GeekView: Graffiti-Con 2 the Electric Boogaloo
By Middagh Goodwin
When you think about it having a pop culture convention that features a classic car show is a no brainer when you live in Modesto; especially when it takes place in June. Growing up I loved the vehicles in movies, tv shows and comics just as much, sometimes more than the main characters. Who didn’t love the Batmobile, Black Beauty or the Enterprise? Even Han Solo has the Millenium Falcon. All integral parts of the storytelling.
Graffiti-Con, where pop culture meets subculture, is taking place Sunday, June 23rd from 10 am – 5 pm at the Modesto Centre Plaza with the car show located on 10th Street along the classic cruise route. The cost to attend is $5 and kids under 12 get in free with a paid adult(a portion of all sales goes to music scholarships). Tickets are available at Invincible and Modesto Comics. We are hoping to double our cars this year and have reserved 10th Street between I and K Street.
As with any comic-con, there will be a packed dealers room, with everything from vintage toys and comic books to hot wheels and records. As of writing this article, we have two guests with ties to Star Wars, C Andrew Nelson the actor who has spent more time in the Darth Vader suit than any other actor and Alan Fernandez who was one of the original Tusken Raiders. Additionally we have Carl Gottlieb the writer of Jaws, The Jerk and Caveman. Sandy Helberg(Spaceballs/Hollywood Knights) and Scott Schwartz(The Toy/A Christmas Story.) There will also be some amazing artists and comic creators including, Mark Bode(Heavy MetalCobalt60//Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Robert Love(Popgun/Image), Michael Aushenker(Bongo/Heavy Metal/Gumby) writer for Rock n Roll Biographies), NY Best Selling Author Landry Q Walker (Marvel/DC/Image). Also joining us will be musician/artists Kepi Ghoulie(Groovie Ghoulies/Haints) and Dominic Davi(Tsunami Bomb).
“Despite being a lifelong Californian, I had never got to visit Modesto until March, when I tabled at Latino Comics Expo at Modesto Junior College. The closest town I had visited was Merced. Modesto did not disappoint, the locals I met are terrific and I truly enjoyed discovering the city’s culinary charms… places like Skewers, Churchkey, Posh Bagels and Lulu’s Neighborhood Grill. Modesto has long held a mystique for me, partly because I’m a big cinephile and I know George Lucas based ‘American Graffiti’ on his teen years here. So, of course, the idea of Graffiti-Con intrigues me. I can’t wait to partake.” Michael Aushenker
Schedule events include at noon there will be a very special reveal by Magic Wheelchair, a non-profit that builds epic costumes for kiddos in wheelchairs at no cost to the families. Outside at 1 pm, there will be a community photo shoot sponsored by the Geek Fashion Show. 2 pm, don’t miss the debut screening of a short thriller Together with a Q&A with writer/director Ryan Oksenberg and local actress Autumn Shea. Ending the day’s schedule will be the cosplay contest hosted by NorCal Cosies. Make sure you sign up and dress to impress our judges.
Looking forward to seeing you all out enjoying what we hope will become a Graffiti-Summer tradition. For more info please check out the website at www.graffiti-con.com
