Hello all,
July’s wrapping up, summer’s slowing down, and with all the change in the air, I figured it’s the perfect time to talk about comics and conventions.
Initial Impressions
This month, I went to the Anime and Video Game Expo in Columbia, South Carolina with my best friend, and I have to say, I was caught by surprise. Compared to other cons I’ve attended, this one was much smaller. Usually, you walk into a massive building filled with sprawling rooms, packed with costumes, chaos, and crowds. But this felt more like stumbling into a hidden gem, like a garage sale or a cozy, hole-in-the-wall bookshop.
At first glance, the expo looked modest. But what it lacked in size, it absolutely made up for in quality. There were vendors selling comics and merchandise, and video games. All of which were pretty well priced (especially the video games).Nothing felt cheap, mass-produced, or uninspired. Walking the halls with my best friend, surrounded by all of the art pieces and custom designs, felt like wandering through a pop culture museum curated by and for true fans. Every poster, sketch, and handcrafted item whispered its own story. It was as if we’d stepped into a place where only those “in the know” were invited, and we were lucky enough to be among them. Again, this was the smallest Con I’ve been to this year, but I actually managed to walk out with more merch than I ever have before. The sheer number of rare collectibles, comics, video games, and figurines was staggering and irresistible. My poor wallet never stood a chance.
Convention Haul
While I wouldn’t call myself a huge Dragon Ball fan, I’ve always had a soft spot for Broly. Something about his character just sticks. So finding Broly merch at this con felt unexpectedly fitting. I left with a Broly Funko Pop, a Broly tapestry for my wall, and a surprise Natsu poster from my best friend. It wasn’t a massive haul, but it was meaningful. Since I usually don’t buy much at conventions, but this one changed that.
Realizing the Magic
One thing I’ve started to realize after going to conventions more deliberately is the appeal. I get why people spend a lot of money, dress up, and head to these events. Yes, it’s for the sense of community, but it’s also because you won’t get this experience anywhere else — or at least, it feels that way. You’re not going to see someone dressed up as a fictional character at a football game. You won’t find very esoteric collectibles or niche items at a party. And you’re definitely not walking into a bar to talk comics and anime until you’re blue in the face.
That’s what makes conventions feel different. These are places built for us — for the fans, the collectors, the creators. And as I’ve spent more time at cons, I’ve started to notice just how much passion goes into every corner of them. Whether it’s the mystery boxes, the Funko Pops, the limited edition comic books, or something even more obscure — these aren’t just things you buy, they’re pieces of a culture that thrives on connection and shared stories.
During this convention, I walked up to a vendor selling Bayonetta 3 for the Nintendo Switch at only $30. At the time, I was reluctant to buy it. I’d already spent so much money on other items and merch, and $30 felt steep. But the vendor could tell I wanted it. We had a full conversation about Bayonetta, about the game, about how good it was. He could see I was conflicted but in the end, I walked away from it. And honestly? I regret that decision. You won’t find that game listed cheaper anywhere else unless it randomly goes on sale, which is rare with Nintendo. That moment stuck with me. Because it reminded me that these events offer more than just cool stuff.They offer opportunities you won’t get anywhere else.
Yes, conventions are businesses. Their goal is to make a profit. But they’re also still run by fans — people who want to share their stories with the world. They don’t get bogged down with profit margins or shareholders. They just want to get paid for doing what they love, so they can give back to the same community that gave them so much in return.
That’s why conventions feel like places where the best and brightest of our community come together to shine past the bureaucracy. From the artists who pour hours into their craft just to present and sell it, to the vendors and small businesses who build value for every person who stops by, this is where their work finds its audience.
When you go to a con, you’re there for something specific. You’re looking for the best of what anime, video games, and pop culture have to offer. Conventions are always fun to go to, whether you plan on dressing up as your favorite anime character or are just there to window shop. The experience is second to none, and I had a lot of fun.
Final Thoughts
As this has been my third convention this year, I can honestly say I was not disappointed. Every event continues to surprise me with new experiences and memorable moments, and I’m already looking forward to the next con.
Thank you for taking the time to read, and I’ll see you guys next month!
Photos provided by : Markel Ellis
By Steven Nesbitt on .