photo courtesy of Ramon Villalobos

The first thought that came to mind when I first heard that my hometown of Stockton was going to have a comic book convention was, “What the f*ck?!” I’ve gone to San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) seven times and a couple of WonderCons, so I really didn’t know what to make of the idea of a convention similar to those happening in Stockton. I suppose you can call me a con-snob.

Neither SDCC or WonderCon were on my agenda this year due to lack of funds (and WonderCon inconveniently moved to Anaheim this year). I wasn’t sure whether I should go to Stockton-Con or not – their site didn’t even have a list of vendors, it only had a list of special guests that were going to speak, such as Morrie Turner, creator of Wee Pals. But then I found out Jenny Parks of Doctor Mew was going to be there and that solidified my decision to go.

Much to everyone’s surprise, Stockton-Con turned out to be a ginormous success! Tons of nerds, 4,000 to be exact, from all over the central valley packed themselves into the University of the Pacific’s Spanos Center to check out the array of action figures, comics, and other nerdtastic items up for grabs. It surpassed the expectations of Mike Millerick, the creator of Stockton-Con, who was hoping for at least 500 people to show up; at one point there was a line from Spanos Centre all the way to Pershing Avenue. For those not familiar with Stockton, that’s a really freaking long line. Luckily, I was able to walk right in since I bought my ticket beforehand.

SO. MANY. PEOPLE.

It was quite hard to shuffle through to check out the merchant booths since we were all squashed together like stinky cattle – it smelled just like SDCC! The 501st Legion was even there, along with some Ghostbusters.

Amongst the overly crowded space, I did manage to find a Movie Masters Catwoman action figure from The Dark Knight Rises. She is ridiculously hard to find in stores, and online she goes for over $40. I got her for half that price! There were tons of vintage Star Wars toys, Disney Vinylmation figures, boxes of vintage comics, bins full of Happy Meal toys from the 90s… SO MANY THINGS! There was also a booth selling 8-bit pins and magnets made out of perler beads. I picked up a Professor Layton pin for my sister.

Disney Vinylmation figures

Print by Mark Dos Santos

The ultra hard to find Catwoman action figure (and the really easy to find Batman)!!!

Professor Layton and pins by Jenny Parks (Harry Pawter and Purrlock)

Sci-fi kittens galore!

Beep boop beep

There were a lot of awesome artist there as well. I recognized the art of Mark Dos Santos from SDCC last year. I ended up getting a Batgirl/Robin/Alfred print from him. I was anxious to get to the Doctor Mew booth since I got a commission piece from Jenny Parks. I’ll write about that in a separate blog. So stay tuned!

Though there were some hiccups (lack of program/schedule, map, list of vendors), Stockton’s first comic book convention was pretty fun. ☺

Where do I begin? I’m not much for words at this point. How to describe an experience? Not quite sure. All I can say is that I had a blast! Especially at Anime Expo. I met a bunch of wonderful people, and I can’t wait to see them again next year.

Here’s a video to sum up Anime Expo (I’m scattered in between and towards the end):

And here’s a bunch of photos (ordered from Anime Expo, Fanime Con, and Stockton Con; there’s two pics of me cosplaying as Chii!):

Z. is planned to be playable across multiple platforms, such as Linux and Android, with an initial release for iOS and PC at launch. The game features:

• Cards use real-life models and horror effects!
• Play as either the survivors or the zombies!
• Turn-based cross-platform design modernizes traditional tabletop gameplay.
• Trade cards with friends or scrap duplicates for points to buy new cards.
• A live-action story mode with new episodes and cards every month.
• Progressive role-playing features for leveling up cards and discovering new ones.
• Signature zombie film scenes recreated in a card game!

“Created with you, for you!” Downward Viral acknowledges community feedback in the creation of Z. to ensure that your experience playing the game is an enjoyable one. Not to mention, they vow to remain independent from publishers, which “will result in better games and the creative freedom to work directly with our fans and supporters.”

If you’re all for Kickstarter, zombies, and, well, the bliss in knowing that you’re investing in something uh-may-zing, head on over to Downward Viral’s project page and help them get the ball rolling!

Source: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/downwardviral/z-2

This morning, I rushed to my nearest GameStop to pick up my preordered copy. I was filled with so much excitement that I couldn’t wait to get back home to start playing it. The only thought running through my head the whole time was, ”Finally, the sole reason I bought a Vita.”

Upon homely arrival, I drew all the blinds and curtains, plugged in my Vita, put on my headphones, popped in the game and consumed myself in a beautifully animated, cell-shaded world.

Although I played for only a good two to three hours (straight), I must say that the demo for Gravity Rush released a couple weeks ago doesn’t do the game justice at all. There are plenty more things to do than going from one episode to another in a linear story line; there are a plethora of side quests that you can do to collect gems you can use to level up your skills, and to help you to better familiarize yourself with the gameplay.

