Avengers Gag Reel - almost more awesome than the film!

I could watch these guys mess it up all day. It looks like it was a ton of fun to film and how could it not have been! 

Manchester EXPO & Comic Con...

WARNING: If you don't like pictures of kids geeking out leave now. I know it has been a while since the Comic Con, but being at home with the kids during the summer hols consumes a whole lotta time and leaves me exhausted by the end of the day so I haven't really had a chance to post about it yet. However, I have about an hour before one of the little geeks will demand my attention so I would like to share some of my pictures from the Manchester comic con on the 21st of July. This con was special because it  was my children's first time and I made them cosplay (made them in a nice way, there was no forced face painting or anything).

Maddie is 9 and I tried to persuade her to be Wonder Woman or Supergirl but she had her own idea - pokemon. At first she wanted to be Misty but I couldn't find an appropriate and inexpensive ginger wig, so her next choice was Pikachu. Xander on the other hand was much easier to please just close your eyes and pick from his dressing up pile. He went with Captain America in the end I think mainly because he got to carry  a shield, plus it was also clean which is always a bonus. He wasn't so keen on the full forehead paint  still he looks awesome.

We pre-booked our tickets but the queues were still long, however the great thing about this kind of event is it is there is always something to look at whilst queuing. From Tony Stark too Ghost Busters, strange and colourful anime characters I don't know, as well as any superhero you can think of.  So though long, the line did move quickly and in no time we were in. 

It was packed! We got in about 10:30am and you could hardly move, which isn't a good sign so early in the morning. But I wasn't going to let invasion of my personal space stop me, so onward we trekked through the jungle of heroes, geeks, nerds some hipsters and other such creatures you would expect to find in this habitat. 

Along the way I could here people commenting about the cuteness of my children and it made me so proud. People asked if they could have their picture take with them, and me like some toddlers and tiaras crazy mum encouraged it. Thankfully the kids were happy to take part and not shy in asking for pictures with other cosplayers.

I'll be honest, it wasn't as good as the London Expo & Comic Con, but I didn't expect to be. I was just happy that Manchester was getting one. It made an effort, with the Robot Wars and a sort of exhibit made up of a sci-fi props, which was cool. I was pleased to see quite a few independent comic creators doing sketches and selling their wares. I always find these people pleasant, friendly and easy to talk too without being too pushy with the sales pitch.

The most exciting bit for my daughter was meeting Clare Thomas from Young Dracula seeing her getting so excited reminded me of the time I met Brent Spiner  and James Marsters a few years ago. It filled me with such geek infused joy to see her experiencing the same passion for the things she loves.  

As usual with these sorts of events I didn't have enough money to buy all the things I want to, but I don't think I ever will so it's just something I have to live with. I did pick up a super sexy Wonder Woman to add to my collection and a couple of button badges. Maddie bought herself a comicbook by Matt Dyson. Xander got himself an awesome Batman Hot Wheels monster truck. So they both came home tired and happy.

Girl Captain America' ass

Everyone enjoyed the day, though by the end we were weary and hot, but I think that is always a sign of a good day. So how would I sum up the day and advise others for the future. The con had elements of everything geeks love, from gaming stations to exhibits, a few minor minor celebs and lots of things to buy. Oh and Warwick Davies, he was there with his family and a very big queue to meet him.

I definitely recommend taking your own lunch and drinks, the 'food hall' wasn't very impressive and very very busy, no just popping to get a drink, it was quicker to leave the con and pop round the corner to a shop. A packed lunch on the steps outside in the sun was actual a really fun part of the day. Seeing all the different cosplayers hanging out in their affiliated groups made me realise 'these are my kind' which considering I spend most of my time with people who don't know what basic things like what Firefly is or a even what a d20 is, was quite refreshing.

To anyone wondering whether it is worth it let me reassure you it is, the price was reasonable and well worth it. We went to geek out and that's exactly what we did. 

  

Just 31 jokes for nerds...