Atlanta, GA — The Atlanta Comic Con is making its debut voyage in 2018. Starting on July 13th and running through July 15th, comic fans of all ages and types will have an opportunity to meet with some of their favorite creators, check out some cool merchandise, and otherwise spend time in one of the best cities in the southeast. The point of this preview is not to go over the entire list of guests or events — it is simply a highlight of some of the things that strike me, the author, as interesting and fun.
GUESTS
Sean Astin
Astin is best-known for playing Samwise Gamgee, the protector and companion of Frodo Baggins. He is most recently known for playing Bob Newby on the Netflix series Stranger Things. Astin has played many notable roles, even outside of the two already mentioned; he was a main figure in the 1985 cult classic The Goonies, and played the lead in the Notre Dame football sports drama Rudy. He will be there Saturday and Sunday.
Nichelle Nichols
Nichelle Nichols is one of the most important figures in television history. Her role as Lieutenant Uhura broke many cultural barriers –– namely, being one of the first African American women to play a character other than a maid or a servant, and by being a part of the first interracial kiss on television. Martin Luther King JR personally asked her to stay on the show, and Whoopi Goldberg has mentioned Ms. Nichols as an inspiration. She will be at the Atlanta Comic Con on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Cary Elwes
Cary Elwes has his feet firmly planted in several eras of pop culture. He first came to prominence as Wesley in The Princess Bride, and is best known for that role. He played the lead in Robin Hood: Men In Tights, was a recurring character on the popular tv show Psych, and played against type as Dr. Lawrence Gordon in Saw. He will be at ACC on Saturday and Sunday only.
Brianna Hildebrand
“Briana Hildebrand is an up and coming star, who came to prominence for her role as Negasonic Teenage Warhead in Deadpool and Deadpool 2, all by the age of 21. She was a main cast member of the second season of the television show The Exorcist. She will be at the Atlanta Comic Con Saturday and Sunday
Billy West
Billy West is one of the most famous voice actors, especially of the 90s and early 2000s. He was the voice of Ren and Stimpy in Ren & Stimpy, Doug in Doug, Phillip J. Fry in Futurama, and many, many more. He has been active in the industry since 1980, almost forty years. He will be at Atlanta Comic Con on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
EVENTS
Padawan Kids Zone
This area is for children 10 and under, and have free arts and crafts and other activities. This is a good place for kids to relax and enjoy the conference, enjoying a breather from the more hectic parts of the convention.
1UP Gaming Center
There are plenty of games for all types in this area. Hosted by Gamers on the Edge, players will be able to join tournaments of all types of games, and also just play all types of games. As the Atlanta Comic Con website states, they have titles from “SMASH 4 to Halo.
Atlanta Radio Theatre Company
This panel, one of three, called Script Writing for Audio Mediums, is hosted by the Atlanta Radio Theatre Company, runs from 1 PM to 2 PM on Friday. The purpose of the panel is about how audio dramas are created, from the first thought to marketing and the like.
Fictional World Building
The writers of the critically acclaimed comic Kamikaze host this planel. They will be sharing their thoughts and giving out tips and advice on creating fictional worlds that grab audiences. Writers attending the panel will hear the good and bad when it comes to worldbuilding. The talk runs from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM on Friday.
Mental Health & Representation in Comics
This is perhaps the thing that interests me the most. Too often mental health is ignored and treated as a lesser concern, and the more than comics and their ilk can help reduce the stigma, the better. This panel will be also be giving away free comics, should you enter the discussion!
Atlanta Comic Con debuts on July 13-15, 2018, at the Georgia World Congress Center. Tickets range from $30-$60, and kids 12 and under are admitted for free. Atlanta Comic Con is produced and promoted by Imaginarium LLC, who produce four other comic conventions around the country. For information regarding hours, guests announced so far, programming, and other details about Atlanta Comic Con, visit: https://atlantacomiccon
