Forum Fantastico Day One

Headed over to the university yesterday for my first panel, a Marvel panel, a la Cup O' Joe. The panel right before mine was a Q&A with the lead singer/songwriter of Portugal's most popular metal band, Moonspell. I guess he's a very highly educated guy with a few philosophy degrees and the band is known for their intellectual lyrics about Lovecraft, Tolkien, and all kinds of other literary references, which is what he was there discussing. Once I took the stage, I didn't know what to expect, and was actually a little nervous, but it turned into a very interesting panel as the Portuguese fans asked all kinds of questions about art, continuity, characters ages, rumors and Cap's death. Felt just like a panel I would do at a con back home, so I guess wherever you go, fans are fans. I thought it went well and hope the people who came and particpated had as much fun as I did.


After that, it was portfolio review time, and I looked at the work of about maybe 12 Portuguese artists. There was a wide mix of styles and ability, but two people really stood out. It really reinforces my belief that there is so much untapped talent here just waiting to be discovered.


After the con, which ended at about 10PM, we all headed out for dinner and I finally had Bacalhau, traditional Portuguese salted cod fish. It was amazing!! Accompanied by "punched" potatoes and black-eyed peas with onion and cilantro, it was a meal to die for! We also had linguica to start us off, and Sagres beer to wash it all down, which only added to the experience!


About nine of us headed down to Lisbon's party district, Barrio Alto, after that... and when they say party, they mean PARTY! It was unlike anything I've ever seen, just people hanging out and drinking in the streets across three or four blocks. Great caprihnas, cool people, good times! Pics and stories of our late night adventures soon...