Dragon*Con: Come along on a fantastic voyage

With precisely 1,605 hours of programming spread across four days of intense sci-fi, fantasy and pop culture indulgence, it can be tricky trying to decide if you’re going to investigate panels about paranormal interests or podcasting, “Star Wars” or Tolkien’s Middle Earth.

Then there are the costume contests and parades and hunting for autographs and shopping in the exhibition halls.

It’s no wonder that the 25th staging of Dragon*Con is spread among five downtown Atlanta hotels and expected to attract more than 40,000 people into its sizable lair Sept. 2-5.

But the worldwide appeal of Atlanta’s own fantasy-fest is shockingly simple.

“We’re a fan-driven, fan-run event. We’re not worried about corporate sponsorship. When guests come, they come to enjoy the party atmosphere. It’s a family-friendly atmosphere from sunrise to evening and a much more festive party for mature adults later into the night,” said Dan Carroll, media relations director for Dragon*Con.

So, don your Stormtrooper helmet and buckle in for this zip through some highlights of this year’s event.

Who you can see

This year’s guest list includes beloved icons such as Carrie Fisher, William Shatner, Loni Anderson, Stan Lee, Elvira, Julie Benz, Edward James Olmos, Beau Bridges and Lou Ferrigno. And then there are sci-fi stalwarts including Wil Wheaton, Erin Gray, Kate Mulgrew, Bruce Boxleitner and Peter Mayhew. Check out www.dragoncon.org for the full – and lengthy – list.

Autographs

On average, $20 will get you a scribble from folks deemed “fan favorites,” those whose names might not be immediately recognizable to casual sci-fi and comic book fans, but who give a certain faction of attendees sweaty palms. Other names, such as Shatner and Olmos, will likely run in the $60 range. Photos are free with autographs and fans can also bring their own items to be signed.

The Parade

The 10th anniversary of the Dragon*Con Parade is already such a popular must-do that organizers are nixing on-site registration this year. Why? Because 3,200 Jedi warriors, dragons, X-Men, Batgirls and aliens have already registered -- the first year, fewer than 1,000 people participated -- and there isn’t any more room.

The mile-long stroll at 10 a.m. on Sept. 3 will also include about 40 vehicles, mostly classic cars associated with TV shows or modified for sci-fi purposes. If you plan to skirt the parade, be aware that Peachtree Road will be closed from Baker Street to Woodruff Park from about 8-11 a.m. that day. Local attendees are encouraged to take MARTA.

Music

More than 40 bands will perform throughout the event, including a special performance by Jefferson Starship of “Blade Runner Against the Empire,” a mash-up of its “Blows Against the Empire” album and the Vangelis score for “Blade Runner.” The concert, at 11:30 p.m. Sept. 3, also features multimedia. The band will perform a more traditional set of hits starting just before midnight Sept. 4.

Shopping

Dragon*Con organizers boast of their five football fields worth of shopping, including two colossal ballrooms at the Marriott for the exhibition halls and the basement of the hotel for the dealers hall. The difference? The exhibition halls are filled with major corporate entities, including publishing houses and T-shirt manufacturers, while the dealers are usually independent and proffer wares such as collectible lunchboxes and “Star Wars” toys.

What’s new

• Prepare to download an app for Android and iPhones to peruse the "pocket program," which will provide times and locations for panels and other programming.

• This is the first year of the Comic Book Babes Contest, which is, said Carroll, about the allure of the costume. "It's looking for something that brings out the character. That's important," he said. "You have to have a quality costume and you'll be judged on how interesting you are and, quite frankly, how much of a babe you are in the costume." He also points out that 50 percent of Dragon*Con visitors are women, most of them professionals who don't get to, say, don a Slave (Princess) Leia costume every day.

• For the 25th anniversary of the event, a "Masked Ball" will be held at 10 p.m. Sept. 2 to celebrate. Masks are required and The Ghosts Project will perform.

• There is a new programming "track" this year called Kaleidoscope, which will target 9-13-year-olds and focus on shows such as "iCarly" and "Spongebob Squarepants." Ernest Borgnine will be on hand to talk about "Spongebob." Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent.