THERMOPYLEA IN ATLANTA!
So this past weekend I was able to attend my yearly convention in Atlanta. Dragon*con is held ever Labor Day weekend and this marked my third year attending.
Dragon*Con is the largest multi-media, popular culture convention focusing on science fiction and fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film in the US. For those who may never have been, words can not describe the awesomeness that is Dragon*Con.
I have been involved in the costuming hobby for over 5 years now starting with the 501stNEG, a star wars charity costuming group of over 5000 world wide members! From that group I expanded my interests into movie costumes, constructing movie accurate costumes of Indiana Jones from Raiders, The Punisher, King Leonidas from the 300 and most recently Logan(Wolverine) from the new Origins X-men movie.The hardest costume for me was the portrayal of the great historical Spartan King.
The cost and construction of the costume wasn't the most expensive or most difficult compared to other costumes like Jango Fett from Star Wars, but because I had to work on myself, my fitness and my actual body, it remains to this day a work in progress! So brings me back to the past weekend! This year was my second time having the opportunity to portray King Leonidas for my Spartan group, the 300DC. It was bitter sweet because I knew going in that it would be my last mark on the group in this capacity. When first being voted in to represent the group in such a way, I was told the position was mine for the duration until I felt like I did not want it anymore. Such a show of faith in my abilities to keep the course and remain focused with my nutrition and fitness was awe inspiring.
This year I decided that being King for two years was more than adequate, given the company I was in, and I made the decision prior to going to Atlanta to choose a successor. My great friend Eric Scwartzell from Texas accepted my offer and we kept it under our hats till we announced it in front of the group at the meet and greet dinner! It was sad yet also a relief. I really felt an feeling of admiration as I observed a few mouths drop as I first announced my departure from the position. I will never forget the time I had with this group leading the parade and the charge on the Hot Gates of Atlanta. I will be back next year, but as a soldier following the new king!
Thanks to all my friends who trusted me with the group these past two years! And thanks to Eric for being bold enough to take on the challenge of leading such an outstanding group of people!
SPARTANS! WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSION????ARHOOOOO! AHROOOOO! AHROOOOO!
