The Long Con
The Link Breaks Down Comiccon 2012 to Manageable Size
Friday
We did a bit of the groundwork for you and sniffed out the stuff that will make you the hit of your next Yu-Gi-Oh! tournament/“Once More With Feeling” viewing/LARPing extravaganza. All events are at the Palais des Congrès (1001 Jean-Paul-Riopelle Pl.).
The Arts of Steampunk, Gadgets and Gizmos
5:30 p.m., 511C
There is so much awesome steampunk love at this year’s ‘con, everything from costume contests to schmoozes in your best gears will be represented. On Friday afternoon, catch steampunk designers Daniel Proulx, Roger Wood and Adam Smith’s talk on how to make your own steampunky goodness.
Battle-Com, Nerd and Geek Improv Battles
6:30 p.m., 511C
The organizers say this event promises “a fast-paced comedy performance show which combines the speed and attitude of MTV’s Yo Momma battles and unlimited comedic potential of HTP’s Whose Line Is It Anyway.” Read: all-out hilarious nerd war. ‘Nuff said.
Where Are the Queer Superheroes?
7:00 p.m., 511C
Queer nerds and their allies unite on Friday evening in an open panel discussion of LGBT portrayal in the mainstream comic world, or lack thereof.
James Marsters Concert
9:30 p.m., 210AB
If you have a soul, there’s no way you can miss this Buffy veteran’s awesome Spike-turned-singer show. The organizers claim he’ll be playing his own material, but fans will probably demand at least one rendition of “Rest in Peace.”
Saturday:
Create Your Own Comics With Kelly Tindall
11:00 a.m., 511C
Join Montreal-based cartoonist Kelly Tindall as he breaks down the comic-book process from character sketches to production.
Le Parkour: Gravity is my Enemy
2:00 p.m., 511F
The talk that will probably be responsible for several broken bones later in the week, Le Parkour promises to explore every aspect of this awesome art form while trying to “convince you that gravity is just a suggestion.”
Assassin’s Creed: Building and Sustaining a Big, Credible and Consistent Universe
3:30 p.m., 511DE
One of the most awesome companies in Montreal, Ubisoft, will discuss the process behind Assassin’s Creed—talking artwork, story creation and the spine-tingling plans for future releases.
Masquerade
5:30 p.m., 210AB
It’s just not a Comiccon without a tremendous Masquerade. With Montreal’s bursting creativity and infamous good looks, it’s pretty much a guarantee that we’ll meet that objective.
If you’re good with a needle and want to strut your stuff, check the entrance rules on their website. Don’t forget to check out the award ceremonies on Sunday at 12:00 p.m. in 511F.
DC’s New 51
5:00 p.m., 511 DE
DC’s comic re-launch last year left a pretty weird aftertaste in the mouths of many long-time comic fans. Change is hard, and as a group, comic fans are not typically receptive to the trashing of beloved universes. Now, we can look back at a year of new beginnings and decide if this time, change was worth it.
Sunday:
This Ain’t Your Granddaddy’s Archie
11:00 a.m., 511C
Since artist and writer Dan Parent joined the Archie comic team, things have been a little different at Riverdale High. Parent’s additions, including Archie’s first openly gay character, are slowly changing the notoriously homogenous gang. Parent will speak about his vision for the comics and how he’s implemented that over the years.
Costuming: The Frilly, the Poufy and the Elegant
2:00 p.m., 511F
For the 18th-century fashion fanatics, this is your Mecca. Learn the painstaking process behind each poof and frill, while also discussing the implementation of the style in modern dress. Don’t forget to bring your petticoats.
More info montrealcomiccon.com
