LA Comic Con Finds it’s Footing in First Year without Founding Father: Stan Lee

A Comic fan writes a message at a memorial wall dedicated to the legacy of late Marvel Comics writer and Los Angeles Comic Con founder, Stan Lee. (Anthony Mayen/The Corsair)

Nerd culture took over the Los Angeles Convention Center for 2019's LA Comic Con during the weekend of Oct. 11-13. A vast array of festivities awaited attendees within the exhibition halls, such as guest panels, comic book vendors, unique artist booths, film memorabilia and creative fan cosplays of favorite characters.

2019's LA Comic Con marked the first year without its founder Stan Lee, who passed away at the age of 95 in November of 2018. Lee created many famous Marvel Universe characters, like Iron Man, Thor, Cyclops, Daredevil, The Fantastic Four, and Spider-Man.

Fans mourned the death of the superhero pioneer at the convention, and focused on his instrumentality to universal nerd cultures within the science fiction, video game, and Japanese Otaku communities, as well as his influential contribution to the overall comic book industry.

Pow Entertainment, Stan Lee’s media production company, set up a memorial wall within the exhibition halls for fans to write a message to the late comic book creator.

“I know that the loss of Stan Lee was felt very profoundly among the fanbase,” said Westin Norm, dressed as Captain America. "I actually met the man once and I am very honored to have done that.”

One of the headlining events was an afternoon screening of Tommy Wiseau’s "The Room" and a talkback with Wiseau on the film. Wiseau, who gained infamy for his 2003 film which he wrote, directed, and starred in himself, began his talkback with a five-second silent contemplation in honor of Lee. Respectfully acknowledging Lee’s absence, Wiseau reminded his audience that there would be no LA Comic Con without Lee.

Wiseau chose the Comic Con talkback scene to make a few other announcements of his own. His upcoming horror film, "Big Shark," is expected to premiere within the first few months of 2020, and a staged Broadway production of "The Room" is in the works, wherein Wiseau will reprise his role as Johnny for at least two nights. Dates for the play are to be determined. Wiseau also suggested some life advice for attendees, “Happy life?" said Wiseau. "Just be optimistic, and you’re better than internet, number one. Number two, have respect for your friends, save money, and do whatever you want to do."

In typical "The Room" screening fashion, the audience was very active as the film’s nefarious plot unfolded. They screamed “Close the door!” each time one of the characters simply neglected to. They threw plastic spoons at the screen each time the infamous picture frames donning stock images of spoons appeared. The film finished to cheers.

At the end of each day, the LA Convention Center’s empty halls were littered with lost costume pieces. Outside, a parade-like array of cosplayers filled the sidewalks near the Staples Center post-con. The next Comic Con-presented event, "Storytelling in Media," will take place in San Diego, California on Oct. 26.