Our Totally Awesome Weekend Adventure Part 3 (Comicon)

October 25th

Maka from Soul Eater

Our day started by getting into our cosplays and then hurrying for the train that would take us to the convention. We had change stations on the DLR several times to get the one that would take us straight there. I knew we were in the right place too; there were several people dressed up as anime, comic book and video game characters. It was so much fun just watching everyone and trying to guess who they were dressed as. The train finally came and we all piled on, people staring at us funny as we took our places on the train. Quite a few kids pointed at the two of us exclaiming, "Look mommy its harry potter!" Clearly we were not but we were from the world and that was enough for us.

As we neared the station, the driver came on over the intercom, "Next stop Comic Con. If you are going to Comic Con get off at the next station." Eileen and I giggled since that was NOT the name of the next stop but he knew so many of us were going there. He then continued, "Please make sure that you have all your swords, axes and guns with you when you leave." The train roared with laughter. "But really guys, you all look amazing in your costumes; have a great time today at the convention." We all gave the man a round of applause and then exited the train even more excited then when we'd gotten on.

We found ourselves in a huge line that wrapped all the way around the back of the facility. I was not disheartened, though, considering that the line was moving at a steady pace, unlike that of Otakon. We made it to the front of the building and began to cheer when we continued inside past some people that worked there dressed up and dancing as 16th century men (wigs included). It was so cool. We continued in this line through an empty warehouse all the way around its perimeter and through a doorway into the next warehouse. This room was filled with people snaking back and forth eventually leading to a ticket booth where you finally presented your tickets. There was a giant TV screen at the front of the room from floor to ceiling showing movie trailers and other convention related things. Eileen and I began taking pictures and filming the length of the line, all of which are on my Facebook page.

When we crossed the threshold and presented our tickets we were then shuffled into a smaller line (this is what took so much time) to put little bracelets on us. After that, we were free! I immediately took a picture of a girl dressed as Maka (see above). We made our way into the main area where all the food was. This place looked like a giant mall. It was very different from the convention center in Baltimore. We meandered through the crowds until we found a entrance to all of the stands. We spent a lot of time looking around and getting lost that we finally discovered half way through our morning that there was indeed an entrance on the other side with more stuff! So we ran over and heard someone talking on mic. We had found a panel taking place. I thought this was better than Otakon because it was open and anyone could listen instead of only a limited number of people in a closed off room. We decided to see what it was.

It was Vic Mignogna. That's right, the guy whose autograph we missed in Baltimore. I could not believe what I was seeing and hearing. Stunned I stood to listen to him talk. I recorded some of it which you can watch on my Facebook page. Sadly, I still walked away without an autograph but at least I got a lot of documentation of him being there. I saw him talk for a lot longer this time anyways.

I was so close to him!!

Most of the day was spent looking at all the things for sale. I bought a Time Turner for my cosplay for 5 pounds (they were normally being sold for 10). I also bought a Death Note which I have wanted for years, a black and red Assassins' Creed hood, and a bracelet and soundtrack code from the Eddsworld stand. That's right everybody Eddsworld was there.

I was so excited to see that they were there since my sister and I loved their videos so much. There was a whole section of the convention dedicated to Youtubers. I heard in passing that TomSka was there and possibly doing a panel. I was so excited that we desperately left in search of the information stand to find a program. Thankfully, we got one before they were gone. I found that Eddsworld would also be having a panel! We had no idea any of this was happening when we arrived here.

We had time to kill so we continued wandering and found a stand dedicated to Harry Potter graphic design. The two artists were there that had worked on the movies for ten years. It was so cool to see all their work. Some of the drawings and posters I don't remember seeing in the movies because it was just in the background to make it all look authentic. Amazing. Eileen was captivated and then we met two cosplayers there that were also Ravenclaw and Slytherin. We talked for a while before leaving. Then we made it to the side with all the epic cosplayers:

 These guys were so incredible because they were so elaborate. These are always my favorite cosplayers, the ones that go big or go home. They are the real deal. Wish I could do that. My phone was dead so I was unable to check the time as we went so I ended up missing the Eddsworld panel, sadly, but we headed over to the area TomSka would be in so that we wouldn't miss him as well.

TomSka was just as awkward and funny in person as he is online. It was great. I got a lot of footage of him showing us his new game that is coming out for phones. It was so kewl and he showed us clips of new stuff he was working on. It was awesome just to hear him talk. When I got home, I think I must have watched TomSka videos for the next three days! He really is a good guy. After that we ran over a bought the aforementioned items from Eddsworld. They are presents for my sister; you're welcome, Alex.

We hung around until they dimmed the lights to let us know that is was closing time and we all had to leave the convention center. All in all it was a great day but it wasn't over yet. Eileen still wanted to stop at this huge bookstore in London and I was kewl with going. Waterstones is a bookstore with several floors full of books. I tried so hard not to look but left with books anyways. (Doh!) Only then did we head home.

October 26th

Eileen's last day.

It was rather uneventful, we mostly just hung around the dorm and relaxed since we had had such fun-filled action-packed weekend. We went to Tesco for lunch and then headed back to the British Library so Eileen could buy a book that she wanted. Then we walked to Camden Market via the Regents Canal and looked around in some of the shops. She wasn't as impressed with the Goth stores as I was since she has some at home. Having a store where I can try clothes on is a luxury that I do not have at home and therefore I am a little obsessed.

We came back and finished packing her bags and I walked her to the station. We were a little hesitant about parting ways, but I knew that I would see her in about a month anyways since I was going to Germany to visit her. That eased her mind a bit and she got on the escalator and left my sight.

I am booked for Germany Nov 27th.