Hundreds of cosplayers, artists and pop-culture enthusiasts crowded the George R. Brown Convention Center the weekend of June 17 for what is called the largest comic and pop culture event in Texas.
Comicpalooza 2016 featured many famous faces for fans to meet, along with a variety of local vendors and a multitude of panels to attend.
Just after 2 p.m. in the General Assembly room, the cast of the 1986 film “Aliens,” starring Sigourney Weaver, Paul Reiser and Bill Paxton, reunited for the 30-year anniversary of the movie’s release.
“I want to just thank everyone for coming because you know you guys are so warm and polite and welcoming,” said Weaver. “Everyone says, ‘Thanks for coming to Houston,’ and it is really our pleasure to be here.”
As the panel got underway, the cast answered audience questions regarding the newest film in the franchise, “Alien: Covenant,” set to be released in 2017, and about the making of “Aliens.”
“It’s very, very rare that you read a script that you know is going to be good and I remember reading this script and not only did you think it was it going to be a hit, but it was actually exhilarating to read,” said Reiser. “I remember just thinking, ‘if I just don’t screw up my little part this is going to work.’”
Meanwhile, downstairs in the exhibit halls visitors could purchase artwork and jewelry directly from the creators.
Amongst the hundreds of booths were some artists and jewelry designers who were creating pieces on location.
When it comes to finding material to inspire a unique style, artist Johnnie Rosales Jr. advises aspiring artists to use items from their homes, such as teabags and soy sauce.
“Just make your own art; make your own style,” said Rosales. “Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing.”
Regardless of if visitors were upstairs sitting in on a panel or downstairs mingling with celebrities, there was a good chance of them seeing many cosplayers.
Cosplay is an aspect of comic conventions that allows anyone to dress up as their favorite movie, television and comic characters. Some, such as cosplayer Morgan Bancroft, involve their family in the cosplay experience.
“My mom has never been to a convention before, so this is her first convention,” said Bancroft. “I just think it’s really fun because you get to express yourself and dress up as characters that you like and show off you individuality in a different way.”
While some may attend Comicpalooza just to purchase unique designs or get autographs and photo-ops with celebrities, some see the event as a place to experience the freedom of being themselves.
“I love coming to comic cons just because it’s a place where you can be different and no one will judge you and you can embrace things that you love,” said Cat Farrior, a Comicpalooza attendee. “I can show up and people who have the same passions as me can come and just talk to me about anything and I just get to make friends.”