by R.C. Samo
Editor-in-Chief
Sin City has everything that adults want, gambling, drinking, Broadway shows an amazing night life and now for those who of the ever growing adult-adolecent crowd, a comic convention.
J. Scott Campbell signing at the LVCE
The inaugural LasVegas ComicExpo is going on as we speak showcasing the best in comics and cosplay that Las Vegas has never seen before. Originally slated to the Alexis Park All-Suite hotel, LVCE has moved do to sever damages brought on by the recent flash floods.
“We lost about four days in getting everything ready, and still have a few hiccups to work through but so far we still have it together,” said Lee David Lee, one of the events organizers.
For a first time convention, the LVCE is moving smoothly. Attendees have been ushered in starting with VIPs down to general admission with announcements being made over the loud speaker letting everyone know which panels and events were about to begin.
“They recovered really well from the venue change and being in the Riviera, Vegas’ first high rise makes it pretty historic. How can you do better than where the Rat Pack used to perform?” said Greg Dees, an Arborist at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
There are several exclusives for LVCE such as Lady Mchanika poster drawn by creator, Joe Benitez, and inked by Joe Weems V, a Big Dog Ink Critter #4 variant exclusive by Nei Ruffino Limited to 250 copies and Zenescope has variant covers by Ale Garza with the PG cover limited to 500 pieces, while the PG-13 cover limited to 100 pieces. One also cannot forget LVCE’s own exclusive, playing cards, perfect for Las Vegas featuring many of the artists in attendance like Brian Pulido’s Lady Death as the Queen of Clubs.
Army Recruiter, Jason Brooks cosplaying Jonah Hex
“I hope this continues. The only thing we have is the Las Vegas Book Festival and there is only one day dedicated for comics. I love seeing little kids in costumes, but I’m happy they have stuff for adults like the after party tonight (at the Vanguard in downtown Las Vegas),” said Lisa Dorfman, a local property manager.
The convention on day one, with all its little bumps along the way, is turning out to be a successful event, cosplayers, fans, artists and tourists all gathered in one place to celebrate this industry.
“We haven’t had a comic convention in 10 years, this is great. No one has been able to make one stick around, let’s hope they (LVCE) does,” said Eric Berner, graphic designer and a past Eisner Award Nominee.
Hope, determination and a little luck will allow the LasVegas ComicExpo a long and prosperous life on the strip. Charles Lee, the president of the LVCE said that he had only slept for a total of three hours in the past four days trying to make this event work..come Sunday night, Lee will have a well earned rest.
Visit the LasVegas ComicExpo at www.lasvegascomicexpo.com for tickets and availability for Sunday’s festivities.
