Words and photos by Matt Dursum

It’s December 10th, and I’m in line for my very first comic book convention. I do not know what to expect, nor do I have an agenda. I’m solely along for the ride. 

Nerds of all ages are waiting with us, braving the relentless heat of the Argentine summer for 2022’s Argentina Comic Con. This event in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires is one of the largest pop culture conventions in South America. 

We get to the security, scan our tickets, and set off inside. I, for one, do not know what to expect, but I’m excited to find out what people are here for. 

The Origins of Comic Cons 

After writers like Stan Lee and Bob Kane made their timeless creations, many fans wanted a space to trade their favorite comics and freely talk nerdy to each other. In the early 1960s, these fans came together to form the very first comic conventions. They were small, often disorganized, yet satisfied the need to create a safe space for the growing community. 

Then, in 1970, Sheldon “Shel” Dorf, a comic book fanatic and graphic designer, organized the first Golden State Comic Con, later evolving to become the famous San Diego Comic Con. Dorf and his team envisioned this event as the convergence of everything pop-culture, from sci-fi, comics, and the world of movies and TV. 

Since its inception, the San Diego Comic Con and its organizing body, Comic Con International, have grown into one of the world’s greatest tributes to entertainment. Every year, Hollywood blockbusters, video games, TV series, anime, manga, and, of course, comics, make their debut here. Comic Con San Diego is, for millions of fans, the event of the year. 

Argentine Batman and More

So here I am, in the giant La Rural convention center. A person dressed in a pristine Boba Fett costume walks by me and waves. I run up to take a picture, already embracing the vibe. 

Storm Troopers, elves, and any character you can imagine are present and interacting with the crowd. People are excited, many dancing in unison, twisting and shouting. I normally don’t enjoy being in crowds, but I’m having fun. 

We head over to the vendor booths. Long lines of people wait to get locally made artwork and figures inspired by their favorite heroes. Among the booths are life-size figures of the Hulk and the Demogorgon from Stranger Things. 

After becoming absorbed in the gaming stations, we grab a few beers and salty bar food from the food vendors inside. Unlike some comic book conventions, they sell beer and, to our surprise, they’re relatively cheap. We take our open cans and head into the rowdy main stage. 

Video Game Rock!

It’s now several hours into the event. At this point in the evening, thousands of people are shuffling past us. Inside the crowded main stage, the events begin. 

First, the group THM Video Game Band steps on and lights us up with their epic four-piece rock renditions of our favorite video game classics. Everything from Street Fighter II’s battle song to Star Fox, it was a nostalgic audio trip that made everyone lose their minds. 

Next up was a costume contest. Sipping our beers and cheering until our throats hurt, we usher in wonderful interpretations of The Predator, Wakanda Forever’s Namor, and the hit anime character Chainsaw Man. The attention of the crowd makes a few performers walk off the stage in a fit of nervous energy, a response I would have if it were me up there. 

Finally, the meet and greets. Actors Vincent D’Onofrio and Jamie Campbell Bower—Vecna from Stranger Things—take the stage and offer fans an honest glimpse into the film industry. Surrounding us in the crowd are people cosplaying their favorite Stranger Things characters to celebrate Cambell Bower’s presence. 

As the Main Stage fills up, we make our way out and away from the increasingly boisterous energy. People are patient and overly respectful, but still crowds are crowds and we all had our fill. We snag a few more pictures with our favorite Star Wars cosplayers and step out into the staggering late afternoon heat of Buenos Aires. 

The Aftermath 

About 80,000 people attended 2022’s Argentina Comic Con. Although it was small compared to its giant cousin in San Diego, it was full of creative energy and fun vibes. 

For me, the best part was observing people having fun, getting into their characters, and connecting with others who share their same interests. Seeing someone dressed as Princess Mononoke light up after seeing a member of our group’s tattoo of the same character reaffirmed how important these events are for people and their community. 
Would I go again? Absolutely. But, more than anything, I’m looking forward to partaking in a Lego Convention someday. I was aware of my own beloved nerd community’s absence at Argentina’s Comic Con—thanks to Argentina’s complicated economic situation’s effect on importing legos and other foreign goods. Maybe I’ll make my way to Greenville, SC again next year to take part in their ultimate Lego-con. One can hope!