ECCC has officially joined PAX on the List of Conventions I Don't Ever Want To Miss. It's well-organized, staffed by competent and friendly volunteers, and has what is, in my opinion, the perfect balance of comics and popular geek culture.
This year, I had to leave Saturday afternoon to fly home for a very special ultra-secret surprise party for one of my favorite people in the world, so I only got to spend a day and a half in Seattle, so here is an appropriately-brief recap of some highlights, including pretty pictures:
My awesome hour was especially awesome, even though someone compared Next Generation to Twilight. Seriously. That little bit of unpleasantness was more than offset by the opportunity for Evil Wil Wheaton to make an appearance, though.
I told a couple of stories to a very enthusiastic crowd (that was huge for a Friday), and had a lot of fun while I did it. When I find good video or audio recordings, I'll post them.
Friday night, I had dinner with some friends that included the most amazing beer I think I've ever had, a Full Sail Black Gold Imperial Stout. Normally, Imperials are way too heavy for me, but this was just perfect. It was a bourbon stout that had a chocolate finish. I'm not going to describe it further, because if that isn't enough to make you want to drink it, it's probably not for you in the first place.
Saturday, I joined Amy Okuda and Felicia Day for a panel about The Guild, that got … a little blue. I guess it was my fault for drawing a dick on a notepad and passing it to Felicia, you know, like 12 year-olds do, but then Felicia showed it to everyone, then drew one of her own that I had to draw a robe and wizard hat on. I'm sure you can understand how things sort of got out of hand after that.
We call this one particular picture of Wesley Crusher "Sexytime Wesley," so my friend Joel added some art to my display model:
I didn't have any time to walk the floor or go shopping this year, because I had to leave Saturday afternoon, and I wanted to meet as many people as I could, but I still came home with a couple of cool things, including a crocheted Fawkes:
Yes, it was made for me by an adorable Wonder Woman, who was accompanied by equally-adorable Silk Spectre and Batgirl. She also made a crocheted Codex for Felicia, and a Tink for Amy. Seriously. Awesome.
I met Ken Jennings:
It went something like this:
Ken Jennings: “Hi. I got my ass kicked by a computer on Jeopardy, and —”
Me: Holy shit. You’re Ken Jennings!
Ken Jennings: …yeah.
Me: We are totally taking a picture right now.
Ken wrote about it on his blog, if you'd like to get his side of the meeting. I found him to be a very funny and normal geek, which pleased me greatly.
I also made a Munchkin treasure card for a guy, which is certainly not legal for tournament play:
I got to visit a little bit with Brent Spiner and Jonathan Frakes, who both asked me why I wasn't doing their panel with them. You know, it wasn't until I started writing this blog that I realized how nice it was to not only see them, but to not feel awkward and nervous, like I'm still a little kid with something to prove to the adults I look up to. I guess that makes sense, with me being 38 and all, but as recently as 5 years ago I would have been overwhelmed by anxiety, and I'm grateful that I don't feel that way any more. Frakes and I decided that we'll continue to pester Rogers to get us working on the same episode of Leverage, which I thought would amuse some of you.
Every single person I met while I was there was friendly and kind, and I know a lot of you who I met read my blog, so let me say once more: thanks for reading and for being so nice to me. It's because of people like you that I look forward to cons like ECCC.
Discover more from WIL WHEATON dot NET
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
WHOA! Ken Jennings! So cool!
Of course, it would also be cool to meet you. I mean, Erm. Well.
I replied to your tweet about that stout, but here’s a link which might be helpful, too.
Widmer’s W’11 KGB Russian Imperial Stout
http://www.widmer.com/beer_w_series.aspx
Glad you had such a good time! I did too! I’m dying to know though, what was the restaurant with the **The Dude Abides** signature? I must find this place and give them my money!
Hi
I would have loved to be there. But it is a long way from France. I am an heavy reader of your blog and your books. In fact I use one of your podcasts during one of my lectures (I am teaching english to teenagers). I even started to translate your books in French in my free time (just for pleasure). Anyway i hope you will release your “Complete Works” soon. I hope i will have the chance to meet you at the Comic Con this year, i will normally be there.
Cheers from France
I forget, but it was on Capitol Hill.
Wait… Frakes is going to be in an ep of Leverage… and there’s the possibility that YOU WILL TOO? OMGNerdgasm 😀
It’s really about time they invent those site-to-site transporters so zooming around the world will be a lot easier (and more environmentally friendly)…
I for one would certainly watch the hell out of a Cha0s episode directed by Frakes. I’m following most of the regular cast on twitter and have noticed they’ve started filming the next season. Do you know if/when it’s going to be your turn?
No, he directs them.
I was at ECCC this weekend and was delighted to discover that instead of being a grown up Wesley Crusher, you are, in Brent Spiner’s words, the King of the Nerds :). It is truly awesome to realize that the kid I watched during my formative years is now a successful author, actor, blogger-guy, yet still one of us at heart. You rock, Wil!
