My First Ever Comic Con

Last weekend I went to my first ever Comic Con. I'm sure you are aware that Comic Con is a comic book convention celebrating comic book culture. The first official comic book convention took place in New York in 1964 and was called New York Comicon. The largest and best Comic Con today is San Diego Comic-Con International. This is my experience of MCM Comic Con Scotland:

Stalls

There were more than a hundred different stalls at Comic Con selling loads of unique items and some weird ones as well. I laughed when I saw a giant Black Pink (Japanese boy band) stall which one of my friends would have loved. My Comic Con haul was a Captain America Funko Pop and Batman Year One written by Frank Miller. 

Comic Con haul.

Talks

I only attended one talk whilst I was at Comic Con, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The Comic Creative Process with J.M. Dematteis [Spider-Man: Kraven's Last Hunt and co-creator of Spider-Man 2099] and Rick Leonardi [The Uncanny X-Men, The New Mutants, Spider-Man 2099, Nightwing and Batgirl.] Leonardi also designed Spider-Man's symbiote suit in 1984. I found it very interesting listening to both guests as they talked about how they create comics, how comics have changed over the years and how they were both holding their chin in their publicity photos. Leonardi explained "Comics are now like focus groups. Test areas for potential franchises that can be exploited as a movie downstream." Dematteis also commented "Social media has allowed us to drop the wall between creator and the audience."

The Comic Creative Process with J.M. Dematteis (left) and Rick Leonardi (centre).

Cosplay

I have always regarded myself as somewhat of a comic book nerd, but after Comic Con I now realise I am not as much of a nerd as I previously thought. Some of the costumes were so obscure that I didn't know who they were and cosplayers took great pride and enjoyment in exposing other's lack of knowledge. Some of the costumes were rubbish, but a few costumes, like Mysterio and the entire Star Wars fanbase were impressive. The most common costumes were Deadpool and Spider Man. 

An example of a good costume.

PlayStation VR

Finally there was a PlayStation VR exhibit at Comic Con and I tried two very different VR games, Everybody's Golf VR and Beat Saber. I have to say I was shocking at Everybody's Golf VR but a lot better at the crowd favourite, Beat Saber and soon enough was stringing together good combos.

Beat Saber.

Overall I had a great time at Comic Con and would love to go back again next year. And who knows some time in the future, San Diego Comic-Con?