You'd better grab your pass now if you haven't already
If you’re a regular reader of Section 8, then you know that we’re devoted attendees of comic book conventions. And two conventions regularly make it onto our annual calendars. San Diego Comic-Con, held every July in San Diego, and WonderCon, held every spring in Anaheim.
We’ll be there again this year.
What is WonderCon?
WonderCon is an annual comic book, science fiction, and pop culture convention that takes place in various locations across the United States. It was first held in 1987 in Oakland, California, and is currently organized by Comic-Con International. The convention features a wide range of events and activities, including panel discussions, celebrity appearances, cosplay contests, artist alley, exhibitor booths, and more.
WonderCon attracts thousands of attendees, including fans, industry professionals, and exhibitors from all over the world. It is known for showcasing new and upcoming releases in comics, movies, TV shows, and video games, as well as providing a platform for fans to connect with their favorite creators and fellow enthusiasts.
Are you going to WonderCon?
If you’re interested in attending WonderCon this year, then you better get moving. Passes have been on sale for months and tens of thousands have already been sold.
In order to get passes for WonderCon, you can visit the official website of the event (www.comic-con.org/wca) and follow the registration process. Here are the general steps to follow:
Visit the WonderCon website and select the "Registration" tab.
Create an account by providing your name, email, and a unique password.
Select the type of pass you want to purchase. WonderCon offers several types of passes, including single-day passes, 3-day passes, and badges for children and seniors.
Enter your personal information, such as your name, address, and phone number.
Provide payment information and complete the checkout process.
Once your registration is complete, you will receive a confirmation email with your pass or badge information. You will need to bring this confirmation with you to the event, along with a valid photo ID, to pick up your badge at the registration desk.
Are you a cosplayer?
WonderCon is known for its cosplay enthusiasts.
Cosplay is short for "costume play" and refers to the practice of dressing up in costumes to portray a specific character or idea, often from a popular work of fiction such as a comic book, anime, or video game. Cosplayers often create their own costumes and accessories or purchase them from specialized retailers.
So, if you go, expect to see dozens, if not hundreds, of instantly recognizable characters from your favorite comic books, films, and television series, but don’t be surprised when you fail to recognize many of the cosplayers you will see. Some enthusiasts enjoy not being recognized because they’ve gone for a more obscure character. Then, when someone does recognize them, there’s an instant bond.
Why It Matters. Essentially, WonderCon is a comic book and comic art convention. And, as a comic book convention (or ‘popular media’ convention as they’re sometimes called) it serves several valuable purposes.
For example,
Community building: Comic book conventions provide a platform for fans to come together, share their interests, and connect with others who have similar passions. They offer a sense of community and belonging that is often hard to find elsewhere.
Industry networking: Comic book conventions also offer a valuable opportunity for professionals in the industry to network with each other, make new connections, and showcase their work. This can lead to new business opportunities, collaborations, and career advancement.
Education and entertainment: Comic book conventions feature a wide range of educational and entertaining events, such as panel discussions, workshops, screenings, and cosplay contests. These events allow attendees to learn new skills, gain insights into the industry, and have fun while doing it.
Promotion and marketing: Comic book conventions are also important for promoting and marketing new releases in comics, movies, TV shows, and video games. Exhibitors can showcase their products and services to a large and engaged audience, generating buzz and excitement around their upcoming releases.
Overall, comic book conventions play a significant role in the comic book and pop culture industry, providing a space for fans and professionals to come together, share their passions, and shape the future of the industry.
And don’t forget the real reason we go … it’s the comic books, duh!
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