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Awesome Con begins in little more than two weeks at the Walter Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The premier pop culture convention of the mid-Atlantic States features activities such as discussion panels, photo ops, and autographs with talent behind some of the hottest television programs, films, and comics. Last year was very busy and exciting with guests like Peter Capaldi, Kevin Smith, Bill Nye the Science Guy, and the cast of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., to name a few. Awesome Con runs June 16 to 18 and features an impressive slate of guests for this year.
Guests in 2017
Stan Lee, former president and chairman of Marvel Comics, will be holding a panel on Sunday, June 18, at the main stage. Fans can shell out $350 for a Stan Lee Premium Package that includes an autograph, photo op, and other Stan Lee specific items. Yes, that’s $350 on top of the admission fee to the convention. If that price tag is a bit steep, anyone with an Awesome Con pass can still gain entry to the Stan Lee Museum Pop-Up in the exhibit hall.
Another headliner, David Tennant (Broadchurch, Jessica Jones), takes the main stage on Saturday, June 17. It seems very much like a Tenth Doctor reunion with other Doctor Who stars Catherine Tate and John Barrowman (Arrow) on the guest list. Barrowman appeared as Darth Vader in drag last year with a memorable light saber sequence. One can only guess what his grand entrance will be this summer and whether he’ll crash the other Doctor Who events.
Screen stars appearing in D.C. include Wil Wheaton (Star Trek), Eliza Dushku (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Kel Mitchell (Keenan and Kel), and Jason David Frank (Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers).
Animated series are well represented by Phil LaMarr, Sean Schemmel, and Christopher Sabat this year. I recommend LaMarr’s panel if you are a fan of Samurai Jack, which finally reached a conclusion after a 13-year gap between its fourth and fifth seasons. Schemmel and Sabat round out my must-see list of voice actors because of their phenomenal work in Dragon Ball Super, the latest in Funimation’s Dragon Ball franchise.
What’s New?
Your Awesome Con pass serves as your ticket into two major celebrations being held at the Convention Center. The prestigious magazine Smithsonian is partnering with Awesome Con for Future Con, featuring a series of panels and other events on science, technology, science fiction, and more. The kickoff starts with a taping of StarTalk Live!, as hosted by Colonel Chris Hadfield. Col. Hadfield is a former commander of the International Space Station, with two space shuttle missions under his belt. It’ll be interesting to see if Future Con becomes a permanent fixture at Awesome Con.
Pride Alley is a new initiative at Awesome Con through a partnership with Geek OUT, an organization that supports and celebrates LGBTQ geek fandom and contributions to overall pop culture. There will be activities at the Artist Alley, panels, and special events throughout the weekend.
Visit the Awesome Con website for the complete guest list and how to order passes.
Barrowman crashed Catherine Tate’s panel in Dallas in April. It was quite funny.