Five years ago, a pop culture convention was born. And like all fledgeling conventions, they start off small and intimate. Then, two pop culture icons noticed this convention, and wanted it for their own. Stan Lee, of Marvel Comic Books fame, and Cassandra Peterson, the Mistress of the Dark, stepped up to the plate and purchased this show and it was good. It felt appropriate that these two would join forces for a convention all their own, the convention known as, Comikaze!
This is my second year attending Comikaze, and as always, it did not disappoint. But we all go to conventions for different reasons. Some go for cosplay, while others go for the comic book artists and writers, and still others go for the fandom. In this case, I went for the panels. Like, the kind you sit in on and listen to people, not the kind that you line floors with. Wait, do you line floors with panels? Having done two years of construction, you’d think I’d know. But before I get into what I saw and experienced this year, I wanted to point out an observation. Comikaze is getting BIG. Not only did it take up one and a half halls, but the crowds of people were amazing. A sea of fandom poured over every aisle, drowning out any semblance of open space. For me, it was fantastic to see it’s popularity soaring.
The three day event out at the Los Angeles Convention Center started for me on day two. Perusing the show floor, the thing I noticed most this year was the abundance of weapons. From swords and shields to bows and prop guns, there were a plethora of ways to deck yourself out in some wild arms. The artist area had plenty of beautiful pieces for sale to fit whatever genre and style you’re into. What totally threw me off guard, and something I hope they’ll do again next year, was the authors area, where book writers were happy to sign and take pictures with fans. I don’t remember seeing a specific area like that at any of the conventions I’ve attended. Personally, I think we need more. There were also steampunk booths, anime on screen, and so much more, that I know I wouldn’t be able to name them all here and give them justice. Just know, that the thing that you’re crazy about, was most likely out and about and being represented.
Conventions are not just places to meet Youtube, cosplay, TV, and movie stars, oh no. You can also just sit back, relax, and laugh. Not by yourself of course, that might get you committed, but with other like minded folk. I was happy to start my Comikaze out with a bunch of voice actors at Voice-nado. Now, originally, I thought these voice actors would talk about how they got into the business, or try to help those who want to get into that world. They do a little bit of that, but these talented people spend most of the time having fun, doing impressions, and making us laugh, which was all right by me.
Honestly, there were too many panels I wanted to attend, and not enough me to go around. From the singles panel, that was unsurprisingly more men than women, to the dating panel that had a father of two asking about the friendzone, to seeing old television families get together for a reunion, Comikaze will have a seat for you. Yet, somehow, this place was able to one up themselves even more with Hall E. Hall E held all the improve and musical shows that I had the pleasure of attending. Each group was funny and a joy to watch perform, even thought I was only able to catch a couple, including a Star Trek improv that ended up being one of my favorites. I’m looking forward to seeing more entertainment like this in the future
My one and only complaint was the layout of Comikaze. The show had to share building space with another convention, that hadn’t even started yet, and the locations of events just seemed all awry. I realize it doesn’t take much to read a map, nor do I feel it takes much effort to traverse long hallways, but I feel it suffered a little from the multiple halls, and overly strict staff. An issue that did not affect me personally, but I did hear it prevented some well meaning folk from having a good time.
Lastly, I feel the need to point out that the one podcast panel I attended was such a harsh contrast from the one I sat in on at Long Beach Comic Con. I don’t know if it’s blasphemous to name another convention when writing about another convention, but the Pretty Oddcast was pretty entertaining, with likeable hosts, and interesting subject matter. It was a good way to end the first night of Stan Lee’s Comikaze and it taught me that I still have much to learn about making a successful podcast.
Two days are never enough for all the fun, fandom, and fantasy of conventions, and I had a great time living in the world of Comikaze, and I’m looking forward to it, next year.
