#featuring the experience of a craig cosplayer during a convention
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not what i was gonna post today but i needed creek practice so now someone else has to see it too
shhh dont look at their faces too close thats the part im bad at
#featuring the experience of a craig cosplayer during a convention#half the ppl that talked to me quoted that scene#the other half asked where my bf was#DONT YOU THINK#IF I HAD SOMEOEN TO COSPLAY WITH ME#THAT I WOULD BE DOING ONE HALF OF SUCH AN ICONIC DUO#hUH NO DIDNT THINK FO THAT DID YOU#im okay#all jokes aside it was funny ill be real#south park#craig tucker#tweek tweak
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RWBY/RTX Austin 2018
Last weekend, I went to RTX Austin which is Rooster Teeth’s annual convention. Last time I went in 2016, it was about primarily to try it out, but I was also interested in seeing the RWBY panel for the plan the staff had for the forthcoming Volume 4, the first without Monty. I was pleasantly surprised when I heard Jeff Williams would be performing a concert and this turned out to be the highlight.
I skipped 2017 because there was no Jeff Williams concert and partially due to being disappointed with Volume 4.
I bet this year on the fact that Jeff would be coming back and that turned out to be a good choice because the show did not disappoint. I don’t think the 2016/first time experience can ever be topped, but this 2018 show was equally worth the money.
After the disappointment that was Volume 4 and the mediocre Volume 5, I wasn’t as hyped about RWBY, but I figured I should still go to RTX and see it since I’d be there anyway. But admittedly I was going more for the concert than anything else.
The following is a summary of the RWBY panel #1 on Friday, the JWFO concert and Q&A, and a few other things.
RWBY pre-panel
There were several things that stood out to me at this panel.
Before the panel began, two women came out on stage to warm up the crowd. (This was after Craig from GameAttack came out to ask for donations for the Extra Life charity stream that they do). I hate to reduce them to stereotypes because I don’t really know anything about them and don’t have anything against them, but it’s the easiest way to convey the scene. Girl #1 was cosplaying as Yang. She seemed to be a very energetic and outgoing type of person and I got the impression that she is trying to get hired by Rooster Teeth in a marketing/PR role. Girl #2 was wearing a RWBY dress and was the quieter kind of nerdy girl who had a little trouble speaking either due to nervousness or she just stutters when she talks. Girl #2 also had a bat wrapped with barbed wire, like from The Walking Dead which apparently someone just gave to her as a gift.
I bring up their appearances/personalities because they mentioned they had introduced several panels together, meaning that some organizer had put them together for some reason. There just didn’t seem to be any chemistry between the two. Girl #1 would start to go off on a PR line about how beautiful all the Yangs/cosplayers looked and Girl #2 would say “I like turtles”. She didn’t actually say “I like turtles” but I’m just trying to illustrate the kind of disconnect between them.
“So amazing!”
Girl #1 repeated this phrase at least 20 times while she was on-stage. I get she was there to hype up RWBY and RT, but maybe she went a little too far. She made it sound like everything at RTX was the best thing ever, which I get for fans, it’s a very enjoyable experience and from a PR perspective that’s what you want to convey. This is no different from something like Electric Daisy Carnival where they really push the “You are loved”/“We are all friends” message as you bake for 12 hours in the sun.
“Proud of me yet dad?”
Girl #2 said this near the end of their time and it felt like it was one of the few genuine moments during that opening.
“RWBY is the most forward facing property that Rooster Teeth has.”
Girl #1 said this and it’s one of many things she said that made me think she was trying to get hired.
“Are you guys ready for the Yang-bang with Barb?”
I cringed at this. I was completely unaware that the group selfie with Barbra Dunkleman (the voice of Yang) and other Yang cosplayers was referred to as a Yang-bang (I looked it up and that is what she tagged it as in 2016). I get that RWBY is now dark and gritty and no longer a “kid-friendly” show per se. But phrasing the selfie like this seemed to be a little too casual pun on “gangbang”.
Besides this, they went through the usual crowd questions like “Who’s here to see RWBY?”, “How many people have been to RTX before?”, “Did you guys get your merch? Oh that merch is so great.”, etc.
RWBY main panel
Once the panel officially started, I was confused as to why, just like in 2016, everyone seems so unorganized/unprepared. Maybe they think it’s funny, but I’d much rather prefer just a concise 45 minutes of presenting/banter, with 15 min for question. Kerry is always like “Oh guys, where did I put that? Is this next? Is that later? Should we just do it now?”
