Convention Fans

It’s been another busy week for convention news and updates. But let’s face it, from now until Thanksgiving or so it’ll stay pretty busy! Today I’ve got some new tidbits on Otakon, Horror Realm, Star Trek cons, and more. Let’s get to it!

1. A Colossalcon 8 Con Report

One of my fellow convention bloggers has a really great report about Colossalcon, an anime, gaming, and Japanese culture convention in Ohio. The con was held June 4 - 7. The report is quite detailed, and discusses everything from the atmosphere, to the fact that the con used wristbands for attendees instead of badges. He also has some cool photos from the con as well. Definitely a good read! (Part 1, Part 2, Photos)

2. Horror Realm Announces its 2009 Independent Horror Feature Film Contest

Horror Realm is a Pittsburgh, PA horror convention happening September 18-20, 2009. They have just announced a horror film contest, and the winner gets a film distribution package provided by R2 Films. From the official release: “There is a $35 non-refundable entry fee. The top 3 finalist entries will be screened during the convention followed by announcement of the winner.”

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Ah, the vampire costume! It’s a classic isn’t it? And it seems vampires have never been more popular, what with the success of the Twilight movies and books, and True Blood on HBO and all. And let us not forget how huge Buffy: The Vampire Slayer was back in the day. Or even further back, Bella Lugosi’s iconic portrayal of Dracula! Below you will find a guide to creating a vampire costume inspired by Bella Lugosi’s Dracula, Buffy: The Vampire Slayer, and Interview with the Vampire - with plenty of time to spare before Halloween and all the big fall conventions. (For a guide to Twilight costumes, please head over to my Twilight Movie Costume Guide.)

First Things First - Where Do You Get Great Vampire Teeth?

One thing all of these vampire costumes have in common is that they require vampire teeth. You can find numerous types for a wide range of prices. The cheap stuff is easily obtainable at any Halloween store or online costume shop. However, if you really want a nice pair of vampire teeth, you will probably want to hit up a local convention (preferably a con dedicated to the horror genre). At Chiller Theatre Expo, I actually ran into “Griffin Von Hallenborg”, who makes amazing custom vampire teeth (email: theink_well@yahoo.com). They used materials straight from a real dental office, wore gloves, and had a clean and professional set up. They would create a pair just for you, that slipped right over your real teeth. This is what you are looking for if you really want a great pair - custom fit vampire caps. The key will be finding someone who can do it near you.

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Hello con-goers! It’s time for the nineth installment of the Cons from A to Z series! I have been working with fellow con aficionado Nathan Lilly, who is the man behind the Green Tentacles Convention Finder website (that’s his green banner down and to the left), to bring you this informative series of articles.

If you want to find a convention that is near you, Nathan’s Con Finder website offers searches via zip code and content tags (such as “anime”), so it is easy to find a convention nearby, which is why he’s the perfect partner for this series. Together, Nathan and I will be bringing you “Cons from A to Z” which will go through the entire alphabet and highlight a handful of conventions for each letter. This is a great way to bring some attention to some of the more unique conventions out there. And the letter for today is “I”!

I is for I-Con, Infinite Bits, and IzumiCon
courtesy of the Green Tentacles Convention Finder

I-Con: http://www.iconsf.org/
Apr 3rd, 2009 - Apr 5th, 2009 in Brentwood, NY 11717

I-CON is a 3 day annual convention of science fiction, fact and fantasy and related genres, attended by over 7,000 people each year. Guests from film and TV, Authors, artists and scientists, speak and meet with I-con’s members in a causal setting. Games, events, demonstrations, performances, awards, films and shows are also showcased during the 3 day convention. Formerly held at Stonybrook University, I-con relocated to the Suffolk County Community College at Brentwood, Long Island, NY for 2009.

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Creation Entertainment is already known for its Star Trek conventions (and now its Twilight conventions too), but Creation is also the host for the “official” Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis conventions. The official Stargate SG-1 / Atlantis convention is being held August 21 - 23, 2009 at the Wyndham O’Hare hotel near Chicago, Illinois.

The guest list for the official Stargate convention includes Amanda Tapping (Samantha Carter), Michael Shanks (Dr. Daniel Jackson), Joe Flanigan (Major John Sheppard), Paul McGillion (Dr. Carson Beckett), Gary Jones (Chief Mst Sgt. Walter Harriman), Connor Trinneer (Michael Kenmore), and Rachel Luttrell (Teyla Emmagan). Please note that each guest is only scheduled to appear on one day. Please check the convention’s website for details.

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I swear, I definitely did not literally jump for joy just now when I saw Patrick Stewart was confirmed for Dragon*con this year. You may recall that I posted about the rumor of his attendance back in May. But now it is official, as it has appeared on Dragon*con’s website. Patrick Stewart IS coming to Dragon*con 2009!! I’m completely and utterly thrilled, as I never thought I’d get to meet him. Prepare for long lines and crowded events this year, because having Leonard Nimoy and Patrick Stewart is going to be a little nuts… nuts but EPIC!