Arts&Culture

The inaugural Wizard World Reno Comic Con brought out fans of all descriptions—and species Story & Photo by Anna Hart

In a space filled with wandwaving, sword-wielding, capeflinging villains, warlocks, heroes and anime princesses, the inaugural Wizard World Reno Comic Con was an exhibition of some of the most recognizable icons in pop culture.

From steampunk jewelry, to fantasy and horror books, to superhero emblems, it seemed every cultural niche was represented.

Many of the small vendors brought booths packed with buttons, T-shirts, toys, and of course, comic books. Most ventured from out of town, traveling from convention to convention selling their custommade goods, comic collectibles, or simply obscure paraphernalia, like T-shirts for grammar aficionados. Outside of perusing all of the odds and ends for sale, the three-day event was packed with activities, ranging from sitting in on celebrity panels, to participating in a costume contest, to playing one of the board games in a game library set up in the middle of the room. A few of the events held were in conjunction with popular reality television shows. Conventiongoers had the chance to be tattooed by the cast of A&E’s Epic Ink or participate in sci-fi speed dating, a trend chronicled in TLC’s Geek Love.

Even in the midst of all of this, there was still a local presence.

One Northern Nevada influence came from a performance by the Tomo Club, one of the smaller groups formed from the Reno Video Game Symphony.

Another came from R.S. Archey, a Reno author who brought his two selfpublished books, The Seven Spires and Crucible, to his booth. With elements of Arthurian legend, fairy tales, and even vampires in his works, Archey received a warm reception.

“A lot of people came over just because I’m a local author,” said Archey. “But many are interested in the fantasy genre and others, when they hear the word ‘vampire,’ their eyes light up. Here, I feel like I’m with my people, like I’m right at home.”

Cosplayers were everywhere. Cosplayers are those who spend hundreds of dollars—or the equivalent in blood, sweat, and tears—forming themselves into the likeness of their favorite fictional characters.

Some, like Lady Snow Bird, dressed as anime character Princess Euphemia, commissioned someone else to make her costume. But many made their own.

Keith, an engineer in the Army, spent more than a year and more than $2,000 making a Ghostbusters cosplay. Armed with resin, fiberglass and blueprints found online, Keith made his own replica of the suit and proton pack.

Keeleigh West, in her first endeavor to craft a cosplay outfit, created a pair of mechanical wings out of PVC pipe, wire mesh and feathers. Functioning with a hidden lever system, West’s homemade wings raise and lower to complete her outfit as the character Castiel from the show Supernatural.

Cosplay at the convention granted adults the chance to dress up in costume and have it be socially accepted. Ranging from Frankenweenie in a stroller to two vibrantly-youthful grandmothers dressed as Catwoman and Spiderman, costumes saw no age limit, gender, or even species.

The convention’s greatest strength was the emphasis on socializing and

interaction. Regardless of whether it was a celebrity, vendor or a simple attendee, the swarming, pulsating atmosphere compelled guests to get off cell phones and talk to each other. It’s one reason why so many families chose to attend together.

Former comic book store owners and seasoned fans Rick and Laurie Reyom waited in line with their son, Tony Puls, for their chance to meet Bruce Campbell. Graphic novels, cosplay and fantasy have been shared interests for their family and have allowed a bond to remain, even as Puls grew into adulthood. The Comic Con here in Reno allowed them a chance to explore and appreciate their interests together.

Parents of younger children saw the convention as an opportunity to instill the same flame and interests of the superheroes of their youth. Some families donned the outfits of their favorite characters, like Michael, dressed as DC Comic’s Black Adam, who took his son Jack dressed as Marvel’s Captain America, while others were costumed as a pair, like the battle-ready, father-daughter duo of Eugene Shim, dressed in full riot gear, and Olivia, armed with a toy dagger.

“I think it’s fun to see the kids with their families,” said Michael Shane, a cosplayer dressed as Obi-Wan Kenobi. “Seeing people being able to be young at heart is important, but seeing parents bring their children into the world of this stuff is even better.”

But of course, the celebrity guests were a magnetic draw for many of the attendees. There were appearances by television legends like William Shatner, known for his role as James T. Kirk of the original Star Trek cast, and Lou Ferrigno, who played Hulk in the 1970s televi-

“ Seeing people being able to be young at heart is important, but seeing parents bring their children into the world of this stuff is even better.”

Michael Shane Cosplayer

sion show, The Incredible Hulk. Norman Reedus and John Bernthal from The Walking Dead and Eliza Dushku, most known from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, were also present.

