Another Successful Raleigh GalaxyCon In The Books

This was my eighth visit to GalaxyCon, alternating between Richmond and Raleigh, and it has always been a remarkable experience for myself, my wife and enthusiasts of all ages. The Raleigh Galaxycon 2024 event maintained that standard. Offering panels, Q&As, gaming, cosplay, and a vast array of merchandise—too much to take in over just four days, which honestly, I didn’t attempt. My wife, however, searched for the fudge shop we discovered at previous GalaxyCons, but to no avail. Maybe our last purchase was so substantial that their presence wasn’t necessary this year. I digress, though.

Large Crowds

The success and rising popularity of Raleigh’s GalaxyCon have led to larger crowds, which can make navigating between sections challenging. Especially in the celebrity aisles. This is likely a common issue at major conventions. Raleigh appears to manage this situation as effectively as possible but there is always room for improvement. The recent extension of the contract between the city of Raleigh and GalaxyCon (until 2031) may offer these opportunities. Plans are in place for an expansion of the Raleigh Convention Center, which should enhance space availability and crowd movement. But that is for the future. Let’s talk a bit about this year’s version.

Comic Creators Still Rule

Raleigh Galaxycon consistently features an extensive guest list that includes celebrities, comic creators, voice actors, wrestlers, and authors. The individuals I interacted with were all amiable, attentive, and had a way of making you feel valued. This welcoming atmosphere is a key reason why numerous fans return to Raleigh year after year. Of course, I have always extolled the virtues of the comic creators and they have never disappointed me. I spoke extensively to artists Liana Kangas (who is always delightful), and Gavin Smith. In both cases, I had interviewed them in the past.

I brought a Star Trek TPB for Gavin to sign and reminded him that he was literally working on this title while I was interviewing him along with James Maddox for Dead Legends. That was three years ago but he claimed to remember. As I said, creators are great people. This also taught me a valuable lesson about autographs signed with marker. Give them a chance to dry before closing the book on them. Upon opening it again after getting home I found it had smeared against the adjoining page. DOH!!! Don’t let that happen to you folks.

Photo Ops

We had only a couple photo ops this year. One was with Kristian Nairn who played Hodor on Game of Thrones. He was a mountain of a man who would have towered over us if he wasn’t sitting down. But he was a real sweetheart and as friendly with those visiting as could be. Just that picture alone was worth coming.

Gabriel and the Guardians

We also had an opportunity to visit with the creators behind the upcoming anime series Gabriel and the Guardians, who I had interviewed a couple of weeks ago. They were all very engaging and very excited about their project and the Sunday panel where they would preview the pilot episode. They were kind enough to give me an ashcan comic they had created which gave a preview of their show and a bit of the story line. Being an autograph hawk, I got them to sign it. When Gabriel and the Guardians hits it BIG, I can say I knew them when. It is still scheduled for a December release.

All in all, it was another fun GalaxyCon and I am already looking forward to more. Starting with Galaxycon’s Nightmare Weekend in Richmond in October and next year’s events in both Richmond and Raleigh. If you are in the area and enjoy the opportunity to mix with like-minded people and meet some of your favorite celebrities and creators, give GalaxyCon a try. They also have events in Columbus, Miami, Oklahoma City, San Jose and St. Louis. It’s a good time for all.