my wife will usher me past like a bouncer shoving a drunk customer out the door ("keep movin, buddy!")
No, this row had some seriously talented and friendly artists.
So with ten minutes left before the end of the con, Rosa waves me over to Tony's table.  I can see she already has a piece of art selected to buy, but flipping through his binder, all I can do is wish we had A) more cash and B) more wall space.  I love when an artist has taken an idea, a niche or gimmick and made it more than that, made it something mindblowingly clever and cool.

Tony Fleecs, whose work you can see here, has an entire series of pulp-style novel covers done with iconic female characters from pop culture.  Not only are there little clever nods in each piece, but the artwork is gorgeous.  I was admiring them when another image caught my eye.

This one >>>

It's part of another series called Adorable Tragedies and may be the one that has the most history with me, thanks to me being 10 years old when the Transformers Movie came out.  It depicts in adorable fashion, the death of Optimus Prime.  But while Manny and Scott and Rosa are "Awwww"-ing, I can't help but remember how actually sad that moment was when i was a kid.  And I point out to fellow Transformers fans Scott and Manny. "Man, I ever remember Perceptor's line in that scene."  (Perceptor being the pinkish-red one at the top of the image who was the "science one" and transformed into a microscope.) 
"Perceptor!?" shouts Tony.  "Man that's the nerdiest thing I have ever heard!"
Really?!
The nerdiest thing?  At Comic-Con?  Which is exactly what I say to my asshole friends who are now laughing and pointing at me.  "You're the nerdiest guy at Comic-Con!  Haw Haw Haw!"
You know, actually I don't think Tony Fleecs is my nemesis.  It's my jackass friends.
We left with this piece of art, from the genuinely cool Tony.

.

His website.  

Oh, and that Perceptor line?  "I fear the wounds are ... fatal..."

Costumes: Face-Off

Bumped into these guys on our way to lunch at Abby Burger Bistro (Kangaroo meat?  How badass is that?)


Single-minded burger fanatics that they are, no one else in our group saw this awesome pair up of Skeletor and Red Skull. 

All that's missing from this photo is Ghost Rider.

Tips: #1 Go both days

The first year we went to Comic-Con, myself, Rosa and Scott, I am not sure we knew what to expect at all.  Maybe check out some people in costumes and walk by a bunch of comic books for sale and try to avoid standing for two hours in a  line to meet Stan Lee or something. 
"Scott's been to conventions before," I thought to myself.  "If it was anything more than that, I'm sure he'd say something..."
And it's for that reason that we figured we would be all wrapped up in a couple of hours and ready to go home. We sure as hell weren't going to waste twice the money and go two days.  Two days: that's a hell of a lot of nerding out!

Yeah, and as it turns out, it's also the correct amount of nerding out.  That, and Scott is a jerk. 
First, the crowd.  It's insane.  >>
Insane in a good way.  Not a pushy, grumpy crowd of  amusement park patrons on 100-degree heat or a herd of screeching psychopaths at a Black Friday sale, just a tightly packed love mosh of geeks in geek mecca. 
Also, as I'm sure I will expand on later, there is a hell of a lot more to Comic-Con than what I previously thought.  Yes, there's comic books for sale, but most people aren't there for them, so far as I can determine.  And why would they be?  This isn't some traveling show of rare and unique items.  Comic books are readily available at stores and online vendors.  This slow moving tide of geekery did not come all the way out for ten garage sale's worth of comic books.  They came to get their likenesses sketched as cats in Iron man suits.  they came for the 3500 different Princess Leia pinup pieces and a stack of T-shirts so big, it literally has four walls and you could live comfortably inside it. It's a carnival of pop-culture and every fun childhood memory dusted off and polished and seductively sold back to you now that you have grow up money.  That first year we spent one day and forever wondered what we missed out on seeing.
At least until the next year.  when we got the two-day tickets.

Artists: Blue Milk Special

Rod Hannah (left) and Leanne Hannah are the husband and wife team behind Blue Milk Special.
If you're a Star Wars fanatic, of course you have heard of them.  Right?  ... Right?!
What is wrong with you?  Get there, right now.
What's unique to BMS is that they are a webcomic that parodies the Original Trilogy one scene at a time. 
Meaning?  You're following the movie in order, scene by scene.  And because it's been running for over three years now, there's a lot to follow.  Which also means that you can waste hours at work for weeks before moving back to Cracked.com posts.

"But I've seen every Star Wars parody there ever was," you say.  I'll admit the parodies on Family Guy and Robot Chicken (and even other places not affiliated with anyone named Seth) can leave you feeling like there's no new jokes to be made.
"It's a trap!  Get it?  Get it!?  It's a trap!"
"Yeah dude."
But you'd be wrong.  Because they've been running so long, it also means that they can do a lot with the characters.  Princess Leia is not herself so much as she is the embodiment of Carrie Fisher, which it turns out is wickedly funny.  Darth Vader is something of a Trekkie and even the most fringe characters in the Star Wars universe have been given a second life.  Whether you love Star Wars a little, a lot, or waaaay too much, there's something for you.  

Beru ... I always knew...

They do the strip and the Conventions on their own dime and still do their own original stuff and work on projects like Whatever Happened to Baron Von Shock? for Rob Zombie and Image Comics.  I'm not sure when they find time to breathe.  You can check out Leanne's work here. 

Costumes: I love that Guy!

Pic by Pete

There are some X-Men characters that everyone seems to think are cool.  At least when I was a kid, it seemed very clear.  Wolverine: Cool,  Jubilee: Uncool, Gambit: Cool.
I was already a little old for Saturday morning cartoons when the classic 90's X-men cartoon showed up, but I was hooked just the same.  On the other side of the country, the same was true for my wife.  And just like me (and pretty much all of us) she loved Gambit.  Everyone loved Gambit.  Looking back now, it's clear that Gambit was kind of created to be the "cool" character, possibly by the same think tank that gave us MC Skat Cat.  (whom I may also have thought was cool at some point).  At least he was a combination of the things I thought were awesome.  Cards? check.  (they made up a whole power just so he could throw cards)  Cool trenchcoat? check.  Loves the ladies? check.  Great hair? check!  Sweet pink and black body armor?  check, baby!  (check baby, one, two, three, four...)
Gambit doesn't get the love and appreciation he did in the 90s, but it's all right.  When hot pink comes back, so will everyone's favorite Cajun. And until then, every time my wife or I pick up a playing card, we will continue to end up launching it at the other while growling in our best Cajun accent, "Gambi-i-i-i-i-t!"

Pic by Manny

I met this Gambit at an ATM outside the convention and could tell he put a lot of work into his costume; so I was already impressed.  (I was also impressed by his Paul Rudd style good looks.)  But what made him one of the coolest cosplayers at the convention was how nice the guy was.  He posed for pics with everyone, especially the kids, whom he always gave a playing card to that he had pre-autographed "Gambit."  So, he lived up to the cool after all these years.  Good to know.