2015 Convention Preview Steven Ellis looks at the year ahead in sci- fi and fantasy cons
Every month in SFX, our Event Horizon pages say: “Because meeting up is every fan’s right”, and it looks like 2015 will be another good year for regular convention attendees, as well as anyone taking their first steps into the wonderful world of SF cons.
If you’ve got the time/ money/ patience for navigating a sea of punters nothing can quite match the colossal American festivals such as San Diego Comic- Con in July or New York Comic Con in October – the go- to events for big names and huge announcements. Alternatively, September’s Dragon Con in Atlanta has a different flavour to the bigger cons, and is heavy on the cosplay.
On this side of the pond, London has its fair share of “comic cons” filled with big- name guests from film, TV and comics, including London Film and Comic Con ( July), London Super Comic Con ( March) and MCM Comic Con ( May). Each has a slightly different feel and focus ( guests, comics and cosplay, respectively) but whichever you choose, you’ll be seeing a lot of the ExCeL Centre…
For slightly smaller conventions, Wales Comic Con in Wrexham has been getting better every year, and attracts some surprisingly big names. There’s also no shortage of Who- related events, but you might want to attend one in aid of a good cause, such as the Bedford Who Charity Con in April, which is raising money for food banks.
After a hugely successful inaugral event, Judge Dredd fans shouldn’t miss Lawgiver in Bristol in May – a small one- day event dedicated to Mega- City One’s top law man. Also worthy of note is “young con on the block” Nine Worlds, which will be staging its third event near Heathrow at the beginning of August and is quickly becoming the year’s hottest geek ticket. And there’s no better way to end the year than by popping along to Thought Bubble in Leeds. You can see what we thought of the latest Thought Bubble opposite.
These events are just the tip of the iceberg; the con scene gets bigger and more vibrant every year and events can be found in most cities in some form or other. Whatever you’re a fan of there’s bound to be something to suit you. Who knows, we may even see you out there on the convention floor.