They announced “RWBY After the Fall” a new set of YA novels from Scholastic. It makes sense that they’re exploring the RWBY universe but it does make me wonder whether the V4 timeskip was seen as more of a business opportunity or done more in service to what would make the story better.
The most shocking thing about the panel was the discussion about how the writing process is different for Volume 6. Kerry and Miles initially started to say “In the past” but then quickly altered course and said “Let’s not talk about how we used to do it, just how we’re doing it now.” They basically described how they are writing more than one draft/getting the opinions of other people in the company who have been on the RWBY team for a long time.
It was shocking that they are doing it just now in Volume 6. I can understand Volume 1 and 2 just being a product of Monty/Miles/Kerry and 3 can kind of get a pass. But before/during Volume 4 and 5, wasn’t there anyone that said “Hey, maybe we need to do something different”? Maybe they did and it didn’t work out like they hoped. I am glad to hear that they are trying to improve the process.
The other big thing they did was to show a new character short. This one focused on the villains, mainly the White Fang/Adam. The short featured at least one new Jeff Williams vocal track and some of the animation looked amazing. In general, the animation for V4 and beyond has been decent to good, but there aren’t many instances where it really blows me away.
The short shows Sienna Khan using a chain rope weapon against multiple enemies at the same time. The chain (with a blade at the tip) moves so fluidly and the combat has a real sense of rhythm to it. Sure, you can have the greatest animation in the world, but it doesn’t mean anything if the story isn’t there to match it. I’m willing to stick around some more to see if the script improves. They did also announce a new RWBY Co director and if this short was a product of his involvement, then I like what I’m seeing so far.
Jeff and Casey Williams Q&A
When tickets first went on sale, the only option to be on the floor was to pay 60 dollars for a poster, ticket, and Q&A with Jeff and Casey. I think afterwards, you could just buy the standalone ticket, but I didn’t want to risk not being on the floor.
I get that the concert is hosted by ACL and not by RTX, but you would think there would be a little more coordination between the two organizations given that the concert appears on the RTX schedule and the graphic says “RTX presents”. On Saturday afternoon, I tried to figure out when and where the Q&A would be held. The regular guardians didn’t know and referred me to their manager. I was told to contact the venue to find out and that RTX wasn’t in charge of the event. It was just weird that RTX staff didn’t seem interested in finding out for themselves. I would bet I was not the only person to ask someone at RTX for information about the concert. Additionally the guy in charge of coordination was apparently not at RTX that day so I guess maybe he would’ve known. I ended up getting an email at 4pm telling me to go to the venue at 6pm. But for anyone who didn’t see that email, they were pretty upset that they missed it.
When I got to the venue, one of the staff members saw my Babymetal shirt and asked if I had seen them at ACL. I said no, but that I had seen them elsewhere. From that guy’s reaction and some of the looks from the other staff members, it felt like they instantly had a level of respect towards me. Like they had seen how the fans of Babymetal were at the show and thought “hey, this guy knows his good music.” Maybe I read them completely wrong. It was a very bizarre feeling because few people know what Babymetal is and fewer can read my almost illegible shirt.
Jeff seemed like he didn’t enjoy the stress of having to put on a big show and seemed kind of bored or just tired? Maybe RWBY fatigue is setting in and he feels kind of trapped by the constraints of the show. He talked about wanting to retire and start his Rush Limbo side project, which is music by the band Rush set in all 4-4 time in a reggae style. Obviously someone had to be that guy to ask Casey if she was single. I realize the guy thinks he is being funny or has a chance, but I think you’d be far less likely to go out with someone after subjecting them to a question like that where they are obligated to give you a response.
They floated the idea of playing shows in other locations but that seemed to be constrained by the forces at Rooster Teeth. Or maybe they’re just concerned they aren’t big enough to make any money off a tour. Jeff recommended everyone read a book called “The War of Art” which is about overcoming yourself to create the thing you’ve always wanted but never finished.
JWFO concert
The concert itself was great, but got off to a late start.
I almost forgot about all the weird things that happened while waiting for the concert to start. Someone started a sing along to Bohemian Rhapsody and several other songs. I’ve experienced the Bohemian Rhapsody sing along before, but never at another concert. When they played Numb by Linkin Park as background music, everyone sang along to that too, which is something that I have seen at other concerts at Hard Rock/House of Blues. At one point some people in the crowd erupted in shouts of “Jason?!” which I can only assume was a Heavy Rain reference. Then the crowd started to cheer whenever any technician or photographer came on stage. Again, this is not something I experience at many/if any shows.
