The sound of your boots clicks on the floor of the hotel lobby, as you are greeted by the smell of cooking junk food and the audible rumble of the fans whom have previously arrived. You nervously adjust your pink wig and pull down your shirt, trying to ignore the butterflies zooming in your stomach like fighter jets. This is your first comic con, the Memphis Comic and Fantasy convention. 

But what is a comic con? The largest and original con takes place in San Diego and has had up to 130,000 guests in the previous years. In the beginning, they targeted comic book and science fiction fans but have now expanded to nearly anything with a fan base and a creative team.

Artists, writers, and companies involved in creative exploits (like comic books, TV shows, or anime) pay money to set up exhibition booths throughout several main floors. Those that attend can stand in line at these booths to meet the owner, buy one-of-kind products, and sometimes get free swag.  Tip: Make sure you’re in the right line when waiting for a booth. Lines often intersect, so make sure to ask people already waiting if they know what the line is for.

The convention also hosts a variety of panels that can hold up to a thousand guests. A panel will be for a specific show or movie say “The Hunger Games” and will have possibly the director, screen writer, and some of the actors there to talk about the film and to have a Q&A session. Tip: Panel audiences fill up quickly but don’t empty after each one ends. Come early in the morning to get into the room if there is a panel in the afternoon you would like to listen to.

Another thing to remember about any heavily populated event is that the lines will be long, and you will spend a lot of time waiting. However, for most, hanging out with their friends was their favorite part of going to comic con, so make the best use of your time. It’s also a great chance to meet new people.

Sophomore Sage Beasley says, “I love the atmosphere of cons. Everyone is so nice, and random people will come up and talk to you.”

One of the major selling points of conventions is cosplay, or dressing up as some of your favorite characters. It’s not required to get into a con, but costumes are usually planned months in advanced and heavily realistic.

If you are interested in attending a comic convention, the local one is Memphis Comic and Fantasy. Because MCFC is relatively smaller than most comic cons, a three day pass only costs thirty five dollars instead of the usual fifty. Though there were some complaints that it should have a broader focus, it has mostly received a positive response.

Some White Station Students have advice to offer on coming.

Sophomore Ella Kennedy says, “It is best if you can pre-register…Save yourself some money.”

Senior Erika Relyea says, “It’s definitely a lot more fun if you come in costume!”

Beasley (10) says, “Don’t feel intimidated…If you enjoy comics and TV shows and movies and tumblr, [then] you’ll fit right in.”