Every year, geeks from all walks of life congregate at the San Diego Comic Convention (SDCC) – a place where they can freely show their enthusiasm for popular culture, as well as meet some of their favourite artists, writers and actors. The event has grown larger than ever, with an astounding turnout of 130,000 attendees in 2010 – a far cry from the 300 in the first Comic Con in 1970.
In case you’ve missed anything, we’ve compiled a list showing the best of Comic Con 2012.
Best Cosplay
Costumes are a large part of geek expression, so it’s no surprise that the floors of Comic Con look like an invasion of Trick-or-Treaters. Here are some of the most creative and hilarious outfits.
(Source: fattycarbuncle.tumblr.com)
Anthony Misiano has been playing the Joker at various cosplay events ever since he first wore the costume at the Comic Con in 2005. Since then, his startling likeness to Brian Bolland‘s Joker has gotten him a fair bit of attention.
(Source: EscapistMagazine)
But it’s not surprising to find more than one Doppelganger as you walk through the SDCC.
(Source: mtv.com)
A different spin to your typical Star Wars costume is one way to make yourself stand out. After George Lucas revealed Star Wars was partially influenced by a number of Japanese Samurai flicks, fans have been quick to seize the idea of an Asian Sci-Fi style.
(Source: ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com)
Although some Star Wars fans may have taken their “distinct take” on their costumes just a tad too far.
Nicest Celebrities
Comic Con is famous for attracting some of the most popular public figures in the geek world, so fans often seize the opportunity to rub shoulders with their favourite stars. Oftentimes, celebrities respond in kind to the affection and adoration.
Nathan Fillion
No stranger to fan interactions, Firefly star Nathan Fillion issued an autographed apology to every fan he was unable to stop for at the event, so no one would go home disappointed.
(Source: http://geektyrant.com/)
Robert Downey Jr
(Source: Hypable.com)
A surprise guest, Robert Downey Jr exploded onto the Iron Man 3 panel by dancing his way down Hall H, past 6500 eager attendees. Later, he interacted with some younger members of his fan club at an Iron Man lookalike contest. He declared himself the winner, of course.
Adam Savage
(Source: Adam Savage’s Official Twitter)
Each year, the Mythbuster holds an interactive contest for his Twitter followers called “Adam Incognito”. The objective is to be the first fan to spot Savage as he makes his rounds in an unknown character costume to win an exclusive prize (Mythbusters Panel passes or premiums). His costumes range from Hellboy to this year’s Ringwraith. Adam Savage also made a point to entertain his fans by donning various other outfits (Rocketeer and Spirited Away’s No Face) and posing with curious onlookers (who may or may not have recognised him). [video]
Best Panels
Marvel
(Source: comingsoon.net)
A heavyweight in the industry, Marvel has obviously got the comic fanbase wrapped around their Hulk-like little finger. After the success of the Avengers, Marvel has unveiled a series of upcoming projects over the next few years, from Ant-Man to the highly anticipated sequels to Thor and Captain America. Panel attendees were among the first few to hear about the films’ respective plots, and glimpse the opening titles of the movies. Excelsior indeed.
The Hobbit
(Source: hobbitmovienews.com)
The greatly anticipated prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy has finally arrived at SDCC. Besides appearances by stars Martin Freeman (Bilbo Baggins), Andy Serkis (Gollum aka Smeagol) and Ian McKellen (Gandalf), director Peter Jackson also brought exclusive footage of the movie to the panel. The footage gave fans a sneak peek into the upcoming films “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” and its sequel “There and Back Again”. The previews revealed new characters and glimpses into the famous “Riddles in the Dark” sequence between Bilbo and Gollum. As if that wasn’t enough, attendees also received a Hobbit poster designed exclusively for Comic Con.
