You wait a lifetime for a comic convention and then two of them come along…in the same year. So far this year we have had MCM Comic Con and last weekend we had Showmasters‘ Belfast Film & Comic Con – two of the biggest convention companies putting on shows in little old Belfast. With that said my only comparison with this weekend’s Film & Comic Con was the previous one that we had reviewed, and I found them to be two very different beasts indeed.
The Belfast Film & Comic Con was held in the Odyssey Arena, a huge space to fill, but fill it they did. Upon entering we were a little unsure of where to go and staff at the immediate entrance to the ‘Ice Rink’ told me that this was the Star Wars section and to head upstairs. Upstairs there was nothing to be seen, but walking down the bleachers and into the main arena we could see a mass of shops. There was a huge Jabba the Hut scene recreation of his lair and a full size Optimus Prime by the excellent Emerald Garrison, who also had their guys in full professional quality costumes wandering around to take photos with.
Around 80% of the rest of the arena was filled with stalls selling comics, cos-play, figures, sunglasses, minecraft hammers, Vibranium Shields, etc . Then at the back, in the curve, was a mass of tables filled with the celebrities – ranging from Billie Piper to Kenny Baker – you had to pay between £10 and £25 for an autograph if you wanted one.
At opposite ends there where two other areas that were quite well set up if a little hidden away for the ‘panels’ where the stars and personnel came to discuss latest projects and past glories. We went to see a ‘Can DC beat Marvel in the cinematic universe?’ panel. A very exciting topic, but what we saw was a badly organised (technically) event that was hard to hear and constantly strayed off topic, if indeed it ever got onto the topic in the first place. It generally consisted of the three guys on stage mumbling “who likes justice league?’ whist the moderator (dressed as Dr Who) huffed and puffed his way around with the audience mic, scolding people for not putting their hands up. I wasn’t impressed with this aspect but could imagine that once the bigger stars took to the stage that things would run a lot more professionally.
I found the shops and signing area to be professionally arranged and there was a small area for board games in the middle also. Outside the main area there were ‘green screen studios’ set up with props like raptors and Tardis interiors where you could pay to get your photo taken with the stars of the silver screen as a keepsake. There was also a bar tucked away somewhere as well. I met Dunkan Disorderly of Wreslting.ie fame and had a great chat and a photo (with the belt of course) about his upcoming four-way at The Waterfront – as a huge wrestling fan, this was my personal highlight of the day without a doubt.
As I said before my only previous experience at conventions was the MCM one earlier in the year and I must say I enjoyed it more. This convention brought in bigger stars, but if you weren’t there to spend money once you were in, there wasn’t much else to do. Whilst MCM had a Universal film screening area, Robot Wars, LAN gaming set up and PS4 gaming section, this lacked in filling up this much larger arena. The panel area at MCM was much better organised with a hype man on all day throwing out freebies and interacting when the stars weren’t on, they had huge screens at the side, whereas the panels here felt like an afterthought. I didn’t see a floor plan the whole time I was there and staff seemed to have little clue about what was going on, where and when, although they were friendly enough. That’s not to say the convention was without merit – I have heard the comic book selection was second to none, the stalls were amazing as were the cosplayers wandering around. If you had the money, then the chance to meet, greet, get stuff signed by and talk to some big name stars was definitely there for the taking. Attendance seemed healthy also. I’m just hoping that these were teething issues and that the organizers take some suggestions on improving next year as I can see how this could be a truly impressive annual event.
I was there for two days and found it quite enjoyable, though I prefered how MCM had their bar section still in the main area, though I can understand the oddysey not allowing others in to sell beer cheaper than theirs.
I cosplayed for both days as Deadpool and my friend was Captain America, was amazing seeing so many people happy, though by Sunday night I was definitely ready for bed, I am only recovering now :} Looking forward to the next big event.