Hemsworth and Shatner at Wizard Philly 2012 oh my!

Before I jump into my personal brand of coverage, I'd just like to note that I did a piece right after the convention that my friends at PopCultureShock were happy to post up on their site. If you haven't checked it out (and shame on you if you're a friend of mine!) then give it a looky sometime because it'll have photos of famous people that I won't be posting here in my blog.

Now then.

Thanks must go out to Wizard for putting on a fabulous 2012 Philadelphia show, which has got to be the best and most talent-laden comic con they've ever hosted here in the city. When you're bringing in the likes of current box-office sensation Chris Hemsworth (Avengers, Snow White and the Huntsman), the current reigning WWE champion CM Punk and assembling all the Captains from the various Star Trek series,  you're just commanding the attention of a lot of different fan bases as well as age groups.

That said, I believe I made mention in my coverage of "preview night" about how much I loved the set up of the convention floor and how it made wandering aimlessly for hours pretty darned easy.  Comic venders and comic creators flanked all the media guests who were lined up mostly in the center isle of the show that was also wide enough to accommodate many of the fans who came dressed up and looked good enough to draw crowds of their own. While it was true Saturday was crazy packed, it never felt like one was in a sardine can and that is always nice for your con-going mental state.  Perhaps once the whole weekend was a forced in close enough to a fanboy who didn't have enough/any deodorant...that is seriously saying something!

So as I sit here looking at the images I'd like to post and remembering things out of order, let me begin with a shot that I know I snapped on Friday.  This happy couple happens to be mutually uber-talented artists Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell.  Check out their site and feast your eyes on some truly breath-taking art when you get a moment! Julie and Boris were there only for Friday, but boy did they have their work cut out for them.  I waited about twenty minutes for this shot because someone had given Boris about 100 things to sign.  One day there'll be limits to that stuff...I felt bad for the guy having to sign so much and the fans behind the one guy because they were just as stuck as I was.

Here is "Beverly Hills 90210" and "Tombstone" alumni Jason Priestly along with a fan who had him sign her old, still in the box "Brandon" doll.  I was hoping to chat with Jason about a con that he and I attended back in the 90's when I got a free photo with him, but his handler was a little too militaristic for me.  I snapped a couple of quick shots from the designated area his handler allowed me to stand in ("no posed photos, sorry") and I was outta there.  I did see Jason later on though, as he was perusing a vendor booth loaded with zombie-related merchandise. His handler was about twenty feet ahead and didn't notice he was so whacked out, that his talent was no longer with him.

 I missed Chris Hemsworth's first show appearance but went over to his booth to check and see when he'd be there again.  Lo and behold his whole area was loaded up with fans.  When I checked who they were waiting for, the name CM Punk came from about five or so very excited fans holding anything from folding chairs to replica title belts for the WWE Superstar to sign.  See, this dude was so insanely popular that not only did he fill his own booth's area, but the run off filled up Hemsworth's booth while he wasn't there and it kept going even longer. Hands down, this wrestler had the longest line I've ever seen at a comic convention; no exaggeration. Check out these shots of the crowd as well as the man himself.  Though I have long ceased watching wrestling, it was no less exciting to be over at CM Punk's booth.  His fans were rabid and you could tell he loved it and fed off it. Also, I'd like to note that he was one of the least expensive autographs/photographs at the show considering how popular he was, which is genius because the low price only brought in more fans.

A couple of Star Wars fans were dressed up pretty freakin' cool so I had to nab them as they strolled the literal red carpet.  I felt a little bad for the male because he'd been more or less pushed to the side by someone who wanted a podcast with the female trooper who accompanied him. I wanted them both so I waited for the mini-interview to end, in the meantime I shot the close up that shows in all probability what group of Star Wars fans he belongs with. (I could be and likely am...wrong here.)

In addition to the SW fans, there were a few other outfits that caught my fickle eye, so check out a couple families costuming it up as well as a kickass "Iron" Spider-man, Rogue and the unbelievable Chewbacca. My personal favorites were the Lebowski and Duke duo, if only because I wondered how many people even knew what their outfits were from.  It only got better when I asked if they minded if I shot a photo and the Duke, in spot on Depp mimicry said "Fuck yeah man go ahead."

