Steampunk love

Steampunk is a genre that's gained serious traction at Dragon*Con over the past few years. Seemingly coming out of nowhere, the theme is now ubiquitous at the con's five hotels, streets surrounding them and just about everywhere in between.

Steampunk essentially is all about an alternative timeline in which technology traveled along a different track starting somewhere in the early 1800s. What's in: big goggles, zepplins and anything chrome. Those into steampunk often walk around with backpacks that have moving parts, eyeglasses with several lenses and top hats, large or small.

One of the best things about steampunk is that you can take pretty much any character you want and make it, well, steampunky. Kind of like zombies. Dressing up as Wonder Woman? How about a steampunk Wonder Woman? The possibilities are endless.

On Sunday, there was a steampunk exhibition in the Westin. Check out the pic, and if you want more, leave a comment.

Sunday morning at the con

So, it's Sunday morning, you've barely woken up and you desperately want to fit everything in today before the con is over for another year.

Where to start? Hit the dealers' room. The crowds shouldn't be too heavy right now, and this is probably the best time to get that corset you've had your eye on since Friday.

And if you don't actually wake up until 1 p.m. (like some people we could mention), then there's always the final run to the dealers' room on Sunday. Just don't expect that corset to wait around for you.

Parade this, if you dare

The Dragon*Con parade is likely the longest parade you're likely to see in the South.

You might think the wait isn't worth it. You're wrong. Standing in one spot without moving for upwards of an hour will kill your feet, but seeing the amazing costumes pass by is an opportunity you don't want to miss.

If you saw this year's parade, we salute you. If you didn't, then there's always next year. There's also a number of pics we've attached to this blog already. Take a look, see if there's something you like and pass along the good word.

If there's a pic you're interested in, leave a comment and if we've got it, we'll post it.

Parade pics!!

Here's a few pics from Saturday's parade. Hope you enjoy them, and remember: Vote Saxon!

A Dragon*Con in drag

Before you ask about the picture, remember, this is Dragon*Con.

You're going to see some odd people at the con. You're going to see some great costumes. You're also going to see men dressed as the White Queen while playing HeroClix.

HeroClix is a strategy game that takes place in a world filled with superheroes. You get to play as various mutants who run around a playing board and beat up other mutants.

And if you want to dress up as one of the characters you're playing, more power to ya.

This picture was taken in the basement of the Marriott around 9 a.m. Saturday. A HeroClix tournament was about to begin, and yours truly was lucky enough to meet this perky player.

Did he win the tournament and get crowned the queen of love and beauty? Stay tuned.

Zombies? At Dragon*Con? They said it wouldn't happen!

So, me and the Dcon crew escaped the food court Thursday afternoon to a pleasant plaza adjacent to what is perhaps Peachtree Street. Peering down into the food court, you just might be able to catch a glimpse of some Dconners enjoying a meal.

Near the street ahead of us, a couple of zombies were strolling by the street. A couple, most likely, before the virus took control of them. The woman had a torn white dress that hung limply from her form as she stumbled across broken asphalt. The man sat quietly sipping on a Coke.

Whatever. It's only Friday afternoon. Wait until Saturday and Sunday night for the real zombies to come out.

Look closely at the picture. You just might be able to see the zombie soda drinker shamble off toward the Hyatt.

Atlanta, the con has landed

For all of you Dcon fans out there, listen up: Downtown Atlanta is alive with the sound of Dragon*Con!!!

Your loyal blogger arrived at Dcon just over an hour ago and things are already in motion. That is to say, guys with long hair and glasses are wandering around downtown Atlanta wearing black shirts with dumb sayings on them.

While the street between the Hyatt and the Marriott isn't a mass of people yet, just give it time. Also, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get through registration.

If you were wise, you've already read our advice on registration, which is to have gotten through it Thursday or early Friday. Unfortunately, a source of ours revealed that the ever-so-improved system broke at some point Thursday and some people stood in line for 2 1/2 hours.

So it's pretty much Dragon*Con as usual.

Keep checking this space for news, pics and verbal abuse. And remember what William Wallace said right before he died:

DRAGON CONNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!

Make your list, check it twice

Now that Dragon*Con is almost upon us, it's time to double check your list of goodies that you're bringing.

Sure, sure, you've got the assorted costumes, cash and food that's already packed away and ready to go. But what about the stuff that you'll be pining for once you get to the con and it's not there?

That's why we've made this list for you. If you don't have one of these items, think twice before leaving your home without it. You'll thank us later.

* Toilet paper. The hotel has some, but how many people are going to be using that bathroom? Make sure you have the good stuff.

* Garbage bags. You need some place to put all those empty beer cans and hotel garbage bins are notoriously small.

* Booze. It's not wise to spend your money on the alcohol for sale in the lobby of the Hyatt or in one of the hotel bars. $10 for a martini? No thanks, I brought my own.

* Laptop. You'll want it when you've got some down time and haven't checked your email since Thursday. You might even be able to score some free Wifi in a hotel lobby.

* Camera. You mean you forgot the camera? You must have pictures from the annual parade!

You might want to do a walk through your house and make a quick list of your own. Remember, once you're at the con, your favorite coffee costs a whole bunch more than at home.