In the many years I’ve been attending Dragon Con, a lot has changed. And a lot has stayed the same. Thankfully, having a ridiculously fun time and spending time with great friends and meeting new people has always remained constant as the convention has grown. At its core, Dragon Con is a fan convention where the passion and creativity of the attendees drives its energy and helps it to keep its standing as one of the most popular conventions year after year.
As far as my own experiences went this year, I met Terry Gilliam, Cary Elwes, and . . . Ralph Macchio. I grew up loving “The Karate Kid,” and I used to write in my diary about how in love I was with Ralph Macchio. Meeting him was an epic moment for me, and I have to admit I fangirled a little. But he was so nice and friendly, and he and co-star Martin Kove (Kreese) gave a panel in which they discussed “The Karate Kid” films.
One of the highlights for me personally was reading the part of Yoda in “The Empire Striketh Back” for the Star Wars Track. Director Brandy Roatsey once again did a phenomenal job giving everyone a fun-filled program with trivia, in-depth discussions, and not one but two exciting parties.
And the costumes . . . every year they impress me more and more.
“Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a little while.” A Dread Pirate Westley found right outside of the Cary Elwes press conference.
I met this costumer in the lobby of our hotel. He walked by and I yelled, Karate Kid! I’d seen him around the convention but hadn’t been able to get a picture. He was nice and stopped for me, and he asked if I wanted him to do the crane kick. But since he was in Daniel-san’s costume from the sequel, I asked if he could do a drum pose instead. He did even better than that–he reached in his bag and got the drum for the picture. I was amazed. Such attention to detail! I had way too much Karate Kid excitement over the weekend.
‘We are no longer the knights who say Ni! We are now the knights who say ekki-ekki-ekki-pitang-zoom-boing!’
And, with my obsession with all things Spielbergian, I hoped to spy some great costumes from his films. Though I saw a few Muldoons (“Clever girl”) and John Hammonds, (“We spared no expense”), they were always on the move and not flocking my way. However, some friends were kind enough to share their photos as Spielberg characters with me.
In a touching tribute to the late Robin Williams, a group of fans dressed as characters from “Hook” and carried a picture of Williams as Peter Pan. Wade Finch and Becky Cormier Finch are to be credited with the idea. The group consisted of Captain Hook: Tommy Morfoot, Mr. Smee: Joseph “Foe” Davis, Tinkerbell: Penny Carr, and Baseball Player: Doug Grabowski.
Image credit: Becky Cormier Finch
Image credit: David Crockett
And, Carl Cunningham was kind enough to allow me to share his Quint from “Jaws” and Indiana Jones photos taken by Bryan Humphrey.
Image credit: Bryan Humphrey
If these photos are any indication, you can tell that attendees of this year’s Dragon Con had tons of fun. There’s enough variety to interest almost anyone, and it’s impossible to see and do everything in four days. I’m already looking forward to Dragon Con 2015!