A Bittersweet Return to Comic Con
"Andor" and nostalgia's double-edged sword
Nostalgia is a double-edged sword. It’s important to reconnect with what inspires you….but you must proceed with caution. The stories you love should shape your future, not trap you in the past.
There's a unique anticipation when you return to a beloved tradition after years of absence. The taste of familiarity mixed with a tinge of wondering whether you still belong. That was exactly what I was feeling as I prepared to head to San Diego Comic-Con, my first “Con” since that thing happened in March 2020….
Conventions were where my fandom came alive. Comic-Con and/or Star Wars Celebration was a near-yearly pilgrimage with some of my best friends, a tradition that unfortunately slipped through the cracks of life’s whirlwinds.
I have to say, this Comic-Con visit reignited my love for fan panels. I loved shooting some of the incredible Legal Geek panels this year. (Find them here on their YouTube channel). They always put on an amazing show. I’d be remiss if I didn’t link this video of their now-infamous “Mock Trial” of Poe Dameron (Shouted out by Oscar Issac!)
But an unexpected surprise came at the “Star Wars Andor - Making a Rebel, Making a Rebellion” panel hosted by my friend James Floyd. I loved their analysis of Kino Loy. His story of redemption and rebellion rekindled my fascination with new perspectives on the hero’s journey in Star Wars storytelling. Kino’s story underscores the power of personal transformation. It’s a reminder that no matter how far you wander, it's never too late to find your way back to “the rebellion.”
Kino Loy, an overlooked, unassuming inmate with a fundamental role in the Imperial prison system, unexpectedly emerged as one of the rebellion's key figures. Kino’s journey from enforcing an oppressive system as an Imperial labor camp overseer, to leading a revolt against it served as a stark reminder of the untapped potential within anyone who’s willing to take a stand.
The panel extensively discussed Kino's transformation, shedding light on his leadership that was always present, simply misdirected. Kino's transition into a leadership role was deceptively sudden, driven by the grim realization of their collective doom. It was then that his “managerial skills” from overseeing the prison floor found a new, purposeful direction. He was ready for this moment, but he needed the right push to use his skills against the oppressive machine he had been a part of. The price of his rebellion was high - his survival hung in a delicate balance.
As I listened, I had to start taking some notes for This is the Way. I couldn’t help but reflect on why Kino resonates with me. Kino is an embodiment of redemption. His story proved that it was never too late to reassess our role within existing systems and recalibrate our moral compass. His character arc was a testament to the power of choice. All it takes is the courage to make a stand, no matter how dire the circumstances
Here’s the thing…
As I reflect on my return to Comic-Con, there's some sadness that clouded my experience. The landscape of fandom has changed so much, and its become polluted by the unyielding poison of radical politics. For me, the sense of camaraderie and the shared excitement that these conventions represented feels somewhat muted now.
Many of my friends have retreated from this world, disillusioned by the surge of online negativity that has seeped in.
Despite this, the 'Andor' panel was a reminder of why we are drawn to these stories in the first place. While the dynamics may have shifted, SDCC had its moments for me. I got to hang with my sister Bethany and her Husband Nick, and our host for the Con, Josh from the Legal Geeks. I got to catch up with a few old friends and spend a few hours in the vast convention hall. And even see Gareth Edwards in a Hall H panel!
Change is a natural part of life, and it seems that the world of fandom is not immune to it. Yet, as I navigate through this new terrain with This is the Way, I can't help but cling to a flicker of hope. I hope that despite the turbulence, I can still remain connected to the stories that brought me inspiration, and a sense of belonging.
It's in these stories we'll find an antidote to negativity. Because at the end of the day, isn't that what being a part of a fandom is all about?
This is the way.