In the past few years I’ve grown to enjoy pop culture
conventions. It wasn’t something that was even on my radar a decade ago, but
since my first in 2003 I’ve been to Wizard World Philadelphia, a “Buffy” con in
Knoxville, and comic book and horror conventions.
It all started when actor James Marsters (who played Spike on
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel”) made his first appearance at
DragonCon in Atlanta. He’s become a regular guest at the Labor Day weekend
convention, which my husband and I have also set an annual marker for on our
calendars. This year I’ll take my best friend from high school to her first Con. Last year I added
Eliza Dushku to my collection of Buffy autographs. This year I’ll add Rose
McGowan’s sig to the “Death Proof” poster Rosario Dawson signed at HeroesCon a
few years ago.
HeroesCon, which is taking place at The Charlotte Convention
Center this weekend, has become another permanent “X” on our calendar and, unlike
DragonCon, it’s close and family friendly enough that we can bring our children
along.
There’s plenty of late
night adult entertainment for the comic book set during HeroesCon though, including a new offsite entry from NoDa’s Chop
Shop. The NoDa venue/bar celebrates HeroesCon’s 30th Anniversary with
the folks behind the White Trash theme parties. The Con-themed/geek culture concert and party
features the rocking house band Iron Cordoba (no strangers to costumes
themselves) with hip-hop artists Aswell (of Mr. Invisible), Shadow, 10:Teal,
and Wolly Vinyl as well as alien bellydance from Naima Sultana, freak show
stunts from Ms. Collette and Billy ½, and makeup and airbrushing from the Get
Dead Crew. DJ Grandbastard will spin as well.
Prizes, food, games, and dance competitions are also on the
menu. Cosplay is also encouraged. And a video game character dance-off is also
mentioned on the website if that helps you narrow your costume choices. Doors
open at 8 p.m. and it’s free.
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