Even though I cover a handful of conventions in the Detroit area each year, there are none quite like Motor City Comic Con. I don’t know about you, but there’s just a certain feeling that comes over me once I set foot in the Suburban Collection Showplace every May. This time was especially significant because I was able to take part in the event’s 30th anniversary celebration.
Had you dropped by Novi this past weekend, then you may agree with me in saying that attendance records may very well have been shattered. Fortunately, the venue expanded its showroom space, thereby making the area nearly twice as large. If you don’t believe me, check out an overhead shot of what probably accounted for only 20% of what was there to be explored in the gallery below. And while you’re browsing the slideshow, feel free to admire some choice cosplayers as well.
I think a variety of factors contributed to the success of 2019’s convention, but the celebrity guests on hand no doubt played a big part in attracting attention. For me, Brandon Routh (Superman Returns, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow) took the cake, though interviewing Nick Castle (Halloween) was an experience I’ll never forget. Speaking of which, you’re encouraged to stay tuned to We Got This Covered for coverage from Routh’s panel and the aforementioned conversation with The Shape himself.
In addition to those fellas, geek royalty such as Pom Klementieff (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Avengers: Endgame), George Takei (Star Trek) and three key members from the cast of Lucifer – Tom Ellis, D.B. Woodside and Lesley-Ann Brandt – were there to greet eager fans. It was also apparent that pop culture was being celebrated in a broader scope this time around, as stars of shows such as The Office and Sons of Anarchy were also taking photos and signing autographs.
Still, the comic book side of things wasn’t forgotten. Heck, even industry legend Jim Lee dropped by for a bit on Saturday! But for those who weren’t able to meet him, big names like Sean Gordon Murphy (Batman: White Knight), Joe Prado (Superman), Eddy Barrows (Detective Comics) and Steve McNiven (Civil War) were there in full effect. Needless to say, artists from far and wide also had tables of their own, with local rising star Brian E. Lau rolling out his new book, Inferno City Firehouse.
Like I said earlier, the showroom floor was absolutely impressive, and I tried to visit as many exhibitors’ booths as I could. Yes, I did drop some cash, but I showed enough restraint as not to bankrupt myself. Special thanks go to Fanboy Collectibles for allowing me to get a few shots of their handsome cabinets filled with awesome statues. It’s things such as those that catch my eye most at cons, along with action figures and, well, comic books, but let’s not take anything away from prop dealers and crafters, either. There was something for everybody.
At the time of this writing, Motor City Comic Con 2019 is now a memory, but I’m already pondering how next year’s installment may shape up. If you’d like to attend, know that May 15-17 have already been booked for the 2020 edition.
Now the countdown begins…
Published: May 19, 2019 09:36 pm