Now, don’t let the title above deceive you — I’ve attended my fair share of conventions in the past. Ranging from Emerald Con to Tropic Con, I know the costs, the trials and tribulations, the aching feet, and the last-second cosplays. But, New York City Comic Con was my first real huge convention where I went all out in terms of budget for both my cosplay and spending funds. There were a variety of factors that fueled my excitement. It was a huge building filled with cosplayers, celebrities, artists, and extremely sweaty nerds.

 

I won’t be focusing on the smell or the amount of money I spent (just safely assume the number is in the hundreds), but rather on the factors that drew me in. Let’s get the obvious out of the way: Artist Alley – the main reason to go to any convention, at least for me. I’m a sucker for original artwork, whether it’s someone’s original character, fan art for my favorite franchise, or even the chance to connect with another artist on a one-to-one level. Now, imagine my disappointment when said Artist Alley is practically in the basement of the building and smaller than the exhibitor hall. I’m talking several rooms smaller. That didn’t stop me from buying a bag's worth of posters, keychains, stickers, and a plush pillow, but I have my right to complain. Besides, the best spot in the convention was the celebrities.

 

Oh, the celebrities.

 

It’s no surprise that I’m a huge fan of Baldur's Gate 3. When I heard Neil Newbon, Jennifer English, Devora Wilde, and Aliona Baranova were going to be there (and the cast of Futurama), to say I was ecstatic would be an understatement. I’ve talked about the two franchises for a full year, and still don’t stop. Unfortunately, I only had the opportunity and funds to take a photo with Neil Newbon (thanks to Isabella as she grabbed the photo op). John Dimaggio was just out of reach by a humongous line that most likely wouldn’t be cleared for several days and the other Baldur’s gate members terrified me to talk. (They had zero lines thanks to Neil’s entire existence taking up all queues.) I left with a photo and a fond memory.

 

I, unfortunately, can’t share the quote from that memory or Bella will have my head.

 

Moving on from horrifying social interaction and minuscule artist selections, we have the vendor hall. 

 

Oh, the vendor hall. 

 

The most overwhelming portion of the entire convention. Cosplayers brushing shoulder to shoulder – my tail (as I cosplayed as a tiefling from D&D. . . nerd) was continuously being stepped on or caught on my boot. The nonsensical and never-ending chatter. There was overpriced merchandise from invading companies and I didn’t get a single thing. (Damn you scalpers!) And, the Funko booth ran out of reservation spots. But, despite all those factors. . .

 

I still don’t have a good thing to say about that section of the con.

 

But that’s okay! I still managed to have fun, eat an overpriced pretzel, and find portions of the exhibition hall that catered to me. The only portion of the convention that will never cater to me is the existence of the escalators. My cape and tail were almost the end of me on numerous occasions. 

 

My possible death aside, NYCC was a fantastic experience that I hope to enjoy again next year. I had the unfortunate luck of attending on a Sunday and forgetting the panels and fan meet-ups existed, but this entire experience is one to learn from. I hope my next few conventions are as fruitful, and don’t end with me eating at an Applebee’s with half my cosplay and make-up still on... or maybe I do. However, I do enjoy their Shirley Temples and the memories I made with my dad and friends.