After a period of two and a half hours in which I stood in the same place, I finally got to see Chris Hemsworth and my man-crush was realized.  He is pretty tall in person, though not as physical a presence (obviously) as he is in his action/fantasy films.  Chris seemed genuinely into being there and interacted with his fans almost non-stop from the second he came out to sit and sign, playfully rolling his sleeves up as if to get to work. What amazed me was his presence. I found myself disappointed that I wasn't waiting in line with everyone else to get my photo with the dude!  Despite his costing over $100 his line was jam packed and there were just as many men as woman...though many a male fan could be seen holding a Thor hammer for Hemsworth to sign.

The part that I'd like to say shocked me was the lack of a mob scene at the Star Trek captains area.  Now remember, this is only my observations and I wasn't there at their area all day.  But I can say that when select captains were alone at another area it seems much more crowded than when I got to experience all five in the same row all signing together at their own tables.  If anyone reading was there for the Trek gang please comment and give me and other readers the lowdown!  But in my experience, with the exceptions of William Shatner and Patrick Stewart it just didn't seem like the event they may have hoped it would be.  I shot a few photos of my favorite aforementioned two and had to get one of Avery Brooks as well.  The man formely known as Ben Sisko and and Hawk (from Spence for Hire) is also the voice of so many documentaries that I've seen...dude is cool as hell and he is nearing 65!

It is always good catchin' up with my buddy Charles P. Wilson, who is an artist and does a book that I'm fanatical about called The Stuff of Legend. If you've never checked it out, treat yourself to a trade paperback of one of the mini-series currently out.  There is a gorgeous French hardcover available too, but I don't read in French!  *laughs* Charles, you and the gang need to make an American hardcover STAT! When I stopped by his table he was sketching out a commission piece along the lines of his recent "Pooh" influenced superhero work.  (yes, see the link!)

This was how most of my time was spent over the weekend.  When I wasn't chatting it up with friends, I was in the media area. Sometimes I was treated incredibly (thank you to lovely ladies Shannon Elizabeth and Kristy Swanson) and sometimes I was treated not so incredibly.  So if you see I'm missing a photo of anyone for my coverage or the one I have on PCS that you need to see -COUGH Sam Trammell COUGH- just remember it isn't necessarily because the actor/actress declined. It has very much to do with their handlers and how worthy they deem you, the writer/photographer to be in terms of allowing you access to their cash cow. Bitter? Never.  A standardized proxy for all press in meeting all talent when a show is being covered would just be perfect. It was the closest thing I could have to a complaint, but it isn't the show's fault and not fully the talent's either.

Saturday night was the big GeekNation party which was held at the Field House, roughly two blocks away from the convention center. I didn't hang around long enough to catch the arrival of the "Boondock Saints" but I was there to catch up with Ralph from Zenescope who is my faux mortal enemy. I also made some new acquaintances that I need to find here on the internet and get in touch with...but on this night?  I was rockin' the Geek Carpet with actress Clare Kramer! 

Yeah, life is good.  Oh yeah, see directly below for Wizard World Philly's dates in 2013!

Much ado about Philly's new Shake Shack

I had every intention today of walking into the city as I tend to do when I'm off from work or doing a little weekend exercise and sitting down to eat at the new Shake Shack on the corner of 20th & Sansom.  The advance hype for the place was somewhat high among my foodie friends and my experience with their Oatmeal Creme Pie custard was nothing sort of heavenly so I expected it to be busy there.  Additionally, I remember all the talk up in NYC about their website having surveillance cameras displaying the lines of people in wait so that folks could project whether or not they could make a purchase from the Shack in advance of getting there only to find shock and awe.

Well...I found shock and awe this afternoon when I finally arrived at that corner where the newest installment to the Shake Shack family set up shop. The line was gargantuan and I can freely admit that in all the times I've ever gone to eat somewhere or just wanted to eat at a particular place here in Philly, I have never encountered a line that long. Admittedly, I happened to get there at 12:30 in the afternoon on a Friday so that may have been one of the most inopportune times.  Consider that they eatery is still only just two days old.  It is a payday for many city workers and it is the beginning of the weekend for many of us lucky enough to not work weekends. Yeah, I should have planned this out a little better.

