Fallcon 2008

FallCon 2008 – this was a kloaked event

FallCon is an annual comic book and toy convention sponsored by the Midwest Comic Book Association. Although this is predominantly a comic and toy selling event, located at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds, it has been also featuring costume awards, comic industry professionals, panels, and a charity auction.

Sue’la and I made the drive up to St. Paul while Bindi got her first power nap of the day in. No idea how she manages it, but she does. It’s a bit of a hike for us, but was well worth it. FallCon has been a mainstay for a couple of other members of the Rakehell for several years now.

Arriving at the event and buying tickets (and dropping off a couple of cans of food for the food shelf charity), we went in and promptly ran into Earl, who was on his way out to celebrate his son’s first bitrthday.

Cruising into the hall, we immediately vectored for the Propetorium being hosted by several members of the U.S.S. Nokomis, Blair, Bob, and Fluffy. On display were quite a few props, most of them made by this trio of Feddies (who would make better Klingons than red shirts!). It was not long before we were joined by Kosh and did some serious cruising around the event. We were mildly surprised at how many people we did run into that we know. Other folks from the Red Shirt Brigades, a few Stargate folks, the 501st Stormtroopers, and the local Super Heroes group. Most were in some sort of costume, but not all. Okay, Cadet Bindi was also in costume, suitable for the event (Supergirl).

Okay, this being a comic book event, you expect to see a lot of comic books, comic art, toys, and games, and that was the main focus. On display was a functional, a ’60s era Batmobile that was handcrafted and is drivable. There is an area in the back of the vehicle that sports the autographs of the famed crimefighters of the ’60s series. This was a very cool display. The guy who owns it also has a drivable Batcycle.

Amongst the many booths and comic artist tables there was a display of classic horror film hardware and life-sized figures, including one of Tor Johnson as a zombie from Plan 9 From Outer Space. The Tor Johnson zombie figure looked very good. Electronic boxes with various light effects reminiscent of the Universal ’30s era Frankenstein films. These were very cool. The guy running it, known as Edwood Grim (not his real name!) held a drawing for a couple of these cool items. Sadly, we did not win!

Kosh acquired a made on the spot drawing by one of the artist guests of a gargoyle staring down Batman. A very cool piece of art.

Kadet Bindi got some new toys while Sue’La and I picked up some targets for a water war that may one day happen, and a few books.

FallCon was a good event to attend. There were quite a few people in costumes, the vast majority inspired by various superheroes (and a few supervillans).

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