With A Great Convention Comes Great Memories
Cincinnati may not be San Diego or New York, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have plenty of conventions and events where you can indulge your inner (or outer) nerd. There are a variety of events going on throughout the year, so if you and your Dr. Who-loving sweetheart want a chance for some fun and companionship with people who want a TARDIS as badly as you do, check out one of the following events.
To make your time together even more special, consider booking car service. All of these events attract people in droves, meaning driving and finding parking will be a pain. Why not take these problems out of the equation altogether by reserving a luxury sedan to chauffeur you around? With all the excitement these events entail, you’ll probably be grateful for the chance to relax and not have to navigate at the end of the day.
Animation & Gaming Ohio
This is the convention that never sleeps. Literally—there’s something going on all hours of the day or night at this celebration of video games and both Japanese and American animation. This convention features several events that are worth checking out. There’s the annual Cosplay Musical, in which organizers put on a toe-tapping production featuring some of comic fandom’s best-loved series (this year, the show is based on Dragon Ball Z). There’s also the blacklight and laser boogaloo, where attendees can bring glowsticks, sport UV paint, and dance to some electric tunes. This year, there will also be an Angry Birds Nerd Brigade, where guests can get the chance to play a live-action version of Angry Birds. Animation & Gaming Ohio takes place from April 5 to April 7 at the Crowne Plaza Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Library Comic Con Series
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to draw like a comics illustrator or pen your own graphic novel, you’re in luck. The Cincinnati Library will hold a series of educational workshops covering those very topics. Workshops include “Drawing for Comic Books and Graphic Novels,” taking place on March 3 and March 10; “Writing for Comic Books” on April 6; and “Graphic Novels: DIY,” on April 21. On May 5, the library’s four-hour Comic Con event will present a panel of writers and artists, as well as a comic book exchange, comic giveaways, and picture-taking with several comic book and movie characters.
Cincy ComiCon
Comic books succeed because of the people who love them, and the creators of the Cincy ComiCon know this. The website states that “we’re working hard to bring the creators and exhibitors to town that fans want to see, not creators that only we want to see.” Already, there are a number of guest appearances lined up, and the comic book lineup includes Katie Cook, Sean Dove, and Steve Niles. Anime fans may also want to check the event out, because Dragon Ball Z voice actor Stephanie Nadolny will also be there. This event also spans three days, with a Friday night preview and various events taking place the following weekend. The fun lasts from September 6 to September 8.
Cincinnati Comic Expo
The Cincinnati Comic Expo is an up-and-coming star in the comic book convention world. It began in 2010 when its founder, Andrew Satterfield decided it was time to stop traveling to other towns for comic conventions and start one right in his hometown of Cincinnati. While the guest list has yet to be finalized, comic artists Art Baltazar, James O’ Barr, and Yanick Paquette will all be attending. Also on the agenda for this three-day comic extravaganza are panels, a costume contest, and even special kids-themed events. Last year’s event drew 6,000 people, and there are only 2,500 parking spaces around the area. With that in mind, it would be best to book car service instead of driving yourself or taking a taxi. The event takes place at the Duke Energy Convention Center from September 13 to September 15.
Cincinnati Pops Orchestra—Superheroes!
The music heard in a film can be as memorable as the action itself. Take, for example, “The Imperial March” from the Star Wars saga. Even if they’ve never seen the movies, most people have, at some point, heard the heavy and dramatic music scoring Darth Vader’s appearance. It’s just one of the songs The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra will honor on the nights of October 12 and October 13, when the group will perform music heard in various comic book films. Selections include pieces from The Dark Knight, Iron Man 2, Spiderman, The Incredibles, and X-Men: Last Stand.
Cincinnati is full of people who are passionate about comics, animation, and video games. Take advantage of the thriving fan culture and attend one of these events. We’re certain that you won’t be disappointed, and you may have such a good time that you’ll decide to go back again next year.
Image credit: freedigitalphotos.net/Michal Marcol
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