Dublin Comic Con - Worth it?

H3llR4iser · 27-07-2018 10:19am #1

I was checking the upcoming Dublin Comic Con; I've always wanted to go to a Comic Con but in the end never did - most of the time they happened at the other side of the planet, I had things going on on the dates and so on. This year I have no such impediments and was thinking about going to have a look.

My only issue is - is it actually worth it? I still remember reading in the news about the insane queues and waits for the gaming convention held in the DCC about a year ago, due to the organizers having the absolutely foolish idea that people would have been "rotating in and out" - people go in and stay most of the day, even I know!

So, what's the experience? I guess some people lurking here have attended in the past years, is it a complete queue-fest?

Cheers!

Greyjoy · 27-07-2018 2:29pm

I haven't been myself though I'm thinking of heading this year. One thing I can advise however is to absolutely not use that gaming convention in the Convention Centre as a yardstick for Dublin Comic-Con. That 'GamerCon' in the DCC was an absolute sh*tshow run by amateurs looking to cash in. Dublin Comic Con has been running for 6 years now so while it may be busy the organisers actually know what they're doing unlike that infamous 'GamerCon'. There's a handy survival guide to Comic-Con from Pulse college here - Surviving Dublin Comic-Con/

AMKC · 01-08-2018 10:22pm

Never been to it myself either. Nearly went one year but then did not. Would love to go wearing a Starfleet uniform. That would be cool. Have seen some pics from it and was following someone on facebook that has gone to it and there does be some amazing costumes at it and great imagination and effort but into them.

Also Starring LeVar Burton · 04-08-2018 10:22pm

I've been the last few years and it's definitely worth it. They've seemed to work out the kinks over the last few years and the Panels with the Celebrity guests in the Auditorium are great.

Met Gates McFadden the first year I went to DCC and she was pleasant enough but otherwise underwhelming. Last year, however, Marina Sirtis was there and she was fantastic and genuinely seemed to enjoy interacting with fans. Sadly I couldn't attend in April to meet Brent Spiner, but very much looking forward to meeting Michael Dorn next week.

H3llR4iser · 05-08-2018 12:26am

Also Starring LeVar Burton wrote: »

I've been the last few years and it's definitely worth it. They've seemed to work out the kinks over the last few years and the Panels with the Celebrity guests in the Auditorium are great.

Met Gates McFadden the first year I went to DCC and she was pleasant enough but otherwise underwhelming. Last year, however, Marina Sirtis was there and she was fantastic and genuinely seemed to enjoy interacting with fans. Sadly I couldn't attend in April to meet Brent Spiner, but very much looking forward to meeting Michael Dorn next week.

That sounds interesting indeed - so it does sound like it's well organized.

My main question, putting it in a more simple way, would be: is it, essentially, a day of being in queues? How the queue at the entrance? I don't actually mind panels, actors etc (although Michael Dorn being there is admittedly cool), I'd be happy to roam around, check the stands etc., how "smooth" this kind of process is? As you might have got a #slight# suspicion, I despise very little more than queuing for stuff

Also Starring LeVar Burton · 05-08-2018 2:25am

H3llR4iser wrote: »

That sounds interesting indeed - so it does sound like it's well organized.

My main question, putting it in a more simple way, would be: is it, essentially, a day of being in queues? How the queue at the entrance? I don't actually mind panels, actors etc (although Michael Dorn being there is admittedly cool), I'd be happy to roam around, check the stands etc., how "smooth" this kind of process is? As you might have got a #slight# suspicion, I despise very little more than queuing for stuff

The queue going in first thing in the morning is pretty busy, but once the doors open they get people in quite quickly (and really that's only for the first 20 minutes of the day, once the initial crowd has gone in, there's virtually no queues to get in to the building) and apart from that there's not a whole lot or mad queues throughout the day. I have to say they've worked out a lot of the kinks over the past few years, and last year was like a well oiled machine. There's certainly lots of people roaming about and usually I get very claustrophobic in big crowds, but that hasn't been an issue for me, and as far as queue's go once you're inside there really isn't any apart from people lining up to get autographs with the guests (and even then they're relatively short and take no more than a few minutes).

For my experience, I'm all about going to the Panels and watching the Costume Contests, as well as going up and meeting one or two of the guests personally, so my perspective could be completely different from somebody else's.

Deise Musashi · 13-08-2018 6:30pm

The queue is one of the best bits!

Checking out the costumes, moving around the block, having the chat.

Once the doors open you move really quickly, it's impressive how they process so many people in through two doors!

When you get inside, check the vendors on the first floor, the vendors and artists second floor, the panels, the celebrities, the cool costumes on everyone...

What I love about DCC is the inclusivity, not just the nerds and socially awkward (a given), there are people on the Autism spectrum, physically disabled, LGBTQ+, kids, adults, Martians, whatever...these are your tribe!

They provide excellent wheelchair access, try to accommodate the most people possible, there are quiet rooms, no one bats an eye if someone needs to wear hearing protection to limit input, any sexuality, you are with friends.

This event is for anyone and everyone, I would recommend!

Even if you think your costume is sh**e, you made it, the effort was there, and people will appreciate that and encourage you.
There are repair stations to fix your kit, panels on how to do more advanced stuff, everyone is in a good mood.

What I love, having an 11 year old Daughter, is that you can be whatever.

I saw some female "Predators" (the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie), a lady Capt. America and Winter Soldier (not as girls i.e. not a female version of the part, those characters.. just played by girls).
If young women want to, they can cosplay as the typically "sexy" anime characters from games and Anime, but so can the boys (and they did).
They can also be tough as nails space Marines, in pretty pink exo armour, their choice, and everyone supports that.

