Embrace your inner nerd this weekend
Montreal Comiccon is arriving this weekend, running from Friday to Sunday at the Palais des congrès, and it’s bringing all the (mildly expensive) joys with it. Whether you’re new to conventions but want to know what all the fuss is about, or a veteran looking for a new thrill, here are five things you can do in nerd paradise.
1 See the guests
The main attraction of cons is always the special guests. You’ve seen them on TV, now pay to have them sign something while you make awkward conversation! This year’s con features stars like Justice League’s Jason Momoa, Deadpool’s Morena Baccarin and the fish guy from The Shape of Water. If you can’t afford their fee, glance at them from afar for the bragging rights later.
2 Talk to a creator you didn’t know about
Sure, it’s fun to meet a star, but most creators show up to these conventions to promote their work and get some new fans. Say hi to Bryan Perro, the creator of the Amos Daragon fantasy series, or buy a vibrant superhero print from Michael Cho. Remember when everybody got upset with Nick Spencer for making Captain America evil, then they read the comic and forgot all about their anger? He’ll be there, too! It’s not easy work, so even if you don’t buy anything, a little appreciation will go a long way.
3 See the most nostalgic, face-melting concert of your life
On Saturday, Comiccon is hosting the Nerdstock concert, a night filled with fun and geeky acts. I guarantee headliners Cybertronic Spree will be like nothing you’ve seen before. The band shows up in complete, welldetailed Transformers cosplay and performs a bombastic set of ’90s cartoon theme songs. If the nostalgia doesn’t get to you, the wonder that they don’t sweat themselves to death will.
4 Relive your ’90s teen angst with a Buffy performance
Sure, Joss Whedon is kind of a creep, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a live musical titled Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Once More with Feeling, playing in the afternoon on Saturday and Sunday. The one thing missing from vampire stories was a musical number.
5 Take a roll on tabletop gaming
The con features a hall filled with games of all sorts and dice of all sides. Have you ever been curious about Dungeons & Dragons but didn’t know where to start? Someone will be happy to help you through it. Besides, it wouldn’t be Comiccon unless someone tried to organize a Werewolf game with 70+ people.
Honourable mention
Eat the greasy convention pizza It’s not great, but nothing tastes quite like it. The saltiness will bring you back to your childhood.