I’m proud to be a fangirl and all the stereotypes that come along with that. Growing up, I felt like an outsider, who would never fit in. There’s a freedom to being a fangirl as an adult. I remember a few years ago, someone tried to shame me for it and at this point in my mature life, I knew this person was the one with issues. I knew they were the one that was insecure about who they were, so they felt the need to try and make me feel small. I geek out over many things, Star Wars, Dr. Who, Marvel, Harry Potter, Firefly, and countless more. Despite the many fandoms I partake in, the Supernatural fandom is by far my favorite and this is why.
At the heart of Supernatural is family. The family you have and the family you make along the way. It’s a story of two brothers saving people, hunting things, and carrying on that legacy of the family business. Throughout their journey they fight evil things and there is a lot of celestial storyline but the human themes and challenges they face are real.
I just got back from my second SPN convention and it really sealed the place the show has in my heart. It was on for 15 years and now even though it’s been off for 5 years there are still newbies coming to the conventions and watching the show (thanks, Netflix)! The conventions are a blast and like the show it’s about family, community, and inclusion. In the most uncertain of times, (let’s be real it feels like the apocalypse is coming any day now) it’s comforting to come to a place of inclusion and acceptance. The world right now is so unpredictable and polarizing, I take joy in gathering with a roomful of fans geeking out and getting to ask questions to the actors and characters they love. As fan in her 20’s with severe social anxiety stutters bravely through her question, the crowd is supportive, accepting, and welcoming. Literally cheering her on!
Surprisingly for me, the stars of the convention were the character actors who had several roles throughout the series and played each one to perfection and with glee. I am looking at you, Richard Speight Jr, and Rob Benedict. There are so many more talented actors that really make the show what it is. Cheers to: Mark Sheppard (Crowley), Jim Beaver (Bobby Singer), Ruth Connell(Rowena), DJ Qualls (Garth), Sam Smith (Mary), Kim Rhodes (Jody), Lisa Berry(Billie), Matt Cohen (young John), and Briana Buckmaster(Donna), who all were there! Not that we don’t love Dean (Jensen Ackles), Cas (Misha Collins), and Sam (Jared Padalecki), cause we do but what can make or break a show is all the other actors involved besides the leads.
The expanded Supernatural cast is like a merry band of pranksters literally and figuratively, who all got one or two episodes and then were liked so much they got an arc and another storyline playing another character. The world of Eric Kripke is so fascinating! So many of these characters have been on The Boys now, I think I am losing count. Thus proving, this is a family of fun and talented actors who are willing to take risks and not take themselves too seriously.
Back to the convention, my favorite parts were the Karaoke Party, my photo op with Jensen Ackles and Misha Collins (I think I might have blacked out during this as they both hugged me), and their panel as well. But all of the other panels, the concert, and other opportunities to chat with fans truly made it a memorable weekend. It was an escape from the real world which is a much scarier place than the supernatural world of the show. Plus I learned so much about the industry, and the people that made me love this fandom even more. I walked away with show recommendations and podcasts I have already started listening to!
The other fun part about the weekend was that I took my mom. It really is a multigenerational fan fest. The Saturday night concert fell on her anniversary (my dad passed away 3 years ago) and when they played her favorite song with Lisa Berry singing, Tina’s version of Proud Mary, we got up and went to the back of the room to dance. I felt a sense of joy, sadness, and acceptance.
I’ve shared some pics and videos below. I was not the closest to the action but it did not matter. The vibe was good and it was a safe escape from what’s happening in the real world.
