Some of you reading this may know about pop culture and cosplay but some of you may not. So let’s begin with the event, Supanova. What is it exactly? The Supanova Pop Culture Expo brings together ideas, creativity, images, perspectives found in different types of creative mediums like comic books, anime, science-fiction, TV/movies, games, fashion, the fantasy realms, games, books and costumes. I have missed a few others but I think you get the idea. Cosplay (costume play) refers to cosplayers (people, mostly fans) who dress in costume representing a particular character of their choice. Like Groot or Cinderella here. 
Over the weekend a steady stream of pop culture enthusiasts filed into the exhibition grounds. On entering some people paid homage, a certain respect and allegiance overcomes them, others squealed and gradually an excited chatter began to fill the venue. Now usually when I see something that takes my interest I photograph it. I’ve been coming to these events for many years now. But what I like doing best is talking to people, fans. The art of conversation with pop culture fans is not something I’m unfamiliar with or perturbed by because I’m a comic collector and anime fan myself.
Supanova offers some wonderful experiences from meeting guests and visiting talented creators in Artist Alley to deciding what to buy from the exhibitors. The quality lineup of guests is something fans speak about a lot too.
One young lady explained to me, “I’m not a fan of anything else but Star Trek. That’s why I’m here.” She had come to see George Takei.
There are always times when I learn more about people from what they don’t tell me. Often when I attend these kinds of events I watch for connections, enjoyable experiences, and those incredible moments fans class as an everlasting experience. I’m reminded that no one is alone in their fan convention journey. For this event a young editing intern was with us. Yes, she was a first-timer to Supanova. And yes, she had a lot of fun. 
Shopping. Yes, that happened. I can never attend an event like this without buying something. This time it was a Spider-Man t-shirt. And my young intern friend bought a Star Trek tee, amongst other things.
Whether people are fans of Veronica Mars, Stargate SG-1, X-Men, Game of Thrones, Star Trek, Dragon Ball Z, Firefly, Wonder Women, Ben 10 or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, it is clear the fans support the entirety of ideas, attitudes, characters and the creative concepts of their favourite books, movies, TV series, games, or anime series. If you don’t believe me look below.
The thing I find about Supanova and so many other similar events, the fans of these events are happy to share their passion and enthusiasm with other people at the event. I believe this widespread activism for some takes up a considerable amount of time in their lives: beginning with a great comic, book, anime, TV series or film and a few conversations between fans and slowly a fandom begins to grow.
Pop culture will continue to evolve and these shared social gatherings will continue to be supported by the legions of fans from around the world.
So until next time. Be brave and bold in your chosen field of creativity. And never be afraid to explore new techniques.
Recent Comments