Any More Nerd Conventions in my Future?

Yes, I’ve been to a couple of nerd conventions.  (I identify with the term “nerd” lovingly.  Everyone is a nerd about something, you know.)  I went to Dallas Fan Expo (it’s what Dallas Comic-Con is called these days) with my younger son twice.  The first time in civilian attire, the second time in costume.  Overall we had decent experiences both times.

A buddy from work asked me recently to go with him to Dallas Comic-Con in October (I think they’re calling this one “Fan Days”), but I really didn’t want to go without my younger son, who cannot go this time because he is in Colorado serving a two-year Mission for our church.  After mulling it over and getting my son’s blessing to go without him, I leaned toward going, and in costume.  I looked up the event’s costume weapon policy and I learned that I would not be allowed to sport the pot metal fake revolver prop I wore just two years or so ago.  This year they have a policy of no metal costume weapons and no deactivated (non-firing) airsoft guns, no baseball bats or hockey sticks, fake or otherwise.  As the policy reads, Nerf/plastic dart guns are allowed, but the patron cannot be in possession of any darts.  Costume (plastic/rubber/etc) swords must be tied to the costume in a fashion that prevents them from being drawn/brandished.  Now, I realize the need for safety-minded security, but this seems to be going a little overboard in my opinion.

I’ve thought about this set of rules for a few days now and just about any costume I would care to wear or be able to look acceptable in would require a weapon prop to make said costume complete.  I don’t really care to pay through the nose to attend this event and then get hassled over my costume props.

I took a gander at other Comic-Con related events across the globe and discovered the following:  Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, Tuscon, and London no longer allow gun props;  San Diego has banned ALL costume props altogether.  I figure they’ll all follow San Diego’s lead before it’s all over with.

With that being said, I figure my Comic-Con days are pretty much over, at least as a costume-wearing patron is concerned.