Fan Expo Canada! Day 1 & 2

Wow! The end of August snuck up on us just like that. And suddenly the Fan Expo is more than half over. I'm absolutely stoked, but it's been a whirlwind of a blast.

Day 1
We arrive only to find a lineup going more than around the block. Literally, the line wrapped the entire length of the convention center, all the way down to the south building, where it used to be held.
Overall, it was pretty disorganized. We asked several convention volunteers where we needed to go, and the would give us vague directions and usher us along with all the other confused people, wandering in the direction that seemed appropriate.
They introduced wristbands this year instead of the standard badge pass they've had before. This seemed like a good idea. Admittedly, it was a little difficult for me, wearing long gloves, but at least I know I won't loose my wristband :) I feel bad for anyone in the extravagant costumes, like Chewbacca. Where does he put his wristband? Hmmmm.
Upon entering the convention floor, we were immidiately overwhelmed. Obviously, I'm accustomed to the layout of the south building, and I like it that way. To me, it seemed more organized, and made more sense overall. Maybe I haven't given this layout a fair chance, the only times I was on the convention floor, it was rediculously busy. I couldn't walk through in my usual grid pattern, because most often, I couldn't get a way through to where I wanted to get. There are also a lot more larger, commercial booths than there have been in previous years. Yes, this is to be expected as the convention grows, but I feel like for their size, the commercial booths don't have much to offer. I guess, at heart, I'll always want the convention as what it used to be. Fan oriented. Great guests, but not too commercial. But anyways...
There looked to be a lot of great merch but I usually save my shopping for sunday. I did pick up a pair of guitar hero pyjama pants though.
Now, unfortunately my camera died literally as I was about to take my first picture. I have been unable to fix it. Yeah, I can believe my horrible timing. It was working just fine at home, but as soon as I turn it on at con... That's kind of the theme of my weekend though. Quite a few things went wrong. I'll get to that later.
My fellow fans have been great this year! I've got to say, that's the main draw for me. There's so many interesting people to see, meet and talk to. It's great to see so many people with the same geeky interests under one roof. For the most part, it's a very fun, friendly environment and I love it.
I dressed up as Ms Marvel, and got a few compliments, which was great to hear :) I got told I was the best Ms Marvel by the guys running the Stylin Online tshirt booth. They were great! And that means a lof because they probably see a lot of costumes. I love dressing up as comic characters, it brings out the comic niche.
The only things we sat in on were Peter Mayhew's q&a, and a showing of the 501st legion's 'Heart of an Empire.' Peter Mayhew was great (he played the mighty Chewbacca, if you weren't aware). He made a few good jokes, and ran with the punches. He was very open to requests such as replicating the Chewie call. Which, if I were him, I might get a little bitter about hearing. Heart of an Empire was interesting, but tedious at times. I loved hearing about the origins of the 501st, and seeing things such as how they create their costumes, or how they put them on. But overall, I felt like the movie was jumbled, and dragged on unecessarily.
I also had the good fortune of meeting some of the guys from Reviews on the Run (decidedly one of my favorite shows, featuring some great journalists and video game personalities). I introduced myself to Victor Lucas first, after waiting patiently as he was bombared by fanboys. A testament to how awesome this guy is, immidately as I went to speak to him, he gave me a hug. I think I was shaking. I was definitely stuttering and stamering. Now let me be clear- I don't usually get flustered or speechless around celebrities, but when it's someone whom you admire greatly and have for years. And unfortunately I didn't get much time to talk with him, there were definitely people swarming around hoping to snag an autograph. The one thing I did get to say was how happy I am that Reviews on the Run has been made daily. Mr. Lucas was great and spoke briefly about how proud he was, and when he realized what a great thing his show has become. I can't word it as eloquently as he did, but it was great to hear.
After that, I spoke with Scott Jones. I'm not sure what exactly to say. It was awesome. I asked him a question and rather than answer me quickly and brush me off, he really took the time not just to answer, but to have a conversation. That's what I really appreciate- when someone is nice to their fan, and can just give them the time of day. I understand that it may be tiring or repetitive to get asked the same questions, or be bothered by the same kind of people, but it really is the fans that keep these things going. So I asked him about convetions, and we spoke about the convention experience, and costuming. We also spoke about indie gaming, and how great it is that ROTR focuses so much on the little guys. I could have stood around and picked his brain all day, but it wouldn't be fair to steal him from the other hungry fans waiting.
I got to meet Ben Silverman next... I feel horrible. I called him Jeff. What was I thinking? I watch this show daily, I see these guys all the time, how could I mix up his name? Luckily, he's a great guy and was really gracious about it, thankfully. I still feel bad though. After that, I spoke with Jose 'FUBAR' Sanchez, who did not dissapoint. He was probably even funnier in person, but I was totally blanking by then and could barely think of something to say. I'd like to try and catch Miri and Jeff tomorrow, since I missed them friday. I did get pics of everyone on my phone, so I'll post those later.
That was pretty much it for friday. Packed, overwhelming, awesome and exciting. That about wraps it up. I'll be posting more tomorrow and for the rest of the week about the convention, but this post has gone on wayyyyy to long already. Standby for more.

End Transmission