Last weekend, Irving Convention Center was filled with celebrity guests and their devoted fans during Dallas Comic Con Fan Days. The pop culture convention for fans of comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming, offered the opportunity to let your inner fan run wild. Between amazing cosplay, celebrity photo op sessions, fascinating Q&A panels, and an extensive retailer & exhibitor area, there was something special for every fan.
I attended the convention with my husband/photographer and blogger besties, Sevi and Valery. We were all still recovering from my epic birthday karaoke party the night before, but rallied for the occasion!
Our first stop was the exhibition hall to check out all the vendors/retailers and see what fun, geeky things they were offering.
We immediately ran into Jedi Olaf, and knew instinctively that we were in for a successful, albeit crazy, weekend.
Hundreds of retailers from all over the country join FAN EXPO Dallas, specializing in everything comics, anime, gaming, science fiction and/or horror.
Whether you’re in search of comic books from any era, original artwork, graphic novels, memorabilia, DVD’s, videos, games, toys or t-shirts – you can find it all in the exhibitor area.
We made our way to the booth of the lovely Holly, from Holly’s Moving Castle, to check out her amazing minimalist digital art. I was fortunate to win her Walking Dead print as part of a giveaway on Valery’s blog a few months ago.
Sevi scored a copy for herself, too!
I think my favorite part of the exhibitor area was Wild Bill’s Old Fashioned Soda Pop’s drink station. With unlimited refills on their delicious soda and fun commemorative mugs, I can’t even describe how long the lines were for this place by the end of the day!
We only had time/patience to make two stops. I tried their Black Cherry Soda first and then refilled my mug with the Vintage Vanilla Cream. Both were absolutely delicious!!
Celebrity guests included Stephen Amell, David Ramsey, John Barrowman (Arrow), Nichelle Nichols (Star Trek), Melissa McBride (The Walking Dead), Colin Baker, Billie Piper (Doctor Who) and more! Each celebrity hosted a Q&A panel. We attended The Nightmare Before Christmas panel featuring voice actors Chris Sarandon and Ken Page, where a surprise proposal kick-started the weekend!
We attended another panel hosted by Nichelle Nichols, who played Lieutenant Nyota Uhura on Star Trek. It was pretty intense being in the presence of such a legendary, pioneering actress. It was a privilege to hear her speak and be serenaded with her beautiful rendition of “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess.
The rest of the afternoon was spent exploring the convention center and admiring all the extraordinary cosplay, including The 501st Legion: Star Wars stormtroopers pictured below:
Since Valery and I were both sporting Batman themed outfits, we had to take a picture with this cosplayer!
Mark your calendars for the next Fan Expo Dallas, which will be held on May 29th-31st, 2015! The event will be even bigger and housed at the larger Dallas Convention Center. Confirmed celebrity guests include Stan Lee, Nathan Fillion (be still my heart), and more! Advance tickets will go on sale February, 18th. Will be counting down the days ’til I can get my photo opp with Nathan <3!! Hope to see you there!
