Monday, March 24, 2014

Planet Comicon

If you asked me a couple years ago to list the things I'd never do, I'm pretty sure that going to a comicon would be up there in the top ten somewhere. Being surrounded by huge crowds of people who are waaaay too into dressing up as fictional characters and mouth-breathing? Pass. So it might surprise you, then, that a couple weeks ago, I found myself on the road to Planet Comicon in Kansas City.

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It really shouldn't surprise you that much, honestly--I think it's well-established at this point that I married a video-game-playin', comic-book-collectin', superhero-lovin' nerd, and I wouldn't change him a bit. I've racked up more than a few nerd points in my time, too, if we're being honest. I mean, Harry Potter will forever be one of my favorite things on earth, I'm currently borderline obsessed with Game of Thrones, and I've been known to read a few comic books myself. (We won't even get into my childhood obsession with Power Rangers--other than to mention that the original blue ranger was at PCC!--and the fact that I definitely had a Ghost Busters themed birthday party as a youngster....) Still, though, I wasn't particularly excited to take my moderate level of nerdery up about ten notches by going to a comic convention.

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You guys, it was so much fun. I can't even tell you. SO. MUCH. FUN.

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Yes, there were costumes (lots and lots of costumes! Please tell me ya'll recognize the Yip Yips up there!), but significantly less mouth-breathing than I imagined. I honestly didn't run into anyone who was rude, or who even took themselves (or their favorite characters) that seriously. Everyone was just having a blast, letting their freak flags fly...or at least enjoying watching other people do it. :)



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We also met and hung out with some amazing folks. One of Tyler's favorite authors (Scott Snyder, for all you fellow nerds) sat down with us an chatted for nearly half an hour while we were eating a late lunch on Friday. Tyler was a little in shock after he left to go sign autographs. :)

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We also spent quite a bit of time with this fine fellow--Rick Stasi. He was the highlight of the whole weekend for me. He did a sketch cover for Tyler, and while he was drawing, invited me back into the booth to watch while we all chatted about everything from psychology to Downton Abbey (right up my alley, I tell ya!). We ended up coming back on Sunday to chat before the show was over, and left with an invitation to get coffee and barbeque whenever we're back in KC.

Needless to say, all of my preconceived notions about comicons went out the window on day one. Everyone we met was friendly and accepting, even of a newbie like me. I thought I would be surrounded by people who were waaay too intense and possessive of their "characters", but who I met was a community of folks who just love to tell stories and make art. I may have found my people, you guys. ;)


And yes, we're already making plans to go back next year. :)

2 comments :

  1. Wow! That does sound like fun! I'm glad you went! :-)

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  2. What a fun experience!! I don't know who Rick Stasi is... but I'm probably going to go google him right now. :)

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