LA Comic Con Photo Dump!

It should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me that I love Comic Cons  The big one is the International Comic Con in San Diego, which I've attended three or four times, but the truth is, it's gotten so crowded that I no longer really enjoy it.

No, my favorite Con is the Los Angeles Comic Con, which is convenient for me, an Angelino.

If you've never been to a comic convention, the major selling points are the panels, the vendor hall, and the people-watching.

A schedule on the site has a list of panels, up to six every hour, on the hour; because these are in rooms, seating is limited, and many require you to wait in line.  If you can get into two or three panels in a day, consider yourself lucky.

The vendor hall is a huge area that has every geeky product imaginable.  Comics reign supreme, but so does any merch even vaguely related to comics.

Finally, there's the people-watching.  The reason I love LA Comic Con is because it's a very cosplay-heavy event.  Dressing up as a superhero and then going into a magical space where superheroes are everywhere is a total rush for me.  There's a costume contest with a grand prize of about ten thousand, and there are plenty of professionals who come out to show off their skills.  Even if a person isn't into comics, I would say the experience of going to a convention and being around enthusiastic, talented, and passionate people is well worth it.

Without further ado, here are photos and my commentary on one of the best weekends of the years: LA Comic Con, 2018!

Preparation, the night before. 

 

The crew!

Andrew: US Agent

Jack: Hawkeye (Matt Fraction version)

Me: Squirrel Girl (Erica Henderson version)

This is the first year I didn't go as Tony Stark.

 

A big part of Cons is selfies, not gonna lie.

The election is a week away and Andrew, being Andrew, took every opportunity to give people info on voting. 

This is what the lobby looked like.

 Despite the crowds, break-dancing Spider-man is a staple of most Comic Cons.

People always make room for break-dancing Spider-man.

 I loved this Collector!  

My favorite cosplayers are ones who embrace and play up their character, 

and this Collector was hilariously on point.

Another view of the crowd.

 Day 2 preparations.  

I remembered to wear my ears.

 WHERE IS MY SUPERSUIT?!

 This Groot costume is a great example of the level of craftsmanship that goes into some people's work.

 We met up with our friend Joe from D&D.

 The Hulkbuster armor has been to most LA Comic Cons.

It is a major photo op.

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 Look at the expression on Wasp's face!  

That kid means BUSINESS!

 Hawkeye reppin'.

 It's always a joy to meet your character being cosplayed by another person.

 This Hela was one of the best costumes.  

 The first appearance of Squirrel Girl was actually in an Iron Man story!

 Iron Man with Iron Man.

 Lapis, from the TV Show "Steven Universe."

Although ostensibly a "Comic" Con, every fandom gets represented.

If there's a fandom, you'll find cosplayers at LA Comic Con!

 A LEGO Avengers tower.

 Waiting in line for a panel.  Deadpool The Musical 2.

Watch it here.

 Clint and Natasha: the original dream team!

 So here's a panel I was on.  It was the Marvel Movie Bracket panel.

Getting to tell a group of people why Iron Man 1 is the best of all Marvel movies was a dream come true. 

Also I got to show off my Iron Man tattoo.

 I managed to find this (much better and closer) picture on Instagram.

 Rocket Raccoon statue.

In the vendor hall are various props and art pieces,

including (but not limited to) the Ghostbusters car.

 Remember how I said every fandom got represented?

You don't even need a fandom.

Just dress up however the hell you want.

Here's a satyr.

 SHIELD agents just hanging out.

 Is it just me, or is Tony Stark trying to get all those Spidermen to kiss his ring?!

 I believe I met 4 or 5 other Squirrel Girls.  

This kid was my favorite, though!

 My utility belt was filled with nuts.  

Anytime anyone said, "Oh, it's Squirrel Girl!" I would offer them a nut.  

 I believe having a gimmick is an important part of cosplay. 

Don't just look like the character; BE the character!

Most people took a nut when offered.

 Side note: when entering, they check weapons to make sure they're safe.

When I went in, the security guard asked me if I had anything in my belt.

"Nuts?" I said.

"...anything other weapons?"

"Um, the power of squirrels?"

"...I'm gonna keep my eye on you."

 Hey look, it's a pleTHORa of Asgardians!

 I like how characters tend to cluster together.  

Every Tony I saw was usually within hollering distance of another Tony.

By the end of the second day we were exhausted and finding quiet places to rest and just watch the Con go by.

THIS IS WHY SQUIRREL GIRL IS UNBEATABLE!

LA Comic Con is one of my favorite events and this year was a particularly awesome one.  It's only one weekend and always a bit of a whirlwind.  For another view of my experience, check out Jack's blog where he, too, has a photo dump from Comic Con weekend.  The pictures can't capture the child-like wonder and positive energy of this event, but I hope they at least suggest it.