Loved it. Thank you for representing geeks everywhere so well, and for letting us get to know you a little better through the panels. Also, that Ken Jennings blog post is hilarious. Thanks for posting it!
I really wished I could have gone to the Friday panel but really did enjoy The Guild panel.
12 year old humor is my favorite and teamed with actual insight is a great combination.
It was our first #ECCC and I hope that it won’t be our last. (I went with my husband)Next year we’ll come out and say hello.
Hey Wil, you were once again the highlight of ECCC. Delighted that you made the time despite your other weekend obligations; it wouldn’t be a proper ECCC without the man Brent Spiner dubbed “King of the Nerds.” Shatner we could do without, but we need us some Wheaton at ECCC.
I’ve never seen an episode of “Leverage,” but perhaps I’ll check it out.
The Ken Jennings meeting was hilarious, I was right behind him and kept thinking “Is it? Nah. Well he IS local. Huh, maybe.” The resultant nerd squee from both of you plus the cameo over the table from Jonathan Frakes was very fun to witness!
I’d also like to say thanks for letting just a couple more come through the closed sign, at least according to the volunteer who told that to me. I figured it was special treatment for (who I suspected was) Ken Jennings but somehow I got lumped in the group anyway. Maybe it was because Felicia and Amy still had longer lines just before the Guild panel. Either way, I had already resolved that I would wait out for your next visit to PAX Prime, so that was a nice surprise. Thanks for visiting Seattle come back soon!
Wil, the 501st and Lord Vader would like to thank you for your help with suggestions for the Death Star 3 🙂
Ah, kind sir! As one of the green shirted Minions, I’d like to thank you for your compliments of ECCC! I thoroughly enjoyed your Awesome Hour, even though I was running around the entire time working. Maybe next year I can actually meet you.
Probably not the same place since it’s nowhere near Capitol Hill, but Jules Maes on Airport Way in Georgetown has the same thing on their receipts. Great food and local beer, too.
Evil Wil Wheaton sounds like he has a little warlock blood in him…
Ken Jennings! LUCKY!
It was great to see you again and hand off that piece of PAX swag! I can’t believe I forgot to take a photo of you holding it. If you get a chance, could you please snap a shot after East ends? I know it would make the mastermind behind the project extremely happy.
Shameless self-promotion to my videos of your readings on Friday…
See a Little Light:
(I really hope I’m not tripple posting this or something.)
OK, that’s better. Also
Sounds of the Arcade:
I need to marry that Wonder Woman girl …. just sayin…
funny enough, a friend of a friend took us out for dinner saturday night in capitol hill. we had great food and drinks, and when the receipt came, i saw **the dude abides** and couldn’t quite believe the coincidence.
the place is called oddfellows. and i definitely recommend it. 🙂
I have to say, it was SO MUCH FUN to be a volunteer in the media room, and to be supporting such friendly fans and badass guests. Nobody had a bad word to say about any of the guests, and it was a blast to see everyone just having a good time.
OBVZ THIS WAS MY FIRST CON AND NOW I’M HOOKED.
i had a really great time for my second year at ECCC. this time i even managed to dress up. the hour you did was awesome and funny. i’m glad someone managed to record evil wil wheaton. while i like reading your stories, i really enjoy watching you perform them. the guild panel was also a lot of fun, i hope to see your character in the next season.
thank you for being so kind to sign your book and take a picture with me. i look forward to seeing you at ECCC in the future.
Wil, It was an honor again to talk to you. I was wearing my SciFi geek jacket and the lucky owner of You Uber Limited Edition DVD #1. With your permission, I would like to put you on my wishlist for ECCC with Jim Parsons. I am hoping to see a panel with Sheldon and Evil Wil Wheaton, maybe done improved… lol
I had not had the chance previously to read or listen to your works, aside from this blog. Thank you for opening up to your fans. I still think you’d be loved and warmly welcomed as a USO guest ( Yes, I am the retired Navy guy who has been asking for a few years now… lol Chase Masterson thinks you’d do great as well..lol ) Please feel free to look me up if you get a free moment or two next time you are in Seattle, I’d be honored to give you my small list of sites to visit.
Joe Haight
Hey, Wil! I’m glad you got home safely. It was SO much fun hanging out with you during the con! I was definitely the envy of some of the other con volunteers. 🙂
Here’s a pic of our first round of drinks, downed in your honor!
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r105/shikari23/Emerald%20City%20ComiCon%202011/100_0173.jpg
YES! Oddfellows. It was awesome.
Wil,
A little about the 38-year-old thing… If it hasn’t already sunk in yet, you are now older than Jonathan Frakes was when TNG started in ’87…
It was really great to hear you speak–it’s the first time I’ve been in the states for, oh, 7 years so this was pretty much a highlight of moving back to America. Plus I got to start my Friday early as I ducked out of work to come watch your (very) Awesome Hour.
Found this on youtube–best quality of the Next Gen/Twilight comparison I’ve seen so far.
That typo is really eating at my, by the way. Move on, Kelly!
