Last weekend (March 4-6) I had the opportunity to attend Emerald City Comicon for the third year in a row. ECCC as it’s known, is one of Seattle, Washington’s biggest conventions, and one of the best Nerd Gatherings in the Northwest.
This year, just like in 2010 and 2009, did not dissappoint. Emerald City is always an awesome weekend filled with nerdiness and good friends, good food, and awesome experiences.
The highlights in 2011 including meeting Wil Wheaton again, attending panels with speakers like Jonathon Frakes (Riker – Star Trek Next Generation) and Brent Spiner (Data – Star Trek Next Generation)
Felicia Day & Amy Okuda (The Guild)
as well as James Marsters (Spike – Buffy The Vampire Slayer) and Nicolas Brendon (Xander – Buffy The Vampire Slayer).
Also in attendance were John Noble and Jasika Nicole (Walter and Astrid on Fringe).
And of course, Captin Kirk himself, William Shatner.
And Saturday night, James Marsters played a concert at the Hard Rock Cafe (which had free WiFi – a bonus for Canadians traveling with smart phones but without 3G access)
The Media Guests, as they’re known, are always a big draw for Comicons, and Emerald City has steadily attracted more and more big names over the years – last year Leonard Nimoy was in attendance (and he was wonderful to hear speak).
But the Media Guests aren’t all of the draw of Emerald City Comicon for me. It’s a great weekend to spend with friends I don’t often get to see, except on the Internet, as well as a chance to see great art, buy a nerdy t-shirt or two, find some new webcomics and take in the creativity of everyone in such elaborate costumes.
As always, I’m looking forward to next year! If you’re interested in comics, sci fi, and any other general nerdiness you should check it out in 2012!
Philippa Adams 