This super hype atmosphere is fine, until it turns into everyone trying to be a comedian while there’s either a break between songs, or when the musicians are conversing on stage. Someone said like “Rest in pieces Pyhrra” or something like that at one point and sure I can handle one or two jokes or the occasional shout out. But at the end of the day, I’m here to see the band, not the crowd. I don’t blame those people in the audience trying to get Jeff or Casey to notice them and to have that deeper connection, but it gets old after a while.
There seemed to be communication issues or just not enough time to practice the ordering of the songs. Richie Branson was incredible as an opening act. I’ve seen him three times before and he is great every time. I think a lot of the audience didn’t know who he was or that there would be an opening act, but he seemed to win everyone over by the end of the first song. Adrienne Cowan, Lamar Hall, and Lydia were great again on vocals during the main act.
There were sadly no solos sections like there were in 2016. I remember vividly the extended piano solo the keyboardist performed to lead into “When It Falls”. Jeff also didn’t crowd surf this year either. But I think they were just pressed for time. Casey still seems to struggle more on some songs than others, but she was frank during the Q&A that she has a long way to go and it’s a struggle to keep up at Berklee.
Highlights for me were “Ignite” and “Smile” off the Volume 5 soundtrack.
Other things
I spent the majority of my time in the Vendor Room playing Rock Band 4. Harmonix was there because “This Will Be The Day” is now available as DLC. But with everyone playing the same song, I think they were grateful for anyone who wouldn’t play that. There were some talented players there and it just felt good to play Rock Band after not having done it with a group in a while. I think the people in the Rock Band line were some of the friendliest I met all weekend.
I felt like I struggled socially during the whole weekend. Maybe it’s just that most con-people aren’t very good at socializing. Or it’s just me or a byproduct of going alone. Everyone else staying at the hostel I was at was interested in talking though.
I went to see an improv comedy show at the Fallout Theater. The show was called “Penalty Box” and there were a set of rules that the audience knew but the performers didn’t. So every time they violated a rule, they would get sent to the penalty box and through trial and error they would figure out most of the rules. It’s entertaining as an audience member, but as someone who is taking improv classes, I recognize how painful it is for the performers. Some of the rules prevent you from doing things that you are taught to do, resulting in at least one scene where the performers just stood still on stage and didn’t talk.
The Mega64 panel was also very enjoyable. Arcade UFO is a pretty nice arcade with a lot of games you don’t normally see in the US. I also got to see a friend I haven’t seen in a while. I have mixed feelings about Troy Baker’s “TED” talk style panel, but I respect that it was not just “another Q&A” type panel.
Maybe I’ll go back next year.
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Hudson Valley Comic Con: Pop Culture Hits Poughkeepsie
Hudson Valley Comic Con (HVCC) returns to Gold’s Gym in Poughkeepsie, New York on May 6-7. After a successful first year, HVCC is bringing even more excitement to 2017! New guests, new vendors, new panels and new activities means more fun for the fans.
Hudson Valley Comic Con: Pop Culture Hits Poughkeepsie
Ming Chen scheduled to appear at Hudson Valley Comic Con. Credit: hvcomiccon.com
Meet Ming Chen
Ming Chen, from AMC’s hit TV show Comic Book Men, will be on hand to greet fans and talk all things ‘geek’. Ming has been making his way around the comic convention scene and is sure to bring his vibrant energy to Hudson Valley Comic Con. Learn more about Ming by checking out his Q&A panel held on Sunday May 7 at 12 pm, moderated by Earplug Podcast’s own DW. Earplug Podcast (formally Fanboys Inc.) will be teaming up with Ming to share the HVCC experience throughout the weekend.
DW from Earplug Podcast will team up with Ming Chen at Hudson Valley Comic Con. Credit: DW & Earplug Podcast
Blast From The Past
For those feeling a bit more nostalgic, HVCC has some stellar options sure to tantalize your taste buds. Patricia Quinn (Rocky Horror Picture Show), Taimak (The Last Dragon), Johnny Yong Bosch & Barbara Goodson (The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), Mark Dodson (Gremlins) are just a few of the guests scheduled to appear. Photo ops and autographs can be pre-purchased on the Hudson Valley Comic Con tickets page. Some guests will also be involved in panels and live entertainment during HVCC… don’t miss it! From Power Rangers and cosplay to Star Wars and nerd dating, there is panel for everyone.
Patricia Quinn to appear at Hudson valley Comic Con. Credit: hvcomiccon.com
Creative Talent On Tap
Not only is Hudson Valley Comic Con providing some great guests from the big screen, they are also featuring a number of amazing comic artist/creators. Mark McKenna, Craig Rippon, Jim O’Riley, Paul Abrams, Michael Oppenheimer, Will Torres and many more will be on site to the delight of all hard core comic book fans. It is the dedicated creators that bring our favorite fandoms to life. I implore my fellow fans to take the time and speak with these incredibly skilled individuals.
