Anyway, that is kind of what I thought sci-fi conventions were all about; a bunch of nerdy people, dressed up in outlandish costumes and really needed to get out more or as Shatner put it, “get a life.”
Then it happened, I attended my first con and I was hooked. I love the energy and excitement of the attendees. I love the chance to talk to the actors, get autographs and pictures, and to walk the same halls as some of my childhood heroes. I love meeting new people and connecting with friends. I love listening to the panel discussions and hearing all the background stories we don’t see on screen. I love the costumes and am in awe at the amount of time some of those fans put into making them (although, I admit, I will never show up at a con in a costume. No way, no how).
The first con I attended, my youngest sister and we were sitting on the floor waiting for the next panel to begin, and this man in a miniskirt and fishnet stockings, watched past us and we could see up his skirt. I don’t think my sister and I have laughed so much in our entire life.
Since that first con, I have attended several more across the U.S., some focused on a specific movie, while most focused on science-fiction and fantasy. There are those who believe the cons have lost the original draw – bringing comic book collectors together and they would like to see it go back to less about the media stars and more about the comics. I will probably get in trouble for saying this, but “get a life!” Yep, I am there for the media stars and the fangirl moments!!