Denver Pop Culture Con

Denver Pop Culture Con (DPCC) (previously Denver Comic Con)[2] is a 3-day speculative fiction fan convention held annually in Denver, Colorado, in the United States. The inaugural convention was held June 15–17, 2012,[3] and was created as a program for the non-profit educational organization Comic Book Classroom.[4] The 2020 event was cancelled due to COVID-19.[5]

Denver Pop Culture Con
StatusActive
GenreFan convention
VenueColorado Convention Center
Location(s)Denver, Colorado
Coordinates39°44′31″N 104°59′46″W
CountryUnited States
InauguratedJune 15, 2012 (2012-06-15)
Attendance114,500 in 2016[1]
Organized byPop Culture Classroom
Filing status501(c)(3)
Websitedenverpopculturecon.com

With its association to Pop Culture Classroom, Denver Pop Culture Con embraces a host of popular arts including comic books, tabletop and video games, anime, manga, cosplay, horror and science fiction, webcomics, movies, television and literature.

Overview and history

Comic Book Classroom was founded in 2010,[6] a Colorado charitable organization focused on enhancing and improving student's learning experience through the use of comic book media by Charlie LaGreca, Frank Romero, David Vinson, and Kevin Vinson. Between 2010 and 2012, the first group of founders were joined by educators Illya Kowalchuk and Christina Angel, and event organizers Michael Newman and Bruce Macintosh, who became an integral part of organizational development as the foundations of both Comic Book Classroom and Denver Comic Con educational programs were developed simultaneously.[7]

The Classroom program debuted the first version of its “Storytelling Through Comics” curriculum to Denver area schools, and with the help of hundreds of volunteers and donations, the first Denver Comic Con event was held on Father's Day weekend, June 15, 2012. The 2013 and 2014 Denver Comic Con's built on that success. Proceeds from Denver Comic Con fund the staffing, supplies and infrastructure of The Classroom program that promotes literacy through the medium of sequential art and storytelling. “Storytelling Through Comics” is a graphic literature creation program that is offered free of charge to schools, teachers and community organizations. The program currently offers students an educational experience that includes instruction in reading & vocabulary, writing stories, and eventually the creation of the students' own comics. Completed entries are then published in a class collection.

In 2014, the Comic Book Classroom Board of Directors removed both co-founders Charlie LaGreca and Frank Romero,[8] then voted to change the name to Pop Culture Classroom (PCC).[9] The name change reflects the board's broader vision for the organization to go beyond comic books.[10]

In 2014, Denver Comic Con's Comic Book Corral (CBC) and 8-Bit Lounge gave more than 9,000 students the chance to meet artists, create comic book-themed crafts, and get hands-on experience with everything from stop-motion animated shorts to professional makeup jobs. At Denver Comic Con's 2015, the Pop Culture Classroom Kids' Laboratory (PCC Kids' Lab) continued building on this success. Along with the usual mix of artist discussions, arts activities and exhibits, the PCC Lab featured activities focused around S.T.E.A.M. subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) and pop culture topics beyond comic books. They also expanded the 8-Bit Lounge to connect even more artists, educators and professionals with students ages 12–19.[11]

Programming

The convention includes celebrity panels, seminars with professional creators, actors, and artists, workshops with comic book professionals, and the DCC's Reel Heroes Independent Filmmakers Series. DCC's programming and guest line-ups promote the convention's twin missions of Community and Diversity. Among the distinct tracks of programming, for instance, the convention focused on comics and media featuring or produced by Colorado-area comics creators, women, minorities and the LGBTQ Community.[12] Elements of the Con floor in Denver include celebrity autographs, large areas like "Artist Valley" and "Celebrity Summit", comic book dealers and collectibles merchants, as well as fan-based organizations like the 501st Legion. Cosplayers are featured during the annual Cosplay Classic (formerly known as the "DCC Cosplay Shindig"), the Opening Ceremonies with acts and other surprises, and associated events have included the Four Color Mixer and a genre-themed concert traditionally held at the Hard Rock Cafe Denver.

