DC’s premiere comic convention, Awesome Con, returns to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on March 30th- April 1st, 2018. Here are five things you should know about the event.

1. It’s dangerous to go alone, take this –

Navigate the entire conference from your smart phone with Awesome Con’s Guidebook app guide. View the full programming schedule, check the map, contact security of Awesome Con’s emergency services team, and create your own personal schedule with personal reminders.  

If you need additional help, the Brute Squad, Awesome Con’s army of volunteers, will also be there to answer any questions and address any concerns that you may have.

2. There will be Comics

Among Awesome Con’s more unique draws is a whole convention center floor filled with comics from vintage to new releases.

Not only will fans have the chance to purchase the comics, they will also get the chance to ask questions of their favorite comic book artists and writers.

Among the artists in attendance are J. Scott Campbell, known for his work on Spider-Man and Greg Capullo, known for his work on Batman and World of Warcraft. 

Freelance artist Karen Hallion, whose work has been commissioned by Disney and Marvel as well as garnered her many awards, will also be in attendance, along with Bryan “Flash” Turner, known for his animation work on Marvel’s animated series. 

3. Games Galore

Awesome Con has two whole floors of video games and board games. Play single player games or make new friends by starting a campaign together.

The games are available all day in the Salon, but there are competitions going on throughout the day, such as a Dungeons and Dragons and Magic: The Gathering Tournaments on Friday, and Super Dungeon Arena and Ascension Gauntlet Tournaments on Saturday.

4. Science, Science, Science

Among the various exhibits on the convention floor, Awesome Con’s Future Con provides a wealth of educational, interactive exhibits to teach kids about science. Exhibits are sponsored by Netflix and the Smithsonian institution.

Future Con’s panels include a discussion of Black Holes, the science behind sci-fi blockbuster movies, including Black Panther and Pacific Rim.

5. Celebrity Appearances

Awesome Con has a wide range of talent this year from all over the science fiction/ fantasy realm.

Returning to Awesome Con is fan-favorite John Barrowman, best known for Captain Jack Harkness on Doctor Who.

Michael Rooker who played Merle in The Walking Dead television series and more recently, Yondu in Guardians of the Galaxy and GOTG Vol. 2, will also be returning to the Awesome Con floor.

In fact, a good number of the Guardians will be in attendance, including Dave Bautista, who played Drax the Destroyer and Sean Gunn who played Yondu’s faithful second in command, Kraglin.

In addition to Marvel’s stars, a familiar face from a galaxy far far away will be making his Awesome Con debut. Everyone’s favorite ex-Storm Trooper, John Boyega will be there on Saturday and Sunday. Autographs and Photo Opportunities are still on sale, but spots are filling up fast.