On the Beat at C2E2 2013

It seems quite fitting that the first person I recognized at the 2013 Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2) was Elliott Harris.  Harris is a long-time writer who covers sports and women.  If JohngysBeat.com had a goal, it would be to be Elliott Harris.

C2E2 is a huge three day pop culture event held at McCormick Place.  Comic books and all things related to comics are a big part of the event, but I go for the celebrities and there were a bunch of interesting ones this year.

One of my highlights this year was helping wrestler Lisa Marie Varon spread the word about The Squared Circle, her new Chicago restaurant.  Varon had hugs and smiles for everyone and The Squared Circle has great pizza and burgers for all!  It wasn’t planned, I just love her and her restaurant!

Later, as I walked by actor Lee Arenberg, he called out to me (remembering me from the 2011 Motor City Comic Con).  We talked about his tv show Once Upon a Time among other things.  Arenberg is as cool as he is talented!

Scott Beatty handled the interview with award-winning Broadway producer Vivek Tiwary.  Tiwary is working on The Fifth Beatle, a project about Brian Epstein involving a graphic novel and a movie.  As a lifelong Beatles’ fan, I am really looking forward to watching this project develop.

Scott talked to NY Times best-selling author James Finn Garner, who discussed Rex Koko, his clown noir novel series.  Scott also sat down with Chris Burnham, a talented comic artist who is drawing for Batman Inc.

I reconnected with the multi-talented Adam Mock, who was there promoting Fallen Superheroes, his book with Eric Curtis and Scott Allen Perry.  Fallen Superheroes is a beautiful and brilliant look into everyday people and superheroes.  I also got a look at Mime Very Own Book, a coffee-table book featuring mimes in interesting ways.

Diamond Dallas Page was there, promoting his DDP Yoga, which has worked miracles with many, including Jake “the Snake” Roberts, who was sharing his booth.  Page put on an amazing demonstration of the effects of his yoga.

I also saw many artists who have become friends over the years of meeting at these conventions.  RAK and his Superfreeks, Thomas Barnett and his Lil’ Miesters, Chrissie Zullo, Scott Blair and so many more were there selling their creations and creating new stuff on the spot.

I saw a three year old Captain America, several incarnations of Batman and the Joker, a male Wonder Woman and some characters I did not recognize.  I even saw an Aquaman (my favorite and the most under-appreciated superhero).

C2E2 is simply an awesome time.  As Varon stated. “Adults can be kids again without being frowned upon.”  For several hours this weekend, I was that kid in a candy shop.  For several hours, I was actually Elliott Harris and I could not have had more fun!