About a year ago, someone close to me who we'll just call… I dunno "Pat," outed me as a nerd in some silly blog that he writes. (If you've met me at all, this shouldn't come as a shock.) The entry described my preparations for the annual Geek-a-palooza known as the San Diego Comic Con. Yes, you may scoff and imagine a bunch of dorks in their parents' basements, looking at old comics on a folding table, but I'm taking this Summer Friday to disprove such myths before the 2008 SDCC takes place next week on July 24-27. (And no I'm not going this year, but if someone out there wants to sponsor me as a Make A Wish Child, I am willing to do dirty, horrible, depraved things to get there. Seriously, ask Pat for my contact info).MYTH #1: "Only Nerds Go To Comic Con"
While, for the most part, this may be true (I always say I feel better about myself after going to Comic Con), Comic Con has evolved into a gathering celebrating a variety of pop culture. Comics aside, you can find booths dedicated to video games, film and television, and anything collectible really. This draws in a broader demographic than you'd think- granted the majority is made of geeks, but whatever! Shut up. For instance last year my best friend, who doesn't read comics, went because she wanted to see celebrities. Yes, big names such as Angelina Jolie, Jessica Alba, and Steve Carrell have attended (Personally I'm still holding out for Britney or at least the sextuplets from Jon and Kate Plus 8). Bottom line, over 125,000 people went last year. At least one of them could be someone you know and love…
MYTH #2: "Comic Con Takes Place In A Hotel Lobby"
Unlike some pathetic imitators (I'm talking to you New York Comic Con), the SDCC fills the San Diego Convention Center to capacity. It's the largest dork convention of them all. I can only describe what goes on in it like visiting Disneyland. On top of that, it's set in the Gaslamp District of San Diego, known for it's great restaurants and nightlife. For this week and this week only, you can go to the hottest club dressed as a Stormtrooper and cut in front of scantily-clad women. Seriously, they have signs that say, "The force is strong in this club," or "Serving drinks only Superman could handle." (EDITOR'S NOTE FROM PAT: I gagged a little.)
MYTH #3: "I'm Not A Nerd. Comic Con Doesn't Affect Me"
WRONG! TV Shows like Heroes and Lost debuted their uncut pilots here, to the fervor of fanboys everywhere. Millions of viewers later heard the buzz and set their TiVos. 300 and Iron Man both released exclusive teaser trailers, which again generated buzz, and made millions of dollars for the movie studios. Beyond Hollywood, the rest of the world has taken notice of the impact of Comic Con. When I got back from the Con last year, my theater friends bombarded me with questions about Sweeney Todd at Comic Con. (Sorry guys. Something tells me Mamma Mia! won't be presenting anything this year).
At the end of the day, the San Diego Comic Con probably is made for nerds, but I don't care how cool you are. Even if you have a twinge of nerdiness in you, I say embrace it, and if you have the means, attend Comic Con. (Or at least pay attention to the news coverage telling you how next year's Watchmen movie is going to kick ass!)
If you have something you'd like to write about just let me know, and you might be the next Summer Friday blogger!
Related Things:
- Read all the Summer Friday entries