Long Beach Comic Con 2023

By Anita Wills

High quality amateur cosplayers and talented original artists helped brighten up a some-what dull Long Beach Comic Con at the Long Beach Convention Center held on September 2nd and 3rd, 2023. This year's con was in a small room smashed in between two other events which made finding the entrance very confusing. The attendees consisted of mostly families with young children, which unfortunately did not benefit the provocative professional cosplayers who acquired a booth for selling pics and making fans. 

Among the vendors selling superheroes' faces on t-shirts and stickers sat the stand out original artist Karina Gazizova. With the clever use of markers on watercolor paper, Karina creates peculiar female characters against a stark white background, “It is important for me to do monthly art challenges to push myself. A strict personal goal of mine is to support myself using only my artistic talents, so far I have been successful.” 

Notable eye-catching cosplays included a spot on Weird Barbie from the recent blockbuster film, a detailed Star Fire from DC’s Teen Titans, and a very fitting Crowley from the fantasy novel turned TV series Good Omens. Star Fire commented that she had been cosplaying for five years and also cosplays as crime fighter Black Canary, whose first appearance was in a 1947 Flash comic book. Crowley stated that they relate to the character’s backstory of a falling from grace in their own personal way.  

It’s unfortunate that the talent who made the con worthwhile had to pay out of pocket. Perhaps one day the cosplayers will unionize. What do you think? Leave a comment to join the conversation.

HALLOWEN HAUNTS 2022

HAUNT # 1 - The Hill Has Eyes - Franklin, WI

HAUNT #2 - Cemetery Lane - Los Angeles, CA

HAUNT #3 - Shaqtoberfest - Long Beach, CA

HAUNT #4 - Knotts Scary Farm - Buena Park, CA

HALLOWEEN HAUNTS 2022 / Knotts Scary Farm - Buena Park, CA

Knotts Berry Farm is the gentler of the Southern California theme parks. Charlie Brown and his Peanuts gang welcome kids of all ages. BUT after dark during the Halloween Season, the Berry becomes Scary.
We have done a lot of haunts this year (some recorded and some not). Knotts is contender of being one of the best. They really upped their game this year. Legit jump scares and beautifully freighting props. The atmosphere can make the hairs on the stand on the back of your neck. Some walkways were so creepy in the way they were lit, it felt that average guests were zombies in front of you.
Big thumbs up for a great event this year.

HALLOWEEN HAUNTS 2022 / Shaqtoberfest - Long Beach, CA

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Atomic Geekdom returned to the Queen Mary this year but was greeted by Shaqtoberfest instead of the familiar Dark Harbor extravaganza. When we arrived, we walked under the huge inflatable Shaquille O’Neal walkway, loaded with skulls and smoke machines. Keeping with the nautical theme of the Queen Mary, the mazes were set up for Pirates and Monsters alike. A carnival was awaiting, equipped with the Gravitron, a carousel, and even a fun house. At 8pm, the spooky characters emerge and the event takes on a more adult theme. For example, you can purchase a glowing necklace that scores you a shot of rum in the Pirate’s Cove. Before 8pm, families are encouraged to trick-o-treat and enjoy the rides which also include bouncy houses and slides.

This was a lot smaller than the older Dark Harbor because everything was on land since the boat is under construction. This did not take away from the fun though. It felt very much like small town community carnival despite being set in the busy Downtown Long Beach area. It brought back all those memories of county fairs growing up but also a bit of scariness.

The cast of characters (ghouls) were the stars of this event. You never knew when one would come up behind you or jump in your way. This added to that crazy fun haunt mentality.

It’s so awesome that Shaqtoberfest kept the location alive this halloween with their mazes, walking through a monster, grabbing a drink near a paddy wagon and realizing the Gravitron is pretty intense the older you get. Totally worth the ride.

HALLOWEEN HAUNTS 2022 / Cemetery Lane - Los Angeles, CA

Cemetery Lane is not like Atomic Geekdom’s normal haunts BUT has so much charming spookiness. Nothing is more fun than kids of all ages dressed in their favorite costume having a candy rush.

Located in Heritage Square (a “gated, safe and secure” historical mock neighborhood), Cemetery Lane feels like you stepped back into a time where the original Twilight Zone aired. Each of the historical houses are decked out in Halloween scenes that are kid-friendly creepy.

This may be one of the best family-friendly events out there. The cast of characters worked so well with the young children to make sure they were not scared. For example, the “Spider” house had large robotic spiders that would lunge at you when you walked up. The “Sisters” who worked that house would introduce the spiders to the young kids and let them pet them (as if they were just like a cat or dog). As an adult, the props were so cool and detailed that it was a WIN for all ages.

If you do not have kids, don’t worry. This is a spectacular location for a Halloween Date-Night. Grab a taco or hot dog from one of the vendors and sit at the many picnic tables to watch the various costumes pass by.

