Long Beach Comic Expo 2018

It's time for the annual Long Beach Comic Expo! Many of you saw my previous convention galleries. This one is very similar with a bunch of photos. I encountered many familiar faces along some new individuals as well. The Expo had several cool vendors, but I was disappointed with the cosplay turnout. It seems like fewer people are dressing in costumes at comic cons and other events. I hope cosplay isn't a dying trend. We'll find out when I attend other events this year. Scroll down to check out my gallery.

​First, I ran into Top Cow. They're a comic book publisher who caters to a variety of audiences. I'm a fan of their post-apocalyptic series called Eclipse. If you prefer fantasy and supernatural elements, Witchblade might be a better read. I'm a little curious about The Darkness because Batman is in it. The Darkness appears to be a dark supernatural comic book series. You can all of Top Cow's work at www.topcow.com

Here's something I didn't see at previous conventions. Knowledge the Game is a fantasy deck building game. It comes with dice and the complete deck of cards. I think it looks similar to Magic. Kevin Larkins designed and created this game. Actually, I find the creatures and abilities quite inventive. You can find out more about this game and purchase it at https://www.knowledgethegame.com/

Kyla's Keepsakes has a good variety of steampunk merchandise. I was impressed with the selection. She makes pocket watches, shirts, corsets, jewelry, hats, belts, and all kinds of products. Her merchandise seems to have a decent quality too. I should buy a couple things the next time we cross paths. Kyla's official website is www.kylaskeepsakes.com. You can also find her steampunk emporium on Facebook and Instagram. 

Vinylsmack sells really cute multiplanes and 3D artwork. You piece together the panels to make 3D images. I thought the Kraken would be really cool for steampunk fans. These multiplanes would be nice if your desk could use a whimsical and artistic touch. The exhibitor was nice enough to send some hi-res photos to include on this post. They look pretty cool. You can purchase their merchandise at www.vinylsmack.com. Check them out on Twitter and Facebook too. 

I see Shannon Hoage at multiple events per year. She's the owner of Gears & Roebuck and a great steampunk maker. Part of the reason why I like her merchandise is the pop culture element. She makes steampunk versions of Star Wars, Transformers, Marvel, and other things. I think her Nerf Gun creations are awesome too. Take a look at her work on Facebook some time. https://www.facebook.com/GearsAndRoebuck/

Fandom Not Random was a really cool exhibitor. Basically, they sell everything in pop culture. A big part of their merchandise has a Harry Potter theme. Other licensed brands include Marvel, Star Wars, DC, Star Trek, and several video game franchises. I actually bought an Assassin's Creed wallet from this vendor. Their merchandise has a reasonable price and I believe a lot of people could find something they would enjoy. You can purchase their products at www.fandomnotrandom.com.

Is someone watching me in this photo? I sure hope not. There's an upcoming horror film called The Strangers: Prey at Night. I talked to reps for the movie and it was a fun experience because they had free merchandise. They gave me a poster and t-shirt. This film would be good for anyone who enjoys slasher flicks. Here's a little synopsis. A family rents a trailer in the middle of nowhere and then a group of serial killers terrorizes them all night long. I assume the killers are the same culprits from the first movie. Supposedly, it's based on true events. Yikes! Prey at Night's official website is https://thestrangers2018.com/ 

I ran into another familiar vendor. Fanbase Press is an independent comic book publisher who exhibits at conventions throughout Southern California. I read some of their work and it's quite entertaining. Bryant Dillon was the rep who talked to me this time. Usually, I run into Barbra. Some of you guys might remember my interview with her. Take a look at my photos to check out their work. You can also find out more about their work on www.fanbasepress.com.

Pardon the awkward picture below. I saw a booth for the Rebel Legion. It's a cosplay group for fans of the Rebel Alliance in the Star Wars franchise. Truthfully, I didn't see many cosplayers from the group. They have chapters globally and participate in a lot of charity events. So, it's a very positive group. They have a lot of information at www.rebellegion.com

The Gaslight Gathering is another one of my favorite exhibitors. It's always fun to see Cerulean St. Amor and Doc Syncronous. They host an annual steampunk convention every Spring. I believe the dates are April 6-8 this year. They're having a carnival theme and I'm sure it will be a lot of fun. Scheduling conflicts are preventing me from attending in 2018, but I'm willing to shoot for 2019. I'm really curious about this event. You can buy tickets and learn more details at www.gaslightgathering.org

I didn't see many cosplayers this year, but these guys were sporting a healthy amount of steampunk pride. Their jet backs are definitely cool. Hopefully, I'll see more costumes at WonderCon and the Long Beach Comic Con. At least people still remember steampunk. That's a plus. 

Moonlight Wares was an interesting vendor. This exhibitor sells a lot of accessories and clothes that work for cosplay, Ren faires, or historical reenactments. I think quite a bit of this merchandise would be appropriate for a variety of costumes, including steampunk, witches, vampires, and many more themes. Many of this vendor's products are made out of leather. Those hats would look snazzy on a steampunk cosplayer. Check out www.moonlightwares.com for more products. You can also contact Moonlight Wares through Etsy. 

The 501st Legion is another cosplay group I see regularly at events. They're the Empire characters from the Star Wars franchise. Unfortunately, I didn't see a plethora of members. I probably came on the wrong day. Most of the Stormtroopers and Empire characters probably came on Saturday. But I got a photo with Darth Vader and one of the tie fighter pilots. That was pretty cool. I was too tired for my usual steampunk attire. My outfit was a lazy Pusheen shirt and hoodie. Star Wars and cats. It's a good combination. You can click on the link to learn more about the 501st Legion. Much like their Rebel foes, the 501st Legion participates in a lot of charity events. www.501st.com 

I found a band of superheroes on my way out. Marvel is usually popular at these conventions. I guess we have Harley Quinn, Spider-Man, and two Captain Americas. Hopefully, they had fun at the Comic Expo. 

Honestly, I'm n0t familiar with this character. I just thought his costume looked incredible. Maybe some of you guys recognize him. Super cool sword. 

The convention center had a fun variety of cars. I assume this car is from Austin Powers. It was never a series I followed, but I'm pretty sure this seems like a something we would see in Austin Powers. 

These cars have a Star Wars theme. One of them is supposed to be an X-Wing. The reddish one seems to be from the Empire. It has the Galactic Empire's emblem. I love the little droids in the back. 

I recognize this car. It's a replica from Toy Story. Do you guys remember Pizza Planet? The three eyed aliens came from the claw machine in that place. 

It's Herbie, the Love Bug! Dang, that's cute. 

I've seen this car several times. It has a Joker theme and looks really awesome. Maybe I'll see the Batmobile one of these events. 

I was thrilled to see this group. These cars are replicas from both the original Jurassic Park film and Jurassic World. 

That's the end of my photo gallery. It was great to see new people and returning favorites. I hope you guys enjoyed the post. Leave a comment if you have anything to say. Take it easy and come back for next week's post. Bye!