Yep, Vader is going to be at Pittsburgh this year. I heard he's really tall. Ever notice that everyone in Star Wars is either really short or really tall? I got to hug Chewie once and Darth Maul is a shorty but way scary in real life.
Pittsburgh Comicon is my favorite con by far. Not too big for it's britches but not small either. It's also very Independent friendly, which is good for those of us out there pushing out our stuff all by our lonesomes.
Renee is awesome and she's kept the con going despite some serious crap going down in her life. I am rooting for her husband. I think he's been terribly wronged.
Now that you mention it, I do realize it. I knew Maul was itsy, and always assumed Chewie was too, but I've never seen either of them outside of the internet. Definitely seems like something worth attending.
I've only gone to a couple cons, ACen being one, and it's huge, and this little dinky one called Ikasucon. I did notice that the smaller cons seem to be more independent friendly, to use your wording. Though, those are both anime cons, and therefore not the same thing at all. So, this comicon might be something I need to pop in on.
I don't know anything about her, or her husband, but I hope things turn out alright, whatever they are. Anyone who shows strength during times of great stress get my unwavering respect. For what it's worth.