OK, clearly I need sleep before I keep making typos while talking about typos. And I’ll be quiet and stop talking to myself now. Gah!
Wil,
Thanks so much for being at ECCC again this year! I’ll look for to seeing you at PAX Prime. I hope to finally make it to one of your panels/events. Please keep us posted on the scheduling (as it develops). Way too much fun at ECCC, you made it awesome!
Thanks,
Dave
I SO wanted to get a pic and autograph from you but alas I had to spend all my cash on James for my 17year old and Shat for my boys. I console myself with the fact that I can stalk you at PAX and bring you the Bacon Gift basket we have been planning 😉
Like HELL that card isn’t tournament-legal. If the signee gets in touch with you, I’ll make sure to send a letter proving it.
It was nice to meet you Friday. After hearing your stories at the Awesome Hour, I went on a quest to get your books from my public library. They only had one of them, but I look forward to reading it.
I don’t know if you could see through the bright lights, but I was the one who asked the Evil Wil question.
The people behind me said your answer was perfect.
I seem to remember, not long ago, reading a blog post about your 30th birthday.
I was there 🙂 Met you last year, saw you at PAX Prime. I actually met a wonderful friend on your website. Evelyn. We both commented on w00tstock Seattle and found each other on FB. We began a friendship with me in the Seattle area and her in Portland. She wanted to come to ECCC and stay in a hostel. Told her she was staying with me! She came, we loved each other instantly. We spent the weekend at ECCC and the only thing we missed doing was thanking you for giving us a forum to find each other. My husband, geeklings, and I already miss her. So thanks for the friend, Wil!
I bound Hunter into a book that I wanted you to sign. Perhaps next year I can make it to your line before they close it 😛
Seattle loves you!
*I got the photo op to add to last years and caught the panel*
Evil Wil Wheaton is even more awesome when he’s allowed to work blue. CBS and FCC take note!
Hey Man,
You have six degrees of separation between BBT and 2 1/2 men.
No comments at this time?… LOL
Okay, that's about the coolest thing in the world.
Hello Wil,
I just wanted to drop a note saying that I was incredibly impressed with some of your thoughts and shared knowledge during “The Guild” panel, especially around the topics of independent artists and the internet.
I don’t know if I will be at #ECCC next year, because I had to fly from Canada to be there (Not cheap). But if I make it, I hope you will continue to attend and do panels; because you are truly ‘awesome’ at it.
Keep being amazing,
– Savannah
Your panel was awesome!! It was my first time at a con and I’m definitely hooked. Can’t wait for next year, I hope you’ll do a panel with the rest of the TNG guys (and maybe women?) then.
After this panel I was definitely sorry I missed the one last year (I came later due to work). However, you did sprint past my bf and I while we were in line for Jhonen V.
When you mentioned briefly about ST. It made me recall a tweet from a twitter friend who stated he missed Deep Space Nine. Which I promptly responded http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=299 😉
The Guild Panel was definitely the highlight this year for us. Look forward to attending future panels. 😀
What can we do to help with this? I have so been wanting this to happen since your first episode. I mean Frakes is the actor I most want to not see in front of a camera.
Um, I mean, I have loved his directing ability since TNG, not that I don’t want him to have work. 🙂
So seriously, how can we make this happen?
Long-time reader, first-time commenter, here with a beer recommendation: Goose Island Bourbon County Stout. It’s not for everybody, but it’s worth trying at least once.
The main reason I decided to go to ECCC this year was to attend The Guild panel and I was not let down. It was a very entertaining hour.
I also saw you outside the convention center on Saturday afternoon and was going to say hi, but since it was outside and you seemed to be in a hurry I figured I wouldn’t bug you.
Hope to see you at Pax Prime this year.
Wil, Glad you enjoyed it, you should take a shift as a minion in the future … the media guests were really fun to work with this year. Hopefully, we minions were able to help keep your side of the table from feeling too cramped and crowded. The people I was a minion with are now friends.
Also, it was nice to be able to slip you the two bucks I owed you for Hunter, even if I only had quarters. It’s a cool read and would like to see where you can take the story.
Thanks, Wil! After a the grouchiest day I’ve had in months, your Evil Wil made everything all better. Then add Ken Jennings in, plus his story/post about it, and I laughed so hard beer almost came out my nose!
(Also, yes that’s one of the best stouts I’ve ever had, gotta give Full Sail props for that.)
Wil,
Why are some actors consigned to a sort of sci-fi ghetto? I can think of many actors who are A-List sci-fi (Patrick Stewart, Scott Bakula, etc.), and sometimes my friends and I try to decide who has the best nerd-roles. But there seems to be a fairly small cadre of actors (like you) who are apparently talented, not disgusting-looking, and under-employed. Except for sci-fi stuff. My best example might be Michelle Forbes (Ro Laren), who seems to only get roles in genre series–STNG, BSG, and Trueblood.
Is there some special talent or look? Is it some innate nerdiness? Desperation? Patrick Stewart is obvious. British actors will cash a check for any damned thing, but what about the rest?
Thanks