When talking “Comic-Con,” there are both the signature mega-events associated with Comic-Con International, and similar offerings on a more accessible scale. Words like “modest” and “small” need not apply. [1,2]
Such was the case with Grand Rapids Comic-Con this past weekend, Friday afternoon through just before dinnertime on Sunday. [3]
Reminded often cited parody featuring William Shatner on Saturday Night Live? Certain scenes from the movie Galaxy Quest? There were certainly elements of that here. Now 82-year-old Walter Koenig still merited a place on the main stage to discuss his work in Star Trek and Babylon 5. Third-floor gallery room was packed for a Saturday morning session titled, “Star Trek: Into the Next 50 Years” and presenting panelists were occasionally stumped by audience member questions. [4,5,6,7,8]
At the same time, the sum of such parts made for something more important — at least for those who were interested in seeing such things. En route to that aforementioned main stage, for example, attendees passed by a huge display assembled by the Western Michigan LEGO Users Group (WMLTC). Its 12′ x 12′ town and train layout featured faithfully recreated landmark Grand Rapids buildings. Beyond that, a FIRST Robotics team demostrated hardware from its last competition. [9,10,11]
It wasn’t hard to connect the dots here between fantasy inspiration and real world efforts that will drive technical advancements into the future.
Later on Saturday, other sessions provided insights on modern day need and uses for vintage clothing. How to break into a career as a writer. And “Thermo Plastics 101.” No one actually thought the Iron Man armor seen in the movies were made from any sort of actual metal or iron plating, right? [12,13]
Grand Rapids Comic Con at DeVos Place was the “package” in which all of that was offered. But more than just the sum of its parts, this Comic-Con, and, one suspects, the most others, was marked by a culture of pure, respectfully enjoyed indulgence. Most of what will come to represent this event on social media will be images of everyday people of all ages in costumes ranging from modest to elaborately detailed reimaginings of what was seen in the movies.
Cosplay. [14]
On the exhibit floor and off, it was hard to come across any of these characters without having them excitely strike a well-rehearsed pose. (This felt particularly the case for one wearing a press ID, carrying professional Nikon gear.) Unlike celebrity guests ensconced elsewhere in the convention center, never once did any of these people expect or even suggest being paid to have their photograph taken. Few even asked where their likeness might subsequently appear.
Some of the most moving interactions to watch were those between these characters and youth. In the large, brightly lit atrium area between the exhibit hall and presentation rooms, children came across “Batman,” “Darth Vader,” princesses of all descriptions, and “Wonder Woman.” Often times they’d enlist parents to capture these moments with smartphones; other times, they just wanted to interact. Either way seemed fine with the characters thus engaged.
Even with an exciting new hotel set to open locally next year, Saline Michigan isn’t likely to be a candidate to host its own Comic-Con anytime soon. But as a formula to welcome guests from similar such offerings nearby — or, indeed, as a recipe for adding that much more cultural attraction to any event here — this is a great example to follow. [18]
Post Script: On a sad note, Stan Lee passed away at the age of 95 today. In no small part due to his contributions, a great many of the fantastic things described above have come about. [19]
References
- Comic-Con International: San Diego (home page).
- “What is Comic-Con?” (July 21, 2017) Fox News.
- Grand Rapids Comic-Con (home page).
- “Trekkies” (December 20, 1986) Saturday Night Live.
- “Galaxy Quest (1999)” IMDb.
- Walter Koenig, IMDb.
- Star Trek (home page).
- “Babylon 5” IMDb.
- Western Michigan LEGO Users Group (home page).
- FIRST Robotics Competition (home page).
- “What’s Missing from This Image of the 2018 FIRST Robotics Championship in Detroit?” Dell Deaton (May 3, 2018) Saline Journal.
- “Thermoplastics” Plastics Europe.
- “Tony Stark: Iron Man” Marvel.
- “What Is Cosplay and Why Do People Do It?” Molly McIsaac (December 6, 2012) iFanboy.
- “The Dark Knight: Batman” DC.
- “Darth Vader” Star Wars.
- “The Surprising Origin Story of Wonder Woman” Jill Lepore (October 2014) Smithsonian.
- “Comic Book Collecting Is Passion For Some, Business For Others – And For Many A Signature Event Headed To Detroit” Dell Deaton (July 25, 2018) Saline Journal.
- “Stan Lee, Marvel Comics’ Real-Life Superhero, Dies at 95” Mike Barnes (November 12, 2018) The Hollywood Reporter.
