Why I Love Salt Lake Comic Con

If you read my post from last week, you might think I'm jaded about Comic Con.

It's obvious that there are things I don't like about it, as last week's critique showed. In addition to long lines, I'm not a fan of the large crowds, particularly when the building was at maximum capacity on Saturday, and it was extremely difficult to get anywhere.

But the truth is, I love Comic Con. And for me, the pros definitely outweigh the cons (no pun intended).

There are many things I love about Comic Con. In this post, I will name just a few of them.

The first thing I love is the art. Salt Lake Comic Con has an “Artist Alley,” a place where artists, from both near and far, can display and sell their art of all things geek. From Star Trek to Doctor Who, from Superman to Captain America, if you can think of it, it's most likely there.

The art that I added to my collection from this year's Comic Con

I went a little over my budget with the art I bought this year, but I am very pleased with the new art I added to my collection.

Another thing I love is the panels. From video game music, to what makes the best villain, to who's your favorite Doctor, to what makes a good writer, there were panels on just about everything. I only regret that I didn't take more time to go to panels that sounded interesting to me this year.

The "Writer's Retreat" Panel

Next is the opportunity to see celebrities from my favorite movies and TV shows. This year I got to go to the spotlights for Stephen Amell and John Barrowman, both of whom play in one of my favorite TV series, “Arrow.” 

Stephen Amell during his spotlight

John Barrowman during his spotlight

During Stephen Amell's spotlight, a fan asked him to give the monologue that begins every "Arrow" episode. This is a recording I took of his attempt. I found it rather entertaining.

I also had the opportunity to meet and get an autograph from Michael Rosenbaum (I also got to bump fists with him), best known for playing Lex Luthor in Smallville.

My big item souvenir for this year, an autographed picture of Michael Rosenbaum

Another is seeing all the cosplayers. I didn't take many pictures, but it sure was cool to see the creativity, talent and skill that went into some of the costumes.

Paul, TJ, Joe and me with some Mortal Kombat cosplayers

And though I didn't technically cosplay, I took a book out of the page of Joe and Katie's Disney themed wedding and wore a different theme each of the three days.

My theme was loosely based on this picture

Green Lantern theme on Thursday

Blue Lantern theme on Friday

Green Lantern/Blue Lantern mix theme on Saturday

 Last, and by far what I love and enjoy most about Comic Con is having the opportunity to geek out with friends. Each day of Comic Con, I posted on Facebook what the highlights were for me, and each day, right at the top, was the having the opportunity to see and spend time with friends who have many of the same geeky interests that I do.

Paul, Stephen and me in a selfie

Geek runs in the family! My brother Zach, my sister Megan, my brother Brady and me

Me and Paul (cosplaying as adult Avatar Aang)

Tyler (cosplaying as Doctor Horrible) and me

Me and Joe in a selfie

Me and Jeremy (cosplaying as a ranger)

Jeremy, me, Joe and Paul at the end of a great weekend at Comic Con

So yes, I do love Comic Con, and those are few of the reasons why. As before, I eagerly look forward to the next time I get to go to Comic Con!