Chapter 271: Comic-Con Dynamics III
From hands-on market observation, to costume deliberation, to knowing the toy advancement of competition, the autograph discourse, and the award manipulation.
So far, this Comic-Con visitation has been quite an eye-opener.
In a sense, it was quite enjoyable for Alexander. It wasn't really the usual way of enjoying this event but to each their own.
Other people just happen to enjoy things differently. Procuring rare items or meeting fellow fans was for the majority while he's more on the interesting dynamics that made Comic-Con tick.
If Comic-Con was an application, the general majority were happy to experience the quirks and activities it offers at face value.
Alexander was part of the programming minority that found it more interesting to deduce the commands and codes that made the 'Comic-Con app' work.
One would have to be a weird mix of a veteran programmer and a learning businessman to have his kind of perspective though.
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As interesting as those were... Alexander and Milla decided amongst themselves to head back to the home area where the Creed themes are relegated.
The scheduled time was coming close and their next showcase to put more weight on this so-called SDCC splash was up next.
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As the buddy-system-ed duo retraced their steps, the Creed representatives were busying themselves to prepare for what was about to be shown.
Their set-up should have been a simple press-and-play, however, they have to improvise given the audience that they have in hand.
Unfortunately, their allocated walk-in area was filled with people and it is probably going to be complicatedly cramped if they aren't going to do something about it.
They've seen how enthusiastic these people are and they'll probably be riled up some more when the stuff gets rolling.
If a riled-up crowd is to be expected, then the low-level display monitor in the toy booths wouldn't work anymore.
It'd be hard for this entire crowd to see and they'll probably push and push just to get a glimpse of what's what.
Hence, an improvised plan was deployed.
To maximize viewing and minimize the desperate pushing... an elevated television monitor was needed.
Fortunately, Comic-Con organizers were accommodating hosts and helped with what they needed.
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An impromptu and heightened stage was being set and a transfer was being done for the television and speakers that were needed to be on it.
The mysterious monitors that were on the mainstay displays of Dragonball and TMNT booths now had a true center stage of its own.
Of course, the movement of the Creed representatives could not be missed by the Creed fans at this point... and strangely enough, they were quite behaved throughout the whole impromptu renovation.
It would seem that this Creed crowd was quite dedicated to seeing things through and patience was needed for all that this fuzz was all about.
Long-time Comic-Con attendees knew that patience would always be rewarded... and watching people set up an elevated stage was more interesting than waiting in line for an established comic writer to sign comic books.
In any case, the elevation trick was already a success since the crowd that couldn't see one Creed side from the other... was now able to keep their eyes attached to the re-staging act before them.
Funnily enough, it was just a menial job of configuring television sets but these Creed fans can't seem to look away!
Can't these people just look away for a while? It's not like they're going to miss something important.
Was the connection chord they're holding so gosh darn mesmerizing?! Was the act of connecting it to ports so amazing?!
Even the impromptu technicians couldn't help but feel embarrassed at the situation they are in.
This is a minor set-up, people! This is no concert!
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Too bad, their mental protest can't be heard and it's not like these intrigued Creed fans would even listen.
They just went with it... but the entire situation got a bit too awkward.
Even the rapid buy-and-sell of potential Comic-Con “exclusives” has taken a halt due to the weird action that they have taken.
The infectious hubbub had suddenly shifted into an infectious standstill.
It got to the point that they may as well just go with it.
Using the microphone that was supposed to be used for the Back to the Future Q&A, the Creed employees just made it an impromptu intermission with a different Q&A of sorts.
Since the set-up had devolved into a weird show, why not just go with it?
"Erm... in light of the situation we are in, can I interest you quiet folks in something?" A Creed representative resolved himself to be the emcee.
"What's all this about?" An Indiana Jones-looking fellow didn't really know what was happening. He joined because curiosity got to him and he silently joined in because of silent peer pressure.
"A last-minute change." The Creed "emcee" explained. "We didn't really expect this kind of turnout from you guys. It's a blessing and a hassle if I'm being honest with you."
"Matching your enthusiasm takes some getting used to and it’s a steep learning curve." The emcee remembered that 'limited' rush fondly because it was clearly just a minute ago. "I have my complaints but our boss would probably be happy with how you guys are loving what we're offering."
"We just love your boss very much!" An enthusiastic male fan took his chance and the crowd practically echoed that sentiment.
""""Yeahh!!!""""
"""Alexander Creed for the win!!"""
""Creed all the Way!!""
Be it costumed or not, the weird lot in this crowd are supporters through and through.
That's just how it is when stories and characters appeal to people like them. They're firm and passionate when it counts.
Minus the Indiana Jones and a number of other fellows that intermixed in here. Who knows? With this crowd's infectious enthusiasm, they now might have a Creed-supporting heart as well.
Regardless of the crowd percentage of support, the Creed 'emcee' can't help but take in that sentiment and be thankful for their gratitude. "Haha. I'll make sure that the Mister Creeds know how you are quite supportive of them!"
Of course, 'emcee' didn't disclose the fact that right just behind the crowd was one of the Mister Creeds himself.
The little boss and his little friend Milla must have just gotten back from their little comic convention excursion.
Within expectation, the little boss still looks calm despite that overwhelming support. However, the 'emcee' has sharp eyes and from the stage... he could still see that upturned curve that their little boss is making with his lips.
"While everything is still setting up and technical checks have to be done... why don't I give you some redacted but juicy details about the mysterious Alexander Creed?"
The quiet and onlooking crowd was pretty much riled up again with that... and the Q&A show divested the embarrassment that the technicians are feeling.
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Alexander and Milla had pretty much convened themselves to the far-away spot that they arrived in.
Given that he could still see the TV monitors and the unexpected 'emcee', he had to applaud these guys for the initiative and innovation to try and cater to everybody. They really did rise up from the unexpected situation. Maybe a raise.
"Aha! You're smiling, Alex." Milla's fixation was on different things as she teased. "Did the support of your "silly" fans touch your heart?"
"Maybe." Alexander may not want to admit it but feel somewhat gratified for having supporters like these people before him... Employees and fans alike.
He is in this business for its potential prospects but may have picked up the sentiments and genuineness of the core community that truly loves it.
After that eye-opening stroll he had, it would seem that Comic-Con still has another thing to show him. And perhaps it already has!