MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO -- Not long ago, in a convention center not too far, far away was Comic-Con, 2008.
Thousands of people came from around the world to be a part of an annual gathering of those interested in popular arts and culture July 23 through 27 at the San Diego Convention Center. Those attending included 25 Marines from the Single Marine Program.
These SMP volunteers provided crowd control at the event. The majority of the Marines ended up controlling the lines directly in front of the celebrities and provided assistance when asked.
Comic-Con had not always been an event of such a grand scale. It in fact, was conceived quite modestly
This annual multi-genre fan convention was founded by a group of San Diegans as the Golden State Comic Book Convention in 1970 and was held in a nearby hotel. The event was later called the San Diego Comic Book Convention and then was changed to Comic-Con International: San Diego.
The event started out showcasing comic books, science fiction, fantasy and TV and movies with assorted other related popular arts. The first event was also host to approximately 300 convention goers.
As years passed, the event grew in multiple ways. The number of attendees increased, as did the variety of popular arts and culture showcased each year.
The convention is now home to such elements as web comics, horror, anime, manga, animation, collectible card games, toys and video games. It also hosts over 125,000 attendees.
Celebrities such as Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons, actor Keanu Reeves, Will Wright, the man behind games such as “The Sims” and the upcoming “Spore” were among those who stood out in the crowd.
“Working allowed me the opportunity to help celebrities and to simply people-watch,” said SMP Cpl. Steve A. Aguilar of the Recruit Administrative Branch. “It is also interesting to see how big the celebrity’s fan base really is. Plus, I don’t get to stand around and talk to celebrities that often,” Aguilar added.
Comic-Con lasted four full days with one pre convention night lasting three hours on Wednesday. Only a few thousand people showed up. The majority of those were Comic-Con staff, booth workers, artists and corporate workers.
Thursday through Sunday were packed not only with events but with people as well. Every day leading to Saturday brought a larger crowd, with the size peeking on Saturday.
During the four busiest days, there were two, four-hour shifts the SMP volunteers could work. Those shifts were morning and afternoon time slots changing slightly each day to adapt to the changes in pace.
The SMP volunteers were not required to work 100 percent of the time. They were allowed to sample all areas of the convention.
There were many events upstairs that the SMP volunteers were able to see while at Comic-Con separate from the ocean of vender booths set up downstairs. The range of events was extensive. Some of these events included: writers, directors and actors answering questions about their new upcoming TV shows or; classes on how to get in the comic book or game industry; voice-over actor workshops; and a masquerade ball on Saturday night.
There was also a drawing to win a free car covered in Captain America art and signed by Stan Lee, creator of famous comic characters including Spiderman.
The lucky winner was 12th Marine Corps District Sgt. Major Jayme F. Winders.
“People keep telling me I should sell it on EBay, but I’m not going to do that. I love this stuff,” said Winders.
The masquerade ball was one of the more popular events. It was a hybrid of a talent show and runway fashion show. The volunteers of the SMP were given VIP seating in the front half of the ballroom.
The SMP Marines were treated with a viewing of nearly 50 teams of contestants trying to best entertain the crowd and win the judge’s favor with their showmanship and costume craftsmanship. One group stood out among all others with their parody of the popular Nintendo series, Super Smash Brothers. This group was called the Nintendon’ts.
“My favorite group had to be the Nintendon’ts,” said Aguilar. “I couldn’t stop laughing. I really think they stole the show.”
Sunday was Children’s Day and also the last day of the convention. Because the crowds had reached its peak earlier and was now dwindling, the SMP Marines were allowed extra time to explore the convention.
“It was a very interesting opportunity to see all the new comics and movies,” said Aguilar. “It was fun seeing all the different costumes people wore. It was like everyday was Halloween at Comic-Con.” Aguilar also said it was his first time at a Comic-Con and he was surprised how much he enjoyed it.
“I think everyone should at least visit this place on one of the days of Comic Con,” said Aguilar. “I myself found out I was more of a nerd than I ever thought I was.”