Dates, attendance, and guests
No. Dates Attendance TV, film, and animation guests Comics, artist, and literary guests
1 June 15–17, 201227,700[13]Aaron Douglas, Billy West, Bruce Boxleitner, Chandler Riggs, Cindy Morgan, Colin Ferguson, David Uslan, Greg Weisman, James Marsters, Jasika Nicole, Khary Payton, Kristin Bauer, Lauren Cohan, Mark Ryan, Michael Uslan, Steven Seagle, Tom KaneAdam Van Wyk, Allen Bellman, Amy Reeder, Barry Kitson, Ben Templesmith, Bob Layton, Carrie Vaughn, David Uslan, Ed Stein, Ethan Nicolle, Glenn Kardy, Gail Simone, Georges Jeanty, Greg Guler, Herb Trimpe, J. Scott Campbell, James O'Barr, Jason Aaron, Joseph Michael Linsner, Katie Cook, Laura Allred, Manga University, Matt Kindt, Michael Allred, Michael Uslan, Michael Zulli, Mike Baron, Mike Grell, Mike Keefe, Mike McKone, Monte Michael Moore, Noah Van Sciver, Peter Gross, Rebekah Isaacs, Sean Gordon Murphy, Sean Tiffany, Steven Seagle, T. K. Miller, Zach Howard
2 May 31 – June 2, 201361,000[13]Anthony Montgomery, Clare Kramer, Colin Baker, Daphne Ashbrook, Dee Bradley Baker, Eddie McClintock, Ellyn Stern, Erin Gray, Felicia Day, George Takei, Greg Weisman, Hal Rayle, J. August Richards, Jamie Katonic, Kelly Hu, Khary Payton, Nelsan Ellis, Peter Mayhew, Phil LaMarr, Raphael Sbarge, Robin Thorsen, Sandeep Parikh, Saul Rubinek, Steve T. Seagle, Steven L. Sears, Wil WheatonAction Lab Entertainment, Adam Van Wyk, Alfred Trujillo, Allen Bellman, Amy Reeder, Ande Parks, Andrew Pepoy, Andy Runton, Anthony Montgomery, Arthur Suydam, Ben Templesmith, Brian Pulido, Chris Moreno, Chris Ware, Clayton Crain, Dan Parent, Denny O'Neil, Dexter Vines, Doug TenNapel, Farel Dalrymple, Fiona Staples, Frank Beddor, Gabriel Hardman, George Pérez, Georges Jeanty, Glenn Kardy, Greg Guler, Greg Weisman, J. Scott Campbell, J. K. Woodward, Jamal Igle, Jeffrey Brown, Jeremy Whitley, Jim Mahfood, Jim Steranko, Joe Kelly, Joel Adams, John K. Snyder III, Jon Bogdanove, Josh Adams, Katie Cook, Andy Price, Kevin Freeman, Man of Action Studios, Manga University, Matt Kindt, Matt Wagner, Michael Zulli, Mike Baron, Mike McKone, Mike Raicht, Moritat, Neal Adams, Noah Van Sciver, Paul Ryan, Peter Bagge, Phil Jimenez, Ramona Fradon, Simon Roy, Steve T. Seagle, Thom Zahler, Tony Fleecs, Zach Howard
3 June 13–15, 201486,500[13]Adam West, Aimee Major Steinberger, Alexandre O. Philippe, April Stewart, Bruce Campbell, Burt Ward, Caity Lotz, Chandler Riggs, Christy Marx, David Yost, Denise Crosby, Edward James Olmos, Emmanuelle Vaugier, Gates McFadden, Gigi Edgley, Jason David Frank, Jennifer Hale, Jeremy Bulloch, Jeremy Shada, Jim Cummings, Jonathan Frakes, Julie Newmar, Karen Gillan, Kevin Conroy, Kimberly Brooks, LeVar Burton, Lou Ferrigno, Marina Sirtis, Mark Grove, Mark Meer, Max Charles, Michael Dorn, Michael Koske, Michael Rooker, Nicholas Brendon, Peter Davison, Rachel Skarsten, Rashaad Santiago, Robert Axelrod, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Stephen Amell, Sylvester McCoy, Tyler Green, Veronica Taylor, Victor Cook, Walter Emanuel Jones, Walter Koenig, William Hart, William ShatnerAction Labs Entertainment, Adam Van Wyk, Alfred Trujillo, Allen Bellman, Alé Garza, Amalie Howard, Andrew Robinson, Andy Kuhn, Andy Price, Batton Lash, Ben Templesmith, Betsy Dornbusch, Big Dog Ink, BOOM! Studios, Brian Pulido, Cara Nicole, Chemistry Club, Christopher Jones, Christopher Ryder, Colleen Doran, Damian, Dan