Unfortunately, this time out there will be no photos of delicious custard or what I'm sure must be tasty burgers.  All you'll see is that huge line that I ran into. 

All that I can make note of was how helpful the one Shack employee was who got the job of standing outside with the line, passing out menus to those who wanted to see it and make their choices before they gained entrance.  The guy was really friendly and helpful, almost never ceasing to walk up and down the line checking with people and letting them know what they average wait time was from where they stood. He told me that while the Philly Shake Shack may have been packed pretty much since the time they opened two days ago, he'd experienced 2 1/2 hour wait times in New York - this forty minute wait wasn't really that bad.

A small cackle went off inside my head that I stifled so as not to seem like a douche.  Surely, he didn't know there were a TON of excellent burger joints in Philly.  Why would I stand in line and wait nearly an hour when there was a place that literally housed my favorite burger in the city right across the street? The Shack worker then helped me out as we stood there for a moment close to the entry door.  When I asked him when were the crowds at their lightest, he told me that during the week around 3-5 in the afternoon looked to be the smallest.  I thanked him for his help and bid him a good day.

With a few events coming up that will be keeping me busy, I plan to totally take him up on his recommendation and hit up Shake Shack in the late afternoon for perhaps an early dinner.  Though I was a little disappointed today, it didn't deter me from wanting the Shack experience in the least bit.  If anything I'm a little more excited about my first time dining there because of the insane line it had!

To nail it home a little better about how spot on that Shack worker was...a good pal of mine, Mary Brickthrower dined there today.  We were supposed to eat together but she feared what became my reality from arriving too early in the day.  What time did she get there?  Right around 3 pm.  The text I received after she finished was:  "Oh em gee...SO good!"

Damn, how I hate not being the first kid on my block.

Great Chefs Event is June 12th, mark your calendars!

 

Taking place just about a week from today in the Philadelphia Navy Yard at Urban Outfitters world headquarters is the 7th Annual Great Chefs Event, which benefits the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. Yes, the event being held on June 12th, 2012 will be host to more than fifty of the world's best chefs who will be cooking for a sold-out crowd of over 1,000 guests all in a collective effort to raise money, awareness and find curse for childhood cancer.

Hosted by Marc Vetri, Jeff Benjamin, Jeff Michaud and their Vetri Foundation for Children, chefs have donated their time and talents from as far as Italy!  They'll be cooking right in front of the capacity crowd as their foods are paired with music, auctions (both live and silent) chit-chat that make it an evening to truly remember and all for such an incredible cause.

And even though the event may be sold out, there is so much that you can do to help! check out the Vetri Foundation for information on how to make donations, bring the the Foundation to your local school, volunteer or even just aiding in getting the word out. Likewise Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation; find out how to host your own lemonade stand this hot summer, volunteer or raise funds online!  Remember, the events may be incredibly fun, but these Foundations are are ALWAYS there and they need constant support.

 Check out the Participating Chefs & Participants for 2012:

Aaron Sanchez and Drew Nieporent….Centrico, Tacombi, Mestizo, Food Network Star, New York

Alfred Portale……………………………………………Gotham Bar and Grill, New York

Andrew Carmellini………………………………Locanda Verde, The Dutch - New York

Antonio Rocchetti……………………………………………………..Loro , Bergamo, Italy

April Bloomfield......................................................The Spotted Pig, The Breslin, New York

Barbara Lynch……………………………………………….Barbara Lynch Gruppo, Boston

Bill Telepan………………………………………………………………...Telepan, New York

Brad Spence…………………………………………………………Amis, Philadelphia

Cesare Casella……………………………………………………..Salumeria Rosi, New York

Clark Frasier & Mark Gaier….Arrows, MC Perkins Cove, SummerWinter, Ogunquit, ME

Dan Stern…………………………………………………………..R2L, Philadelphia

David Swinghamer & Mark Rosati………………………………Shake Shack, New York

Franklin Becker .................................................................... .....Abe and Arthur's, New York

Fred Morin……………………………………………..Joe Beef, Liverpool House, Montreal

Gina DePalma…………………………………………………..Ristorante Babbo, New York

Jeff Michaud……………………………………………………………...Osteria, Philadelphia

Jimmy Bradley………………………………………The Red Cat, The Harrison, New York

Joey Campanaro, ………………………………………………....The Little Owl, New York

Jonathan Benno.................................................................... ....Lincoln Ristorante, New York

