Massive crowds turn out for Tampa Comic Con, ‘Walking Dead’ stars and cosplay Photos
The Doubletree in Tampa was overrun with comic book, Sci-Fi and pop culture fans as the lines for the Tampa Comic Con stretched outside the hotel.
“We are on massive overload,” the convention organizer Stephen Solomon told The Global Dispatch. “I guess we’re headed to the (Tampa) Convention Center.”
Thousands of fans crowded into the ballroom sifting through the collectibles and lining up to meet and greet comic book creators which included Marvel Zombies creator Arthur Suydam, Joe Jusko, Bob Layton and several more.
The hallways were packed with autograph seekers and fans waiting to meet ‘The Walking Dead’ stars Lauren Cohen and Emily Kinney or Drake Bell, who voices Spider-Man on the new Marvel show.
“It was a 45 minute wait, but it was worth it. $30 for an autograph, a photo and to shake her hand,” one fan explained. “She was great,” completing the description of her experience meeting Lauren Cohan.
No convention would be complete without some cosplay and fans were dressed as their favorite superhero, sci-fi or anime character.
Outside the hotel was a large Superman themed van and a Bumblebee themed Chevy Camaro for fans to pose and discuss.
“I got to meet Bumblebee…(laughs) well kinda,” said one 10-year-old girl after grinning next to the Transformer inspired vehicle.
While some fans may be frustrated by the $15 and the availability of fans and collectibles at the convention, the massive crowd illustrates the interest and demand for an even larger venue/convention.
Speed dating, gaming, celebrity and creator panels will certainly continue to grow and fill out an already growing schedule for the Tampa show and now the convention center will likely be the destination for this grand affair.
[…] massive turnout from the previous convention not only warranted a new venue, but a return visit by Lauren […]
Meeting the Walking dead cast was great. But the way Tampa con handled the convention was teally bad. This was my first year at the event. And I doubt I will ever come again. The volunteers were very rude.