Hudson Valley Comic Con to host several comic book artists/creators. Credit: hvcomiccon.com
Explore The Floor
Still looking for more? Hudson Valley Comic Con has all kinds of attractions. Artists, writers, collectibles, cosplay, gaming, even a kid zone… it’s all at HVCC! Get your picture taken in The Living Room of Stranger Things, cruise on over to check out Supernatural’s infamous Impala or take a trip to the TARDIS.
Attractions for all at Hudson Valley Comic Con. Credit: hvcomiccon.com
Keep your eyes open as you meander through the convention floor! Fans will undoubtedly find some amazing artwork or perhaps spot that special toy. Be sure to visit the HVCC vendor page for a complete list of everything on hand for what is sure to be a joyous weekend.
Hudson Valley Comic Con welcomes all cosplayers. Credit: hvcomiccon.com
The post Hudson Valley Comic Con: Pop Culture Hits Poughkeepsie appeared first on ComiConverse.
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Hudson Valley Comic Con: Pop Culture Hits Poughkeepsie
Hudson Valley Comic Con (HVCC) returns to Gold’s Gym in Poughkeepsie, New York on May 6-7. After a successful first year, HVCC is bringing even more excitement to 2017! New guests, new vendors, new panels and new activities means more fun for the fans.
Hudson Valley Comic Con: Pop Culture Hits Poughkeepsie
Ming Chen scheduled to appear at Hudson Valley Comic Con. Credit: hvcomiccon.com
Meet Ming Chen
Ming Chen, from AMC’s hit TV show Comic Book Men, will be on hand to greet fans and talk all things ‘geek’. Ming has been making his way around the comic convention scene and is sure to bring his vibrant energy to Hudson Valley Comic Con. Learn more about Ming during his Q&A panel on Sunday May 7 at 12 pm, moderated by Earplug Podcast’s own DW. Earplug Podcast will be teaming up with Ming to share the HVCC experience throughout the weekend.
DW from Earplug Podcast will team up with Ming Chen at Hudson Valley Comic Con. Credit: DW & Earplug Podcast
Blast From The Past
For those feeling a bit more nostalgic, HVCC has some stellar options sure to tantalize your taste buds. Patricia Quinn (Rocky Horror Picture Show), Taimak (The Last Dragon), Johnny Yong Bosch & Barbara Goodson (The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), Mark Dodson (Gremlins) are just a few of the guests scheduled to appear. Photo ops and autographs can be pre-purchased on the Hudson Valley Comic Con tickets page. Guests will also be involved in panels and live entertainment during HVCC… don’t miss it! From Power Rangers and cosplay to Star Wars and nerd dating, there is panel for everyone.
Patricia Quinn to appear at Hudson valley Comic Con. Credit: hvcomiccon.com
Creative Talent On Tap
Not only is Hudson Valley Comic Con providing some great entertainers from the big screen, they are also featuring a number of amazing comic artist/creators. Mark McKenna, Craig Rippon, Jim O’Riley, Paul Abrams, Michael Oppenheimer, Will Torres and many more will be on site to the delight of all hard core comic book fans. It is the dedicated creators that bring our favorite fandoms to life. I implore my fellow fans to take the time and speak with these incredibly skilled individuals.
Hudson Valley Comic Con to host several comic book artists/creators. Credit: hvcomiccon.com
Explore The Floor
Still looking for more? Hudson Valley Comic Con has all kinds of attractions. Artists, authors, collectibles, cosplay, gaming, even a kid zone… it’s all at HVCC! Get your picture taken in The Living Room of Stranger Things, cruise on over to check out Supernatural’s infamous Impala or take a trip to the TARDIS.
Plenty of attractions to be found at Hudson Valley Comic Con. Credit: hvcomiccon.com
Keep your eyes open as you meander through the convention floor. Fans will undoubtedly spot some unique artwork or perhaps find that special toy. Be sure to visit the HVCC vendor page for a complete list of everything on hand for this festive weekend. See you there!
Hudson Valley Comic Con welcomes all cosplayers. Credit: hvcomiccon.com
Keeping You Comic Con-nected!
Linda Marie
Twitter: @LindaMw87 Instagram: comic_con_crazy Cosmunity: ComicConCrazy
The post Hudson Valley Comic Con: Pop Culture Hits Poughkeepsie appeared first on ComiConverse.
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