Jonathan Waxman………………………………………………………...Barbuto, New York

Jonathon Sawyer…………………………..The Greenhouse Tavern, Noodlecat, Cleveland

Jose Garces……………………………...Garces Restaurant Group, Iron Chef, Philadelphia

Joseph Manzare……………………….Zuppa, Globe, Tres Agaves, Hecho, San Francisco

Katsuya Fukushima………………………………….Daikaya Restaurant, Washington, DC

Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonette…..Clio, Uni, Coppa, Toro, La Verdad, Earth, KO Prime, Boston

Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson….Frasca Food and Wine, Frasca Caffe, Pizzeria Locale, Boulder, CO

Marc Vetri…………………………………………………Vetri, Osteria, Amis, Philadelphia

Marco Rossi…………………………………………....Osteria Le Cantine D, Bergamo, Italy

Mark Ladner…………………………………………………………….Del Posto, New York

Masahara Morimoto……………………………………………………Morimoto, New York

Michael Cimarusti……………………………..………Providence Restaurant, Los Angeles

Michael Schlow……………………………….Radius, Alta Strada, Via Matta, Tico, Boston

Michael Schwartz………………………………...Michael's Genuine Food & Drink, Miami

Michael Solomonov………Zahav, Percy Street Barbecue, Federal Donuts, Philadelphia

Michael White…………………………………………………..Altamarea Group, New York

Mindy Segal……………………………Hot Chocolate Restaurant & Dessert Bar, Chicago

Nancy Silverton & Matt Molina………………….Mozza Restaurant Group, Los Angeles

Neal Fraser………………………………………………………….Grace, BLD, Los Angeles

Paul Kahan………Blackbird, Avec, Publican, The Violet Hour, Big Star Tacos, Chicago

Rocco Whalen………………Fahrenheit, ShortRib1, Rocco's Nachos & Tacos, Cleveland

Stefano Arrigoni & Paolo Benigni.......................................................................Osteria della Brughiera, Bergamo, Italy

Sue Torres…………………………………………………………………Suenos, New York

Suzanne Goin & David Lentz…………… Lucques, A.O.C, Tavern, The Hungry Cat, Los Angeles

Takashi Yagihashi…………………………………………………………...Takashi, Chicago

Tom Colicchio…………………………………………………..Colicchio & Sons, New York

Bill Covaleski ......................................Victory Brewing Company

Downingtown, PA

Bobby Stuckey, MS ............................Frasca Food and Wine

Boulder, CO

Carol Stoudt/Jodi Stoudt ..................Stoudt’s Brewing Company

Adamstown, PA

Joe Bastianich ....................................Restaurateur, New York, NY

Bastianich Winery, Friuli, IT

Naren Young ......................................Locanda Verde

New York, NY

Piero Incisa Della Rocchetta ..............Bodega Chacra

Rio Grande, Argentina

Sam Calagione ....................................Dogfish Head Brewing Company

Rehoboth, DE

Sebastiano Rosa ..................................Tenuta San Guido

Tuscany, IT

Scarpetta Wine, Friuli, IT

Tim Staehling ......................................The Hungry Cat

Los Angeles, CA

Tom Kehoe ..........................................Yards Brewing Company

Philadelphia, PA

Tom Peters ..........................................Monk’s Cafe,

Philadelphia, PA

Capogiro Gelato Artisans

DiBruno Bros.

Flour Pot Cookies

La Colombe Torrefaction

                                                               ************************

Check back here next week after the event has ended as I'll be covering the whole show!  With the likes of  favorites such as Aaron Sanchez, Jose Garces, Marc Vetri, Masahara Morimoto, Michael Solomonov, Tom Colicchhio and so many others, I'm hyped and ever grateful to be covering the 7th Annual Great Chefs Event to help fight childhood cancer.

Sights from Wizard World Philly's Preview Night

Well, the first "preview night" in Philly Comic Con history has passed and I've got to say that it was definitely a success.  The convention floor tonight was roomy and yet folks like creator friend Scott Derby were reporting sellouts on their wares.  (Scott sold out of a Doctor Who t-shirt right outta the gate)

I loved the setup of the convention floor and am excited to see how well the layout works for the heavier crowds the rest of the weekend.  It was surprising to find a media guest or two sitting in their booths this evening, but there was Lou Ferrigno. Gotta say, I told him that I loved him on this past season's "Celebrity Apprentice" and that I thought he truly gave 110%.

