Category: Conventions

This year, Long Beach Comic Expo was held February 16th and 17th at the Long Beach Convention Center. Long Beach Comic Expo invades the city of Long Beach once again with its mission to celebrate comic books. This year it was all about the writers, exhibitors and publishers of comics.

This year’s convention featured a lot of “girl power”. Something I have always look forward to when women are the center of a comic series. One popular panel featured at this year’s convention was “Women On The Dark Side” hosted by comic book artist, fine artist, writer and director Susan Lee. The panel focused on women in the comic business.

Tokyo Pop was definitely the biggest attraction. I’ve been a fan of Tokyo Pop for a long time when they were founded in 1997 so I knew what to expect with all my favorite titles. Again, the main focus is comics. That is how it should be.

Of course, there is always cosplay. Everyone knows I always cosplay. For Saturday, I did Steampunk Riddler and for Sunday I did a Hogwarts student. It turned out to be a very decent convention.

Check out the phots from my other half on his website:

Part One | Part Two

L.A. Comic Con, formally Comikaze Expo, and then Stan Lee’s Comikaze Expo, and then Stan Lee’s Los Angeles Comic Con brung in fans from all over to celebrate Halloween weekend and fun filled with comics, cosplay, guests, panels, horror, and pop culture. This year it was held from the 26-28 of October. The doors opened on the 26th to welcome excited fans into the exhibit hall. The difference this year I that Stan Lee is not there due to his recent set of medical illnesses, which a legend like him deserves time to rest and take care of himself.

Still, there was more attendees this year, there were still much to celebrate like Halloween being that Tuesday. Also, with a main stage live panel of Marvel’s Agents if S.H.I.E.L.D and Runaways.

At 12:30pm, the Cast of Steven Universe hit the main stage voice actors Michaela Dietz (Amethyst), Jennifer Paz (Lapis Lazuli), Shelby Rabara (Peridot), Grace Rolek (Connie Maheswaran), and Kimberly Brooks (Jasper). The cast really touched on interesting points on each character, personalities, and touching on real life issues. The lapis character is a personality I can relate myself dealing with anxiety and depression. As she said, Lapis had to learn her way or earn the trust.

There was was a the Comic Book Men panel on the main stage but Kevin Smith was unable to attend. He did apologize for not being there sadly. We all sent a message (directed by Kevin Smith) to Stan. “We love you Stan, Excelsior!” I am willing to bet that cheered him up.

*By the way, if some of you all don’t know “Excelsior” is his trademark motto since 1960’s. He likes to sign off with catchphrases.

On the last day of the con, I had the pleasure of interviewing the president of Legion M, Jeff Annison talking about the fan base, Mandy, and the purpose of Legion M. Also, I did have some help from The Steel Shark as well. [Actually video footage will be available soon]

Overall, I believe the con before Halloween was a success. Next year, it will be on October 11-13, 2019.

*If you haven’t figured it out buy now, I also am an avid cosplayer. Here are a few shots of my cosplay.

Now that it is almost healed, the tattoo I received at the LA Tattoo Convention was well worth it especially as a first time attendee and getting my first tattoo. I am officially in the tattoo club.

The Los Angeles Tattoo Convention returned for its second year at The Long Beach Convention Center. This three day event brung in 240 artist. There were Botha of every style from tattoo artists, piercings, and even microbrading (something I never got in to). For me as an artist first before a graphic designer, this was definitely a networking opportunity.

Before attending, I did some research. This is still a new convention compared to the Golden State Tattoo Convention in Pasadena and the Tattoo & Body Art Expo in Pomona. Frank Tran, the owner of English Element Tattoo in Fountain Valley, is the producer for the LA Tattoo Convention. As statement he made really resonated with me as an artist, “I wanted to create a space where the art is judged with no bias”. He wants to bring tattooing to a positive light.

As I walked through the exhibitor hall, I see an array of people getting tattoos done from full back and full leg tattoos to something small. My goal was to get a few piercings and my first tattoo. To get my piercing, I stopped at Ink Divine Tattoo and met with the piercer names Sandi Martin. I got an eyebrow surface piercing (16GA) and a nose piercing (18GA). Now I have a total of 13 piercings. After completion, I went to get my tattoo done by Spooky, co-owner of Atomic Tattoo in Hollywood (which I had a previous appointment set up before the convention center). The tattoo is a serotonin chemical with a semi colon. This was something I drew myself to always remind myself to keep going no mater how difficult, stressful, and almost impossible it may seem. This will be one of many I will get in the future (Hint: It is Sailor Moon inspired) 🌙

Overall, even though I attended one day, the turnout was awesome and the people were wonderful. Good fun, art, and networking.