This past weekend was one of Dublin’s largest pop culture conventions and oh my was it packed! I travelled up to the capital on the Friday to attend the press evening and the opening of the trade hall to the public. Before the guest panel, we were privileged to see the fantastic costumes and in character acting skills of some of Star Wars most iconic characters. With Emperor Palpatine, Chewbacca, a Snowtrooper and Stormtrooper in attendance, we discovered what they thought of the latest cinema releases and how they felt about The Last Jedi.
Moving on from there, both Lori Petty (Orange Is The New Black) and Lochlyn Munro (Predator) answered some questions on their past acting roles, experiences and current shows they are working on. Both actors made an interesting panel and answered all questions that were put forward to them. Following an all too brief photoshoot, we proceeded down to the ground floor where we awaited the opening of the trade hall and the influx of people outside, all too excited to get in.
The trade hall alone was immense and filled with copious amounts of action figures, comics, Pop Figures and imaginative backdrops. With merchandise from various shows, TV series, comics and video games, there was something there for everybody. The backdrops were a highlight for all attendees as it made for a great pictures and selfies. This year they included dinosaurs from Jurassic Park, xenomorphs and their eggs and a Supernatural-themed demonic set.
There were also several other surprises for attendees, with the Irish Guide Dogs For The Blind in attendance with their very well behaved dogs. There were quiet rooms on the upper levels for those who needed to take a break, Lego tables set up for all the future architects, and panels on numerous subjects, as well as guest panels. The first floor was just as exciting, featuring the guest signings, photo booths, and a packed artist alley (including comic artists, writers, animators and prop makers). The floor was filled with such immense talent, but not only from exhibitors, but from con-goers as well. The cosplays were beyond impressive, with some doing just a casual cosplay to the more intricate and mind–blowing builds. There were groups, individuals, meet–ups and those that stayed completely in character throughout every picture and interaction. Truly conventions such as this are a magical place to attend.
With numerous guests from film and TV, although there were two guests cancellations before the start of DCC due to a clash with filming. Dublin Comic Con were able to secure none other than Nick Frost (Paul, Shaun Of The Dead, Hot Fuzz) to attend. Alongside him, we had the Superman I grew up with: Dean Cain, from the TV show – Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. The lines to meet both actors were immense, with every attendee leaving with a great big grin on their face after their interaction.
Overall, thousands of people attended, a nice mixture of annual attendees to first timers. From a merchandise perspective, there were numerous stalls with their bases in and around Dublin, as well as some of the more unique and well–travelled stall holders. My coverage dosen’t end there, as I will be posting all of the pictures I took over on my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/MaryNinetails/?ref=bookmarks). There will also be two interviews coming up shortly also.
Now lets see what Dublin Comic Con 2019 will bring!
