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News24's Maxine Becket got to experience Comic Con for the first time and shared her experience of becoming a lifelong fan through her unique encounter.
I must admit, as a first-time Comic Con attendee, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. And now, I'm converted and would definitely mark it on my calendar as something to attend in the coming years.
The first surprise I got was an F1 driving simulator. As an F1 fan, I grabbed the opportunity and steering wheel with both hands. After a safety briefing, which I hardly paid attention to because I had my game face on, I got in the driver's seat and – lights out, away I went. I was eager to topple the best time. I mean, I watch every F1 race, so I should have a handle on this.
Sadly, all I saw on the screen in front of me was a trail of dust. I was lapped and couldn't beat even Logan Sargeant. Thanks to this experience, I will never judge my favourite driver when he doesn’t do what I assume looks so easy - from my couch.
Comic Con attracts many gamers, comic book lovers (both of which I am not) and celebrities in this field. Through perseverance and luck, I got to chat with Jeff Teravainen about racing, South Africa and his new movie Thanksgiving.
He told me how, when he landed in South Africa, he was sent lines he had to narrate for the movie's trailer. He had to hustle for a voice recorder and recorded the lines in a hotel room. He hadn't seen the trailer then but encouraged me to watch it.
John Barrowman was equally welcoming and entertaining – bringing his A-game in heels and a Dr Who inspired Tardis-themed dress.
Barrowman took questions from his fans, sang and heard how he unknowingly saved a cancer survivor through his art.
Also, I was three steps away from Anthony Daniels, the talk of the Comic Con town.
I was running high on excitement and decided to put that energy to good use in a Nintendo team challenge.
READ MORE | Here's what you missed at Comic Con Cape Town this year
On a stage, my teammates and I competed against another team in what I felt was vigorous exercise (it wasn’t), but I was happy to get a disguised workout while having fun and losing.
I was distracted by the robot dog and cosplayers, particularly Ursula from The Little Mermaid.
I saw how many people couldn’t contain their excitement at the sight of comic books, collectables and memorabilia. They all looked like kids in a candy store, so at home, so in their element.
As I was making my way to leave, Spider-Man, in true Comic Con style, was offering free hugs, sending me off with many happy memories and tired feet.
Maxine Becket was a guest of Telkom in the brand's Next Gen Village at Comic Con Africa.
