Comic Con - The Fan-People

SpinePuncher and I arrived back in our godforsaken Midwestern province after 4.5 days at Comic Con in San Diego. During our time there, we had wacky adventures, discovered there are Starbucks in California, and rode the trolley (which we dubbed 'Trolley Sheen' in an unexpected bit of cleverness). I also annoyed the hell out of SpinePuncher because I was in fine form....sort of like a English barrister hepped on the vibe, sugar, and sea salt. Screw the toast, pass the strumpets. Yeah, apologies for the puns. All in all, a good time was had!!

The con was an interesting beast....childhood innocence, fantasy, and dreams mixed with more adult desires, rank commercialism, and competition. I particularly enjoyed seeing the hardcore fans who dressed up, who took the time and effort to pay homage to characters that mean something to them, and, most of all, who were sincere. Normally, I'd make smart-ass comments about people who dress up when it is not Halloween, but you know something? Heartfelt sincerity, even if it for something not in your philosophy and belief structure, should not and can not be mocked.

So, in that spirit, and for once, I am suspending my usual snarky commentary, and simply sharing a few of the more memorable photographs from the convention. The conventioneers were quite nice about stopping and posing. Hope you enjoy them.

You may not be able to read it, but her sign says "Free Hugs". I saw quite a few of these around the convention, and was unsure if it was sincere or ironic.


Along the same lines, free high fives. I took advantage of the risk-free offer. A day later, I got infected with Captains Trips.

I liked the eyes on the vampire ghoul here...cool spooky effect. The tattoos were a bonus.



I ran into mom...she was doing well, even got some of her color back. Still has the eating disorder.

I liked this fan here, though I am not familiar with her character. She played it demure, mysterious, with just a hint of mischief. It worked - one of my favorites.


Ash from Evil Dead...anybody who chops their hand off and replaces it with a chainsaw is "all right" in my book.
Sweeney Todd characters...a cut above the rest.


I liked the mix in this group - especially the tired elf. After 2-3 days at the convention, your senses and feet really know it. Surreal.


Couples got into it as well, such as Mr. and Mrs. Pirate - their costumes looked professional and authentic. Talk about booty.
This couple had great expressions - totally in keeping with their characters. The umbrella was both necessary to the character and practical.

Joan of Arc...San Diego. Somehow, fits.

This guy took a different approach to BatMan - from an alternate history called Red Son (where Superman lands in post-WWII era Russia instead of the U.S.A., and is kind of a bastard). BatMan in this story is a freedom fighter...and this is what his costume looks. Yes, before you ask, I bought the comic book. I am a sucker for alternate retellings of old favorites.


I am not sure, but I think while admiring their outfit and taking this picture, I was told, quite properly, to piss off in Klingon. Excellent...true to the culture.


Blood-drinking spooky chicks are apparently a favorite of mine. See, when you travel, you learn things about yourself...some of which may require counseling.


And, of course, Bender, from Futurama...SpinePuncher loves this nasty little robot...curses, drinks, smokes, and steals...wonderful role model. And a robot. Sadly, he did not tell me to "kiss his shiny metal ass!!"
Next - celebrities galore....they are people too, damn it!!