
I feel like I earned a special Geek Badge or something. I even went in costume, which is an additional badge.
We really need merit badges for Geekdom.
Anyway, because it was my first attempt and I tend to have issues with crowds...I only bought a single day ticket and stayed for 4-ish hours.
It. Was. Awesome.
Even in just those few hours, I had more fun and felt more comfortable than I did when I attended Beachbody Summit a few years ago.
Like I said on Facebook: These are my people!
Whether you were decked out in street clothes, a geeky shirt, or full costume, you could look around and find a hundred people just like you. With over 85,000 people in attendance, you weren't alone in your nerdy desires.
When I saw the decked out Impala (modeled after Baby in Supernatural) I didn't think anyone would judge the squealing noise I made or my big grin while snapping pictures.
To be geeks! To find people that enjoy the things we enjoy. To learn from the pros on costume making, writing, etc...
To be ourselves.
I got several compliments on my simple costume. It made my DAY when I walked in to registration and someone walking out greeted me with "Hey, Cas!" (my character's name)
In just a few hours, I got to relax (as much as I could running around to panels and trying to make my way through the massive exhibitor hall)
Because in those few hours, I didn't feel judged.
Don't get me wrong, I don't care as much as I used to about what people think. But there are still times when I'll dampen my enthusiasm for a certain TV show or movie because no one else is as excited as I am. At Comicon? Everyone is excited about their favorite geeky venture. EVERYONE. You don't spend money on tickets, merchandise, photo-ops, autographs, etc unless you love it.
I'm already planning my cosplay for next year. I told my husband that I'm going all 4 days and would love if he came with me but I'm fine going alone. (Which is HUGE for this socially anxious introvert)
I'm also going to start a "Comicon fund" so I can have money for autographs, photo-ops, and various merchandise. (The people that publish the graphic novel I love were there! I wanted a signed SOMETHING but didn't have the cash)
Mostly, I'm already looking forward to having 4 days of being able to let my geek flag fly and not get side-eyes or eye rolls because of it.