Not Your Conventional Weekend

I’m often undecided when it comes to the nature of coincidence. Whether the universe likes a little meddle or not is yet to be proven by clever clogs in white coats, and I’ll remain happily indecisive until then. One particularly eventful Saturday however, should have been more than enough to convince me that even the powers that be like a bit of a giggle every once in a while.

I should probably explain at this point, that on said day I was running around London dressed as Thor – massive Mjolnir in tow and claret cape flapping majestically in the wind tunnel that is London Bridge tube station. Concurrently on that day, a fairly important West Ham match was occurring (only a Championship final, so nothing too major), and running into a large group of nervous footie fans was not on the To Do list. However, owing to the fact that I was wearing the team’s colours and carrying around suitable replica weaponry, the Hammers fans chose to embrace me as one of their own. Others (those over the age of 8 at least) did not look so impressed. But what are a few raised eyebrows to the Norse god of thunder?

The reason for my Marvel-lously mythical attire (like I needed one) was because I was heading off to Kapow comic-book convention – a hive of heroes and villains, starry Hollywood panels and hot televisual trendsetters. And yes, loads of likeminded people wearing pants over their trousers. I couldn’t have been more excited.

This was Kapow’s second outing, having launched last year to a baying crowd of UK comic fans crying out for a San Diego style event (the mecca to which superhero worship is directed) much closer to home. On its current trajectory, the event looks set to get bigger and better every year.

One of the greatest things about this event is its energy. The atmosphere really is as electrically charged as Aurora Munroe’s fingertips. An excitement added to even more so this year, due to the affair closely coinciding with the release of super-team saga Avengers Assemble. But high-street geek-chic this ain’t. It is a haven for those who have whiled away countless hours on the couch with their heroes, those who have waited weeks by the letterbox for the next instalment, and maybe even those who enjoy dressing up in silly outfits of a weekend.

Moving amongst the throng, you catch snippets of conversations concerning casting rumours about the latest box-office beasts, debates about art style and many a musing about the various multiverses. Don’t be fooled into thinking this isn’t an accessible event that everyone can enjoy, however. The mixed crowd and vastly differing array of stalls (clothing, collectibles, food, home furnishings – yes, really) can keep one occupied for hours. Throw in a few stage shows, interviews with men and women of the moment, and some secretive, specially selected screenings and you’ve got a weekend worth more in one-off experience than even Bruce Wayne can put a price on. Plus, there really is no harm in trying something new.

All in all, Kapow allows for a colourful retreat from the conventional. Come along and you might just find yourself brushing shoulders with a Wolverine or two. Something might even awaken inside of you and you’ll be suddenly compelled to don a skin -tight suit and shimmy up the wall. Here, at least, you’ll be among firm friends…

JIMMY OLSEN’S PHOTO REEL…

Don your cape, grab your sidekick and keep your laser eyes peeled for news on next year’s event. For more comic book adventures in the meantime, check out our own little caped crusader on his Belgian quest!

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Tags: Events, London, Photographs

Category: London Calling