This photo was taken just before the vendor hall was opened on Saturday morning. Nobody was pushing. Nobody was fighting. Nobody was angry, mean, or aggressive. In spite of some idiot bringing actual weapons to the event on the first day, and lots of increased security as a result, people still attended and had a great time.

Yes, the atmosphere was more subdued than in past years. I attribute that to many people waiting in long (oh, so long) lines in the heat just to get in. We arrived early and for us it took less than thirty minutes, but a friend told me she waited two and a half hours in temperatures over 100 degrees. Yikes!

This event has grown into a colossal affair, and I’m not sure the organizers have the management quite figured out yet. Still, it’s a family atmosphere, and a place where anyone and everyone is welcome to let their freak flag fly. In spite of the difficulties associated with attending Comicon, I still think it’s worth it. Oh, and by the way, I only go for the writing workshops and panels, of which there are plenty.