Comic-Con super fans support San Diego activities during the virtual convention

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SAN DIEGO (KGTV) Just like last year, Comic-Con is virtual in 2021. But those in San Diego have made it their mission to not only keep the festivities alive, but also to support the companies that once benefited. of the heavy traffic that this event brought in.

Unlike in years past, there aren’t many out of town taking part in the cosplay festivities in the Gaslamp neighborhood. But those in San Diego who consider this annual tradition hope to close the gap by helping neighboring businesses in any way they can.

Christopher Canole, better known as Dude Vader, has been part of the mega-event since its inception.

“This is our 4th of July,” he shares, “this is our party, we’re back, San Diego is back!”

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Comic-Con is online this year. but the San Diego superfans have decided to bring the joy of cosplay to a corner near the Tinfish restaurant. The handmade shrine was the meeting point for those in “America’s most beautiful city” to meet and greet in person, similar to what they would do in other years.

For the Paredes-Rivas family, they wanted to spend this weekend supporting their city, “We decided to rent a room here at Hard Rock, and we did it yesterday,” shares Margaret Paredes-Rivas, “We just wanted to support the restaurants and local businesses that normally benefit from Comic-Con. “

This smaller crowd knows their favorite hotspots are still bouncing off not just from the pandemic, but from event weekends like this one that once carried foot traffic from near and far.

Paredes-Rivas shares that his family tradition of participating in Comic-Con began in 1998. Over the past two years, he says it has been difficult to see his city hit by the closure of events and venues.

RELATED: Spirit of San Diego Comic-Con Kept Alive as the Event Goes Virtual for the Second Consecutive Year

“They’re appreciating the people who come here and support them,” Paredes-Rivas shares of Gaslamp Quarter’s activities. because people are dressed up, and they said it was supposed to be Comic-Con weekend, but they’re still bringing people out to support us. “

And those from out of town who didn’t know Comic-Con was unfolding differently were quick to get involved and invest in the local fanfare.

Rita Turner is from Seattle, Washington, and she came with her friends to travel around the city. He felt like Comic-Con had been canceled altogether.

She says that when she walked out of her apartment to see everyone dressed in costume, her group was immediately drawn, “Being able to help them rebuild their community, that’s what it’s all about.”

In their costumes and characters, the cosplayers want others to know that Comic-Con is still here, and so is San Diego.

“The coronavirus was difficult,” Canole shares, “but all these cosplayers were still making clothes and are ready.”

While this weekend’s event is virtual, Comic-Con hopes to have a smaller person activity this Thanksgiving, called the “Comic-Con Special Edition.” Organizers say traditional in-person Comic-Con will return next year.

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