Joss Whedon is one of the most prolific writers today. His stories are often distinguishable by strong character development (particularly women in lead roles) and in stories focused on the disenfranchised. Whedon’s mark on popular culture is far reaching and not confined to any one specific genre. As a result, a Whedonverse has been built upon both television and film projects Whedon has worked on, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly, Dollhouse, Angel, Much Ado About Nothing, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and even the love/hate reception of Alien: Resurrection. On Friday, May 19, through Sunday, May 21, fans will have the opportunity to converge on the second annual WhedonCon being held at the Warner Center Marriott in Los Angeles, CA.
WhedonCon has much to offer fans. There are several guests scheduled to appear over the weekend. David Fury, writer/produce for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, is the Guest of Honor. Writer/actor Ben Paddon is filling the shoes of Master of Ceremonies. Fury and Paddon are joined by actor Andrew Bowen (Dollhouse), Nicholas Brendon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Sophia Crawford (Buffy Fight/Stunt Double), Christos Gage (writer of comics Angel & Faith and Buffy), Georges Jeanty (artist for comics Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Serenity/Firefly), Tim Minear (writer for Firefly, Angel, and Dollhouse), Damion Poitier (Firefly, Angel, Dollhouse, and The Avengers), Jeff Pruitt (Fight Choreographer for Buffy the Vampire Slayer), George Sarah (Composer, Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Camden Toy (Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel), Steven L. Sears (producer/actor for Xena: Warrior Princess, The A-Team), and many others. Many of the guests are participating in the Meet & Greet in which fans can purchase one-on-one time (ten minutes), and there are also photo opportunities. If that sounds like quite an experience, there are also cocktail parties and tea time, providing additional opportunities to rub elbows with some of the celebrity guests.
A program schedule and panel description have been posted. Programming starts at 2 p.m. on Friday with the opening ceremonies and concludes on Sunday afternoon at 6 p.m. with the closing ceremonies. There are several panels that spotlight the Whedonverse, of course; however, there are also panels that discuss comics, video gaming, writing, superheroes, cosplay, makeup, and everything in between. And, a special personal treat: Fanbase Press’ President and resident Whedon fan Bryant Dillon will host “Telling a Story in Pictures” with writer Christos Gage at 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon in Track C, and he will be a panelist on the “Creating a Strong Mythology” panel on Sunday.
WhedonCon is also about raising awareness and money to benefit charities. A charity auction is being held at the con, and proceeds will go to support the Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center in honor of the memory of actor Ron Glass who played Shepherd Book in Firefly and Serenity. There is also a Baby Item Drive to support Newborns in Need – San Fernando Valley Chapter. And the con is supporting My Friend’s Place, in conjunction with The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. On Saturday, The Cedars-Sinai Blood Donor Services will be onsite accepting blood donations.
Registration for this event is still open! There are three-day memberships and one-day memberships available online through Thursday, May 18, or you can purchase a membership at the door. And, if you need some WhedonCon gear, then peruse the online store for t-shirts, posters, and lobby cards.
