Anaheim Comic-Con takes place this weekend

Originally published in the April 13, 2010 issue of the Coast Report
By Parker Shannon, Arts & Entertainment Editor

Ghostbusters, storm troopers, superheroes and Power Rangers will descend upon the Anaheim Convention Center at the end of April for this year’s Comic Con.
The annual convention runs March 29 through April 1 and plays host to a wide variety of pop-culture icons, comic book artists and sci-fi staples. Fans are offered an opportunity to meet the creators and stars of some of their favorite films, TV shows and comics.
Special guests at this year’s event include Ghostbusters co-star Ernie Hudson, Eisner Award-winner and “The Simpsons” artist Phil Ortiz and “Batman” star Adam West.
Convention goers can attend a large number of discussion panels and autograph signings throughout the weekend, or they can simply shop around exhibitors’ booths and ogle celebrities set up around the convention hall.
There will be several fan groups present at this year’s Anaheim Comic Con for things such as Star Wars, Harry Potter and Dungeons and Dragons. Attendees can meet group members and get information on joining a fan group if they’re interested.
Anaheim Comic Con is put on by Wizard World and will be held in Hall A of the Anaheim Convention Center March 29 to April 1. Hours of operation and a full list of guests and events can be found at www.wizardworld.com/home-anaheim.html.

Too old to go out trick-or-treating

Originally published in the Oct. 28, 2009 issue of the Coast Report*

In addition to dressing up as the Red Ranger, I also dressed up as

the White Ninja Ranger. That's me on the right (hehe).

I gave up trick-or-treating a few years ago when I was 11 or 12. I hung up my red Power Ranger costume and resigned myself to passing out candy.

Each year I play witness to a number of trick-or-treaters, children and parents for kids too young or shy to do it themselves. But it wouldn’t be Halloween without high school and college students also out trick-or-treating.