Comic Con 2016

Walking Amongst My People For the First Time!

Day One:

The Day as a Lightning Pokémon

Every hour on the hour there were guest speakers and panelists striking up conversation about everything fictitious? From voice over actors in practice to photo shoots with celebrities you were surrounded by like-minded individuals who wanted to gush with others about their interests.

This may come as a surprise to you, but I am a Sailor Moon Fanatic. So my quest at Comic Con was to have a chance to get a picture with Neo Queen Serenity. You may judge, or laugh, or possibly sigh deeply and secretly wish for the opportunity as well. But one day I would so proudly cosplay Neo Queen Serenity and I hope all of you are there to witness.

Making leaps and bounds, I discovered Phoenix Comic Con! I am honored to socialized with some of the worlds’ most amazing people at my day job and they encouraged and persisted I explore the gatherings of my people. They know me and all my faults and yet they encouraged me to participate in this event specially marketed to my kindred of the nerdiest kind.

Here I thought my Sailor Moon worshipping, Table top enthusiast, tea snobbiest me could not, would not, dare me to find another who would understand me. And then there was comic con!

My husband and I had an amazing time of the two days we attended.

I find myself saying this more and more each day.

I do not get out much.

Nothing personal but I would rather grab my bag of licorice and a cast iron tea pot full of the good stuff and dive into Ithicca nestled safely in the comforts of my computer chair.

But when I do venture beyond the borders of my 2 bedroom apartment I tend to discover a world worth being a muse for my own.

To my shock and awe, I could not have been more overwhelmed. They came in hoards with their cosplay. All putting their heart and soul’s to proudly broadcast who they were and what they stood for. Many were super heroes at heart. Purchasing paraphernalia that would decorate their homes. I myself could not resist.

I purchased a Japanese sword, 4 prints of my favorite anime, and small superhero cat pictures that look like my cat, Little Bear.

Today was the day we had been waiting for. The Sailor Moon panel was today and I knew I would get my chance to see Neo Queen Serenity.

It was also the day of the table top board games. A good friend of mine turned me onto board games. I am not talking about an arousing game of Monopoly or a cut throat game of Sorry. I am talking about complex games about haunted houses, surviving a zombie apocalypse, and building the 7 Wonders of the World by waging war and conspiring against opponents.

With strong drink in hand and a competitive spirit I entered the arena ready to table top like no one has ever seen before. And to my surprise there was hundreds.

Some couples with newborns, some still in college, and mostly socially awkward like myself.

We played and played for hours. As the drinks kept coming, I kept playing.

Day Two:

It’s Me, Mario!

I laughed, I role played, and met others like myself. For once I hadn’t wished to be somewhere else, but right here.

Little did I know how strong a drink I was drinking.

To my sadness and utter absent mindedness, I missed the Sailor Moon panel.

I was having such a good time, I had forgotten the mission of the day.

One day I had hoped to invest in a quality cosplay of Neo Queen Serenity. Proudly sporting her spirit as I walked amongst those who would awe and gawk at the time and dedicated I too put in my cosplay. But for a newb like I, I had only hoped that when I asked for a picture, she would pose with me.

The possibility of rejection was there.

It was the end of the event for today and we were on our way to a much needed ride home, when I saw her.

Yes, it was Neo Queen Serenity!

Having waited for this moment in time and space, I pulled out my phone knowing the camera would not fail me.

As I approached, doubt filled my mind.

What if she was tired?

What if I was rejected.

With my husband’s encouragement, I tapped her on the shoulder and asked politely!

“ OMG? It’s Neo Queen Serenity! {Squeals of excitement} Would you plleeaaase take a picture with me?”

The rest is history!

A moment in time I shall never forget, even when I so proudly wear the garb of that of the Queen of Crystal Tokyo!

I went to bed that night starry eyed and accomplished…

Unfortunately, I will have to be more mindful of my strong drink in hand as I woke up several times in the night expelling my insides from such bitter brews.

The next day I was weak and weary from my excursions beyond the borders of Ithicca. Not regretting a single moment. I am pleased to say that I had such a good time, I will be attending them more often than not.

Maybe explore the legends of San Diego Comic Con, venture to Salt Lake City, or decided to check out the event as an author. I found many Sci-Fi and fantasy fiction authors there offering their world to others.