Nerd Culture Celebration at New Orleans Wizard World 2011

Looking back on my first comic convention from the year 2011, the memories are as vibrant as if they happened yesterday. I’ve been a nerd all my life, a fact that runs as deep as my DNA. My is much the same, which is why we proudly refer to ourselves as the Nola Nerd Couple. That year marked a significant experience for us, as we had our first nerd culture celebration as a couple.

This was my first convention in over a decade. My previous one was a Star Trek gathering featuring James Doohan, the original Scotty. I had a signed picture from that expo, but for the life of me, I have no idea where it is.

Our adventure at the New Orleans Wizard World (now FanExpo) began early on a Saturday morning as we made our way to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The atmosphere buzzed with the excitement typical of such gatherings. M

This particular event was made even more special because Cristina had surprised me with a James Marsters VIP pass for Christmas, thanks to her trip to NYC. It had been ages since I last engaged so deeply with the fan community, and here I was, ready to dive back into it.

Highlights!

Convention food was, as expected, subpar. We would have preferred something from Couchon Butcher, but due to our packed schedule, we settled for the quickest options available. After refueling, I had the pleasure of getting Walter Koenig’s autograph. Koenig, famous for his role as Chekov in Star Trek, was gracious and engaging. I then attended a panel featuring James Marsters, who resonated with the audience by embracing his role in the fan community with pride.

Later, we encountered Billie Dee Williams, who effortlessly was the most charismatic figure at the convention. With his trademark charm, he confirmed that Colt 45 worked every time. Cristina, an avid collector of Star Wars autographs, was thrilled to add his to her collection—a wonderful early birthday present for her.

Our paths diverged briefly; I attended another Buffy panel while Cristina met Adam West and Burt Ward. She recommended Drago’s to Burt Ward, though he wasn’t keen on oysters—a fun tidbit she shared with him despite her dislike for them. We continued our day by collecting more autographs from the Buffy cast and attending various panels.

For dinner, we strolled to the Riverwalk, enjoying the unique culinary options that make New Orleans special. Unlike typical mall dining, we indulged in dishes from Mike Anderson’s Seafood, enjoying fried oysters and alligator—a distinctly local treat.

We returned to the convention to enjoy the costume contest, though living near New Orleans had set high standards for us in terms of costumes. The night ended on a high note with a concert by James Marsters, followed by a casual meet-up with friends at the Half Moon.

The second day brought more delightful interactions, starting with Julie Benz from Dexter and Buffy, who was wonderfully open and engaging. We explored more of the convention, marveling at the artwork and meeting David Pirner of Soul Asylum, which turned me into a true fanboy, although I managed to keep my cool. Mr. Priner, like us, was just a fan at the con. As much as I wish I would have taken a picture, I respected his privacy and time.

The Impact of Comic Cons on Nerd Culture

Reflecting on those two days, the real joy of the convention wasn’t just in meeting celebrities or attending panels—it was in the gathering of like-minded individuals, a celebration of nerd culture where everyone could share and revel in their passions together. This experience underscores the enduring appeal of comic conventions and remains a cherished memory, illustrating the vibrant community spirit that brings us together year after year.

Even though this was our first nerd culture celebration together, as you can see, we have been to many comic cons since!

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