Not two words you often find near each other. Except at Comic Con, where magic is in the air and anything seems possible…
- My highlights in 2024:
- More space and fewer queues
- The cosplay shows & star interviews
- Signed book from Claudia Gray
- The Star Wars parade (of course)
- The inclusive atmosphere
- See also:
- 2025 Comic Con visitor info
- My trips in 2023, 2022 and 2018
- What to do in November
Vienna Comic Con 2024
(An important message for visitors)
The skies darken in late November, and creatures of the imagination emerge from their summer retreats. At least at Vienna Comic Con, where cosplayers make up a significant number of visitors, exhibitors and guests.
As always, I turned up to enjoy a weekend of fun and fandom.
The news through 2024 has been less than optimistic. Which is enough reason to relish an event that feels like the eye of calm in the storm of modern life and social media malevolence.
(Even stormtroopers need a break now and then)
Life affirming is a phrase I often use in these reports (not that I’ve checked) and 2024 was no different.
Be yourself or be anyone you want to be at Comic Con, and nobody judges you. A safe space in an era that sorely needs them.
But apart from that general air of pleasantness and inclusivity, what else did the event have to offer me?
(Plenty of space in 2024 to check out the merchandise stalls)
Compared to recent years…shorter lines and more space. Which came as a relief after the intense bustle and queues of 2023. This manifested itself both at the autograph section and among the artist alleys and numerous merchandise booths.
With little wait required, I grabbed quick autographs from Vincent Regan and Julian Seager. They chatted happily to me about Poldark and Doc Martin, respectively, even if their more con-oriented TV and film appearances accounted for their presence in Vienna.
(I enjoyed the One Piece panel)
Both gave entertaining panel interviews, as did Craig Fairbrass. I never tire of hearing about the craft of acting and how those at the sharp end of the camera approach it in different ways. Not to mention behind-the-scenes anecdotes around such shows and movies as One Piece, 300 or Snow White and the Huntsman.
Walking among the numerous authors, designers and other creatives always inspires.
Quite apart from the skill on show…the willingness to open your soul and expose your art or words to public evaluation feels like a courageous and admirable step. Always have a lot of respect for anyone selling their own work.
As an aspiring wielder of paintbrush and charcoal myself, I always cast an eager eye over the top artists and illustrators. Watching the likes of Frank Cho drawing at their table feels like witnessing a magician at work: conjuring stories and emotions out of paint and pencil.
(Another Comic Con, another signed book)
Next to Cho sat Claudia Gray with her Star Wars titles and other books.
Ah, yes…the other books. With my brain attuned to fantasy and scifi, I never put two and two together. Until I spotted The Murder of Mr Wickham on Claudia’s desk.
Claudia Gray…that Claudia Gray! Acclaimed Star Wars writer, but also author of the Mr Darcy and Miss Tilney mysteries set in the world of Jane Austen.
The Comic Con deities had smiled on me as an Austen fan and Austenesque author. Be still my beating heart while I adjust my cravat and lightsaber.
(Just me hanging out with an old friend)
Star Wars, of course, remains an old favourite. Very old: I saw A New Hope in 1977 when it first came out in the cinemas.
One reason I return to Comic Con each year is to watch the parade by the 501st and Rebel legions that opens each day and marvel at their costumes. Then grab selfies with Star Wars cosplayers or at the various sets dotted around one hall.
This year, I watched the formal cosplay shows as well. Another moment to marvel at both the cosplayers skill and their willingness to share their creativeness in public.
I’m already looking forward to next year.