I spent last weekend at New York City Comic Con. It was my ninth year going to this convention, yet despite that, it felt like the very first time. The wonder. The excitement. It still gets me every time.
Just what about it makes it so special?
Here are, in my opinion, the top three reasons why New York City Comic Con is simply amazing.
It's Creative:
First of all, the convention is a huge creative outlet. There are places you can sit and make visual artwork and other crafts. Additonally, there are panels you can attend with industry experts which provide insight and information on writing, publishing, and drawing. You can participate in cosplay (costume) contests where you are judged on different categories. There is even an entire room called Artist Alley where you can meet your favorite comic book artist and view and/purchase original pieces. If you are artistically minded, there is absolutely something for you there to get your hands on.
It's Progressive:
One of my personal favorite aspects of the con is how diverse it is. There are people from all walks of life, and practically every gender, nationality, race, and age group you can imagine. And for the most part, everyone is prety forward thinking and open minded. On Saturday I sat in an 'Intersectional Feminism in Comics' panel that dealt with race and gender fluidity in comic characters and in the people working behind the scenes in the industry. On Sunday I sat in a 'Women in Marvel' panel which highlighted the forward motion that Marvel Studios is moving in with regard to female representation in their comics. There were signs everywhere for the 'Cosplay is not Consent' policy, which protects those in costumes from being touched/groped/harrassed. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
It's Community:
Being a geek is wonderful. But sometimes it can be a little bit of a lonely affair. Whether you're obsessing over a certain tv show, comic book, movie, video game, et cetera, you go to comic con because you are passionate about something. And that something means a lot to you. Sometimes the people in your life may not get that. Going to a convention and being around like minded people is one of the best experiances there is. It doesn't even matter that you may not know them. Sometimes just the act of being around others who love and enjoy the same things you do is simultaneously liberating and comforting. And you never know, you could end up meeting people you become friends with for life. Some of the best people I've ever met were people I met at conventions.
Sure, there are also lots of things you can complain about; long lines and ridiculous prices to name a few. But in reality, the pros most definately outweigh the cons, especially from a woman's standpoint. In a world that is perpetuated by rape culture and the overall dehumanization of women in general, it feels good to have strong female role models (so what if they are only characters in comic books and movies?! That doesn't make them any less influentual!). And if you are lucky enough to meet one of the people who bring that character to life, whether it be an actor or an artist...to be able to go up and say to them, 'thank you, you're an inspiration to me'...that is just a feeling that really just can't be described in words.
So if you have never been to New York Comic Con before, do yourself a favor and go sometime. Treat yourself to one of the most eccentric, entertaining, and fun weekends of your life.
And who knows? Maybe I'll see you there next year.
Live long and prosper.