Bruce Campbell, one of the most popular guests, gained notoriety, not from mainstream media, but from B movie cult classics, like The Evil Dead trilogy.

Campbell’s memoir, If Chins Could Kill, hints at the mythic proportions of the pedestal on which his devotees have placed him, and the man known for his part-man, part-chainsaw heroics as Ash in The Evil Dead films did not disappoint.

“He signed my chainsaw!” 14-year-old Robert exclaimed, acknowledging the plastic tool affixed to his arm with duct tape.

In the age of technology where printed word seems to be consistently beaten out by the more immediately visceral movies and television programs, comic books still find a place among fans. Facilitating a place for comic book creators and illustrators to meet with their audience continues to spark interest in their work.

“For me, [the convention makes it all] a lot more personal. … I’ve only been reading and collecting comic book-related things for about a year, but it makes me want to continue [to do those things],” said Clint Veil, who has now amassed a wide array of DC comic books and collectibles.

For many, picking a favorite part of the event was like picking a favorite child. But, as in families, choices were made.

“The small vendors and littleknown artists are the best,” said Kathryn, an attendee sporting elf ears and a Superman shirt.

“I like the character dressed as Lady Death. But then, I just like all the sexy characters,” said Rick Royem, over his wife’s snickering.

“I like the churros,” said a 7-yearold Harry Potter.

Especially considering this was the first year in town, the Wizard World Reno Comic Con received a great response, with several comic-convention regulars praising the venue, the program and atmosphere.

While there was some gossip that Wizard World might host a convention in Las Vegas instead of Reno next year, the recently released schedule on the company’s website shows both cities on the docket, with a reappearance in Reno scheduled for November 2015. Ω

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SPARKS HOMETOWNE CHRISTMAS This year, the Sparks Hometowne Christmas parade is a celebration of all special events. This year’s theme is “It’s Happening Here All Year Round: A Celebration of Our Hometowne Events!” Parade-goers can expect Santa on a jet ski, snowmen eating ribs and elves driving a ’65 Mustang. Come downtown on Saturday, Dec. 6, for a traditional Christmas parade along with entertainment, photos with Santa, and arts and crafts, free. Victorian Square, 14th Street And Pyramid Way, along Victorian Ave. UGLY SWEATER RUN Join the Ugly Sweater Run before the Parade. The run is a 2-mile non-timed fun run around the marina and strollers are welcome. Registration is available at Scheels Customer Service Desk. Cost is $20 or new toy donation, all proceeds benefi t Toys for Tots and all participants will receive an event souvenir. Saturday, Dec. 6, 10AM. Scheels, 1200 Scheels Dr. (775) 331-2700 HOMETOWNE CHRISTMAS PARADE Saturday, Dec. 6, 1PM.-3PM.. Come down early and get hot chocolate compliments of Living Stones Church. Check in on Santa from 11:30AM-12:30PM. and 2-4PM at Santa’s Village at the Schoolhouse. Enjoy Christmas shopping (and get out of the cold) at the Hometowne Craft Faire from 10AM to 4PM in the Heritage Museum and Cultural Center, Victorian Avenue and Pyramid Highway. F, 12/5, 6:30-7PM and Sa, 12/6, 10AM-4PM. free. Victorian Square, 14th Street And Pyramid Way, along Victorian Ave. BLING YOUR POINSETTIA Presented by Linda Hollis. Learn how to create a one-of-akind poinsettia for all of your holiday celebrations. Class is limited to 12 people. Please RSVP. Sa, 12/6, 11AM. Cost of class is cost of poinsettia; all other supplies are included. Rail City Garden Center, 1720 Brierley Way, (775) 355-1551 THE DESERT THROUGH MY EYES Aimee Kelly’s exhibition includes nine color photographs printed on aluminum. Her work tends to focus on nature and the environment, primarily desert ecosystems. Through the lens of her camera Aimee strives to capture the contradictory elements of the desert, which can range from absolutely stunning to downright strange. This new exhibition looks at the power of water in the desert. M-Th, Su, 10AM-5PM, 10AM-6PM & 11AM-7PM through 12/28, free. Spanish Springs Library, 7100A Pyramid Lake Highway, (775) 4241800 SCHEELS RUNNING CLUB Run with expert pacers and enjoy running in a group. Tu, 6:30PM through 12/9, free. Scheels, 1200 Scheels Dr. (775) 331-2700 RENO SKI & RECREATION CLUB The Reno Ski and Recreation Club holds its general meeting. Hear the most current information about the Reno Ski & Recreation Club, upcoming trips and activities. The group meets the second Tuesday of each month. For socializing and dinner, members start arriving around 6PM. Meeting begins at 7PM. Second Tu of every month, 6PM, free. Cantina Los Tres Hombres, 926 Victorian Ave. (775) 356-6262 CROCHET CONNECTION Learn to crochet or share tips with other crochet enthusiasts. Th, 4-5:45PM, free. Spanish Springs Library, 7100A Pyramid Lake Highway. (775) 424-1800 FOUR SEASONS BOOK CLUB The book club meets the fi rst Saturday of each month. Call to fi nd out each month’s book title. First Sa of every month, 1-2PM, free. Sparks Library, 1125 12th St. (775) 352-3200 CONVERSATION CAFE The drop-in conversation program meets on the fi rst Saturday of each month, 2-4PM, free. Sparks Library, 1125 12th St. (775) 352-3200 CLICKETS KNITTING GROUP This class is for knitters of all ages and levels. Yarn and needles are available. First and Third Su of every month, 1:30-3PM, free. Spanish Springs Library, 7100A Pyramid Lake Highway, Spanish Springs (775) 424-1800

