By Owen Quinn author of the Time Warriors and Zombie Blues
By Owen Quinn author of the Time Warriors and Zombie Blues
Dublin Comic Con has been going for eleven years now and it’s been a full year since I was there. Instead of going to the summer edition 2023 with the Terminator cast, I ended up getting a below the knee amputation.
So I was detrmined to get there this year on my new leg and went I did. And I have to say it was the breath of fresh air I needed in a storm of chaos. We stayed at the Samuel Hotel which I recommend as it is close to the Convention Centre but I recommend you book your parking in advance at the centre.
The sets were back amazing attendees with a full sized Tauntaun which is my favourite creature from Star Wars. My only regret was not being able to sit on it but then again how the hell was I getting down again with a false leg? It was beautiful and really stood out the minute you saw it. Ghostbusters were present as was Mandalorians, Batman, Predators, animee characters, a female Wolverine, Star Wars characters and Superman. You also had an Indiana Jones set but were you brave enough to switch the golden statuette for a bag of sand? If course, you get to be captain of the Enterprise as well.
There were plenty of traders and choice to part you from your money but I love going round the stalls to see what is on offer. You had various costuming clubs, some more eye cathing then others but all in the spirit of the weekend. I also have to mention the guide dogs we met. We had to buy some of their merchandise as it is a brilliant cause and should be supported. We arenhuge dog fans in our house so it was a no brainer. Having them in a primary position is a clear sign that this event is not all about the money. There are great charities that can be helped out and when you get to meet the beautiful dogs being trained or are trained, you have to give something. We came away with two stuffed dogs, pens and pencils. In August get your arses up there and help out this great cause plus you get to meet and pet the dogs themselves.
But it is the guests people come to see and this year we Emily Rudd, the cast of Grand Theft Auto, Steven Ogg, Ned Luke and Shawn Fonteno, return of the voice of Bender, John Dimmagio, Supernatural’s Mark Shephard, Yellow Power Ranger Alyson Kipper Sullivan, Craig Fairbass, Theo Solomon and Devora Wilde. There were comic book artists and writers, something for everyone.
I had a great time and it thoroughly recharged my batteries. It may seem easy to run a show like this but trust me it isn’t. You are always going to people that moan but it was my nephew’s first one and he loved it. He got to hold birds he had never been able to before and see props from the movies. These shows are a generational thing for all of us. My son started as a mini stormtrooper nine years ago and now he is volunterring at it. My nephew will be back as will other members of my family. I was there when there were no comic cons in Ireland at all and when I heard about Dublin Comic Con starting, I offered my help from the start. I was tired of travelling to England all the time for cons.
Shows like this are vital to the future of fandom here regardless of who else comes and goes. There is a lot of behind the scenes work that goes on all year round planning, set building and securing new and exclusive guests. I am 55 years young and freaked when I heard Kate Mulgrew was coming this August. That alone is awesome and a huge thing for fans for not only of Star Trek but Orange Is The New Black also. Not to mention all of the other work she has done. She is a great captain and a great actress. This is not to be missed especially as there are others to be announced.
That is the attitude to take when attending Dublin Comic Con. You are entering an environment where the worries of the world are left behind and you have no idea what you are going to walk into during that show (Tauntaun). It is a family and friends day where you revel in the stuff you love. Did I leave it still a fan of Dublin Comic Con ? Damn right.
Well done team Dublin Comic Con. You were just what the Doctor ordered. I got the celebrities I wanted and new faamily memories of us being together. Awesome.
The Time Warriors and Beyond 