A gang of white Stormtroopers march in perfect line and formation down Peachtree t street on a humid and sunny Saturday morning, much to the amazement and delight of the crowds that
flank the sidewalks near the MARTA stations and office buildings. No, Darth Vader and the Galactic Empire have not taken over Atlanta, but it is one of the many sections in the famous DragonCon parade. The event held annually as a part of the DragonCon convention every Labor Day Weekend. For the past 27 years, DragonCon has taken over the downtown Atlanta area for a weekend of fun based around the world of Science Fiction books and movies, comic books, popular TV shows and all around geek culture. Bringing together Whovians (Doctor Who fans), Trekkies, Star Wars fans, LARPers (live action role play) and Steampunk enthusiasts, DragonCon weekend, known to many as “The Con”, is the annual coming together of everything geek in celebration of our secret obsessions.
The event positions itself in the 200 and 300 blocks of Peachtree street where more than five hotels in the downtown Atlanta area host DragonCon. Many of the panel discussions offered over the weekend were based on skills and knowledge such as improving your writing, toning your acting skills, building a portfolio strong enough to get into the video game industry and how to create costumes based on your favorite fictional characters while pinching pennies. Of course, not every panel was educational or informative, as panels for many popular TV shows, comic books, video games and podcasts were also held to speak to fans and followers about why they do what they do. Panels about and featuring stars from television shows such as “True Blood”, “Game of Thrones”, “Stargate” and “Battlestar Galactica”, to name a few. Famous podcasts including The Guild and Sword and Laser also did live recordings for the enjoyment of fans. Not to leave the video gamers out, Riot Games, creators of the most-popular game in the world, League of Legends, appeared to speak to fans about their plans for the future, and even offered in-game goodies to those who waited to hear them speak.
Joe Manganiello (True Blood), Jason Momoa (Game of Thrones), Rose McGowan (Charmed), Katee Sackhoff (Stargate), Felicia Day (Buffy, The Guild) and John Barrowman (Doctor Who) were some of
the many big names offering autographs and speaking on panels about their respective shows, drawing in huge audiences and over three hour queue times for an opportunity to hear them speak. But this wasn’t only for the young fans, as the “old-school” geeks got their satisfaction from meeting celebrities such as Lou Ferrigno, best known as the original Hulk, Patricia Quinn from
the cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show movie of the ‘80s, Dean Cain, who played TV’s Superman in the 1990s, and even an appearance by the legendary Stan Lee, creator of Marvel comics..
Of course, the night life of DragonCon rarely goes unnoticed as most of the partying and socializing culminated in the Marriott Marquis’ bar space filled with costumers and their fans, some celebrity sighting, drinking, talking and comparing their respective “nerdy” loves in the two-floor, futuristic bar space.
“This is the first DragonCon I have been to,” said Aja Kynard,KSU senior, world history major. Kynard attended DragonCon with her boyfriend Josh Clover, KSU senior, American history major. “The fun atmosphere and the experience will keep me coming back. I learned about the production of the shows, and also about paranormal research from the Ghost Hunters,,” said Kynard.
There certainly is an educational factor about DragonCon panels, which grows with each passing year
of the event. KSU also had a brief representation at some panels, with associate professor of sociology, Damian Williams, moderating some panels during the weekend.
Whether you are a huge Science Fiction fan or a passive video game player, DragonCon definitely offers something for all people interested in an inclusive weekend of fun, costumes, games and all around camaraderie.
Missed the festival this year? Well lucky for you, the early bird gets the worm, as passes for next year’s DragonCon are available at a heavily discounted rate right now.