This is a must add to your halloween event list (and the haul of candy you receive doesn’t hurt too).

HALLOWEEN HAUNTS 2022 / The Hill Has Eyes - Franklin, WI

Let’s kick off our Halloween fun with some rad haunts around the country.

Dave & Kyle had a blast exploring “The Hill Has Eyes” in Franklin, Wisconsin last week. Despite having to channel their inner patience for the sun to set, both highly recommend checking this one out.

Before starting the maze, you’re brought down to the opening area where you can warm up by the fires, grab a drink (both alcoholic and kid friendly options) at the Umbrella Bar or treat yourself to some food from the many food trucks on site.

Kyle loved the Carni Vore maze. He’s not afraid of clowns but enjoyed watching others in his group who were. “They pulled off the scares really well. There was a kaleidoscope-like hallway that moved back and forth. Made me think I couldn’t walk straight!”

Continuing with Dead End, Failed Escape and Hunger Hollow mazes, this gets a big ol’ bloody thumbs up.

Both agree that with near 2 hour drive, a Chicago to Franklin roadtrip would be totally worth it for this haunt that is nestled just outside of Milwaukee.

Los Angeles Comic Con 2021

After 2 years of social distancing, Jenny has ventured back to THE CON!

Los Angeles Comic Con - Dec 3rd - 5th, 2021 @ the Los Angeles Convention Center

By Jenny Robinson

It felt so good to be back on the floor at Comic Con! I will admit, I was a bit nervous. I was very impressed by the system LA Comic Con had in place to assure safety as we hopefully are coming out of this pandemic.
The floor was busy and felt very welcoming. Vendors were stocked, and options were plenty. The main stage was a must-see with guests like Bruce Campbell , Frank Miller, Jason David Frank & David Yost from Power Rangers, Kevin Conroy (Batman: The Animated Series), Will Friedle (Batman Beyond), and John Glover (the Riddler) just to name a few. Side panels included the Women of Resident Evil, The cast of The Sandlot, and even a Trek Jeopardy Feud room.

All in all, it was an amazing “re-introduction” to Comic Con after being stuck in the house for close to two years. Everyone was in great spirit and I walked away feeling the love of the geek community strongly.

I truly love the “Con Life”. Thumbs Up LA Comic Con!

Queen Mary Dark Harbor 2019

Mazes, monsters, and hidden bars...oh my! The Queen Mary's Dark Harbor is back and Atomic Geekdom's own Jenny and Patrick take it on with help from our friend Director Dave Palamaro. It's a scary good time! (evil laugh)

The Walking Dead at Paley Fest 2019

On March 22nd 2019, Atomic Geekdom hit the red carpet to talk with the cast of AMC’s The Walking Dead. Join us on the red carpet and dive into the characters first hand. Season 9 has been a gift to us comic book readers with its adaptation of the comic. It was a blast talking with the cast on how they see their characters and where they want them to go.

Atomic Geekdom would like to give a BIG shout out and thank you to Paley Center for yet another great year of fan coverage with Paley Fest. The organization provides such considerable attention to media that we are truly grateful. Please be sure to check out their site (www.paleycenter.org) for membership opportunities and other upcoming events.

Photo: © Michael Bulbenko for The Paley Center for Media

LA COMIC CON 2018

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride

This was my first time doing the Haunted Hayride. It has been on my list for years now since it screams Los Angeles. A haunt deep in Griffith Park at the old zoo, that alone is the makings of something great. 

What I really enjoyed about this one was the community feel. It is much mellower than some of the other haunts, but I think that is what gives it some charm. Kids and adults alike can enjoy and be scared without any lasting trauma (but some keeping with some good jump scares). The kids we encountered were excited, parents were wide-eyed, and everyone having a blast. They do such a great job with costumes and set design, that gives it chemistry unlike any other. Piled in the back of a tractor full of hay, we round the trail with something new at every turn. The actors are what really bring this to life. From zombie rock stars to killer bikers, each embraced their rolls and had the spectators closest to the edge of the cart shrieking with terror and delight. I sat in the center and had an absolute blast watching everyone trying to avoid the ghouls as they lean in.

There are a few mazes to partake in as well. The “Trick or Treat” maze was a more safe for the younger crowds. Each door you approach had some new character to make you jump and interact with. On the opposite side of the spectrum was the “House of Shadows” maze. I will warn anyone with light sensitivity issues to maybe avoid. It took me a good half hour to get my head refocused when done. Noise, strobe lights, dead ends and mischievous characters leading you astray, by the end I felt the walls were moving on me. So in summary it gives you anxiety, which is what an intense maze should. 

Take a ride through the woods of L.A. and enjoy being scared within nature.

Article by: Jenny Robinson / Video by: Patrick Nagy / Photos by: Scott Feinblatt