Superheroes and sorcerers: Why I can’t wait to attend Comic-Con for the first time, even if it is virtual

Having always dreamt of attending the world-famous San Diego Comic-Con, Sabrina Barr can't wait to join in the event – even if it is through a computer screen

(Getty Images)

If I were to imagine my life as a superhero origin movie, it would open with a scene set during my childhood; a five-year-old girl sat with her eyes glued to the TV as the animated Spider-Man and X-Men series play on repeat. As a child, I dreamt of being inducted into Professor Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, of swinging from the highest skyscraper in New York City as an electric guitar riff played in the background. I took any symptom of illness as a possible sign my mutant powers were manifesting, that I would soon be able to move objects with my mind or change the weather at will. I lost myself in stories of superheroes and sorcerers, desperately wishing that I could one day join their ranks to help save the world.

At a time of mass isolation, virtual Comic-Con will help people let their imaginations run wild

While I may no longer believe I am harbouring any secret powers, my enthusiasm for superheroes, sci-fi and fantasy has far from waned in adulthood. As soon as I learnt of the existence of Comic-Con, I knew it was where I belonged; a place where I could connect with people from around the world who share the same earnest excitement as I do for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Game of Thrones and so much more. For years, I’ve said “next year will be the year I finally go”, I already know I will dress as Rogue from X-Men, with a green and yellow leotard, brown bomber jacket and white-streaked wig.

Of course comic book conventions are held in locations around the world, for my debut appearance, I have my heart set on one: San Diego.

San Diego Comic-Con is widely-regarded as one of the biggest comic book conventions in the world, with an annual attendance of around 130,000 visitors. First launched in 1970, every year the convention hosts a range of highly-anticipated events, from trailer reveals to film and TV panels and surprise celebrity appearances.

Just last year, the crowds went wild when director Taika Waititi brought Natalie Portman onto the stage to announce she would play the female version of Thor opposite Chris Hemsworth. And in 2013, Tom Hiddleston brought Hall H to a standstill when he appeared on stage as trickster Loki, demanding that the audience chant his name in adulation. But alas, no such antics can take place this year. In April it was reported that, due to the coronavirus pandemic, San Diego Comic-Con would be cancelled for the first time in its 50-year history.

Taika Waititi presents Natalie Portman with Thor’s hammer on stage in Hall H (Getty Images)

However, not all is lost. The organisers have replaced it with a virtual event called Comic-Con@Home, taking place on the dates originally set aside for the live event, from 22 to 26 July. The event is free for anyone to join online, eliminating the need to fork out hundreds of dollars on tickets and airfare. Panels including those for The New Mutants, His Dark Materials and Star Trek will be streamed online, while attendees can also take part in virtual cosplay and art competitions. At a time when people across the globe are feeling more isolated and detached than ever before, for a few days they have an opportunity to let their imaginations run wild and their worries temporarily wash away.

Binge-watching superhero films has provided me with much-needed solace on my lowest days

That is, of course, how I will be feeling. When lockdown was introduced in the UK on 23 March, it was the day before the launch of Disney Plus. And for me, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Binge-watching films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, from the 2008 blockbuster Iron Man to the earth-shattering classic Avengers: Infinity War, provided me with much-needed solace on my lowest days. The familiar faces of Captain America and Wonder Woman made me feel comforted when I was unable to spend time with loved ones.

Brandon Davis, a producer for Comicbook.com had the novel idea to launch “Quarantine Watch Party”, where he would set a time for people around the world to watch a predetermined superhero movie simultaneously, with participants tweeting along with the dedicated hashtag. The event proved so popular that Davis even managed to wangle several impressive virtual guests, including Avengers: Endgame directors Anthony and Joe Russo. It’s safe to say that superhero films have given me – and so many others – a vital means of escape when we needed it most.

Gal Gadot meets a young Wonder Woman fan during a Justice League cast signing (Getty Images)

So while I can’t wait for the day I walk into the San Diego Convention Centre clad in spandex and a bouffant wig, I’m thrilled to be attending Comic-Con for the first time this year, albeit in a virtual capacity.

Having taken several days off work especially, I can already see my now 26-year-old self staring at my laptop screen, fixated by what I'm watching, allowing my mind to become occupied by the fictional characters I have looked up to since early childhood. My long-awaited arrival at SDCC will just have to wait one more year.