PERFORMANCE AND MUSIC

ZAC HACKER Th, 12/4, 8PM, F, 12/5, 8PM and Sa, 12/6, 8PM, no cover. JA Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300 JOHN DAWSON Th, 12/11, 8PM, F, 12/12, 8PM and Sa, 12/13, 8PM, no cover. JA Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300 JOY TO THE WORLD The joy and warmth of the holiday season is in the air. Join the Reno Pops Orchestra for its “Joy to the World” holiday concert. Welcome the season with holiday classics and family favorites such as “White Christmas,” “Silent Night,” Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” from his Symphony No. 9, the “Hanukkah Festival Overture,” familiar tunes by Carmen Dragon, and classics by Leroy Anderson. Listen to the sounds of the Tintabulations hand bell choir, the Kindred Spirits Ladies Septet and other soloists. We’ll conclude with our popular sing-along for the entire family. F, 12/12, 7:30PM, free, donations welcome. The Rock Church, 4950 Vista Blvd., Sparks, NV 89436 / (775) 355-7888 LED ZEPAGAIN F, 12/12, 8PM, $20. JA Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300 SIAMSA: A CELTIC CHRISTMAS Sa, 12/13, 7:30PM and Su, 12/14, 4PM, $25. JA Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave., Sparks, NV 89431 / (775) 356-3300 LIVE MUSIC Sa, 9PM and Su, 3PM, no cover. CBQ, 1330 Scheels Dr. (775) 359-1109 LINE DANCING LESSONS Line dancing lessons from the Gilley’s Girls from 6PM-8PM. Enjoy DJ Trey from 6PM-mid. W, 6PM through 12/31. No cover. JA Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300 DJ RAZZ Come dance the night away to DJ RAZZ! You can even karaoke if you like. Ladies Night every Friday night. Drink Specials all night. F, 9PM. Paddy & Irene’s Irish Pub, 906-A Victorian Ave. (775) 358-5484 BIKINI BULL RIDING DJ and Bikini Bull Riding Competition. Su, 5 & 9PM through 12/28, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300 LOCALS NIGHT Locals Night, DJ. M, 5PM through 12/29, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300 CLASSIC ROCK NIGHT Classic rock night with DJ. Tu, 5PM through 12/30, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300 LADIES NIGHT & TOUGHEST COWBOY Ladies Night w/live music and Toughest Cowboy Competition. DJ breaks until midnight. W, 7 & 9PM through 12/31, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300 ACOUSTIC WONDERLAND This is a singer-songwriter showcase. Come down to Paddy’s and bring your acoustic instruments. Signups are at 7:30PM and music begins at 8PM. Drink Specials all night! Th, 8PM, no cover. Paddy & Irene’s Irish Pub, 906-A Victorian Ave. (775) 358-5484 LIVE MUSIC & LATE NIGHT DJ Live music with late-night DJ. F, 5PM-2AM & 7-11PM through 12/26, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300 LIVE MUSIC & LATE NIGHT DJ Live music with late-night DJ. Sa, 5PM-2AM & 7PM-midnight through 12/27, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

KARAOKE

KARAOKE WITH BOBBY DEE Tu, 8PM, no cover. Morelli’s G Street Saloon, 2285 G St. (775) 355-8281 KARAOKE Th-Sa, 9PM, no cover. Bottom’s Up Saloon, 1923 Prater Way (775) 359-3677