Events and preparations for 2012 NY Comic Con have been set at light speed. This coming October 11-14, thousands of Comic Con enthusiasts will descend upon the Javits Center. One prequel to NYCC was the superhero beer launch party of The Defender. Held at the Brooklyn Brewery, the sold out crowd came thirsty and in costume. As soundtrack favorites played in the background, the nonstop pour and rich amber taste was well received.

The caramel malts and hop aroma packed that distinct powerful punch. “Spawned in deepest Brooklyn” the Brooklyn Defender beer is a perfect storm of orphaned child/radioactive mutation/superhero prodigy. Fun fact: Kevin Smith just mentioned on Face-Off that a perfect superhero has to be an orphan.

Some of the costumed beer goers were Comic Con exhibitors from an animation called 'Life After Pride.' This animated comedy of adult couch taters is the creation of Dan Larusso at http://www.limitbreakstudios.com/. Amanda Cavanna, their marketing VP, was dressed as Kitty Pryde Shadowcat and happily posed with beer in hand.

The limited-edition Defender beer was designed by Sci-Fi aficionado and Brewmaster Garrett Oliver. The Defender superhero was a creation of Tony Millionaire, of the comic strip Maakies and the Sock Monkey series of comics and picture books. New York Comic Con staff had brilliant t-shirts of the Brooklyn Defender with his superhero phrase “Defend Beer.” The logo was created by Milton Glaser, a vintage DC Comics logo designer.

With guest features such as Carrie Fisher, Sean Astin and Anne Rice, this year will be a comic con invasion in NYC. http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/

By Diane Abela (http://dianeabela.com/)