Jessie Goodson, Campus Carrier News Editor
Conventions aren’t just for “nerds” or people who watch anime. They’re also for geeks, jocks, kids, teenagers, adults and you.
I’ve been to Dragon Con, the Atlanta-based convention, eight times. That really isn’t that many times compared to a lot of people, but for me, that’s a lot. Over 77,000 people go every year, and with Atlanta only being an hour away, you can too.
Dragon Con isn’t something you’d probably think I’d go to just by looking at me. I wear Birkenstocks and Chacos just like like every other Berry student, and I don’t advertise my nerdy-ness, but I promise, it’s there. If you take the time to get to know me, you’ll soon discover that I love everything about Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica (it’s not just a reference from “The Office,” it’s a really good show), Harry Potter and old science fiction. Let it be known that I also know all there is to know about Superman.
I don’t get dressed up when I go, but I do wear cool t-shirts and take pictures with the people that do. So for those of you that enjoy dressing up, do it. You can be anything you want; it isn’t just limited to typical cosplay characters. You can dress as Kim Possible, Napoleon Dynamite or even a giant t-rex.
With so many people in one place wearing some of the strangest costumes you’ll ever see, you’re bound to get some cool pictures. One time, I got in a group photo with over 50 people dressed as DC characters. Some people just go to cons to people-watch, and that is definitely an option.
The art shows and vendors at conventions are absolutely incredible. The art is breathtaking, and the vendors sell everything from battle maps to swords to purses. Just make sure you limit your funds, because you will spend more than anticipated. There will be a giant keyblade you didn’t know you needed and a goblin that will try to sell you a corset.
My favorite thing about cons is meeting the guests. I have met a range of celebrities over the years, and that’s something that wouldn’t happen very often otherwise. Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter), James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley, Harry Potter), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia, Star Wars), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca, Star Wars), Carlos Valdes (Cisco Ramon, The Flash), Will Friedle (Eric Mathews, Boy Meets World), Lou Ferrigno (The Hulk, the original series) and Michael Rosenbaum (Lex Luthor, Smallville) are only a few.
You won’t just meet stars from science fiction movies and TV shows (but you should be), you may also meet someone from Disney Channel or the Twilight series. Don’t knock something before you try it, and don’t miss the opportunity to lose the power of speech in front of your childhood icon.
Everyone has a favorite superhero and opinion about DC, so go to a convention and share it.