COMIC CON PALM SPRINGS

Coming to the Palm Springs Convention Center and Renaissance Hotel August 26-28, 2016

By Jennifer Wallis

Get ready to suit up!  World famous PALM SPRINGS is jumping into the comic book festival game with it’s very first COMIC CON, coming to the Palm Springs Convention Center and Renaissance Hotel, August 26th – August 28th. COMIC CON Palm Springs kicks off with a big bang featuring guest star, legendary comic book writer and Chairman Emeritus of Marvel Comics, STAN LEE. When you think comic books + big bang + world famous who better to kick things off than Stan Lee, known to millions as the man whose Super Heroes propelled Marvel to its preeminent position in the comic book industry. He co-created Spider-Man, the Hulk, the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Thor, the X-Men, and many other fictional characters, introducing complex, naturalistic characters and a thoroughly shared universe into superhero comic books. He introduced Spider-Man as a syndicated newspaper strip that became the most successful of all syndicated adventure strips and has appeared in more than 500 newspapers worldwide. Stan also does cameo appearances in many of the Marvel film and television projects. Stan has stated that he is limiting his appearances, so this is going to be something special, where imagination and reality converge. Stan Lee’s managers are also involved as Co-Executive producers of Comic Con Palm Springs, increasing the likelihood it will be an annual event!

Have you ever wondered what goes on at a Comic Con? Have you ever wondered why Comic Cons are are so exciting that people can’t seem to get enough? Well, here’s your chance to find out! Tickets are on sale now at www.comicconpalmsprings.com.

Like most comic-book conventions, Comic Con Palm Springs will feature a large floor space for exhibitors such as comic-book dealers and collectibles merchants. And like most comic conventions, Comic Con Palm Springs will include an autograph area, as well as the Artists’ area, where comic artists can sign autographs and sell or do free sketches. Along with panels, seminars, and workshops with comic book professionals, there will be previews of upcoming feature films, and portfolio review sessions with top comic book and video game companies. Also featured, World famous comic book stars, Cosplay with $1000 first place prize,  Animation, TV & Film, Celebrity Guests, Gaming Rooms, Guest Speakers & Panels, Virtual reality Displays, Zombie Walk, opening night Symphony Pop concert and party, Costume Party Saturday Night featuring world renowned DJs, Bands, and more.

Comic Con Palm Springs is the brain-child of Christopher Spellman, whose father, Larry Spellman, was a famous talent agent with The William Morris Agency. After receiving his B.A. in English Literature, Chris followed his Father into the entertainment industry and began working for the number one talent management company in the world, Brillstein-Grey Entertainment. He later pursued his career working in New York discovering and signing talent, including John Viener who went on to write and produce for “Family Guy.” Christopher capitalized on his passion for the Hispanic culture in the Coachella Valley and diversified his career working with the late Jenni Rivera, La Chupitos, and currently Don Cheto.  Eight years ago, in 2008, he signed comic book legend Neal Adams, which began Christopher’s foray into the world of Comic Cons. He later also signed comic book rock star Brian Pulido. With these two heavy names, a creative mind, and a love for the city he’s always called home since the 1970’s, Christopher, four years ago quietly started to put COMIC CON PALM SPRINGS together. Christopher was also instrumental in bringing Sly and the Family Stone to Coachella Fest, which he recognized put the Palm Springs area front and center of the explosion of Pop Culture around the world. Speaking with Christopher recently, he stated he wanted to bring the same magic to Palm Springs with a comic con. Knowing Palm Springs is world famous, and the darling city to Hollywood, he knew there was no better place to launch another new and internationally oriented comic con. He wants to build Comic Con Palm Springs as the next San Diego or New York destination for Comic Con.

Recently, through a chance encounter, Christopher was introduced to BB Ingle by Reggie Cameron, who is in charge of marketing. BB is well known in the Palm Springs area as a promoter and producer of the huge legendary Halloween Bash and Annual New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party. BB had the same vision for Comic Con Palm Springs and came aboard to help with promotions and to host what will be a huge costume party on the Saturday Night of Comic Con. The party will feature major entertainment with state of the art sound and lighting by RSP production. DJs and Bands TBA.

What is the history of Comic Con? The very first Comic Con began in 1970 in San Diego, when a group of comics, movie, and science fiction fans banded together to put on the first comic book convention in southern California. The purpose of this single-day event—which drew about 100 attendees—was to raise funds and generate interest for a larger convention. The success of the mini-con led to the first full-fledged, three-day San Diego Comic-Con held August 1–3, 1970,  Over 300 attendees packed into a hotel’s basement for that groundbreaking event, which featured a dealers’ room, programs and panels, film screenings, and more: essentially, the model for every comic book convention to follow. In 1979, Comic-Con moved to the Convention and Performing Arts Center (CPAC), stayed there until 1991 and then moved to the new San Diego Convention Center. Comic-Con has been at home in that facility for over two decades. With attendance topping 130,000 in recent years—in a convention center facility that has maxed out in space—the event has grown to include satellite locations, including local hotels and outdoor parks. This year’s San Diego Comic Con 2016, taking place in late July, sold out in hours with an expected attendance of over 160,000 comic book fans, making it one of the largest conventions in the world!

There are now hundreds of Comic Cons taking place in every major city in the country and the world.

Exhibit spaces and various ticket packages are on sale now at www.comicconpalmsprings.com. They want to include everyone, so tickets are reasonably priced. Children under 12 are free. Purchase your tickets early, this event will sell out!

Comic Con Hours are Friday, August 26th, 4:00pm – 8:00pm, Saturday, August 27th, 10:00am – 7:00pm., Sunday August 28th, 10:00am – 4:00pm. Costume party on Saturday Night starts at 9:00pm.

Discounted Hotel rooms at Renaissance Palm Springs. A free upgrade to a junior suite if you book before May 1st or until they are gone. Limited amount! Special room rates starting at $125. Tickets & rooms are going fast at www.comicconpalmsprings.com. Questions for hotel please email Rona Hill at ronahill@remingtonhotels.com.

Like the fan page at Facebook.com/ComicConPalmSprings

Instagram instagram.com/comic_con_palmsprings

Title Sponsors are Coachella Valley Weekly, Stan Lee Collectibles, Palm Springs Convention Center, Renaissance Hotel Palm Springs, PartywithBB and RSP Productions.

Doors will open early and the party will go late into the night. Whether you are venturing around the Convention Center or the Renaissance Hotel, there will be plenty to do and see. Bring your family, friends or come and meet new people. The main thing is for everyone to enjoy themselves.

For more info go to www.comicconpalmsprings.com, email info@ccpalmsprings.com, or call 760-880-1059.

CV Weekly is proud to be a Title Sponsor of this event. When purchasing tickets use promo code “CVW” to receive $10 off you 3-Day Membership.

FACEBOOK CONTEST!! Take a selfie of you holding this week’s issue of CV Weekly and post it to facebook with the hashtag “#ComicConPalmSprings.” The photo with the most likes will receive a 2-night stay at the Renaissance Hotel, Friday & Saturday during the event. Contest ends at 12 midnight on April 30, 2016.