Con season is in full swing, and Atlanta Comic Con has had its first ever event.
Taking over the Georgia Congress Center, a venue for many big Georgia cons, ATLÂ Comic-Con broke the mold by using the larger one tier Building C. The event felt much more like a larger con that had an SDCC feel to it. Cosplayers had the room to spread out in the lobby and take pictures with guests and artist. Registration left a little to be desired, as only volunteers received badges and regular attendees received cloth wristbands, it was a smooth and quick transition from check-in to the floor.
With only its first year under its belt, the guest list was impressive and comparable to many established cons in the area. Ray Park, Sean Astin, Nichelle David Hayter, Nichols, Matthew Lewis, Cary Elwes, Lea Thompson, Breanna Hilderbrand, and many more lined the dealer’s room to take pictures and sign autographs.
One of the more memorable moments was a quick trip to Vader’s Vault. As I examined the custom-made lightsabers, a familiar face walked through the crowd. Ray Park himself was purchasing hilts and batteries for his collection. While I only got a quick moment to shake his hand and tell him how much of a fan I was, he quickly reached his booth where I asked him to sign my Darth Maul Saber.
Meeting David Hayter was a lifelong dream and for ATL Comic-Con to make that dream come true was incredible.
Stars felt more relaxed and felt comfortable enough to walk among regular con-goers, David Hayter and Ray Park had a small lightsaber duel just for fun on the con floor.
While my group’s Knightmare Justice League came up a bit short in the costume contest, the con was able to attract some incredible cosplayers that put on a great show.
The dealer’s room was jam-packed with comics and was one of the more impressive ones I have ever been to. A great variety and fair prices as well as multiple well known DC artists such as Ty Templeton and Adam Hughes, no moment felt dull.
Atlanta needed a Comic-Con, it’s one of the largest major cities without one. With so many Marvel films and series filming here along with Doom Patrol scouting areas, we have such a rich comic book history not to have one. I hope to see the con grow to the level of SDCC and NYCC one day.
I recommend checking out the con in the future.
The con felt incredibly well organized and ambitious for its first year; I hope to see the con return next year and many more to come as it was truly an impressive three days that set the bar for comic book fans.
