A Year of Cons

Luis takes in NYCC 2016 with his arm in a sling

Madeline Strum Photography

A YEAR OF CONS

Here at the Dubbs, we love conventions.In 2016 we went to a plethora of them, starting in February at PlayFair (legitamately one of the coldest days I’ve ever experienced) and wrapping things up in November at New Jersey Comic Expo.

I think my favorite part of comic cons is the judgement-free atmosphere. I’ve had friends tell me they hide their comic books on the train because they’re embarrassed about reading kids’ books. I’ve had friends who sneak action figures home so no one knows what they are collecting.

Whatever your particular brand of geek is, there is a larger likeminded community waiting to embrace you at a convention. Cosplayers of all skill levels, shapes, sizes, and colors stop each other to offer compliments, words of encouragement, or to simply take a picture. Comic writers and artists who were probably once outcasts are the veritable rock stars of the show. They get to meet fans, share stories of their beginnings, favorite characters and best practices. If you’re in search of collectibles, they are everywhere. Show floors are generally littered with so many vendors that your wallet will scream at you.

All of this is to say, that no matter what you passion is, a comic convention is the one place where you don’t have to be ashamed to fly your geek flag. No one is judging you. In fact they just might be thinking you are awesome and that they have so much in common with you.

We captured as much joy as we could. Be sure to visit youtube.com/user/ MadelineLikesVideo to see it all. —Luis