By Callan Smith | Rose Law Group Social Media Coordinator
I remember when Phoenix Comic Con was a small convention by the name of the Phoenix Cactus Con in 2002, with 500 people in attendance, growing over the years first to Glendale then Mesa. 2010 was the year things changed, when the little gathering of enthusiasts grew big enough for the Phoenix Convention Center. I remember walking the exhibitor floor that year thinking ‘this is great’. It felt like a big convention that weekend. Attendance grew year by year. 2015 Phoenix Comic Con had 75,000 visitors and that seemed huge. But this year—wow!
As I made my way to registration to pick up my panelist day pass, the word was a constant in my mind. Wow all these people. Wow awesome cosplays. Wow this must take up nearly the entire convention center. I moved through the crowd, taking in the smiles and laughter. I picked up my pass and hurried off to my panel: Battlestar Galactica – Life Began Out There: So say we all!
In preparation, I revisited the 2004 reboot, and even delved back into the original series from 1978. The episodes I grew up with and loved as a kid. I wanted to be Starbuck when I watched the show. I knew I could fly one of those vipers if given the chance. Much like I was sure I could pilot the Millennium Falcon if only I could meet up with Han and Chewy. I’m sure that’s a common theme for many.
Making my way to the panel upstairs in the massive convention center complex, I was again struck by the mood, the hum of good cheer running through the crowd. My panel was underway by a few minutes when I slipped in the mostly full room. I moved around quietly taking my open seat on the platform. My fellow panelists were discussing favorite characters and Gaius Baltar was up. For most he can be a hard character to like. Causing devastation and death on earth along with the exodus of humanity into the stars does cause strong dislike. Not for me though.
The mic was passed my way, I launched into why I like the character. He’s so flawed and human, imperfect and believable in his actions, even his somewhat redeeming ones. Most of all the character Baltar was a catalyst, driving the series onward for 75 episodes, spanning five seasons. I saw nods in agreement from the audience and my fellow panelist beside me.
The discussion moved on from Baltar to other characters: Adama, Lee, and of course Starbuck, played by Katie Sackhoff. We discussed the perfect choice to write Starbuck as a woman. Competent, driven, flawed and exceptional. Another thing the rebooted Battlestar Galactica did right, a strong principal cast of female characters.
The talk continued. As a panel we agreed, we disagreed, we raised points, taking audience comments and questions throughout. Looking around the room, I saw them listening, watching, nodding in agreement, considering, sometimes disagreeing with a shake of the head. Hands raised bringing forth comments on why they enjoyed a character or a scene. One audience member shared her favorite part of the show, when Lee Adama, viper pilot turned lawyer, cross examined Gaius Baltar in trial condemning him for the wrongs he perpetuated.
Considering her choice, I found I had to agree. Battlestar Galactica’s underlying theme is the desire for civilization, to recapture what was lost in leaving earth. A structure complete with laws, helping to make sense of daily lives. This is something Science Fiction does in amazing ways. It provides a lens into complicated issues. The discussion moved to the cylons. How they resembled humanity. How there was no black and white, just many shades of gray throughout the show. Such a great representation of the complexity of, dare I say, sentient life.
Sadly, before we knew it our hour was up. Another panel was beginning shortly. There was a convention to get to, so much to see and do. As I made to stand audience members were approaching the platform with eagerness ready to continue the discussion.
I indulged as did my fellow panelists. There was nowhere I had to be. Sure there were things to see, but they could wait. I joined into a discussion with a fellow fan. The two of us exited the room in a deep conversation about the character of Admiral Kaine in both versions of the show. An hour later we parted ways.
I made my way with the crowd to the exhibitor floor downstairs. Phoenix has arrived to the international comic convention scene. I do miss the small comic conventions of years ago, but it’s nostalgia. There’s no way I’d go back to that.
I’m glad that comics and all that go with them are here to stay.
