All You Need is GEEK
NY Comic Con
Lennon and McCartney may have believed that “all you need is love”. Whether or not that may be true, what I learned last weekend at the New York Comic Con is “all you need is geek”…
My first Comic Con turned out to be everything I had hoped for and more. I had been wanting to go check it out for a few years now, despite the fact that I don’t actually read comic books, and I’m incredibly happy that I finally ended up going. My lack of interest in comic books didn’t really even matter at all, because my love for gaming, art, design, webcomics, and toys ended up being perfect for a casual trip to the Con.
It was really wonderful to just take a step back from reality for a weekend, and while doing so, realize that the geek community is one of the most incredible, tight-knit communities I’ve ever had the opportunity to be a part of. To see all of these people come together and be passionate about the things they love was just completely life altering to me. I know that sounds totally corny, and I know it wasn’t more than just a silly comic book convention and not like an AIDS Walk or something, but is was seriously amazing to me. From professionals to fans, you could truly feel the love and excitement buzzing around you at all times.
I got to meet a bunch of really awesome people, fellow geeks, and even one of my heroes. It’s unbelievable how everyone is so open and kind and just as excited that you’re a fan who is into their work as you are as a fan – excited to meet someone who’s work you follow. I have to admit, the comic/gaming community was extremely refreshing to me. Everyone was super modest and friendly. It’s rare to see people openly acknowledge to their fans “I wouldn’t be here without you”. People can be so egotistical when they’re in the spotlight, but I didn’t see anything like that at all at the Con.
To sum it all up, here’s some shouts to a few hella awesome people I met last weekend – thanks to them all for making my first Comic Con and amazing one! 
Eric and Tim (www.geekadelphia.com)
Chris and Calin (www.newgameplus.net)
Dave (www.snafu-comics.com)
The dudes from Cyanide and Happiness (www.explosm.net)
Shawn Smith (www.shawnimals.com)
Garnett and Tina (www.1up.com)
Wes (www.amazingsuperpowers.com)