Comic Con 2014 | Geekscape

SDCC 2014: The Walking Dead Escape Was A Convention Highlight!

by Derek KraneveldtAugust 8, 2014

As many of you know, last year was my very first SDCC. As such, I had absolutely no idea what to expect. The entire week was insane (especially that Ubisoft Assassin’s Creed party), but one of my biggest regrets was missing out on The Walking Dead Escape event.

I walked by Petco Park countless times during that week, and every time I was wowed by the post-apocalyptic obstacle course inside. It looked absolutely incredible (especially for me, who lives in a small, boring town in Canada), and it’s an event that I mention when talking about last year’s convention to this day.

After its successful 2012 debut at San Diego’s Petco Park, The Walking Dead Escape expanded with three additional events in major cities in 2013, including New York, where the course was integrated aboard the aircraft carrier the USS Intrepid. Based on fans’ enthusiastic response, Skybound decided to take the events to the next level with a national tour.

This year, I had the awesome opportunity to run through the course. Those of you familiar with Escape will notice that the story has changed from previous years, meaning a lot of the repeat runners that I was surrounded by were pleasantly surprised by the ending. As you can see in the beginning of the embedded video, I strapped a GoPro on my head and planned to share the direct footage from my point of view… but the battery didn’t hold its charge in the week since I had plugged it in, and it died almost immediately. Instead, I tried to strap my ever-trusty iPhone to my head, which definitely wasn’t going to work, before I finally just held the damned thing to attain the footage that you see below.

I had an absolute blast at The Walking Dead Escape, and even walked away from the event with an exclusive The Walking Dead #1 variant just for runners. The event was creepy and very well put together, though I’d recommend running as late as possible to maximize the effect. There are plenty of breaks for story sections and for water, so even if you’re out of shape, you shouldn’t overlook this experience.

Take a look at my run-through below, and be sure to let us know what you think!

‘The Walking Dead Escape’ Returns to San Diego Comic Con!

by Derek KraneveldtJuly 1, 2014

It’s hard to believe that we’re just a few weeks away from another San Diego Comic Con, but preview night is just 22 days away, and I cannot wait to get out of Canada and head back to the San Diego area.

Last year was my very first SDCC, and as such I had no idea what to expect. The entire week was insane (especially that Ubisoft Assassin’s Creed party), but one of my biggest regrets was missing out on The Walking Dead Escape event.

I walked by Petco Park countless times during the week, and every time I was wowed by the post-apocalyptic obstacle course inside. It looked absolutely incredible (especially for me, who lives in a small, boring town in Canada), and it’s an event that I mention when talking about last year’s convention to this day.

The Walking Dead Escape is back this year, and I am so excited to experience the event in person. After its successful 2012 debut at San Diego’s Petco Park, The Walking Dead Escape expanded with three additional events in major cities in 2013, including New York, where the course was integrated aboard the aircraft carrier the USS Intrepid. Based on fans’ enthusiastic response, Skybound decided to take the events to the next level with a national tour.

“I’m thrilled to offer fans new and old an even bigger, more interactive experience this time around. It’s great to see fans of the comic book and television series live in the world I created so many years ago,” says Robert Kirkman, creator and executive producer of The Walking Dead.

Tickets are on sale now for the SDCC event, which will take place on July 25th and 26th, and an early-bird special is active until July 4th. Head to the official The Walking Dead Escape site for more info, and I’ll see you on the course!

Photos via thewalkingdeadescape.com

Wizard World Hits Philadelphia This Weekend! Here’s What To Expect!

by Dennis FinocchiaroJune 16, 2014

Philadelphia’s Wizard World Comic Con is coming this week (June 19th-22nd), and there are all kinds of exciting events happening this year! I’m headed there (as well as fellow Geekscape writer Matt Kelly) to take in the sights, and this year’s con promises to be legendary (insert Barney Stinson reference here).

The biggest event, at least in my eyes, is the fact that Doctor Who‘s Matt Smith and Karen Gillan will be in attendance. Not only are the pair doing photo ops and signings, they are also having a panel discussion about being on Doctor Who.

And while Gillan is there, she will be on a Q&A panel for Guardians of the Galaxy along with fellow Guardians stars Dave Bautista (Drax the Destroyer), and Michael Rooker (Yondu). This should give fans some insight into the upcoming film that is sure to be a blast.

Along with Guardians, there will also be a panel discussing Captain America: Winter Soldier featuring Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson/Falcon) and Sebastian Stan (Bucky/The Winter Soldier).

Not into time travelers or superheroes? How about horror? John Carpenter will be on hand for “Conversations with John Carpenter” which will undoubtedly give insight into the horror legend’s filmmaking career. The website says Carpenter “will greet fans, sign autographs, pose for photo ops and and conduct an interactive Q&A panel (Saturday, 4 p.m.) in which he’ll discuss his great films.”

Another interesting one is a screening of The Karate Kid, with Ralph Macchio. There’s nothing like watching a movie with one of the stars, right?

One of the bigger names at the show is Whoopi Goldberg. “Oscar® winner Whoopi Goldberg will make her Wizard World debut at Philadelphia Comic Con, June 20-21. With dozens of television and film credits, including “The View,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” Sister Act, The Color Purple, and a wide range of talents and accomplishments, Goldberg is known to millions as an actress, comedian, host, producer, author, activist, and singer-songwriter.

Goldberg will greet fans, pose for photo ops, sign autographs and conduct an interactive Q&A entitled “A Drink With Guinan” (Saturday, 1 p.m.) at Pennsylvania Convention Center. She will appear on Friday evening and the full event day Saturday.”

Along with the usual cosplay contests, comic artists and more, this year’s show should be a blast. If you’re in the area, make sure you check it out! Be sure to head to Wizard World’s official website to get the low-down on everything else that you can expect this weekend!

Are you headed to Philadelphia Comic Con? What are you most looking forward to this year? Let us know in the comments.