Local sci-fi fans turn out in force for Wrexham's celebrity-packed event, reports Kyle Percival
CON REPORT: Wales Comic Con, 23 September 2012, Glyndwr University, Wrexham
They’re coming outta of the goddamn walls! Science fiction and fantasy enthusiasts flooded the campus of Wrexham’s Glyndwr University to get some face time with their favourite stars in this year’s Wales Comic Con .
Famous faces from television and film were in attendance along with voice actors, authors and comic artists. Among their number were Jeremy Bullock, Andy Secombe and Warwick Davies of Star Wars fame, Julian Glover, Jerome Flynn, James Cosmo (below right, with Kyle), James Addy, Gemma Whelan, Finn Jones and Gethin Anthony flying the flag for Game Of Thrones and Anthony Head, Craig Parker and Thomas Ian Nicholas adding some sheer awesome to the proceedings. All of the guest stars were approachable, friendly and happy to sign autographs or pose for the odd picture.
The hall was packed to the rafters with visitors, many of them styled in the image of their favourite characters, and stalls selling collectibles old and new, including artwork, prints, autographs, models and clothing.
One minor flaw on the day was that the signing tables and merchandise stalls were set a little too near each other causing some confusion, though this should be blamed on the wonderfully large turnout and not on any failing of the organisers. In this way, the convention has become a victim of it’s own success, outgrowing the venue that had in years passed been more than adequate. To say that Wales Comic Con has blossomed would be to do it a disservice - in five short years this convention has exploded in popularity.
While this was good news for the organisers, it was perhaps not so good for those still waiting in line outside for hours after the doors opened to the general public. Though everyone seemed to accept the wait with good grace and patience, taking the opportunity to pose with the members of the 501st Legion that attended, perhaps moving to bigger venue should be considered for next year.
All in all, Wales Comic Con is definitely one to watch in the future.
Kyle Percival
You can read another perspective on this event from blogger Stephen Ellis in the Event Horizon section of SFX print edition 228 , on sale Wednesday 17 October.
