I went to my second comic-con ever today, and it was quite enjoyable, which I thought I would mention in case you’re interested and wondering whether to go.
Not that the opinion of someone who’s only been to one of these before should count for much, but I had something nice to say about it, so I figure I’d say it. What I’m talking about is the Central Carolina Comic Con, which is going on at the state fairgrounds this weekend.
I had a good time, which among other things means it wasn’t too crowded. But attendance was respectable, which is good since this was the first year for this particular event. At least, I think I remember hearing that. Again, I’m no expert.
Personally, if I go to such events in the future — and I probably will — I hope they’re like this one. I think I would find San Diego a bit much. This one had sort of a Goldilocks level (not too much, not too little) of pop culture celebs; cosplay enthusiasts (including a huge proportion of young wannabe Harley Quinns); vendors of posters, stickers, refrigerator magnets and all sorts of plastic or foam fantasy weapons. And a very respectable percentage of the kiosks were devoted to straightforward, out-and-out vintage comic books — which to me is what this sort of event should be about.
Comics — what it should all be about, if you ask me.
The theme was … well, let’s just say there was a sort of Marvel-D.C.-Harry Potter-Walking Dead-Ghostbuster-manga-Star Wars-Star Trek-Lego character vibe going on. And General Lee from “The Dukes of Hazzard.” You know, eclectic.
I had four all-day passes — for myself, a son, a grandson and a granddaughter for Saturday. The same sort of pass is available, I believe, if you’d like to attend on Sunday the 12th. And if you’re worried about getting hungry at an all-day affair (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.), there were foodtrucks parked outside.
Mid-range pop culture figures met fans at tables about the periphery…
My only previous experience at such an event was at the Columbia convention center in 2018. It was for work. James and Mandy were circulating in the crowd, just as they did at, say, Gamecock tailgating, and I was along to shoot pictures and tweet them out.
The moment I remember best was when they visited with Mike “Luke Cage” Colter, which I documented — being on the spot while it’s hot, and first with the burst, as always.
Good times….
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