A Comicsburgh Weekend of Fandom and Fun: My Experience at the Atlanta SciFi Expo

This past weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Atlanta SciFi Expo, and what an unforgettable experience it was! After a long hiatus due to the pandemic, the expo made its triumphant return, and I couldn’t have been more excited to be part of it. Held at Northlake Mall in Decatur, GA, the event was a celebration of all things nerdy, geeky, and downright awesome. As a creator, it was especially meaningful to connect with fans and fellow enthusiasts, and I’m thrilled to share the highlights of my weekend.

The Fan Response to *The Theme of Thieves*

One of the biggest highlights of the weekend was the amazing fan response to my comic, *The Theme of Thieves*. It was incredibly humbling and inspiring to see so many people stop by my table, flip through the pages, and share their excitement for the story and artwork. Hearing readers’ thoughts on the characters, the world-building, and the themes of the comic was a reminder of why I love creating stories in the first place. To everyone who picked up a copy or stopped by to chat—thank you! Your support means the world to me.

Special Thanks to Tony Cade and Challenges Games and Comics

A huge shoutout goes to Tony Cade, the owner of Challenges Games and Comics, for hosting this fantastic event. Bringing the Atlanta SciFi Expo back after such a long break was no small feat, and Tony and his team did an incredible job organizing everything. The venue at Northlake Mall was perfect, and the atmosphere was buzzing with energy and excitement. It was clear that everyone—vendors, guests, and attendees alike—was thrilled to be back. I met some pretty cool people too! Shout out to Matt, Shanna and Dexter and Joy!

Saturday: A Day of Energy and Enthusiasm

Saturday was absolutely electric! The aisles were packed with cosplayers, collectors, and fans of all ages. It was a joy to see so many people embracing their love for sci-fi, fantasy, comics, and gaming. The cosplay was on point, with everything from classic Star Trek uniforms to deep cut stuff like Milestone Media armor on display. I had so many great conversations with fellow creators and fans, and the energy was infectious.

Sunday: A Slower Pace but Meaningful Connections

While Sunday was a bit slower in terms of foot traffic, it gave me the chance to have deeper, more meaningful conversations with the people who stopped by my table. We geeked out over everything from the latest Marvel movies to the enduring appeal of indie comics. It was a reminder that these events aren’t just about sales—they’re about building connections and sharing our love for the stories and worlds that inspire us.

The Heart of the Expo: Community

What stood out most about the Atlanta SciFi Expo was the sense of community. After a few years of not doing the event, being back in person felt like a homecoming for some of the people I spoke with. Whether it was chatting with fellow creators, meeting fans, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, the expo was a celebration of the things that bring us together.

Final Thoughts

The Atlanta SciFi Expo was a fantastic experience, and I’m so grateful to have been part of it. From the incredible fan support for *The Theme of Thieves* to the inspiring conversations and the overall sense of camaraderie, it was a weekend I’ll never forget. Thank you again to Tony Cade and Challenges Games and Comics for making it all happen, and to everyone who stopped by to say hello. I hope they decide to continue the event and while we have no idea how long the Northlake Mall will be around at least we know the nerds will show up whenever there is pop culture to support—long live the nerd community!

Until next time, keep creating, keep dreaming, and keep embracing the stories that make us who we are.

- DP

The Theme of Thieves on sale now CLICK HERE!

The Theme of Thieves Issue #1