Dublin Comic Con is back in town for its star-packed summer edition
by Brian Bowe
Dublin Comic Con returns for its 10th anniversary at Dublin’s Convention Centre. From August 12-13, fans of all things geeky will converge on Dublin’s city centre to meet some of their favourite celebrities, buy merchandise, and attend panels and workshops. This event is a must-visit for comic book and pop culture enthusiasts, offering a range of attractions and activities for all to enjoy.
One of the many highlights of Comic Conventions is the chance to meet celebrities from your favourite movies and TV shows. This year, Linda Hamilton, best known for her role as Sarah Connor in the Terminator franchise, will be in attendance. Also for Terminator fans, Michael Biehn and Robert Patrick, who played Kyle Reese and the T-1000 respectively, will be present. Fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (me!) can look forward to meeting James Marsters, while Disney lovers both young and old can meet Bret Iwan, the current voice of Mickey Mouse. Veronica Taylor, the voice of Ash Ketchum in Pokémon, will also be there to meet Ireland’s Poké-enthusiasts.
These special guests, and more, will be attending signing areas, providing fans with the opportunity to have their memorabilia signed. Prices for autographs vary depending on the guest, ranging from €15 to €50, and each autograph generally includes a signed photograph. Some guests may also sign other items upon request, so be sure to bring along any props or DVDs you’d like to have signed.
You can also add to your collection of memorabilia at the Traders Hall, which offers a wide range of goods, including statues, figures, comic books, and plushies. The Craft Tables area showcases the talents of various artists, such as leatherworkers, sculptors, seamstresses, and jewellery makers.
Other fun activities include Dublin Comic Con’s interactive sets and photo ops where attendees can immerse themselves in their favourite fandoms: from experiencing a zombie apocalypse to a Titan attack, there are plenty of opportunities to capture amazing memories. These interactive experiences are included in your entry ticket, so you don’t have to pay extra.
Be sure to explore Cosplay Village, a spot where cosplayers can showcase their costumes, get help with repairs, and sign up for the cosplay contest. There are also free photo backdrops available for capturing the perfect cosplay look. The Costume Contest is always a hit, allowing attendees a chance to shine in showing off their creativity and craftsmanship. Prizes await those who have put in the hard work to bring their favourite characters to life.
As with every Dublin Comic Con, this year’s summer event features panels and Q&A sessions with special guests and industry professionals. Whether you’re interested in behind-the-scenes secrets or game development insights, there’s a panel for everyone. Additionally, there are dedicated cosplay panels where seasoned cosplayers share their tips and tricks.
Tabletop gaming fans can enjoy various games hosted by Sandbox Gaming, Dublin Comic Con’s official Tabletop Gaming Partner. Games such as Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh, Digimon TCG, and Pokémon TCG will be available for participants to test their skills.
In addition to all these attractions, Dublin Comic Con has virtual reality experiences, 360 cameras for capturing the perfect pose, escape rooms, and more. Availability may vary, so be sure to check the event’s social media channels for updates. Dublin Comic Con: Summer Edition takes place on August 12 and 13 (Saturday and Sunday). A daily general admission ticket will cost you €25. To stay updated on the latest information and announcements, visit the official Dublin Comic Con website at www.dublincomiccon.com
