Day one was supposed to start like last year, with a True Blood panel. However, when we got to the location, about an hour early, the line was already out the hotel, down to the street and lapping around the hotel. Melinda likes True Blood, but not that much.
The crowd on Friday, felt to me, like last year’s Saturday crowd. That could have been because there were in fact more people this year, or the fact that last year, my mask restricted so much of my vision, I was never able to see the crowd.
We did a little people watching, but the Friday costumes were a little lacking. Just a handful actually stood out. I’ve got some pictures below.
Our second panel of the day was to meet the voice actors for Yoda and Ahsoka for Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and the wookie himself, Chewbacca, Peter Mayhew. We got to the panel about 2 hours early and were sixth and seventh in line. When the panel started, the stars introduced themselves and immediately opened the floor for questions. It was really awesome to see several kids, in costume, step up to the mic and ask questions. The cutest was from a little boy to Ashley, voice of Ahsoka, asking her “How dirty did Ahsoka get when she was trying to escape from those lizard things in the woods?” The entire room went “Awwwwww….” all at the same time. Ashley answered the question very well and was obviously used to dealing with children and not just rabid fan boys. A bit later a slightly older boy stepped up and quickly corrected the younger boy by stating the actual name of the race of the lizard things. Later someone asked where the actors stood on the really big question, did Han shoot first? Peter gave the best answer of all time to that question: “I don’t really know. I didn’t see. I was on the other side of the bar finishing my drink.” Straight from Chewy himself.
After this panel let out, we had 30 minutes to make it to the next, a work shop on casting and mold making. We got to it 15 minutes early and the room was full. So it turned out that Friday would be the only panel we would get to see.
Now Friday night there was supposed to be a meet up of Bioshock cosplayers (people who dress in costumes). I got a text late in the evening that it had cancelled, but we went anyway. Subject Delta and Eleanor made their debut in front of the Marriott from 9PM to around 11:30PM. The costumes were a big hit. We didn’t dare try to go into the hotel, just because of the crowds and how bulky the costume was. This may have been a problem, because as of yet, I haven’t found any of the pictures taken of us in costume and we only came out of the evening with 2. Also, unfortunately, the syringe portion of Melinda’s costume did not make the show. It sort of…well…fell apart. One of the valves shattered, one of the gauges came off, and the worst and unfixable at con, was one of the straps to attach it broke lose.
While we’re talking about photographing cosplayers, there are a few rules people should keep in mind.
1) Always ask first. Now the exception to this is if there are a lot of people snapping pictures and you just jump into the pool, that is usually acceptable. At least by me. However, if you want your picture made with the cosplayer, ALWAYS ASK.
2) If you are having your picture made with the cosplayer, please keep in mind that this is just a picture and not a TSA checkpoint. There is no reason to grab or grope the poor cosplayer. No matter how funny you may think it is to grab Subject Delta’s butt, it isn’t. Especially to Mrs. Subject Delta.
3) Be polite. If there is a certain pose you want the cosplayer to do, simply ask. Shouting out “Hey Bioshock Dude! Lift your f*%king drill thing!” is not a good idea. Unless you’re looking for a f*%king drill thing up the side of your head, or worse.
That all said, most people associated with Dragon*Con followed those rules. The others that were either their for one of the other events or just their, they are the ones that need educating.
Subject Delta and a Bunny Splicer
I have no idea who she was, but she was awesome and her costume was great (even if she did sneak attack me here). She saw me, screamed, ran up to me and gave me a big hug and then asked for some pictures. After that, she and Melinda struck up a conversation and Melinda told her about the aquarium gathering, and she actually came to it.
Subject Delta and Scientists from Aperture Labs
These guys were awesome. They had two Portal guns and we made the deal that Delta could hold one if they could use the drill arm. Worked out well I think.
Other Costume Pictures from Friday.
