Last weekend, I drove to Kansas City, MO, to attend Planet Comicon. This was my first convention since COVID. Before the pandemic, I attended C2E2 in February, right before lockdown began. This trip was spontaneous as I only planned it a couple of weeks prior. While I understand the pandemic isn’t over, I felt this was worth the risk. I was vaccinated, wore a mask the entire time, and tried to limit the time I was near people. I felt Planet Comicon did the best they could, and I was grateful that this con was able to run. If there’s anything I missed in 2020, it was conventions.

Planet Comicon required masks. I didn’t see anyone take off their mask or wear it down to their chin. It seemed everyone took the mask requirement seriously. The only other improvement I could see was that Planet Comicon could have required vaccinations. I brought my vaccination card in case someone wanted to see it. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect everyone, including the immunocompromised. I know Lollapalooza required vaccinations or a negative COVID-19 test, and I wish PlanetComicon did this too.

My favorite part of Planet Comicon was the photo ops! There was a display of Predator, a LEGO Baby Yoda, and the Ghostbusters were there with the Ecto-1. There were cars from Supernatural; however, I had to pay extra for that, and I’m not a big fan of the show. I had a fun time running around and taking endless masked selfies. I will say, I found myself taking fewer pictures of cosplayers. I think the pandemic had something to do with that. With the masks, it’s more difficult to go to someone or get their attention. I had more than enough fun hanging out by myself and doing what I wanted to do.

I would say the only disappointment was the lack of panels. I like attending panels because they allow me to sit down and relax. I walked 17,500 steps on Friday! I did sit in on the Star Wars Costuming panel about putting together Star Wars cosplays, but nothing else in the programming caught my eye. After spending my cash, I ended up leaving early because I didn’t see anything else worth staying for.

Reflecting on Planet Comicon, I’m thrilled that this was able to happen. I felt hopeful for the future of conventions. I felt so happy waiting in line and walking around the show floor. Conventions are my happy place, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.