Parent, David Farland, Derek Fridolfs, Derek Hunter, DJ PharoahMoan, Dr. Arnold T. Blumberg, Dr. Kyle William Bishop, Edgar Delgado, Ellie Ann, Emily C. Martin, Eric Shanower, Fiona Staples, Francisco Herrera, Frank Beddor, Gareth Hinds, George Pérez, Georges Jeanty, Ger Tysk, Glenn Kardy, Greg Guler, Greg Horn, Greg Weisman, Humberto Ramos, James O'Barr, Janelle Asselin, Jason Henderson, Jason Howard, Jeremy Bastian, Jeremy Whitley, Joan Hilty, Joe Benitez, John Eaves, John Layman, Katie Cook, Kevin J. Anderson, Kristi Helvig, Langdon Foss, Lea Hernandez, Manga University, Mark Brooks, Mark Irwin, Matthew Inman, Max Brooks, Michael Golden, Mike Grell, Mike Kunkel, Neal Adams, Nei Ruffino, Papercutz, Patrick Gleason, Peter J. Wacks, Raphael Sbarge, Renee Witterstaetter, Rich Buckler, Robert Weiner, Ron Randall, Ryan Ottley, Sean Murphy, Shane Bitney Crone, Sherry D. Ficklin, Stant Litore, Steve Lieber, Steven L. Sears, Ted Naifeh, Tess Laeh, The Doubleclicks, The Stubby Shillelaghs, Thom Zahler, Tim Miller, Tim Sale, Tony Fleecs, Troy Little, Two Girls with Guitars, Ty Templeton, Tyler H. Jolley, Victor Olazaba, Vincent Gonzales, Yanick Paquette, Zach Howard, Zenescope
4 May 23–25, 2015101,500[13]Alan Tudyk, Amy Acker, Anthony Michael Hall, Austin St. John, Brian Cummings, Clare Kramer, David Morrissey, Emma Caulfield, Eric Canete, Garrett Wang, Gwendoline Christie, Ilan Mitchell-Smith, Jess Harnell, Jewel Staite, Karen Gillan, Kelly Le Brock, King of Nerds, Lindsay Wagner, Lou Ferrigno, Manu Bennett, Mark Grove, Martin Olson, Maurice LaMarche, Michael Hogan (Canadian actor), Mitch Pileggi, Nichelle Nichols, Olivia Olson, Patrick Warburton, Randy Rogel, Rebecca Mader, Rob Paulsen, Scott Wilson, Sean Astin, Sean Maguire, Tress MacNeille, Vic MignognaAhmad Nassri, Alane Adams, Allen Bellman, Amalie Howard, Amanda Conner, Amanda Strong, Andrew Robinson, Art Baltazar, Batton Lash, Becky Cloonan, Ben Templesmith, Bonnie Burton, Brian Pulido, Buzz, Carey Pietsch, Chrissie Zullo, Crystal Skillman, Dan Jurgens, Dan Wells (author), Dave Dorman, Dave Johnson, David Baron, David Petersen, DelSheree Gladden, Elliot S! Maggin, Eric Canete, Evan Palmer, Fred Van Lente, Fábio Moon, Gabriel Bá, Gail Wagner, Garth Ennis, Gene Ha, Glenn Kardy, Greg Guler, Howard Chaykin, Ian McGinty, Jacen Burrows, Jackie Estrada, Jason Henderson, Jeremy Haun, Jhonen Vasquez, Jim Butcher, Jimmy Palmiotti, John Beatty (illustrator), John Sazaklis, Jonathan Stroh, Joëlle Jones, Justin Ponsor, Kevin J. Anderson, Kieron Gillen, Klaus Janson, Kristi Helvig, Kyle Higgins, Liz Prince, Manga University, Marguerite Bennett, Mark Irwin, Mark McKenna, Max Brooks, MC Lars, Meghan Hetrick, Mike Baron, Mike Kunkel, Neal Adams, Nei Ruffino, Nick Spencer, Peter J. Wacks, Protomen, Randy "Rantz" Kintz, Rafael Albuquerque, Ramon Perez, Rob Weiner, Robert Moses Peaslee, Shawn Crystal, Sherry Ficklin, Stant Litore, Steve Leialoha, Steve Lieber, Sue Duff, Sunnydale High (band), Ted Naifeh, Tim Miller, Tim Sale, Tom Rasch, Tommy Lee Edwards, Tony Fleecs, Trina Robbins, Tyler Jolley, Van Jensen, Zach Howard
