We did a must-see list earlier this week, but we always like to attend the show and get the aisle-level news — booths that might otherwise get lost in the shuffle (and the sheer number of people). This is by no means a complete or at all scientific list of the coolest stuff at FAN EXPO, it's just a look at some of the most notable things we saw — those unexpected discoveries that happen when you turn a corner, look through the throngs of fellow fans, and spot something being sold that you didn't know you needed in your life.
On a Fourth of July during which many in a beleaguered America might not feel like it has much to celebrate, it's good to get together and party it up nerd-style instead. Here's a short list of cool stuff to see before you head home for a nerd-style BBQ: Doritos, Mountain Dew and probably Taco Bell. Party on, fellow nerds!
Our anticipation of the dread associated with the line length was at first problematic.
Teague Bohlen
Yes, you read that right. The lines to get into FAN EXPO were awesome. Despite some issues in years past, the convention folks were moving fans along at an impressive pace. What looked like a nightmare at first proved to be absolutely manageable. Kudos to the con organizers for improving on something that had been an issue for many in years past. You're the real heroes.
Awesome Artists with Energy
Case in point: the vivacious and super-positive energy of a digital watercolorist who goes by Allie Katten and has a fantastic art style and family roots in Colorado.
Local Comic Shops Go Head-to-Head with National Retailers
It's been a curious trend in the Denver convention scene that one-by-one, most of the brick-and-mortar stores have dropped out of participation. One of the stalwarts has always been Hall of Justice Comics down in Parker, which recently found themselves as the last store standing still participating in FAN EXPO. This year, Hall of Justice was happily joined by another crack comic squad, this one from I Want More Comics in Thornton. Good to see some local shops at the show. We need some of the other major Denver players to make their way back too.
This Owl, Who Sternly Judges All that Come Before Him
It's no accident that Atosha here — who was escorted to the convention by two charming representatives from the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance in Sedalia — was a guest of Aaron Reynolds, famous for his web-comic Effin' Birds. Both sort of share the same "we both know you're not worthy to even gaze upon me" sort of energy. And yet still, they allow it, because while Atosha carries in his feathered noggin the wisdom of the sum total of the average U.S. Supreme Court (six times the wisdom, based on current court level), he's also benevolent. Though he does seem to be in a constant state of "Oh, what fresh hell is this?" doesn't he? All part of his owlish demeanor, and something that Effin' Birds creator Reynolds has certainly capitalized upon, to admirable success.
Wolverine here can also make orange slices for your kid's team practice. So really, it's a kitchen item.
Teague Bohlen
Answer: When it's nearly two feet tall, has zero points of articulation, and needs to be plugged in for its light-up feature. Yes, we all know this Wolverine is far more statue than it is anything approaching a toy, but don't tell that to the artists from Superbad Action Figures, who specialize in hyper-realistic figures and statues. Their footprint at Denver's FAN EXPO is significant and rivals some of the setups at much larger shows, including San Diego Comic Con. We're not talking about just one or two cool pieces; they have scores of them on display and up for sale. Worth looking and admiring, if nothing else.
Awesome Leggings and an Education in A.I.
Jaime Richter here isn't just the founder of The Legging Lass — she's also a fierce protector of her own Intellectual Property Rights and those of fellow artists. This was the first year we asked if we could take a photo of a vendor's wares; they politely declined, and offered other options — like this pic from a distance that focused more on her poster than her product. Richter explained that there's just too much risk from unscrupulous people stealing images and the like, and she has to be careful — so careful, in fact, that her website is password protected, and interested customers have to email her to gain access to the site. It's a new world for convention vendors. In terms of doing everything we can to support artists and their work, and keep it safe from A.I. theft? We're here for it.
Custom Tees, Fan-Style
One of the interesting trends at the convention — and one of the most gratifying — was the apparent influx of more original creators. While the old bulk retailers are still there with the same X-Men shirt you can find pretty easily at any number of webstores, Lisa (pictured) and her husband Vincent run TeeMinus24, selling nerd-celebrating art designed in-house by Lisa herself. Want a travel tee from Dagobah? A hobbit home from the Shire? A TARDIS or a Totoro? Here's where you can nerd out...uniquely.
Etchings: Not Just for the 15th Century Anymore
If you love nerd minutiae and know who Albrecht Dürer was, then this is the booth for you. Etchings, etchings, everywhere, and not a drop of ink. Who needs it, when you've got a precision laser and a solid creative spark? The Paisley Poppy doesn't carry only framed laser-engraved wood products featuring fan-favorite properties from film, books, gaming, and more, but that's the lion's share of their stuff, and what draws the eye. And, one is to hope, the pocketbook.
Geekify: Local Nerd Stuff Straight from Broomfield
Another local vendor is John Taylor (pictured), owner of Geekify, which focuses on "quality handcrafted products for the discerning geek." (And really, aren't all geeks pretty damn discerning?) A lot of what the store carries are pieces that were originally custom requests from fans (something they still offer). Cloth maps of fantasy realms. Leather-bound custom treatments for favorite novels. That blanket tapestry of The Last Unicorn in the background of the photo above. Taylor describes his company as "what happens when an Etsy store grows up," which is to say he more or less is living the American dream: start small, follow your passion and grow a business of which you can be proud. On a U.S. holiday weekend? Something to celebrate.
FAN EXPO Denver continues through Sunday, July 6 at the Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th Street.
