Not So Long Ago, At A Con Near Me …

Over twenty years ago, I attended the New York Comic Con, at the Jacob Javitts Center. I schlepped 2 short boxes of comics on the train ride from Providence RI. I spent a weekend chasing down the hot artists of the time to sign my books. One thing that was not present was anything Star Wars. Dark Horse had not yet published the first ‘Dark Empire’ issue, nor was there really any Star Wars presence, in any way. There wasn’t much cosplay back then either, aside from Superman, Batman, and some Marvel heroes lurking about, and even then, I think they were hired by the respective comic publishers to walk around the con. The cons of today, were still a long way off and the fervor, excitement and fun of attending one, was still a thrill enjoyed only by ‘closeted’ geeks. Oh how times change.

This weekend I revisited the Rhode Island Comic Con, “the Biggest Show in the Smallest State,” after a very disappointing and shortened excursion last year. In 2014 after overselling tickets, underestimating the average guest’s time within the hall, a very displeased Fire Marshal, shut it down until enough people exited the venue. I was one of those people who had cruised the floor a few hours, stepped out for lunch that Saturday and then, couldn’t get back in. I had thankfully attended the Billy Dee Williams and Peter Mayhew panels, respectively, before lunch. I wasn’t too keen on returning this year. However, after my 12 year old daughter diligently completed all her summer schoolwork, I relented and said, I would bring her.

It didn’t hurt that both of my kids and myself, have been fervently awaiting ‘The Force Awakens’. They’ve both adopted my love of Halloween and every year, for two months leading up to October 31st, we’re costume making. I’m not a fan of buying costumes, but prefer to make them myself, piecemeal.

In truth, I’ve been cosplaying since my teens, before the word was coined and my long suffering wife, has seen me as: Han, Anakin, and other SW characters. Star Wars, fantasy and sci-fi, is a way of life in our house. This year, Episode VII ruled with my son deciding on Poe Dameron and my daughter opting for Captain Phasma. Halloween went great, but that was just the warm up. My daughter declared she was going to con in costume. I was excited to attend the con since Dark Horse Star Wars cover extraordinaire, Dave Dorman was announced, and I pulled everything I had of his from my long boxes. As last week came to a close, I made some tweaks to her costume, then packed her art portfolio and my comics, into a leather briefcase.

Doors opened at 10am Sunday, I finished zip-tying her final pieces together two blocks over from the Convention Center, then she confidently strode past Hasbro headquarters and up the steps, to the Dunkin Donuts Center. I left my Jedi garb at home this year opting for civilian wear. Within 10 minutes I heard murmurs of ‘great Stormtrooper’, ‘look, Phasma’, ‘whoa’ and a proud dad beamed. Like a trusty guard at my side, we approached Dave Dorman, who’d barely set out his sharpies or name plate, when I politely asked him to sign my books and he willingly obliged. As I patiently waited on Mr. Dorman, people were tapping on my daughter’s shoulder or mine, and commenting on how stunning her costume was. We finished and I profusely thanked Dave Dorman and we began to stroll artist’s alley and the vendor booths. I was happy to see Leias, Hans, a Chewie and even, a Mon Cal walking around. The flashbulbs were constant and requests to take pics with Phasma, were every ten feet. I was chuckling inside, but she was a consummate pro and got good at striking her pose. We eventually encountered a decent Kylo Ren, who was equally excited to make our acquaintance, as we were his.

We eventually worked our way upstairs, en-route to the kids costume contest, but were delayed by the members of the 501st Legion and Alderaan Base Rebel Legion. She fit right in amongst the detail orientated Troopers, but the highlight was encountering a twenty something Rey, who stammered “we heard there was an awesome Phasma here, we’re so glad we found you”. Then Rey, my daughter and a female X-Wing pilot, took some quick shots before we set off to the contest. Competition was impressive, over 100 kids entered (including a decent Sabine) and I was shocked and dismayed, when the judges ruled ‘Phasma’ the winner.

As we exited Sunday afternoon, I realized, that she had just taken her first steps into a much larger world. She embraced her inner fangirl and did so, behind a gleaming, chromed helmet. Every generation has a story and this was a chapter in hers.

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