5 June 17–19, 2016114,900[14]Alec Peters, Alex Kingston, Andrea Libman, Andy Mangels, Brent Spiner, Brian Cummings, Bruce Logan, C. Thomas Howell, Camren Bicondova, Cary Elwes, Clare Kramer, Clark Gregg, Dan Povenmire, David Acord, David Mazouz, Eric Canete, Garrett Wang, Greg Guler, Hayley Atwell, Ian Somerhalder, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Jenna Coleman, Jennifer Shiman, John Barrowman, John de Lancie, John Eaves, John Rhys-Davies, John Stork, Judy Burns, Karl Urban, Katee Sackhoff, Lee Ross, Lena Headey, Manu Bennett, Manu Intiraymi, Martin Kove, Matthew Wood (sound editor), Paul Wesley, Peter David, Ralph Macchio, Sean Pertwee, Shannon Farnon, Shea Fontana, Stan Lee, Susan Eisenberg, The Hillywood Show, Todd Haberkorn, Vic Mignogna, Vincent Gonzales, William ZabkaAaron Michael Ritchey, Alex Saviuk, Allen Bellman, Amalie Howard, Andrew Robinson, Andy Schmidt, Aspen MLT, Barbara Randall Kesel, Betsy Dornbusch, Billy Tucci, Brett Booth, Brian Pulido, Comic Book Certification Service, Carrie Vaughn, Cary Nord, Cat Staggs, L. J. Hachmeister, Chad Hardin, Chrissie Zullo, Colleen Oakes, Copic, Cyanide & Happiness, D. J. Butler, Dana Simpson, Dave Johnson, DC Comics, Drew Litton, Ellie Ann, Eneasz Brodski, Frank Mastromauro, Georges Jeanty, Glenn Kardy, Heather Finley, Ivy Doomkitty, J. Scott Campbell, Jae Lee, Jason Henderson, Jeanne Stein, Jim Shooter, Joe Benitez, Joe Corroney, Joe Staton, John Romita Jr., Jordan Gunderson, José Delbo, Karen Hallion, Kevin Hearne, Kevin Ikenberry, Kevin Maguire, Kidrobot, Kristi Helvig, Lisa Manifold, Manga University, Marguerite Sauvage, Mario Acevedo, Mark Irwin, Martin Pasko, Matt Webb, Matteo Scalera, Mike Keefe, Mindy Newell, Molly Tanzer, Norm Rapmund, Peter Steigerwald, R. C. Harvey, Rick Sternbach, Robert Atkins, Roger McKenzie, Ron Randall, Sarah A. Hoyt, Sci Fi Speed Dating, Shawn Crystal, Sherry Ficklin, SKYBOUND, Sphero, Stant Litore, Stephen Graham Jones, Steve Leialoha, Steve Lieber, Sue Duff, T. L. Morganfield, TeeTurtle, Terry Brooks, Tim Sale, Timothy Truman, Todd Nauck, Tom Hutchison, Tony Moore, Top Cow, Trekyards, Trina Robbins, VALIANT COMICS, Vivian Caethe, Yanick Paquette, Zach Howard.
6 June 30-July 2, 2017 Morena Baccarin, Millie Bobby Brown, Kevin Conroy, John Cusack, Felicia Day, Eliza Dushku, Lou Ferrigno, Nathan Fillion, Greg Grunberg, Phil LaMarr, James Marsters, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Carey Means, Kate Mulgrew, Khary Payton, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Andrea Romano, Michael Rosenbaum, Chris Sabat, Sean Schemmel, Dana Snyder, Catherine Tate, Garrett Wang, "Weird Al" Yankovic Neal Adams, Jennie Breeden, J. Scott Campbell, Frank Cho, Katie Cook, Larry Hama, Chad Hardin, Erica Henderson, Jae Lee, Mark Morales, Dan Parent, Andy Price, Humberto Ramos, Philip Tan, Ben Templesmith, Ty Templeton, Catherynne M. Valente[15]
7 June 15–17, 2018 John Barrowman, Charlet Chung, Greg Cipes, Jason David Frank, Sean Gunn, David Harbour, Amy Jo Johnson, Val Kilmer, Pom Klementieff, Daniel Logan, Jamie Marchi, Jason Momoa, Kristian Nairn, Ray Park, Ron Perlman, Billie Piper, Lucie Pohl, Monica Rial, Chris Sabat, Jeremy Shada, Mark Sheppard, Joonas Suotamo, Alan Tudyk, Eric Vale, Bonnie Wright Neal Adams, John Beatty, J. Scott Campbell, Greg Capullo, C. Robert Cargill, Kevin Eastman, John Eaves, Tony Fleecs, Gene Ha, Adam Kubert, Andy Kuhn, Ken Lashley, Darryl McDaniels, Frank Miller, Paul Pelletier, Raina Telgemeier, Billy Tucci, Chris Uminga, Mike Zeck, Chrissie Zullo[16]
8 May 31 – June 2, 2019 George Takei, Matthew Lewis, Dan Fogler, Michael Rosenbaum, Clifford Chapin, Jewel Staite, Summer Glau, Jerome Flynn, Christopher Lloyd, Gigi Edgley

