From Fornite to cosplay: The Supercon pop culture education of a newbie

RALEIGH – I’ve officially attended my first Supercon convention, and it was an education in the latest tech pop culture, to put it mildly.

I must admit, before this weekend, I had never heard of the wild world of cosplay (a combination of the word “costume” and “play”). Gaming terms like PvP (player versus player), skins and noob were also not part of my lexicon.

But apparently, I’m learning fast. Here are my top takeaways:

It’s about the community, stupid

Before heading out to the Raleigh Convention Center Friday morning, it’s safe to say, however close-minded, that when I imagined an anime fan, I envisioned a solitary person binge-watching their favorite animated series at home, alone. But as with most things, it’s actually more nuanced than that.

Whether dressed as a Japanese manga character, a Marvel superhero or a Disney princess, almost every person I spoke to shared a sense of belonging.

“Here, we can immediately identify with each other because we automatically have something in common,” said Jessica Sullivan, 40, a web developer, who drove from New York to meet up with friends that she met online. “It enables us to come together and feel accepted, and part of a community.”

We all can benefit from a bit of escape once in a while

Taking a break … Michael Caldwell, Lauren Pressley and Amelia Caldwell.

And regardless of your interests, it’s fair to say that Supercon offered that in spades. From gaming to people watching to celebrity stalking, it was a smorgasbord of delights to keep even the most indifferent spectator completely entranced.

Some played in the make-believe world of Fornite; others got lost in the parade of people, taking photos and costume gazing; still others got to geek out with comic vendors.

Over the course of many hours, taking in the scene, I don’t think I checked my phone once for a news update. And sadly, that’s rare.

Perhaps Raylene Sellen, 29, from Boone, bursting out of a black bustier dressed as Grell Sutcliff from “Black Butlers”, said it best when she observed: “You’re able to be somebody else for a little while. It’s an easy way to de-stress.”

Celebrities are normal people too, but it’s still a rush to meet them

Maybe it’s because they were some of the only ones not in costume or makeup. Or maybe it’s just seeing them under the unforgiving glare of auditorium light. But there’s something very humanizing when you get up close to the stars of your childhood, decades older, sitting behind makeshift tables, charging $60 for selfies and autographs.

Once upon a time, these were the big names of the day, getting chased by paparazzi and written up in gossip columns. But time marches on, even for celebrities, and fame is fleeting, bringing us all down to earth eventually.

It’s been a long time since I crushed on Ralph Macchio from “The Karate Kid.” Still, it was hard not to linger by his table and feel a flutter of excitement when I caught a little glimpse.

Video games can also be a positive force

Staying occupied … attendees play games at Supercon.

This is not something I ever thought I’d be saying a week ago, or even in my lifetime. Yes, I let my 8-year-old son play them, and many people I know are also big fans. But I’m never going to be a big enthusiast; it’s just not my thing, especially the simulated violence, make-believe or not.

That said, after speaking to many people of all ages and walks of life over the last few days, I got to view gaming through a different lens.

For some, gaming offered them an opportunity to bond with their family.

“We all actually enjoy playing video games together,” said Jill Grouse, 48, who turned out with her husband Greg, 49, son Aaron, 16, and daughter Meredith, 14. “We have a lot of fun.”

Others highlighted the social aspects, such as Joseph Pichalsky, 17, from Lincolnton, who came to compete in the festival’s all-day Fornite competition. “I’m here with a gaming team. About 12 of us came. It’s cool.”And while he admitted he probably played up to 10 hours a day, it keeps him out of trouble. “My parents are proud of me. I’m not doing bad stuff. I’m planning on enlisting in the military soon.”

It’s hard to argue with that.