Does anyone really comprehend what a convention is without actually going to one? NOPE. Not possible. I've been going to conventions for years now and are more excited to go now than ever. It's the best experience for those that like to shop, walk, and gather with others of like minds. This is something that I started going to years ago and fell in love with and guess what? I'm not a big comic book person. You don't have to know all about comics to understand these people. They are everyone and everything that I always loved about people because they express their differences out loud and there is nothing better than that. First, I will start with the gamers. Those that love videogames and have been playing them for years like myself there is a place for you! Down the many halls are creators, editors, and people that designed their own videogames. They are just sitting in their little booth waiting for you to walk by so they can start talking to you and usually hand you a free copy of their new comic book series or regular book series. This is excitement that I haven't felt since the pre-pandemic days....
I hear people say it's not my thing. Okay but are movies your thing or boardgames? Do you like anything in current pop culture? Guaranteed it will even minimally be represented here. My first convention was Horror-hound in Ohio. I walked into see Tom Savini walking into the lobby to go back to his table. Then I followed and got pictures with him that made my father jealous. I met some of the people that produced the Jason horror movies and more! If movies are your think you might want to look up the list of celebrities that will be in attendance to an up-and-coming event. I met Anthony Michael Hall and James Marsters.
I will never forget this moment because he was so nice! I just finished Stephen Kings Dead Zone Tv Series. I was crazy and he was so great!
There is fun to be had all around. Are you a music person? How about a drawing person? There is something that I have seen in all of the events and that is what they call artists alley. Its several rows almost as much as the main events worth of people that draw professionally. These amazingly talented people draw everything from small requests to their own comic book characters. Once my hubby even got a picture of us drawn so its unique to just us. We even dabbled in cosplay which means dressing up to be like your favorite characters or as close as possible. It wasn't all the time but when we did it was awesome.
Like drinking? Is that even a real question? The ones in INDY that we go do have a small Bar booth in the center and if you get one of the stainless-steel beer mug you get a few free refills. Its very medieval times. Its heavy and then filled with beer. There are booths that you will walk by and they will and you and energy shot. One of the 5 hour deals. Just incase you weren't awake and excited enough they like to keep that going all weekend. If any of you know who James Marsters is he played Spike on the tv hit show Buffy and many more roles in Warehouse 13, Supernatural and others. My then boyfriend now husband embarrassed the crap out of me telling James that I did not go to the convention for anything but him. I died and almost killed my now husband. Lets just say it was memorable. And I figured it out James incase you read this... You didn't look at me because I'm a little brunette with my head bopping all around was dangerous and didn't even know it. You shook my husbands hand but never directly looked at me. Got you!
Moving forward this convention is about so much more than comic books! It's about the individuality and skill of each person that decided to costume up and go for it. It's the only time that you can walk into a room and be greeted by Hell boy, Soldier 76, and some Chinese anime. Even the worse looking horror villains are the nicest people and are willing to take photos which make all around feel special. When someone asked for my picture, I was a celebrity for a few hours, and it was amazing! There is no real explanation for the feeling that I got when I met these awesome people and got to see their talents close up!
There are million things to buy if you are a shopper! Necklaces and trinkets from everything vintage and steampunk to talismans from your favorite movies and tv shows. Small statues of dragons at one booth to look to your left and see full stainless-steel Samuri swords. Prop weapons and even some serious swords will be there as well as the people that know how to use them.
Portraits are another thing. You can get a portrait with any background and any theme. You can even take yourself as a full-on cosplayer and make a mini replica statue of yourself to take home and a mini you, the superhero! The activities and option for a person to choose from are immense and would not think that I have lived a full life if I didn't go to every chance I get. I'm not yet able to go to a Supernatural Conn but hopes are always high that someday I will be able to go. If you like this article or have been to a Conn you know exactly what I am talking about and if you haven't, I suggest you do. It will be one of the most entertaining and fun experience that you will ever have. I have and I highly recommend it! If not for my husband, I would have never known the fun I was missing.
About the Creator
Linda Stanfill
I’m not what you expect but that has always been my best trait! I’m in the middle of a massive book undertaking and I’m trying pieces out here to see if it will be accepted! Like something??? Please let me know!
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