One of the fantastic perks to writing for GVNation these past 10 months is getting to talk to so many knowledgeable and passionate fans. They never fail to see things in fresh and different ways, and I like to think that we as writers are the better for it. For that, we thank you. Another of the perks my GVN family has provided is an opportunity to visit my first convention. That’s right, I’m about to enter the world of GalaxyCon and its only taken 50 years to make it happen.
Right here in Richmond, Virginia at the Richmond Convention Center GalaxyCon is coming from May 31st to June 2. The guest list is varied and diverse. If you consider yourself a “classically trained” geek (defined as old) like myself, the number of celebrities, creators and wrestling stars from “back in the day” can’t help but excite you. For those who are Star Trek the Next Generation fan’s, this is a must see gathering. No less than three cast members will be there with Michael Dorn, Brent Spiner, John DeLancie. In addition, Rene Aberjunois and Terry Ferrell from Deep Space Nine will also be there. There will be opportunities for photo ops, autographs, and Q&A sessions. As a hopeless romantic who loved the Worf/Jadzia relationship, their presence alone is worth it to me. But that’s not all.
When polls are taken about who did the best Batman, it is no surprise that a name that is often mentioned actually just supplied his voice. The official voice of Batman from Batman TAS and the Arkham video games, Kevin Conroy will be there. Like I needed any more reason to get amped. Fortunately for me, they HAVE provided more. For fans of the Karate Kid and Cobra Kai, Ralph Macchio, Martin Kove, and William Zabka will be here. In addition, from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 as well as Avengers Infinity War and End Game, Mantis herself Pom Klementieff will be in attendance. Although, I have to apologize to her that there will be NO knife fights. Bummer, I know.
For those fans of the Flash, there is the original Flash, John Wesley Shipp. But as The Cat in the Hat would say, “That’s not all. Oh, No. That’s not all!” Lou Ferrigno from the Incredible Hulk has been added along with Linda Blair from the Exorcist, Ernie Hudson from Ghostbusters, Robert Hayes from Airplane along with rock music legend Alice Cooper are all on the celebrity roster.
Comic Book creators include over 42 pencillers, writers, and inkers. They are headlined by such talents as Gary Cohn, Marc Deering, J.M. DeMatteis, Marco Rudy, Tim Shinn, and Dexter Vines. Animation voice talents besides the aforementioned Kevin Conroy and Michael Dorn, include the original voices of Belle and Gaston, Paige O’Hara and Richard White. Also featured are the voices of the Riddler and Poison Ivy on Batman TAS with John Glover and Diane Pershing and multitudes more.
Old School wrestling fans have a treat in store as they have a roster that includes Arn Anderson, Road Warrior Animal, Sgt. Slaughter, and one of my personal favorites, Magnum T.A. That’s not all. They also have Kane, D’Low Brown, Mark Henry, Trish Stratus, Charlotte Rae, and Zeda Zhang for starters.
When added to all the Cosplayers, games, and entertainers, the GalaxyCon will have something for fans of almost every Genre. The real question will be how does a convention newbie navigate so much content? The answer will be with eyes WIDE OPEN, slowly but surely and with total excitement. I have perused the schedules, made a tentative battle plan. I just need to execute it. If I can keep from getting distracted by shiny objects. No promises. Look for articles detailing my discoveries here at GVNation.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
