On April 26-28, 2019, pop culture and comic fans congregated at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC for Awesome Con. The annual event spread throughout the sprawling convention center with dozens of comic industry and celebrity guests, special events, panels, gatherings, and lots of vendors.

The vendors leaned heavily toward pop culture and custom-made memorabilia. Apparel, modern action figures, and Funko Pops were everywhere in the vendor area, as were gaming material, jewelry, statues, figurines, and other trinkets. Shopping experiences were plentiful for modern material and original art.

Dark Horse, DC Comics, Legendary, and Zenescope, plus indie publishers like Source Point Press and YouNeek Studios were set up at the show, providing deep discounts on trades, back issues, and popular books. Hero Initiative and CGC were accepting donations and submissions, respectively, and comic dealers like Basement Comics, Beyond Comics, Fandata Bargain Comics, Hero Tomorrow Comics, Third Eye Comics, and TNT Comics offered everything from $1 back issues to vintage keys.

While there were a few major publishers in attendance, the amount of comic dealers did seem smaller than in previous years. Since the 2020 show will be held on the first weekend of May – over Free Comic Book Day – it’s likely that the number of comic vendors will drop significantly, affecting comic collectors who hunt for books at show.

The list of writers and artists attending the show included top industry talent like Amanda Conner (Harley Quinn), Amy Chu (Red Sonja), Charles Soule (Death of Wolverine), Clay Mann (X-Men), Clinton Hobart (Disney artist), Dan Parent (Archie Comics), David Finch (Batman: The Dark Knight), Greg Capullo (Batman), James Silvani (Darkwing Duck), Jimmy Palmiotti (Harley Quinn), Jody Houser (Faith), Kevin Maguire (Supergirl), Kyle Higgins (Nightwing), Kyle Starks (Rick and Morty), Laura Lee Gulledge (Page by Paige), Marguerite Bennett (DC Comics Bombshells), Matthew Dow Smith (Starman), Mindy Lee (Crimson Lotus), Mitch Gerads (Mister Miracle), Neal Adams (Batman), Peter Tomasi (Superman), Sandy Jarrell (Archie Comics), Steve Orlando (Midnighter), Tim Sale (Batman), Timothy Zahn (Star Wars Thrawn Trilogy), and Tom King (Batman).

Comic fans crowded their tables to get stacks of comics signed, commission sketches, and pick up pieces of original art. Additionally, indie comic creators and novelists introduced attendees to new projects for their perusal.

Awesome Con hosted TV and movie cast reunions with Anthony Michael Hall, Ilan Mitchell-Smith, and Kelly Lebrock (Weird Science); Brent Spiner, Gates McFadden, Jonathan Frakes, Marina Sirtis, and Wil Wheaton (Star Trek: The Next Generation); Cary Elwes, Chris Sarandon, and Wallace Shawn (The Princess Bride); K.J. Apa and Cole Sprouse (Riverdale); Kate Flannery, Creed Bratton, and Oscar Nuñez (The Office); Greg Cipes and Tara Strong (Teen Titans Go!); Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, and Martin Kove (The Karate Kid); Mike Colter and Theo Rossi (Luke Cage); and Zach Callison and Susan Egan (Steven Universe).

The casts of The Karate Kid, The Office, Riverdale, The Princess Bride, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Weird Science participated in Q&As with excited fans.

Celebrity guests also included Amy Jo Johnson (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), Danielle Panabaker (The Flash), Jason Isaacs (Star Trek: Discovery), Jennifer Blanc-Biehn (Dark Angel), Jim O’Heir (Parks and Recreation), John Barrowman (Torchwood), Jon Bernthal (Punisher), Kevin Sorbo (Hercules), Lou Ferrigno (The Incredible Hulk), Max Brooks (The Zombie Survival Guide), Mary McDonnell (Battlestar Galactica), Michael Biehn (Terminator), Milo Ventimiglia (This is Us), Phil Lamarr (Samurai Jack), Sean Schemmel (Dragonball), Sting (pro wrestler), Val Kilmer (Willow), and Weird Al Yankovic (comedic singer).

In addition to vendors and guests, the con floor was home to three focused pavilions. Kids gravitated toward Awesome Con Jr. where they enjoyed demos, worked on art projects, participated in a costume parade, and enjoyed a National Wildlife Federation Animal Show. In Pride Alley, Geeks OUT and Washington Blade, showcased LGBTQ creators with special programming to promote diversity in pop culture. The Future Con pavilion was the place where science met science fiction with live demonstrations via NASA and the Smithsonian, among others.

Batman’s 80th anniversary had a significant presence at the con, with a museum style exhibit of Batman movie costumes, props, a few key comics, and original art from the major storyline “Death in the Family.” (More on the Batman exhibit can be found in our In the Limelight section.)

It was a busy weekend for all involved, but a largely successful event. The next installment of Awesome Con will be held on May 1-3, 2020.

For more photos of Awesome Con, check out our gallery.

-Amanda Sheriff