Justin Briner, Colleen Clinkenbeard, Justin Cook, Dave Bautista, Michael Rooker, Sean Gunn, Tom Wilson, Michelle Gomez, Tom Welling, Victor Garber, Jim Beaver, Patrick Warburton, Ming-Na Wen, Benedict Wong, Charles Martinet, Tara Strong, Lana Parrilla

 Laura Bailey, Brian W. Foster, Taliesin Jaffe, Matthew Mercer, Liam O'Brien, Marisha Ray, Sam Riegel, Travis Willingham, Mark Steven Grove, Ginny Di, William Katt, Claudia Christian, James Lew, John Eaves, Keith Tucker, John Davey, The Wolf and the Crows, Sam Jones, Melody Anderson, Michael Gray, Fred Van Lente, Ryan Dunleavy, James Silvani, Amy Mebberson, Kyle Puttkammer, Khary Randolph, Ben Bishop, Crystal Skillman, Joel Adams, Neal Adams, Andy Kubert, Evan K. Pozios, Patrick Thomas Parnell, James Hostler, Jim Mehsling, Walter Ostlie, Andrea Molinari, Brian Fyffe, Greg Capullo, Vic Carrabotta, Joe Corroney, Jose Delbo, Christina Blanch, Chip Zdarsky, Mark Morales, Laura Martin, Mark Brooks, Andy Mangels, Allen Bellman, Afua Richardson Steve Orlando, Sherry Thomas,

