Not too far from Comic Con, the original Jersey Boy, Frankie Valli (not John Lloyd Young or Jarrod Spector, mind you) was playing another concert. While I would have loved to see him during the Comic Con Friday night life, being with my best Los Angeles area buddies took priority. The closest I got to Frankie Valli was recreating a few scenes from Jersey Boys with friends on Sunday out of boredom. That's what the convention experience is all about - the good times with your best friends.

Before Comic Con, my brother asked me why I was cosplaying from anime at a "comic" convention. Well, Baccano! had it's start as a "light novel" in Japan and Ouran High School Host Club had it's start as a manga. Of course, there are plenty of cosplayers from different forms of media. It was refreshing to see almost everything under the sun at Comic Con.

Comic Con's largest criticism among the fanbase is that it's too industry driven. Likewise, the fandom needs an event that is industry driven. It is possible to have a fan friendly industry event. There's nothing like hearing about the latest news for next year's blockbuster hits (and maybe misses) and what can we expect on TV this fall.

The crowd was very mature. Even the kids in the Underage /B Hall (Ballroom 20) did not scream for Yaoi and chase straight reluctant men with paddles. I found this a breath of fresh air from the usual anime convention scene. Yet, I will admit that I missed the likes of Anime Expo. At least Anime Expo had spacious walk ways in the dealer's room. I could not breathe in the Comic Con dealer's room. I was so overwhelmed on Saturday, that I had to step outside and enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean before I got a migraine. The other element that I do not like about Comic Con is the "ninja photographers" - people who do not ask permission and just snap shots of you. It was also difficult to get casual shots of cosplayers. Most Comic Con attendees treated the cosplayerse like character mascots at Disneyland. They wanted photos with their favorite characters. Hence, why there's a lack of costume photography on the report.

I really did feel that I bonded with Deb, Stan, and Justin a little bit more during the convention. While the four of us were already great friends to begin with, going through this experience - for better or for worse - made us better friends. As I was telling Deb when she was frustrated with a certain issue, I assured her that we're going to go through this convention together and we'll end it together.

Other than costuming, Comic Con was a great place to do business networking. This is a Who's Who event not to be missed by anyone. As Char said in the Livejournal realm, everyone must do Comic Con at least once in their lifetime.

Will I return next year? It depends where I will be. Comic Con International was very inspirational. I would love to do more costumes that's not based off anime. Just after Comic Con, Carolyn suggested a Star Wars group for a Clone Wars opening. Maybe it's time to bust out a Swan Bultar or Queen Breha.

Otherwise, there were points where I did feel alone. I'm not used to having convention meals by myself. I really wished that I had company on Friday's lunch at Mickey and Lou's. It just felt bizarre to not have someone across from me to talk to. All the more reason why I missed having Tom present - just having someone to always share a meal with. It was strange going through this convention alone. It would have been nice to have extra help spotting cosplayers and getting more panels in - that's something Tom has always had a knack for.

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