SA Geeked Out at Celebrity Fan Fest
Photos by: Luis Vazquez - Managing Editor, SA Sentinel.
June 14, 2019 - Downtown San Antonio
Article By: Luis Vazquez - Managing Editor, SA Sentinel
Celebrity Fan Fest has come and gone and left its mark on San Antonio this past Father's Day weekend. While shoppers rushed in and out of malls and shopping centers searching for Father’s Day gifts, a loyal contingent of enthusiasts cycled through the doors of the Freeman Coliseum to mingle with other pop culture and comic devotees.
Doug Rice shows off some of his work. (Photo by Luis Vazquez.)
Although not billed as a “comic-con,” there were certainly some outstanding comic book writers and artists present, such as Daytime Emmy Award Winner, Doug Rice. Best known for his work on the much beloved Pinky and the Brain cartoon, he also worked on Steven Spielberg’s The Animaniacs. This was his first time at a convention in San Antonio, and he later remarked on how the “very well run” the event was and stated that he would even like to come back for another go round.
Cosplayers also seemed to be enjoying the “Fan Fest.” Carlos, who has been cosplaying at various conventions across Texas and Louisiana for 5 plus years said that “he thoroughly enjoyed” himself. Carlos’ cosplay was an incredible re-creation of the Black Manta, one of the villains in 2018’s Aquaman starring Jason Momoa who was also in attendance.
Volunteers also were excited to be a part of the “Fan Fest.” In the waning hours of the convention, I spoke with Veronica, a first year volunteer who remarked that “she had so much fun and would not hesitate to volunteer again.”
Halloweentown star Kimberly J. Brown said that she really enjoyed her time at the festival. “I love it, it’s amazing, everybody who runs it and all of the fans have been so kind,” said Brown “I've really enjoyed the whole weekend”
The Back to the Future DeLorean sits on display at the Fan Fest. (Photo by Luis Vazquez.)
The “Cars as Stars” exhibit was a delightful change of pace and provided pop-culture gearheads with an exhibit where they could interact with their favorite famous vehicles, such as the DeLorean from Back to the Future and Lightning McQueen from the Cars Disney movies. Fans meandered around the exhibit, marveling at all the famous vehicles from television and film, including the Mystery Machine from Scooby Doo, the van from the A-Team, and Rey’s speeder from Star Wars “The Force Awakens.”
With so many sights to see, there was something for everyone to experience. With everyone from pop culture podcasters, members of the Countdown City Geekcast, and tattooist Nikko Hurtado in attendance, it seems the future is very bright for pop culture in San Antonio.