Last week, I attended my first San Diego Comic Con.
SDCC has always been a big deal. It’s one of the only ones that most people are aware of even without being heavily plugged into the entertainment industry.
But as I’ve stepped further into the world of comic books, SDCC has increasingly felt like the big event of the year, the week that the rest of the year’s schedule hinges around.
For the last few years, I’ve wanted to attend, as both a fan and as a creator, and this year I finally got to go! As I phase back into reality now, I’m reflecting on the trip, and on the other conventions I’ve attended since embarking on this comics journey.
I sometimes feel isolated at conventions. It’s the sort of loneliness you can feel in a big crowd, when you’re clearly not physically alone, and you might even be with a group of friends, but there’s something disconcerting about being in a crowded setting and not knowing if you belong.
At SDCC specifically, I definitely had some of those moments in which I was just milling about aimlessly and questioning what I was doing, but I also felt that a lot of my discomfort was more from inexperience rather than some sort of character incompatibility.
Otherwise, I had fun! I got to catch up with plenty of friends, and meet others in person for the first time. I also got to volunteer with the film program, which gave me an opportunity to watch some movies when I needed a break from the show floor.
I left SDCC feeling like it’s not somewhere I’m comfortable just yet, but somewhere I’d like to be comfortable at. I felt motivated to keep writing and creating so I can keep improving as a creator and get to meet and talk to more creatives.
I don’t know that I’d go to SDCC every year, but I absolutely want to return in the future, maybe even next year. The city itself is great, and I made sure to leave the convention center to explore the surrounding area, but there’s a lot more I want to see.
That’s all for now. As tired as I am from the trip, I feel creatively rejuvenated and ready to keep writing!
