(No Ordinary Comic Con?)

November 17 2021:

Chapter one:

The Javitz Center is bursting with energy. The line in the morning went up and down 34th street. It's the last day of this year's New York City Comic Con. People dressed as their favorite characters from every conceivable fandom parade around to get artist/writers panels, compare costumes, purchase merchandise and collectibles, as well as hang out and connect with fellow fans of the same work. It's a magical time.

However, this New York City Comic Con is different than usual. People dressed as Spider- Man, Captain America, and Black Widow, and many other beloved Marvel characters can be seen with mixed emotions on their faces, excited, yet also dependent. Looking at them you'd think that someone just told them that their favorite grandmother was to die but was also leaving them with her entire fortune after she passed away. If you asked about it many would agree with that sentiment, especially those who live in this city that never sleeps.

The reason for this occurred two days ago. It was announced online that this would be a beloved icon's last convention in his birth city of New York City. The man who has given all Marvel fans so much of his time and energy as well as being a co-creator of so many of the well known characters in the Marvel Universe. Stan Lee is having his panel at this location today, this afternoon, in fact. Right now though, the man every comic book fan adores can be seen chatting and signing autographs from behind a white plastic table with the upcoming Marvel studios movie poster Spider-Man no way home blown up behind him.

One New Yorker can be seen in line to get the man's signature, shuffling in place nervously but gingerly, holding a limited edition copy of the Spawn 1#. Her deep brown eyes looking over the others ahead of her in order to see how long it'll be until it's her turn. A cough from behind startles her. She turns around to see who wants her attention.

Hey tall girl, what's got you so impatient? Its not like you can make the line move any faster. Said Thanos.

Embarrassed, the woman scratches the back of her long brown ponytail as she looks down to acknowledge the older gentleman. He must be around five ten? Five nine? Maybe 70 or 80 years old. And dressed as Thanos, the Mad Titan, of all people, completed with a replica of the infinity gauntlet and purple makeup. It's kind of a odd choice of character for an elderly person to dress as. While keeping up with the rest of the line, the brown haired woman responds.

Sorry, it's just, I've always wanted to meet him again since the first New York City Comic Con I went to and I don't want to miss him. I mean, it's his last one, y'know? The brown haired woman said.

Thanos shows a knowing smile.

I get it, believe me, but doin what your doin ain't gonna help at all. By the way, been meaning to ask you... what are you cosplaying as? Thanos asked, gesturing to the woman's attire. You can't be dressed as Natasha Romanoff, you're too bulky for it... Wanda Maximoff? That'd fit, but you don't have her crown on... Replied Thanos.

Huh? The woman looks down at her pink tank top shirt, and gray jeans. Oh! No, sorry, I actually couldn't really afford to make a custom this year. So, I'm just me, unfortunately. Said the brown haired woman.

Ah, Thanos nods. No worries young lady we've all been there. By the way, names Jack. And you are? Jack extends his non gloved hand out for a handshake.

Taking Jack's hand with the one not holding her most prized comic book, the woman replies. Molly Hendricks, but you can just call me Molly. And nice Thanos custom, by the way. Molly said.

Jack grins. Thanks made it myself. Took a while to get it right, though people keep telling me I'm too old for this stuff. If I had a build like you and maybe twenty or so years younger I'd probably be able to pull it off better. Replied Jack.

Now it was Molly's turn to smile. Nonsense, just say you're a Thanos where Dr. Strange used the time stone to accelerate your age and you're good to go! Molly said.

Jack showed a bemused expression and chuckled as the both of them kept walking forward to the front of the line. Yeah, that'd work, if I didn't have the time stone already in the infinity gauntlet that is. Replied Jack.

Ah, I guess you're right. Then how about a Thanos that's an extra few thousand years old? Molly asked him.

Again, infinity gauntlet. With the stones, Thanos wouldn't need to age like he normally would. Plus his races longevity doesn't work like most others, he'd look the same clear up until the day he died. Replied Jack.

Hmm, then say you're a Watcher who is a fan of the Titan? Said Molly.

Nope, if there were a Watcher that was a fan of Thanos he'd have his title revoked. Though they're supposed to be neutral they favor good over evil. The only outlier in the Watchers is that simpleton that watches Deadpool exclusively. And the other Watchers tolerate him because Wade Wilson is usually doing good. Replied Jack.

Molly and Jack continued chatting about comic's, how to resolve Jack's cosplay identity, and their favorite characters for a while. All of a sudden a trio of cosplayers dressed as Bat Man, Green Lantern, and Superman walk by, distracting Molly for a few seconds while Jack gives the young woman a smirk. Though, after a bit it becomes more annoying than funny. So Jack snaps her back to reality.

Hey now, they're handsome alright, but there's no need to stare that much. What would your boyfriend think? Jack asked her.

Startled, Molly hastily waves her hand in front of his face. No, no, no. I don't have a boyfriend, not anymore. Molly said.

Jack's eyes widen slightly in surprise. Really? Big girl like you don't have a boyfriend? Well, I'm sorry to hear that, what happened? Replied Jack.

Ah, well after I got out after my last tour I found out he left me, so I moved back to Queens for a while. He said he couldn't stand me being away all the time and that I wasn't able to give him what he needs. He's married now with kids on the way... Said Molly.

Ah jeez, I'm shouldn't have brought it up. Wait a minute? Got out? Last tour? Your a veteran? Replied Jack.

Hmm, I wouldn't really classify myself as a veteran. It's not like I was in the full 20. But I did a few tours with Kilo Company. 3rd Battalion in Afghanistan. Some of my friends that served with me would say that anyone who deployed and saw the desert is a veteran, but personally, I think the guys who stayed in and continued their service after being in that hell hole are the real veterans. But anyway, after that, well, like I said I got out and came back home. Molly said.

So, what are you doing now? Jack asked her.

Not a whole lot. Living by myself and going to school again to get a medical degree in nursing. The bill's won't pay themselves, you know? But mostly I'm reading comic's and watching TV and movies. Molly said.

Hey, theirs no shame in that. And thank you for your service. Replied Jack.