Even as a four year veteran, I will be the first to admit that every year, NY Comic Con is stressful and intimidating. However, for every reason not to go, there a million more reasons I can think of that will hopefully convince you to give the Con a fighting chance.
Despite being called Comic Con, the original convention has evolved into a collaboration between not only comics, but also anime, books, gaming, sci-fi and fantasy television shows. And though every year is only growing bigger and busier, you can be sure that an increase in attendees will only add to the popularity, guests, panels and exhibitions. Guests range from Stan Lee (though this year was his last) to George Clooney and even will.i.am. More guests may mean waiting in queues even longer than usual and I’ll have to warn you ahead of time that early is never early enough, but that just goes to show that the dedication of fans is no joke.
The enthusiasm of fans is infectious and you are guaranteed to meet people who love sharing their passions. Being a true fan means getting rid of the idea that a fan must have been there since the very beginning because believe me when I say that the creator’s goal is to spread their message to as many people as possible. So spread the love. And let me tell you, I really felt the love that Friday night during the Marvel Agents of Shields panel (quick fan girl moment). The magic of a movie theatre is experiencing the live reactions of an entire audience. What makes Comic Con even more of a magical place than a theatre (or TAHITI for that matter) is that these are all hardcore fans from around the world who will react to practically every detail in the show and if that doesn’t hype you up, I don’t know what will.
As a cosplayer, albeit a casual one, I’ll be honest about the certain risks that come with being a girl cosplayer. Regardless of how you are dressed, though that shouldn’t matter, you will get judged. If you don’t try enough, people will think that you clearly don’t care enough either. If you try too hard then people will think that you are doing it for the looks and the attention and question whether you are a true fan or not. So I have learned that I must cosplay for myself. Because cosplaying is wearing your favorite character with a sense of pride. And you should only truly do it for yourself. Even if you don’t cosplay though, there is plenty to appreciate. Every year I practically dedicate an entire day to taking pictures of cosplayers (with their permission of course) because you wouldn’t believe the creativity and skill that goes into creating these costumes.
As a comics fan, I agree that it can at times be a bit frustrating when comics seem less impactful at the Con then other events, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of panels that are chock-filled with hardcore fans. And even if you aren’t a fan of comics, it doesn’t hurt to stop in on them (like Marvel’s Cup of Joe) because you will constantly be finding new and old franchises that just may pique your interest. Likewise, as a fan of many a fantasy/superhero/sci-fi television shows, I constantly find myself discovering other shows that I would never have thought of trying before. Because as awesome and amazing as it is to see and meet your idols in person, it is just as fulfilling to find new works that will most certainly have you coming back next year.
Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind, the first being the wise words of Sherlock Holmes, “do your research.” It’s important to sign up early and subscribe to NYCC’s official website and Facebook because you never know which panels or guests will be featured each year. With the recent expansion, they have even rented out other venues to host exclusives. When it comes to signing up or standing in line, as I’ve said before, early is never early enough. You’d be surprised, but a main panel (crying because it was for Iron Fist) capped before doors even opened. Even if you do make it into a line and have waited for hours for a panel, there are no guarantees as to whether or not you’ll get in for sure. Also, expect to envy children because I never truly appreciated the value of children until I realized that you have a way better chance of getting anything if you either have a child or are one. That doesn’t mean however, that we don’t act like children because we will fangirl/fanboy over everything and yes we will probably empty our wallets in the process. But don’t forget that in funding these artists and creators we are helping to create a whole other generation of masterpieces.
Last, but not least, expect to be constantly surprised because I assure you, you will be. I’ve made friends with people of all ages from around the world. But despite our different origin stories, we unite in our fight for a future full of what we love –together.