Tricia Levenseller, Amalie Howard Pamela Clare, S.J. Reisner, Frankie Love, Lisa Manifold, Meghan Scott Molin, Cindi Myers, Lisa Brown Roberts, Heather Webb, Kevin Hearne, Alexa Donne, Carrie Vaughan, Terry Brooks, Cat Winters, Nathan Hale, Delilah Dawson, Laurel McHargue, Wendy Terrien, Sherry Ficklin, Sue Duff, Corinne O’Flynn, Greg Neri, David Slavin, Cinda Williams Chima, Terri Libenson, Colleen Oakes

2020's event was rescheduled, then canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[17] 2021's event was preemptively canceled.[18]

Partnerships

Since the inaugural 2012 Denver Comic Con, Breckenridge Brewery has collaborated with the Denver Comic Con to brew and sell a specialty beer, with the name chosen by a fan contest.[19] The 2012 beer, an American wheat ale, was named, “The Fantastic Pour.”[20] The 2013 beer, a Belgian Wit brewed with Buddha's Hand fruit, was dubbed "The Caped Brewsader.[21] The 2014 beer, an amber ale, was named "Brews Wayne."[22] In 2015, “Hulk's Mash”, a pale ale brewed with mosaic hops and mango puree, was debuted. "Snape-ricot”, an Apricot American Lager, was voted 2016's beer name, in honor of the late Alan Rickman.[23]

Aurora Rise, a non-profit group founded to provide financial support to victims of the 2012 Aurora, Colorado shooting, appeared at the 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 Denver Comic Cons.[24] In 2016, Denver Pridefest was partnered with Denver Comic Con and there was LGBT related content at DCC.[25]

Awards

In March 2013, Denver Comic Con was voted “Best Fan Convention”[26] by the editors of Westword, a local alternative press publication.

References
  1. "Record attendance at Denver's Comic Con".
  2. Wenzel, John. "Denver Comic Con will change its name to Denver Pop Culture Con for 2019". Denver Post.
  3. Wenzel, John. "Denver Comic Con goes beyond most sci-fi and fantasy festivals". Denver Post.
  4. Moore, John. "Pow! Comic Book Classroom project takes on illiteracy in metro schools". Denver Post.
  5. "Denver Pop Culture Con Cancelled for 2020, Will Return in May 2021". Denver Pop Culture Con 2020. 2020-06-01. Retrieved 2020-06-23.
  6. "Pow! Comic Book Classroom project takes on illiteracy in metro schools". Denver Post. Retrieved 2013-11-16.
  7. "Our History". Pop Culture Classroom. Retrieved 2014-12-22.
  8. "DENVER COMIC CON: CONVENTION HEADS RESPOND TO CO-FOUNDER CHARLIE LA GRECA'S ALLEGATIONS". Westword. Retrieved 2014-02-20.
  9. "Education Wrap-Up: Denver Comic Con 2014! (Part 1)". Pop Culture Classroom. Retrieved 2014-12-22.
  10. "Pop Culture Classroom - What we're about!". Pop Culture Classroom. Retrieved 2015-05-26.
  11. "Kid's Lab". Denver Comic Con. Retrieved 2015-05-26.
  12. "Denver Comic Con announces guests, diversity commitment".
  13. "Denver Comic Con : About Us". popcultureclassroom.org. Retrieved 2016-06-20.
  14. "Denver Comic Con draws about 114,900 people". 2016-06-20. Retrieved 2016-07-01.
  15. "Denver Comic Con 2017 Information". Fancons. Retrieved 2018-07-13.
  16. "Denver Comic Con 2018 Information". Fancons. Retrieved 2018-07-13.
  17. "Denver Pop Culture Con Cancelled for 2020, Will Return in May 2021". Denver Pop Culture Con. 1 June 2020. Retrieved 2 June 2020.
  18. "Denver Pop Culture Con 2021 Cancelled". Denver Pop Culture Con 2020. 7 December 2020. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
  19. "Breckenridge Brewery and Denver Comic Con will team up again on a superpowered beer". Westword.
  20. Shikes, Jonathan. "Fight evil with the Fantastic Pour, a Denver Comic Con/Breckenridge Brewery beer - Denver - Restaurants and Dining - Cafe Society". Blogs.westword.com.
  21. "the caped brewsader - First Drafts". Denver Post.
  22. "Brews Wayne". www.breckbrew.com. Retrieved 2016-06-20.
  23. "Snapricot Release Party @ Stoney's Bar & Grill – PorchDrinking.com". PorchDrinking.com. Retrieved 2016-05-28.
  24. Parker, Ryan. "Aurora Rise officially founded, will appear at Denver Comic Con". Denver Post.
  25. http://popcultureclassroom.org/2016/03/24/denver-comic-con-announces-partnership-with-pridefest-2016/
  26. "Denver Best Fan Convention - Denver Comic Con - Best Of Denver". Westword. 2013-03-25. Retrieved 2013-04-23.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.