Jason and I recently attended Salt Lake Comic Con FanXperience. The frequency at which we go to events like this may have you thinking that we are clearly deranged or it may have you feeling superior in your non-con-attending coolness. I assure you, we are crazier than you are cool and, frankly, we aren’t that crazy. Allow me to elaborate.
People attend “nerdy” conventions for all sorts of reasons and most of them don’t involve a communicator and a cube of butter. If you haven’t gone to one yourself, you should give it a shot and here’s why:
- Connection.
Where else can you congregate with other fans of your favorite TV show, cartoon, movie, videogame, or book series? Don’t lie, I know you have one.
- It’s cool.
Being a diehard nerd wasn’t always cool. I was one long before it was en vogue. However, for those of you that need the world’s permission to geek out, you now have it. Superfans outnumber sports fans these days. Those that wouldn’t be caught dead at one of “those conventions” are in the minority and clearly have delusions about their degree of refinement.
- Cosplay.
Whether you fancy becoming a Borg or just like to admire the slave Leias, the cosplay at these cons can be quite amusing. You can’t help but be impressed by the creative and elaborate ways people pay homage to their most beloved characters and genres.
- Celebrities.
I’m no celebrity stalker. Celebrities aren’t magical; they’re just flawed people like the rest of us. However, interacting with some of your favs from the big or small screens can be rather fun. At FanX this time we met Tom Felton, Nichelle Nichols, Paul Wesley, Felicia Day, Ralph Macchio, Anthony Michael Hall, Matt Smith, Billie Piper, and Karen Gillan. Nichelle Nichols, Billie Piper, and Felicia Day were particularly nice but we didn’t have a bad experience with any of the lot.
- Curiosity.
Never been to one of these affairs before? You never know what you might be missing.
- Merchandise.
You will find innumerable magnificent collectibles and unique originals at these cons. Trust me, you won’t walk away empty handed. I found a handmade chocolate-caramel sonic screwdriver this year; it was audibly delicious.
- Knowledge.
Interested in publishing your own book or learning how to fight like a Jedi? This is your chance.
My fellow Utahans, Salt Lake Comic Con returns in September and FantasyCon reappears in 2016. Don’t let your “I’m too cool for my shirt” attitude stop you from checking out these events. You may find that your shirt is a lot cooler than you think.