I am going to keep this short, for now. Once I’ve finished the game in its entirety, or as close to its entirety as possible, expect an extended review in the future.

In sum: If you’ve been looking for an excuse to purchase a Vita, Gravity Rush could most certainly be your reason. Also, if you missed out on the pre-order exclusive Military Pack DLC, all current PSN downloads of Gravity Rush will include it.

Several years ago, I came across a video on YouTube demonstrating Neurowear‘s Necomimi prototype. The ears twitched to and fro, relaxed and perked themselves up within a matter of seconds, depending on the wearer’s brainwaves. Ever since then, I’ve been keeping a close eye on the developmental progress of the Necomimi, and once I found out that it was set for official release, I had to get my hands on one as soon as it was introduced to the United States.

Come FanimeCon, I immediately nabbed myself a Necomimi! I wore them for the whole duration of the convention, which made me one happy cat of a girl.

Next on the horizon? A pulse-controlled cat tail!

A couple of days ago, while endlessly scrolling down my Facebook News Feed, I stumbled across a link to a little site called Humble Bundle. Soon after I clicked this mysterious link, I was greeted with adorably pixelated chibis. And upon further inspection, my mind was officially blown!

Humble Bundle works with video game developers to put together a group of well-known – maybe a couple slightly obscure – PC games, which you can then get your hands on for any sum of monies you’re able to donate to select charities.

Ready… Set… Donate & download!

Photo courtesy of Fun Cheap SF

Everyday their Maple Bacon Apple donut is available, but the rest of the menu constantly changes day by day. You can follow their Twitter to see what they’re serving. I had to unfollow them because I’d be like, “OHMYGAWD THEY HAVE BANANA DE LECHE AND GINGER ORANGE GLAZE TODAY, I MUST GO!!!!” They’re slightly pricey with donuts starting from $2-$3, but believe me… You. Will. Love. Them. I just converted my mother with the Lemon Thyme I brought home for her.

My friend and I have been craving these things for nearly a year, so we finally ventured there yesterday. One thing you have to know about this place is that you have to get there as early as possible! We got there around 1ish and the menu board was full. An hour later when we went back for more they only had 2 flavors left.

So what’s so damn special about these donuts? I seriously think they are unlike any other I have ever eaten, and I’m sure others who’ve eaten these delightful morsels would agree. They’re light, fluffy, and sweet — I don’t feel like a complete lard ass after eating 3 of them, and that’s always a good thing (or is that bad? Uh… yeah, I don’t care. They’re worth every penny and calorie). And every donut is handmade by Sara Spearin, the owner of Dynamo Donuts, and her staff. They use organic and local ingredients for each donut too.

I have decided to refer to any donut from Dynamo as Holey Awesomeness, Batman! (even the ones that don’t have holes). Some of my favorites include:

• Passion Fruit Milk Chocolate
• Banana De Leche
• Apricot Cardamon
• Ginger Orange Glaze
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip
• Candied Orange Blossom

If you find yourself in the Mission, make sure to stop by and try one for yourself.

Angela posing in front of beached pumpkin whales.

Situated 28 miles south of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay is a picturesque coastal city with beautiful ocean views, an amazing walkable downtown and lots of saltwater taffy. It also happens to be the “Pumpkin Capital of the World.” I don’t actually know if that’s true and I’m too lazy to look it up. Now, I know that Cucurbitaceae aren’t necessarily tied in with Halloween; they’re more of a sign of Autumn. However, since the first day of Fall is usually in September, that means October is coming up and then Halloween. Halloween Halloween. Anyway, there was no shortage of pumpkin pie, smoothies, ice cream, or beer. The people were excited to be there and the music was Dub Step.

Interesting fact: Half Moon Bay was founded in 1959. Which is probably the same year these signs were made.

Also, * is just to indicate that, yes, while the HMBPF was an all-around good time, we failed to visit one pumpkin patch or take any of them home for carvins. Therefore I had to poor man Photoshop Angela and myself  in the foreground of what is a really nice picture by Frank Richards of an actual pumpkin patch in Half Moon Bay. MS PAINT, WOOP WOOP! Alright, kids, that’s enough blabbing from me. It’s time to TREAT YO SELF to some pumpkin colored thangs. As well as this ridiculously lavish Pumpkin Pie Milkshake recipe from A Beautiful Mess that I must try with my new blender. !!!

