Pregaming Comicpalooza 2019

I recently received confirmation that I will be attending Comicpalooza 2019 as press. I’ve gone as press the past few years, but they changed their press application this year and it seems as though all writers with online outlets are considered bloggers now. Confirmation was received a mere 11 days before the convention, which seems to be much later than it was in previous years. The guest list is slightly underwhelming as, from a personal standpoint, there isn’t a must-see guest this year. I typically spend most of my time in the exhibitor hall and artist’s alley and really only leave that area if there’s a panel I want to attend. This article will mostly explore the panels that have caught my eye currently in the schedule as well as artists I’ll be visiting and prints I’ll likely be coming home with.

When scheduling panels, keep in mind that a lot of the things you’ll want to see will likely take place at the same time as other intriguing panels. You’ll have to choose one panel over a Q&A or vice versa, but you can catch the second half of longer panels while attending the shorter ones. On Friday, the Chris Claremont and My Hero Academia panels are occurring at the same time. On Saturday, the art auction, cosplay contest, and Andrew Bryniarski panels all overlap. The art auction lasts four hours and you bid on art that’s drawn in person throughout with proceeds going to charity. You bid on your favorites and leave and come back as often as you wish until it reaches a price range you’re no longer comfortable with. I check out the auction every year and it’s one of my favorites at Comicpalooza.

Here’s the panels and Q&A’s that caught my eye currently on the Comicpalooza schedule (which can be viewed out in its entirety here). Also keep in mind that these panels can change at a moment’s notice so it doesn’t hurt to have a back-up plan or second panel to attend in case one falls through. Be sure to download the Comicpalooza app, if you can. It’s usually updated every year and the 2019 version isn’t available just yet

• Matt Frank Yells About Godzilla [Room 351D] 2:00pm-3:00pm

• Chris Claremont Q&A [Room 351BE] 3:30pm-4:30pm

• My Hero Academia Cast Panel [Ballroom C] 3:30pm-4:30pm

• The Tick Cast [Ballroom C] 6:30pm-7:30pm

• Funko Customizing Workshop 6:30pm-8:30pm Room 352AB

• IT’S OVER 9000!!!!! – [Room 351F] A Dragonball Panel 12:00pm-1:00pm

• Neal Adams Q&A [Room 361AD] 12:00pm-1:00pm

• Animaniacs Cast Q&A [Ballroom C] 1:30pm-2:30pm

• Sailor Moon Q&A [Room 360BCEF] 4:30pm-5:30pm

• The Comicpalooza Annual LiveArt! Auction [Hall C Lobby] 7:00pm-11:00pm

• Comicpalooza Cosplay Contest [General Assembly - Third Floor] 7:30pm-10:30pm

• Andrew Bryniarski Q&A [Room 330] 8:15pm-9:15pm

• Dragon Ball Super vs Dragon Ball GT [Room 351A] 12:00pm-1:00pm

With artist’s alley and the dealer’s room, it’s best to walk the floor in person and explore. We all have our own personal interests and it’s best to take everything in and go for what triggers those things you love the most. This is the first year I’ve looked around online first to get an idea of what I’ll be looking out for. Also, keep an eye on the prices. Sometimes you can find a good deal, but most prices are gauged up. Price check everything you can on eBay and Amazon before purchasing in person. Hand drawn stuff, customizations, and anything made by hand are one of a kind items and are typically cheaper to purchase in person than if you buy online.

There’s also a few artists I’ve grown to look for every year. I’m a big Dragon Ball fan, but I’ve yet to attend Kameha Con, which just recently had its second convention last month in Irving, TX. Two artists that were at Kameha Con and had exclusive prints there often show up at Comicpalooza. Wizyakuza has these incredible split and 3D lenticular prints and his Mr. Steal Yo Powers/Buu piece is wonderful. He’ll be at exhibit space 2039. I haven’t found them as part of the exhibitors list, but TGComics was at Comicpalooza last year and I picked up this amazing Ultra Instinct Goku hologram print. I may try to get the Vegeta version to compliment it, if they’re there this year.

Prints are fun and addictive to purchase. I have a ton as it is, so this list will be whittled down and only must-haves will take precedence. Here are the artists I’ll be checking out, their Comicpalooza exhibitor space location, as well as what pieces I may be coming home with. This link will take you to all the exhibitors at Comicpalooza. Most of these artists can be found in the Original Artwork and Mass Produced Art sections on the website.

• The Art of Kevin T. Chin [Space 3633] Dragon Ball Z Saiyan Saga print
• Blaze Manga [Space 1714] Miles Morales ITSV
• Brett Bullion Art [Space 3815] Rat King
• Inner Demon Artwork [Space 3505] Dragon Ball Super: Broly
• Jellykoe [Space 3212] The Unknown (Over the Garden Wall)
• Kehasuk [Space 3433] Dragon Ball Universe
• RoosterPOP [Space 3803] I LOVE YOU BITCH! Love Card
• The Art of Alexander Iaccarino [Space 3813] Berserk
• Zyeph Shop [Space 3200] Al Loves Cats Key Charm

Since my wife is attending this year, I’ll likely be dressing up in costume/cosplaying two of the three days. For sure, I’ll be dressing up as Saitama from the newest season of One Punch Man on Saturday. I have the Oppai hoodie, I have green shoes and a bald cap on the way, and I’ll be picking up some bananas to pass out at the convention. The other two days are up in the air, but Lord/Fancy Deadpool and/or Chefpool will probably make an appearance. Images included in the article are pictures of us from previous years. Most costumes are either made by my wife from scratch or modified by her from store bought materials. If interested, my article on last year’s Comicpalooza can be found here. Tickets for Comicpalooza can still be purchased here. The convention takes place in Houston, TX at the George R. Brown Convention Center May 10-12, 2019.