The evening opening also gave me the opportunity to get something I've been trying to get for a few years now; a Chrissie Zullo commission.  Well, I can finally cross that off my list, as the lovely gal was seated in artist alley next to my mega-talented pal Chris Uminga.  Can't wait to pick up my piece by close of the show's first full day tomorrow!

With that said and though I failed to score a shot of the lovely Miss Zullo, here are other sights that happened to catch my eye on preview night:













Yep, even though the show was open for just four hours there were still costumes to be found!  This zombie was gigantic and even spoke intermittently in a thunderous monster voice. At right are my friends the Arkham Girls, Ivy and Harley who already managed to win online Wizard contests for costuming before the show even started, notching some hot VIP-access prizes.

It never ceases to amaze me that Cory Smith doesn't work full time in the comic book industry.  This guy's work is simply insane and if you've never seen the man's stuff, you owe it to yourself to check him out and become an instant fan. My wife loves his Universal Monsters work and buys a print or two each time she sees him.

Toon Tumblers shocked me with the unveiling of a set of Looney Tunes themed glasses.  As someone who collected the original cartoon sets from the 70's that Pepsi put out, these glasses instantly struck a chord with me.  There are two not pictured (Yosemite Sam, Pepe Le Pew) which I was told should be arriving to the show tomorrow.  They're running a special on these at the con too at $25 for three glasses; great deal!  Oh yeah, the guys at Toon Tumbler worked with new tech on these glasses and I was told that they're "near indestructible" in terms of the paint on the glasses (read: they're dishwasher safe).

ExBoyfriend Clothing  had an instant "win" with their DJ kitty design...how awesome is that?  They had some cool prints and t-shirts, so be on the lookout for them! I'll be popping back into their booth tomorrow for a transit map-like print based off of Alice in Wonderland after running low on funds tonight.

Artist CJ Draden drew a crowd of onlookers as he worked on a Jack Skellington piece in his booth.  CJ does some awe-striking 3D art in addition to his unique painting style and this year he brought a ton of new work with him.  Whether you're watching him work or perusing his interesting collection of prints from Pokemon's Snorlax to Oz's Dorothy and Toto to Edgar Allen Poe, CJ isn't an artist you'll soon forget.

Tell me that artist Chris Uminga doesn't have a kick-ass business card!  I met Chris in Pittsburgh a few years back and have been a fan of his work ever since.  While he and I were chatting about Philly sports and the upcoming slew of summer movies a fellow fan came by to pick up her commission piece.  Once I saw it, I had to get him to pose with it and let me tell you, this photo does nothing to show off the brilliance of the piece when you're in front of it. The buyer was extremely happy and I was totally jealous! lol

As I'd mentioned earlier about the setup of the convention floor, it was pretty different this year as these two photos will attest.  There is an entire room this year for picking up entrance badges that looks to really control the crowds much better in years past.  And where in other years the media guests were sectioned off to one end of the show floor, this year they're right up the center and sprawl slightly outwards.  Here on the right is where many a Trekkie will be spending time in line(s).









Check out these insanely awesome bathrobes that Stylin Online brought with them this year to Philly! This is the first time they've brought the extensive collection with them and I must say that more than one caught my eye.  Standouts were the Italian Stallion (a Philly natural!), a Bruce Lee design also in the iconic black and yellow and the Green Lantern and Joker robes.  Could this be the new hotness in apparel?

Last and certainly not least, I want to give a shout out to Red Falcon, fine purveyors of elaborate, quality costuming.  I was drawn to their booth as though pulled by a magnet when I saw all their Steampunk accessories and found myself wanting another pair of goggles despite my buying a pair just last year!  If dressing up is your thing, you can't help by stop by their section. I'm tellin' you they've got clothes and accessories that will practically outfit you head to toe. (at right: check out the mudflap girl!)

If preview night was any indication, this is going to be a fun-filled weekend at Wizard's Philly Comic Con. Time for me to get some sleep.  See you there tomorrow!