On the first reading, this seemed like an excerpt from one of my nightmares about having to spend time with fanboys again. Second reading left me with a more pleasant impression. Given the opportunity to attend, I likely would have passed. But I'm glad you went, and took the time to describe it.

I'm not sure about the visual parallels between Blake and Kirby... but I haven't seen Kirby's work in years (and I doubt that googling will be much help in forming an opinion). The Urizen glossary you linked to is very useful.