There was a lot to see at the three day log event, that is the Colorado Springs Comic Con. From comic vendors, artists, writers, even custom Chocolate/Fudge vendors (Copper Coast Confections). Who had an entire section of pop culture themed fudge including flavors from characters like Captain America all the way to Rick and Morty, pickle flavored (Pickle Rick) with Cosplayers, celebrities and more. The 2023 Colorado Springs Comic Con had a ton to offer.
Tons of families enjoyed the festive atmosphere at the little convention gone big. Colorado Springs Comic Con (CSCC) started in 2016 at the Mortgage Solutions Financial Expo Center with about 10,000 attendees. From there, it moved to the Altered Reality Events Center a retrofitted space within a strip mall, then to the Chapel Hills Mall before settling in its current location at the Broadmoor World Arena. Which is why I like to call it the Die Hard of Comic Cons. This show keeps going and growing. In its 8th year the event has expanded from its initial 10,000 attendees to over 30,000 in 2023.
CSCC extended the cosplay contest to include a separate category for children, along with the adult cosplay contest. For the children’s contest, they divided the children into different groups by age: infants – 4 years old, 5 – 9 years old, and 10 – 12 years old. The kid's excitement was contagious as they entertained the audience with their costumes and antics. The contest took place on Sunday after noon. Costumes where being judged based on overall appearance, workmanship, stage presence and originality for prizes. It was a sight to behold and really fun for the participants.
At the show we got to attend the small but intimate panel for Ms. Cassandra Peterson. AKA the Mistress of the Dark herself, Elvira. Cassandra as it turns out is Colorado Spring Native. She graduated high school from Palmer High located in Colorado Springs. At her panel she answered question from the audience and told stories about the life of Elvira and her connection to the Elvira comic book series from Dynamite Publishing. Asked about the passing of her friend Paul Rubens she said “it’s still too soon but she loved him” It was a very touching moment shared between fans of them both. The panel was a roller coaster. The next minute she regaled the crowd with tales of funding and making your own movies. “Mostly don’t do it with an ex-husband as your boss.” said Peterson as she laughed. One of our Colorado Spring Comic Con Special Edition Episodes if from her panel.
Later at her table I thanked Cassandra for just being amazing and told her to reach out to David Dastmalchian about a comic book he writes called Count Crowley. As I believe she needs to be part of it. Then I asked “what is the craziest thing you have ever been asked by a fan? She replied “I been asked some crazy stuff, but you know what I rarely get asked about?” Me- “I have no idea.?.” Her- “About how I was a singer in two different Italian Rock Bands.” Then she signed my comic book and said “It was bad, you should look into it.”
The Incredible Hulk actor Lou Ferrigno was on hand for photos and autographs and on Sunday was deputized into the El Paso County Sherriff’s Office. Funny thing about that, is now in my life time I have gotten the privilege to be in attendance to witness Lou be deputized in two different city’s. Lou told us that growing us as a kid his father was a police office and he has tones of respect for that calling. He himself has been a deputy sheriff for almost 18 years and is active in San Luis Obispo Californian and Los Angeles where he attended the police academy.
And that just some of the stuff that went on at this years Colorado Springs Comics Con (CSCC).
Please check out our CSCC Special Edition Episodes on the Top 5 Comics Podcast. We have interviews with artists and writers Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner, Justin Orr, Jennifer Swartwood Walker, Aj Urbina and Jade Gibson. You can also see pictures from the event in this pages side show or go to our Instagram page @top5comicspodcast .
Comic Con is a collection of aspects of pop culture. You have actors, artists, writers and cosplayers. Of all ages, all backgrounds, all part of one giant movement. That’s what a Comic Con is, and that why I love them. That’s why I think even get the chance to go to one you really should.
by-
Top 5 Comics Podcast
Steve "CBS" Moore
