Last July, I blabbered on about how Jason and I would most likely not be attending San Diego Comic-Con again for many reasons. Yet, here I am posting about this year’s trip to that most wretched hive of stink and nerdery. However, my predictions about not attending were practically as correct as they were incorrect because we only half conned it. Here’s how we ended up part-time conventioneers.

It seemed the will of Odin that we attend Comic-Con this year. The portals of all nine realms really were aligned perfectly. We again acquired those elusive four-day passes and, even more astonishing, we won convenient yet normal-priced accommodations. Yes, we procured one of the few rooms Comic-Con forces hotels to offer attendees at regular price. Attaining one of these rooms requires winning a lottery known as Hotel Apocalypse. They are nearly impossible to get but provide the illusion of con affordability.

Our lodgings were directly across the street from the convention center and we got upgraded to a terraced loft, one of the biggest quarters offered by our hotel, because nothing else was available when we arrived. Just to put things in perspective, our whole trip, including airfare, set us back about the same amount that one night usually costs us at Comic-Con.

The only downside to these magical accommodations was that after two nights they turned back into a pumpkin. We were cool only spending two nights in San Diego though because too much Comic-Con is a lot like a dose of Mirakuru. Even if it doesn’t make you bleed from your eyeballs, it will decrease your self-control and multiply your aggression. That’s how you end up with 13 different Doctor Who t-shirts and getting in a fight over a Pinkie Pie exclusive.

Although the process of getting tickets and a hotel was not laidback, we definitely enjoyed this con in a laidback fashion. Meaning, we didn’t get our spandex in a twist about getting into panels or events. But, with minimal waiting, we still made it into some awesome sessions like Rotten Tomatoes Critics vs. Fans, Pride Prejudice and Zombies, Patient Zero, Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight, Warner Bros. TV and DC Entertainment: Superhero Saturday Night, and Food Network’s Chef Duff Goldman. We heard from darlings like Matt Smith, Stephen Amell, John Barrowman and Grant Gustin, along with non-darlings like Quentin Tarantino. We also watched the premier of the new Supergirl series. Incidentally, Supergirl seems like a good gig for families. Since we didn’t waste time waiting in line, we could spend more time spending money in the exhibit hall.

Speaking of the exhibit hall, my favorite thing about Comic-Con this year was interacting with artists, celebrities, swordsmiths and enthusiastic vendors. We chatted extensively with these folks on the exhibit hall floor and after panels. Trust me, the life of someone that forges blades or designs steampunk monster posters for a living is a fascinating one.

Despite my reluctance to again take on the Hungarian Horntail of nerdy conventions, Jason and I had a good time at San Diego Comic-Con this year. I’d say we won’t be attending next year but maybe that’s about as believable as a Nazgul claiming he won’t be doing the bidding of the One Ring anymore.