The Student Newspaper of Highline College

Severiano Garcia/THUNDERWORD

Members of the 405th Infantry Division posing for pictures in full cosplay.

Social conventions at comic convention

Severiano Garcia Staff Reporter Mar 09, 2023

Emerald City Comic Con gives Puget Sound community members the opportunity to gather and celebrate their favorite media and artists.

There are several iterations of Comic Con hosted throughout the nation, but the Emerald City Comic Con is held at the Seattle Convention Center. The convention center has five floors, some of which have open floors filled with different booths, and other floors have rooms with panels and presentations. 

Severiano Garcia/THUNDERWORD

A big inflatable Cookie Monster from Sesame Street’s Mecha Bilders.

Artists from around the country gather to meet fans and make new ones at these conventions. From comic book artists and writers to novel authors and illustrators, and even celebrities from movies and shows, any form of entertainment media can be celebrated at Comic Con.

Some people in the community gather to form groups dedicated to their favorite series. Even gaming communities have a place at Comic Con. The 405th Infantry Division is one such community that builds props and costumes from the Halo video game universe. 

“My favorite part would have to be the cosplay,” said Jaylon Proctor, a two time Comic Con attendee. “I don’t have the skill or guts to cosplay myself, but the sort of creativity I see from people sometimes blows me away.” 

“It shows me what kind of content people enjoy just by seeing the character they bring to life,” he added.

Vendors with relevant products can also claim a booth at the convention. For example, some artists sell prints of famous characters from video game series like Genshin Impact and The Legend of Zelda. 

But what is being sold isn’t limited to arts and prints. Entrepreneurs like those from Omni Gaming also attend to push their newest product, designed to improve the tabletop gaming experience. The Dice Deck allows players to store their dice in a way that prevents them from scuffing each other up and allows them to be neatly organized in stackable containers.

“My favorite part of the event was the vendors, shops, and exhibitors,” said Elijah Moreno, another experienced convention attendee. “There was a little bit of everything for everyone and I was able to get some things I would’ve never thought to get outside of Comic Con.”

Severiano Garcia/THUNDERWORD

The exhibition floor, where merchants gather to sell their goods.

“I recommend going around to all the vendors, shops, and exhibitors at least once before buying anything, because cost can really start to add up,” he said.

“You might see something you like a lot more later on or just have second thoughts on something you almost bought,” he added.

There is so much to look at during Comic Con, that some people may find it intimidating, or they feel that they may not have enough time, said Adrian Moreno, another experienced convention goer.

“I think the biggest obstacle I’ve seen from people trying to go is always just finding a time to go,” he said. “But the good thing is that it has multiple days and is all day long, which gives people plenty of time. 

“Even if it’s not for all day, I think even going for just a bit of time to see what it’s like and get a feel of the people and setting it will definitely make you want to make time to go to get to experience the whole thing,” he said.

“I think the main thing I would tell someone who is interested in going but is hesitant would be to not worry because everyone there is very welcoming and is there to see everyone’s passions. No matter if it be comics, anime, action movies, or video games,” he added. 

This sense of community is a big part of what makes Comic Con a unique experience to many.

“My favorite part of Comic Con would have to be the community,” said Proctor. “I was raised around the sort of people that show up to Comic Con, and I like being around people who are passionate about the same things that I am every once in a while,” he said.

“Definitely my favorite part of the convention is the way it’s able to bring people together with similar interests without judgment,” said Adrian Moreno. “Also allowing people to show their creativity and inspiration creates a great atmosphere to be around,” he added.

“People who might be hesitant to go to comic con just need a slight push. I would tell them that their favorite characters would be there as well as share my best experience. There is a little something for everyone at Comic Con,” said Proctor.

Tag cloud
Highline Soccer Social distance Bookstore Holiday Pandemic ASHC students Tennis Floyd Star Trek T-Birds Mental health Poetry NWAC Budget COVID-19 Enrollment online Library Vote MLK Graduation Zoom Accreditation Sound Transit Community Election Thanksgiving spring Dr. Mosby Healthcare ctcLink Golf Foundation BAT Basketball Tutors Scholarships Reopening in-person Winter Coronavirus Arcturus Fall