Guest Blogger - NYCC Kids Day, From Moms Perspective

By Christine Peterson

As one who caters to her inner geek with enthusiasm, both working at and attending the NY Comicon was an anticipated treat. To start, as I was processing pre-registered attendees I would have about two seconds to explain quickly the terms of the passes, where to find badge holders, where to wait for entry etc-and occasionally field a question or two. When someone at one point said to me as a response for a suggestion "well, I'll try", I was able to respond in perfect Yoda imitation "there is no try, there is do or do not"-which yielded the attendee smiling broadly and stating "it's good to know this show is run by some of our own". That was the general attitude that I felt throughout the day. The experience was a welcoming one.

Even more inspiring was the welcome displayed by both Reed and the attendees towards the next generation of Manga enthusiasts on Kid's Day. As a parent, I was happy to spend the day with my children embracing one of the things I truly do have in common with my children-the love of Comics, animation and Star Wars. As one who truly loves the genre, I felt like I was getting away with something-I was spending quality time with my kids, doing something I truly enjoy and expanding their interest in it-except there was not an ounce of guilt involved!

As my daughter and I sought Chewbacca out for her to get a picture with him, my son happily posed with a Shadow Trooper, and attended the NY Jedi light saber demonstration, where seasoned "Jedis" taught kids of all ages how to duel with light sabers. The NY Jedi were in full on Jedi garb, some even representing the various alien races show throughout the Star Wars saga-which really added to the experience. All the children were gazing with wide eyes as they were taught to swing a light saber the correct way, and dueled for a few moments with a Jedi. My son would not stop talking about it the rest of the day. Events like this in a child's life stick with them forever-years from now my son will probably be sharing the events of today with a friend, smiling at the memory.

My daughter attended the panels on how to draw animals, utilizing color, and how to bring animation to life via depth and shadow. Sitting quietly as she drew along with the instructor, answered questions and colored away, she was in her version of Heaven. This was her thing, drawing. As lucid and detailed as my son was going on about learning proper light saber techniques, my daughter's eyes glowed as she described her plans to draw her next comic. Again, a memory made.

Kids' Day was more than just bringing children to a Comic Book Convention-it was an opportunity for parents who love attending them to share with their children their hobby, and create a day that both parent and child could talk about for years after. At least I know that was the intent, and in the case of this mom and her two kids-it was a success