Dromedary Dress in Orange, Anthropologie

Vintage Ferragamo Pumps by Living Threads Vintage

Climbing Vines Curtain, Anthropologie

1960s Babydoll Dress by Tattered Lace Vintage

   Fruiteria Base, Anthropologie

A BEAUTIFUL MESS’ PUMPKIN PIE MILKSHAKE RECIPE

What’s fun about this treat is you can use a store-bought pumpkin pie and it’s super easy to whip up a big batch of these for friends. Or you can use a homemade pumpkin pie (maybe the left over few pieces) and enjoy this sweet and decadent dessert.

We made our own pumpkin pie (first one of the season) and my kitchen instantly smelled like autumn. I used a slightly adapted version of Paula Deen’s recipe. The only changes I made were to use 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 brown sugar (instead of just 1 cup of sugar, I like the added flavor of using some brown sugar). And I used 2 eggs instead of 1 egg + 2 egg yolks (I thought this didn’t seem necessary, and in my opinion the pie turned out great!).

Once you’ve made your pie let is cool for a few hours or overnight. To make a single milkshake blend together 1 slice of pumpkin pie, 2 cups vanilla ice cream and 1 to 1 1/2 cups milk. If you are making multiple milkshakes at once simply double or triple this recipe to suit your guest list.

images via A Beautiful Mess

Tonight we’ll delve into just a few of my favorite Halloween inspired recipes that will be a treat for the eyes and the mouth. Hopefully. Did that come off as too sexual? Okay, onward!

Internet, let it be known that I am huge fan of food and librarians; as well as The Food Librarian. A few years ago she came out with a wonderful Candy Corn Jello Bundt recipe (this girl loves her bundts, and SO DO I). But guys. I don’t think you’re ready for this jelly: it’s jello; when it’s sliced it looks just like candy corn. Vundahful! Layered jello (and candy corn, coincidentally) is one of my favorite things in the world – anyone who doesn’t love jello must be either crazy or a vegan.

images courtesy of The Food Librarian

Another one of my foodie favorites is Bakerella, whose been featured on this blog before. She comes up with the most creative confectioneries – and certainly does not shy away from arachnophobia - ERGO: Brownie Spider Bites!

Her work looks so amazingly time-consuming, but well worth the effort I’m sure. In fact I don’t think I’d be able to eat one.. just admire them from afar. (NOPE I WOULD EAT THEM ALL).

images courtesy of Bakerella 

Lastly we have an old favorite – with a twist. Like, literally. Well, still figuratively, but literally in the way in which you would like, go to a bartender and ask them to make you a martini with a twist. You know, I never actually figured out what that means. Let me not be lazy and look that up for you guys while you take a gander at this:

image courtesy of Martha Stewart

This recipe has got to be my favorite so far; and no, not because I’m a lush. Do you remember those lame (awesome) Halloween parties where someone blindfolds you and leads you to a bowl of peeled grapes, and when you put your hands in there and squish them around, said person would then exclaim that you’re touching a bowl of eyeballs? Well, this is that, except there’s ALCOHOL involved. You simply place a blueberry or cranberry into the hole of a lychee and viola! Instant eyeball garnish. Delicious! What won’t Martha Stewart come up with?

What other Halloween recipes have I missed?

After class on Thursday, fellow Imaginary Battles writer Jen and I headed to our community college’s annual arts and crafts faire. Among the hand crafted soaps, candles, and knitted scarves, we found these furry animal paw scarves by Lake Tahoe Treasures/Wild Spirit Animal Hoodies . Things like this can easily be found at Hot Topic, but the ones by LTT/WSAH were impeccably crafted. Each scarf is lined with fleece, the paws are stuffed, the fabric for the pads looks worn down like an actual animal’s, each claw is made out of vinyl material, and little embroidered snowflakes are scattered throughout.

We chatted with the creator for a bit, and she said it takes her 2 hours to make each one. We also asked if she had an Etsy store (she does, but not for her furry scarves *sigh*), and we asked if she had a site (she does, but it’s not for her furry scarves *heavy sigh*). Somehow we failed to ask for her name and email address. Please pardon my lame investigatory journalism skills — it’s been awhile since I’ve dug info from another human being for writing purposes… x___x

Anyhow, Jen and I stood there for 10 minutes debating on whether we should nab the last two brownish-white paws (pictured above on the left). They were going for $30 US, and we both  signed the emailing list. In the end, I concluded that I didn’t want to wait around… I wanted the scarf IMMEDIATELY. So we both got the last ones in stock.

What’s nice about these scarves is that they go with pretty much anything and add a sense of whimsy to any outfit. And you can stick stuff inside the paws — cellphone, chapstick, puppy treats, etc. You can even stick your fingers in each digit! My dog has gone ape shit whenever I wear them around him. It amuses me to no end.

In case you want to grab a pair of these for yourself, I think the best thing to do is check out the creator’s website Iris Impressions and contact her from there.