Last month, we spent a weekend at Planet Comicon in Kansas City—and it was one we won’t forget anytime soon! From meeting David Tennant to sitting in on thoughtful panels, meeting local artists, and walking among some wildly creative costumes and props, the whole event was a reminder of how powerful shared interests can be.
Meeting the Doctor Himself
One of the biggest highlights was meeting David Tennant, who played the Tenth Doctor in Doctor Who. We got to hear him speak during a Q&A panel where he answered questions from fans and shared stories from his career. It felt personal and warm, and we had the chance to take a photo (or two) with him and grab his autograph—definitely a full-circle moment for any fan of the show.
The Cosplay Scene
Walking the show floor, the creativity on display was nonstop. William got to pose with Jabba the Hutt and Boba Fett, and even though we didn’t dress up this year, the number of detailed and original costumes gave us plenty of ideas for next time. Cosplay, it turns out, is about way more than wearing a costume. It’s a way people share stories, feel seen, and connect with others who get it. There’s research to back that up, too—studies show that participating in cosplay can increase confidence and a sense of belonging, especially in safe, accepting environments like this one. One of the panels we attended highlighted this important reality.
Beyond costumes, people were building full-on experiences. There were lifelike droids roaming around, including a working R2D2 and BB-8, a replica of the DeLorean from Back to the Future and a replica of the red Dalek from Doctor Who (who even attended the David Tennant panel). It was the kind of stuff that makes you stop and just take it in.
Exploring Panels, Local Brews, and Local Artists
We also spent time in panels that focused on mental health and creativity—conversations that felt honest and grounding. Attendees shared openly about how art, storytelling, and fandom can help (and has helped them already) work through tough stuff. And it made a lot of sense. Getting lost in a creative project or a fictional universe can be healing, especially when those worlds feel safer than our own. It’s a way of processing the world—and sometimes escaping it, just enough to come back stronger.
In between panels, we browsed artist alley and picked up books from local writers and illustrators. And yes—we made a couple stops to sample free beers from Boulevard Brewing while we were at it.
The best part of Planet Comicon, though, wasn’t any one particular moment. It was the feeling of being surrounded by people who love what they love—boldly, loudly, without apology. It’s rare to be in a space where people feel that safe and excited to just be themselves. We need more of that.
We left feeling lighter, maybe even a little more open. And while we’re already thinking about what costumes we might pull off next year, what really sticks with us is the sense of connection—a weekend where the weird and wonderful brought people together in all the right ways.
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