Why I fully support the Puerto Rico Comic Con

The Puerto Rico Comic Con is a world class event.

Let me explain.

For the longest time, PR has had a bad reputation of taking shows and concepts and doing a cheap knockoff version for people on the Island. From versions of the Bachelor, Survivor, and remakes of movies, to lord knows what, it was a bad habit for Puerto Rico to think, act and deliver like second best.

When you go to the Puerto Rico Comic Con, you see that this habit has been eradicated. Year after year you get high quality guests from movies, from comics, from voice acting and from everything you can imagine. This year has Jason Momoa, an actor entering and enjoying his prime if there ever was one. This is not a B-List event, it’s not what they could muster for the people on the Island.

This is the declaration that we are not limited in scope, potential or ambition. It’s gone from inviting people and looking for guests to having a waiting list of people eager to be part of this event. This isn't your local small scale event, this is an activity where over 40,000 attendees will roar their voice in unison that we are global.

If it were just the event itself, that would be enough… though like an infomercial, I have to say, “but wait there’s more.”

The Puerto Rico Comic Con is already huge and attracting people from all over, but it’s also supporting other events that support local talent, from local artists to short films, there are burgeoning projects and others that are just getting started. In that way, the PRCC is on its way to becoming a cultural driver that defines an era of fandom and pop culture, proudly saying, sure we have pristine beaches, historical monuments and a rich multicultural history, but we also have talent, we have dreams, and we do this while working in Paradise.

So when you’re wondering what to do for May 2016, consider this my heads up for an event that you have to see to believe.

Avast, fellow Humans; there’s a Comic Con a Comin’!

For the Second Year in a Row, I’ll be participating in the Puerto Rico Comic Con from May 22-24. Denying there is excitement is not even an option because there’s plenty of it on all fronts.

Firstly, the organizers are excited because this is the first year the Con will be 3 days. For people who haven’t had the chance to see all there is on offer at the PRCC, this is huge because it’s a full extra day of awesome geekness.

Then there’s the guest artists. They might think they’re coming for a small Con and are looking forwards to some sun and maybe a fan or two. Big surprise, Puerto Rico has some of the most fervent fans in all likes of life, from sports to concerts and celebrities, we’re a loud fun bunch and if you’re looking for a party, we are your huckleberry field.

Of course, there’s people like me: the artists, the writers, the people who get this wonderful opportunity to meet the people who enjoy the stories we have to tell. It is incredibly gratifying and I know we all put our everything into what we bring to the PRCC. We feel the responsibility to put forth works in our own disciplines that are worthy of this platform and I already have some local favorites whom I ALWAYS visit.

To boot, there’s the cosplayers and locally, every year they take it up another notch or three and it’s awesome to see. You see, I may be in my mid thirties, but make no mistake, I’m a fanboy and I’m a huge cosplay fan. From accurate, to outrageous, to complicated, I love it all and to see people with a dayjob and “ordinary lives” break out of the shell is inspiring on several levels.

So in the end, everyone’s a winner because neither the fans nor the artists nor the exhibitors know the meaning of holding back when it comes to sharing our love for all things geek and I am proud to give my all to push myself and deliver works that transcend genres and borders, just like this event.

Cheers and happy ComicConning!

Peace, love and maki rolls

Top 10 reasons to visit the Puerto Rico Comic Con

Next weekend Puerto Rico will be hosting the 2014 edition of the Puerto Rico Comic Con and it’s set to be the biggest version of the event yet. International stars are coming, trailers will be shown and yours truly will be participating in his journey to connect with more people. So why should you go? Here’s 10 reasons:

10. Family environment

First and foremost, this is a family event and although the lines can be lengthy, it’s totally worth it. Seeing kids in awe and smiling and parents sharing in their joy is one of the loveliest things to enjoy at the PRCC.

9. Cookies and candy

Smart Cookie and Asian Sweets are frequent haunts for me. Asian sweets because I love being able to get my hands on the latest craziest sweets. Smart Cookie is a whole other story, four words: peanut butter bacon cookies. Seriously, I wouldn’t be surprised if I saw multiple people dressed as the cookie monster attacking the booth.

8. Bully free zone

The PRCC event staff is adamant of everyone having a good time and this includes a zero bullying code. You are yourself, you have your own thing and this event welcomes diversity, curiosity, oddity and togetherness. Live long and prosper as people of all kinds come together to have a nice time.

7. It’s getting big

Less than ten years ago, the event wasn’t that big. About five years ago, it started to go international. At this level, it will go global by next year. They’re going to need a bigger island.

6. Hard to find collectibles

Although you will find TONS of Star Wars – He Man – Transformers and other types of collectibles, this is the place to find weird stuff. Bring your cash, bring stamina and look over the hundreds of booths to find that special random gift for that special random someone.

5. The costumes

Some people truly feel most comfortable when they’re in character and the PRCC brings in some of the best, and yes worst costumes you’ll ever see. Last year the competition was stiff and I’m sure those who lost last year started planning the Monday they got out of the PRCC.

4. The Talent

Puerto Rico has a bevvy of artists and writers that consistently put out great work. I will also be there and though far from the star attraction, I’m honored to do my best to add to an already epic event. Truly, some awesome local artists due world-class work and everyone is upping their game consistently, year after year. I will be in the minority since most people will have their comics and artwork... then again, I’m a writer and I’ve been known to have more than one surprise when the opportunity presents itself. Next weekend will be no exception.

3. Cosplayers

There are diehard cosplayers locally and professional talent will be making appearances, namely Riddle’s Messy Wardrobe.

2. The comics, the anime, the videogames

Remember that comic you read once when you were 10, or that random anime you watched at 2 AM when you were supposed to be sleeping? You might be able to find it here.

1. The guests

Scott Snyder, Michael Rooker and Jason David Frank are just some of the people visiting. Talent scouts will also be there. Local artists will be there and if you want to have fun, you’ll be there.

So here’s to the countdown.

Cheers