If you happen to find yourself near San Diego this weekend, you should drop by the San Diego Convention Center. Comic-Con, one of the largest and most original conventions of the year, starts today and lasts through Sunday.
But don’t be fooled into thinking that everyone has to dress up as superheroes, and that going in with “normal” clothes would put you out of place. That may have been true in the past, but Comic-Con has evolved into more of a meet-n-greet between comic aficionados, movie fans, and A-list celebrities.
Don’t expect a stuffy experience like other typical conventions either. Comic-Con is all about interaction, such as Q&As with the stars from summer blockbusters like “The Dark Knight Rises” and “The Expendables 2.”
Not an avid moviegoer? There’s still plenty to see at the hundreds of booths and smaller events for popular book series like George R.R. Martin‘s “A Song of Ice and Fire” or Seth Grahame-Smith’s popular novel “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter”.
But if you’re one of those aforementioned comic-book nerds, and you’re concerned that Comic-Con has lost its roots and become another glamorous, red-carpet Hollywood affair, you need not worry. Comic-Con is still a haven for those who avidly follow Spider-man, Batman, and even Aquaman. Whichever do-gooder (or evil nemesis) is your favorite, there will likely be a plethora of merchandise devoted to the classic comic book character. If you feel like going the extra mile to finally make your public appearance as Wonder Woman or Superman, this would be the place to do it. In fact, you’ll blend right in.
So whether out of simple curiosity, or because you love movies, books, shows, or just plain “nerding out” as the obscure Storm Trooper mentioned in issue #12 of “Star Wars“, you’re almost guaranteed to find something to enjoy—and interesting stories to tell your family and friends—at this one-of-a-kind gathering of unique-minded people.
Anne Baye Ericksen is a professional writer who has contributed to Healthcare Traveler since 1996. She resides with her family in Simi Valley, Calif.
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