Wondercon 2017
Recently we travel to Anaheim California for Wondercon 2017. The convention is part of the Comic Con International family of shows which also includes APE and the much larger San Diego Comic Con. The convention used to be located in the San Francisco Bay area but in recent years has been located in Southern California with the Anaheim convention Center being the predominant home.
The three-day show offers panels, previews, exhibitions, shopping, Cosplay, and multiple other events associated with the world of pop culture.
Unlike its larger relative, Wondercon offers an easier degree of access for fans as many of the panels can be attended without the need to stand in line for several hours or fight your way through a mass of humanity when traveling between locations.
This is largely due to events being centrally located in one building and fewer panels competing with one another at the same time. During our coverage, we interviewed the cast and creative talents behind The Goldbergs, Imaginary Mary, and Teen Titans: The Judas Contract, and attended panels that took a behind the scenes look at the production and music of some of the more popular shows and films. We were also able to follow up preshow interview with a panel that looked at the special effects behind the recent smash film “Logan”.
Television also played a big part of Wondercon as there were advance looks at the new Prison Break and current smash series APB. Attendees always delight in seeing the stars in attendance, but getting an early look at footage as well is screening entire episodes is always a big plus.
There were other events such as the arena screening of the pending Teen Titans: The Judas Contract and various contest and other panels relating to the world of pop culture and entertainment.
The dealer room was quite large with everything from comics to collectibles and offered something for everyone. A real highlight was a Hollywood Science Fiction Museum which had a replica of the original series Star Trek Bridge. Star Trek icons Marina Sirtis and Nichelle Nichols visited the exhibition during the show to the delight of fans in attendance.
While it doesn’t get the amount of attention that the San Diego Comic Con does, Wondercon offers fans a more intimate convention experience that is a great alternative for those who are unable to attend the larger convention or who prefer a less crowded and hectic convention experience. Wondercon continues to offer a very enjoyable and diverse convention experience that features contemporary Hollywood guests and events with traditional fan offerings and is definitely a must attend show.
Images By Genevieve Mc Bride and Gareth
About the Author
gareth Syndicated movie & game critic, writer, author and frequent radio guest. His work has appeared in over 60 publications worldwide and he is the creator of the rising entertainment site and publication “Skewed and Reviewed”. He has three books of film, game reviews and interviews published and is a well-received and in demand speaker on the convention circuit. Gareth has appeared in movies and is a regular guest on a top-rated Seattle morning show. He has also appeared briefly in films such as “Prefountaine”, “Postal”. “Far Cry”. and others. Gareth is also an in-demand speaker at several conventions and has conducted popular panels for over two decades.
