Hey y’alls! I recently had the chance to interview Stan Lee’s ‘partner in crime’, the lovely and talented Regina Carpinelli!
I saw her on CNN recently talking about her second convention this September in Los Angeles, and immediately I wanted to chat with her myself!
Regina is the CEO and Founder of Stan Lee’s Comikaze, and we chat about her upcoming Expo, how she got involved with Stan, who she would fight in Fight Club, and she settles a long-running argument for me about the winner of Thor vs. The Green Lantern.
Intrigued?
Regina Carpinelli: Thanks to YOU, I’m actually a huge fan of Vs. Reality; plus, I’ve never met a chick named Blake before-so this is really fun for me.
Blake: So for people who don’t know your background, what prompted you to start your own comic convention in Los Angeles?
Regina: I grew up a huge nerd. As a kid, I’d go out looking for spiders to bite me in hopes that I would turn into Spider-Man. Well, Spider-Woman, at least. San Diego Comic Con was a big deal for me as a kid. One year, I couldn’t get tickets- this was a huge bummer, so I found another show that was (insert so cal city)’s comic con.
Blake: Your inaugural Comikaze Expo in 2011 drew over 40,000 fans, which is incredible! Now that you’ve partnered with Stan Lee and the word is spreading even more, what can people expect from Stan Lee’s Comikaze Expo in September?
Regina: The world can expect their minds to be blown! Stan and I are doing some really special things. I mean, we want to put on an awesome, interactive show. We’re making waves and changing things. I’m so excited for this year!
Blake: The CNN clip I saw of you and Stan called you his ‘partner in crime’. How did the relationship start with him, and how did his company POW! Entertainment get involved with you and Comikaze?
Regina: A lady never kisses and tells… I’m kidding! Stan was the Guest of Honor at my show last year, and apparently he had such a blast and liked what we did, that he and Pow! wanted to get involved. I live my life by very few rules- one of them is always say YES to Stan Lee! He’s the Walt Disney of our Generation. Disney has theme parks, Stan will have conventions under the Comikaze brand.
Blake: I saw on your site that tickets are only $12 and kids get in free. That is pretty awesome… why are the prices so low compared to other Cons?
Regina: It comes down to this: how can one have a consumer show if the people can not consume?
Blake: I love your poster of Stan Lee riding the horse! Who did it, and did you give any direction, or did the artist just ‘go with it’ as far as the concept?
Regina: Oh man. Thank you, I’m a little obsessed with that poster. I came up with that idea! I was inspired by some North Korean Kim Jong Kardashian painting I saw. I felt the painting of Napoleon Crossing the Alps by Jacques-Louis David is a VERY powerful image, and I thought it should be Stan on a My Little Pony-inspired horse (note our logo on the horses flank). Our tag line for the year is SHOCK AND AWESOME, and it is both. Stan LOVES it. The artist is the super-talented Joshua Ballze. I think he’s brilliant, which is why I have him do a lot of our graphics.
Blake: What was the last great movie you saw?
Regina: Showgirls. End of story. Its my bedtime story, pretty much nightly.
Blake: And what was the last great comic you read?
Regina: I read a lot of comics. Every single guest’s work, no matter if they’re a big name, or just getting their start. Currently, I’m way into “Goon” by Eric Powel, Totally in love with Grimm Fairy Tales by Zenescope. RH Stavis’ “Moon Lake” is AMAZING!
Blake: If you could add one rule to Fight Club, what would it be?
Regina: Buy tickets to Stan Lee’s Comikaze Expo!
Blake: Follow-up question: if you could fight anyone – living, dead or fictional – who would it be? And you’re allowed to have super-powers in the fight.
Regina: Lois Lane. She is SUCH a b*tch to Clark Kent. Be nice to that guy!
Blake: Settle a debate that has been raging on my Twitter and Facebook pages: who wins in a battle – Thor or The Green Lantern?
Regina: Aw man. I love both properties. Who isn’t into a little “Thor Play”? I LIVE by the Green Lantern code (for reals, its my mantra). But let’s break it down. Thor is a god; Green Lantern just has a ring. If Thor crushed Hal Jordans hand then Hal would have no powers. Or if Hal pulled a Regina and lost his ring (something I do all the time) then Thor would win. It all depends on how clumsy Hal is with his Ring. So I’ve gotta take the Las Vegas bet and say THOR!
Blake: Thanks for playing along, Regina! Where can people go to get more information about the event?
Regina: Check out our site www.comikazeexpo.com or www.stanleescomikaze.com or Like us on facebook where we are totally hilarious www.facebook/comikazeexpo or twitter @stanleecomikaze.
Blake: Thanks so much! I can’t wait to see you at the event in September!
Regina: Can’t wait! It’s gonna be CRAZY AWESOME!
She really did an amazing job with the first convention. Great interview!
Thanks Robb!!
I can't wait to see her in LA this September!!
Great Interview! Wish I could make it to the Con in Sept! And I had no doubt that Thor would win! YAY!
I hope I can make it there this Sept. it would be great to see you! Very nice interview.
There was never any doubt in my mind that Thor ownz GL (and I have nothing against GL, but really…come on….)
That’s a good interview there you guys, Regina sounds cool, and who doesn’t think Comikaze expo won’t be brilliant. Regina, Blake and STAN LEE for goodness sake. And at that price? If only I could get across the Pond.
And anyone who hasn’t checked out Vs.Reality yet really should.
Great Interview..and as a bonus, THOR wins! YAY
Awesome interview! These were some really random but awesome questions!