My Daughter has been The Joker, She Ra, Dobby the House Elf, Spiderman.....it's all good fun.

My 14 year old Son was also there, he was Draco Malfoy and Superman, on different days.
This whole experience exposes the lads to different people, viewpoints, experiences, helps their acting in Drama class (not lovies, just gets them out the house of a Saturday, and the Halloween and Christmas Pantos are fun).

This makes them more tolerant and aware humans, helpful, and supporting of others, their efforts and journeys,

DCC finished yesterday, I'm looking at ideas for next year now.
Maybe Emily Blunt's character from "Edge of Tomorrow" or "Vasquez" from "Aliens". (I want her to know she can be whatever she wants, be her own Hero, a kick ass strong woman, and I'd like to have a go at building foam armour)

If she prefers to be something else, pretty, alien, Abe Sapien (please no!) we'll have a go at building that.

She may pick a Valkyrie, or something from Borderlands, doesn't matter, still fun!

I saw a lot of LGBTQ+ flags, and allies this year.
Fair one, no one "bats" an eye at a female lesbian interpretation of "Batman" or whatever, if it's creative and you love it, get in.

People will ask if they can take a picture, can their kids stand in with yours, or just give a thumbs up or the "Bro Nod".

There is a social contract, anyone can attend in skimpy gear if they want, and it fits the character.

Cosplay is not consent.

Ask if you can take a picture, people are more than happy to show off their work.

What I love is the family connection, the opening up of conversations, the welcoming nature of being in the "collective" like a Borg, but not a Cult :-)

It's a great weekend and I want to thank the organisers for a very well organised and Hoooge event, we can all enjoy.

Especially the Wasteland Carnival, their Casino is a fantastic feature!

"My body is Chrome, my blood is Gasoliiiinnnneeee...."

GalwayGrrrrrl · 13-08-2018 9:27pm

I went for the first time this year - brought two 12 year olds with me. Had a fantastic day. Everything ran smoothly. Arrived at 10.30 and got through doors before 11, enjoyed looking at the costumes while we waited. The trade hall was busy in certain aisles but you could get to what you wanted. Everyone was in good humour so the crowd wasn’t intimidating or stressful.
Didn’t dress up this year but have already started my costume for next year (and will use it for a local anime con in January). I brought my own food and drink so can’t comment on quality of that. Far too much to see in one day, will get the two day ticket next year. Highlights - Dean Cain panel and meeting Chewbacca.

xzanti · 05-06-2019 6:41pm

Looking at bringing my kids to this year's Comic Con.

Just wondering, what ratio of people attending actually dress up for it?

Would love to dress the whole family up, but don't want my eldest (9) to feel self conscious if we're in the minority

Thanks

GalwayGrrrrrl · 05-06-2019 7:41pm

xzanti wrote: »

Looking at bringing my kids to this year's Comic Con.

Just wondering, what ratio of people attending actually dress up for it?

Would love to dress the whole family up, but don't want my eldest (9) to feel self conscious if we're in the minority

Thanks

I went last summer and felt self conscious because I wasn’t dressed in costume! Went back in March fully dressed up. A huge number of people dress up (at least a third of visitors, maybe more) so you’ll have a brilliant time if you go in costume. Bring lunch and drinks/snacks for the kids as there’s not much choice of catering and it gets busy. Enjoy!

xzanti · 06-06-2019 11:23am

GalwayGrrrrrl wrote: »

I went last summer and felt self conscious because I wasn’t dressed in costume! Went back in March fully dressed up. A huge number of people dress up (at least a third of visitors, maybe more) so you’ll have a brilliant time if you go in costume. Bring lunch and drinks/snacks for the kids as there’s not much choice of catering and it gets busy. Enjoy!

Sounds fantastic

thanks for that

FutureGuy · 07-06-2019 7:54am

Have a google of family cosplay and you’ll get some great ideas. Even if you don’t cosplay, you’ll have a great time.

It can get quite busy but there is a quiet area to sit and recharge.

AMKC · 09-06-2019 7:20pm

GalwayGrrrrrl wrote: »

I went last summer and felt self conscious because I wasn’t dressed in costume! Went back in March fully dressed up. A huge number of people dress up (at least a third of visitors, maybe more) so you’ll have a brilliant time if you go in costume. Bring lunch and drinks/snacks for the kids as there’s not much choice of catering and it gets busy. Enjoy!

Any chance you will tell us what or who you dressed up as? Would love to know.

GalwayGrrrrrl · 09-06-2019 7:40pm

AMKC wrote: »

Any chance you will tell us what or who you dressed up as? Would love to know.

Ha ha, myself and son dressed as Eren and Carla Yeagher from attack on Titan.

AMKC · 09-06-2019 9:06pm

GalwayGrrrrrl wrote: »

Ha ha, myself and son dressed as Eren and Carla Yeagher from attack on Titan.

Awe very good.

Smiles35 · 14-06-2019 2:51pm

I film video for Youtube, just straight raw footage with nothing added. Hard to find places with lots of people , Comic Con sounds defiantly to be an event to attend for a half hour or so footage.

I'd like to dress up myself even though I'd mostly be filming. Is renting a costume still a thing?

14-06-2019 2:57pm

Smiles35 wrote: »

I film video for Youtube, just straight raw footage with nothing added. Hard to find places with lots of people , Comic Con sounds defiantly to be an event to attend for a half hour or so footage.

I'd like to dress up myself even though I'd mostly be filming.

Is that allowed?!?

Smiles35 · 14-06-2019 3:07pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Is that allowed?!?

Nothing about filming in the convention centre faq. Convention center might have their own rules.

Dublin Comic Con - Worth it?

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