My first Comic Con ever. My 14-year-old self would have lost her mind. She would also have spent ten times more money. Thank God I waited fifteen years to set foot on one of these. As soon as I did, though, looking around the self-consciousness of wearing Pikachu ears next to my Ash Ketchum cap wearing friend faded away instantly. Jeez. People REALLY do get into these things.
First and foremost, loved the instant perk of finding out what that imposing convention center of Basel actually looks like from the inside (largest one in Switzerland!). And I was surprised to be greeted by Doctors Without Borders right on the spot (“Hey, we both are doctors too!” Instant connection), as well as the Swiss Army (unthinkable in Germany).
But just 50 meters away or so… the first glimpse of actual artwork. And what a glimpse that was! I guess I did freak out a little after all, but I'd never seen graffiti artists of such caliber perform life, on half-finished murals that already looked pretty fantastic to begin with.
It didn't end there. Lots of highly skilled digital artist were awaiting us just one floor above. They were taking commissions on the spot, drawing people manga-stile, or just casually selling their artwork as prints, stickers, mugs… and even rugs. Talking to some of these people constituted another big highlight of this whole experience – a tattoo artist from Sweden, a Greek guy whose artwork brough all kinds of beautiful memories of this summer in Greece, two Swiss girls selling cute and hilarious designs as postcards and bookmarks who I heard the term Twint from for the first time in my life. I better get used to it!
I felt a sense of familiarity at the sight of some of these professionals using their iPads and Procreate just the was I do. But I also felt alien and awkward about so many other elements –fantastic weapon shop, high-speed internet gaming center, humongous Star Wars set replica… the gum sword fights and cosplay contest at the end made the prospect of stepping outside again just a little more appealing to us.
After 4-5 hours we left the convention full of bizarre, funny and confusing memories. We were greeted by the perfect afternoon to take a stroll through beautiful Basel and watch the sunset by the Rhine River. I think I've had enough for a looooong time but I know how these things actually go in my head. Next year I'll probably be back.
