Nerd...The Next Generation

Last weekend I attended the New Your ComicCon with my daughter. She is 17 now and something of an expert in navigating such events. And I needed an expert because 64,000 people jammed the Javitz Center this year! On the first day while waiting to check in I pointed out that her old dad (me) had actually gone to all of the conventions back in the olden days (1970’s) and that I had actually been at the very first Star Trek Convention in New York…which makes her “Nerd…The Next Generation”. Now thirty years ago a couple of hundred to a thousand was a big draw for a COMIC convention so it was something of a culture shock for me to find myself in the middle of a bigger crowd than I find at Yankee Stadium for a playoff game! But it was great fun and how often does a teenager want to spend an entire weekend with her dad?

There have been some changes since I went to my last comic convention about 20 years ago. First is the presence of (shudder) GIRLS! Comics was the refuge and prevue of boys in my day. But the young lads did not seem to mind at all! Next is the range of ages. At one time these events were not attended by anyone older than about 25 (except for dealers). Well I was far from the oldest person milling about the dealer’s room at ComicCon. I saw at least a few people who were well into their 70’s. Good for them! Though I was a bit jealous that they seemed a lot less tired than I was. Must be all that Red Bull they were selling in the food court.

Finally I have realized that “Nerd” is the new black. It is COOL being a Nerd. Nerds even get the girls now! When did this happen and how did I miss the memo? And WHY weren’t we trailblazing Nerds of the 70’s cool? I should get a refund or a gift card, or at least the next copy of Captain America for all that pioneering I didn’t know I was doing.

Oh and on the subject of Captain America, his creator, Joe Simon who is now 94 years young was there. He signed autographs and was delightful to all assembled. I am happy to say that I got to shake his hand and thank him for a lifetime of wonderful story telling.