Ohio Comic Con

photo courtesy of Col-Mas

Great Lakes Base, along with Ohio Garrison, Mando Mercs, OSWCC all converged on the Greater Columbus Convention Center – for the newly renamed Wizard World Ohio Comic Con.  The event, formerly known as Mid-Ohio Con has a long-standing tradition as the signature comic book/pop culture convention in the buckeye state. And to be honest, the only event more highly anticipated in Columbus is the Ohio State vs Michigan football game!

This was Wizards’ second year hosting the convention and overall the experience was encouraging.  First, they moved into one of the larger exhibit halls within the Great Columbus Convention Center -- which I can’t begin to describe how appreciated that is by fans wearing layers of plastic armor and jedi robes.  The second improvement was an expanded lineup of media guests for fans to meet. 

Sadly, Stan Lee was forced to cancel his appearance at Ohio Comic Con, where Great Lakes Base was to present him with his very own “Friend of the Rebellion” honorary membership within The Rebel Legion – including some original artwork, inspired by the classic MARVEL “Star Wars” comic books designed by GLB’s very one Travis Perkins.  In a statement, Stan “The Man” Lee explains the reason for his absence:

"In an effort to be more like my fellow Avenger, Tony Stark, I have had an electronic pace-maker placed near my heart to insure that I’ll be able to lead thee for another 90 years."

Great Lakes Base would like to send along our well wishes to the “beloved Generalissimo” and creator of MARVEL comics. Feel better, and we look forward to you returning to future Ohio Comic Cons -- EXCELSIOR!!!

Great Lakes Base: Heroes Made Here!

Meanwhile, Ohio Comic Con had an impressive lineup of guest in attendance, including, Patrick Stewart (Star Trek TNG and X-Men), Dean Cain (Lois and Clark: the new adventures of Superman), Eliza Patricia Dushku “Buffy”, Norman Reedus, Sean Patrick Flanery & David Della Rocca, (Boondock Saints), Val Kilmer (Top Gun and Batman Forever) and many others. Most conventions would be hurting if their two top-billing names were forced to cancel on such short notice, but Wizards’ backup plan was something most conventions can only wish for.

In addition to an outstanding lineup of guests, Great Lakes Base and all the other Star Wars costume groups had their all-star arsenal of costumes (both Star Wars and others) on display for fans to take pictures with.  Star Wars costumes dominated the floor of the convention center, but events like Ohio Comic Con allow our members to show off some of their other costuming interests and talents.  One minute you’d have Jedi Knights – trading in for TARDIS time travelers, Galactic Senators from Naboo and Aldreaan – getting in touch with their “dark side” as Catwoman or Black Widow, and Tusken Jedi Padawans – becoming fierce Predators… taking the Wizards’ costume contest home as their trophy.

GLB "Mission Photos" - Ohio Comic Con

Based on all the positive feedback from the relaunch of Ohio Comic Con, it looks like Columbus is going to continue to be the destination city for comic book/pop culture conventions here in “the buckeye state” for many years to come.