This past weekend, as part of my amazing boyfriend's birthday celebration, we went down to Anaheim for Wondercon. Now, I have never been to anything quite like this. I've done renaissance faires and I went to Designer Con last year, but I was not prepared for the visual and mental overstimulation that is Wondercon.
I saw so many awesome, enthusiastic people celebrating their love for pop culture and general geekiness. It was fantastic! There were tons of Dr Who fans, quite a few gorgeous Daenerys Targaryens, and sooo many anime cosplayers! I wish I recognized even half of the anime fandoms. Not that my ignorance takes anything away from the skill and dedication that went into those costumes, but still, it'd be nice to know who they were.
It was amazing to sit in on panels about the past and future of Star Trek, and hear how much other people know and love the series. I was surprised to see 7 different panels revolving around my favorite shows as a kid, but as Paul pointed out to me, these are my people. :D
It really felt like a community, interacting with this group. Everyone seemed happy to be stopped 50 million times to have their picture taken. No one was ridiculing anyone. And every time I saw a costume, regardless of how simple, well-done or elaborate, I saw others acknowledging a common love and interest. I wore a couple of my Imaginarium puppets, and people in full costume stopped ME to comment on my little creatures. And there I was, feeling no fear or hesitation to ask questions, compliment, or ask for photos. It really was amazing.
I didn't think to bring my camera until the last day, so I did miss out on some real gems. Like Gadget from Rescue Rangers, Buttercup and the Dread Pirate Roberts, and a bloodied Belle carrying around the Beasts head. But here are a few that I did catch on Sunday.
Photos behind the cut:
I saw so many awesome, enthusiastic people celebrating their love for pop culture and general geekiness. It was fantastic! There were tons of Dr Who fans, quite a few gorgeous Daenerys Targaryens, and sooo many anime cosplayers! I wish I recognized even half of the anime fandoms. Not that my ignorance takes anything away from the skill and dedication that went into those costumes, but still, it'd be nice to know who they were.
It was amazing to sit in on panels about the past and future of Star Trek, and hear how much other people know and love the series. I was surprised to see 7 different panels revolving around my favorite shows as a kid, but as Paul pointed out to me, these are my people. :D
It really felt like a community, interacting with this group. Everyone seemed happy to be stopped 50 million times to have their picture taken. No one was ridiculing anyone. And every time I saw a costume, regardless of how simple, well-done or elaborate, I saw others acknowledging a common love and interest. I wore a couple of my Imaginarium puppets, and people in full costume stopped ME to comment on my little creatures. And there I was, feeling no fear or hesitation to ask questions, compliment, or ask for photos. It really was amazing.
I didn't think to bring my camera until the last day, so I did miss out on some real gems. Like Gadget from Rescue Rangers, Buttercup and the Dread Pirate Roberts, and a bloodied Belle carrying around the Beasts head. But here are a few that I did catch on Sunday.
Photos behind the cut:
