by Demi Moumas, Reporter

This was my first visit to St Louis and Wizard World has made it a blast. As their first Comic Con in the city I must say it started off pretty well. Friday was the premiere day and it started off with a bang. The crowd was respectful to the staff, vendors and celebrities. The enthusiasm that was generated in that hall was infectious and spread through everyone like wildfire and it was just day one!

As a person who just loves art, the artist alley really drew my attention the best. There were so many artists, comic artists, and free form crafters that had beautiful pieces. I was like a kid in a candy store as I walked up and down the aisle looking at the many different crafts. The many different perspectives of characters that exist gave a look into each artist’s design technique. It is fascinating to see so many varying looks. Some of the artist had specialized comics or pieces that they gave out as a free print while others had a special cover for their comics just for Wizard World St Louis Comic Con! I honestly think I could have spent all day just looking at each table just riveted by their talent and the pieces that were presented. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a print container and some of mine got messed up in my luggage as I headed back home. This made me really sad.

One comic artist really caught my attention, Tom Hutchison. He took a story we all know, The Wizard of Oz and put a wild west spin on it. That is sassy and the interesting twist on the story drew me in. I can’t wait to see what happens in his comic, The Legend of Oz: Wicked West.

Even the cosplayers that walked around attracted me. Whether they were bought or hand made, many of these fans are very dedicated to their art. Yes, I consider cosplay as art. For those who hand made their costumes, props to you. There were some awesome props to go with your costumes. Made me wonder how they got them through the TSA, but most of the cosplayers with the bigger props were locals.

Saturday was the day that brought even more to the convention. More artists, more cosplayers, more everything. I was nearly overwhelmed by all the new things. It was like exploring a new world as I went down the aisles I had the previous day. Even as I was in line to buy something and a mini-Thor and his Doctor dad found me. I also love the fact that all of them are nice to let everyone take pictures of them while they are just walking around.

I wish I had more to examine, aka fangirl, over the art and the costumes. There were just so many between Friday and Saturday I barely could take it all in! Unfortunately, due to impending snow I had to attempt to leave St. Louis early Sunday (ended up stuck near the airport for the day anyway, bummer!). I can’t wait for the next one though! As far as I know, this was a spectacular start for Wizard World St Louis Comic Con. I can’t wait for next year and if I’m brave enough, maybe I will have art or cosplay there! Or maybe I couldsteal someone else’s costume that I really, really liked?

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