Comic-Con Wales 2024 promised to be an electrifying weekend for fans, and it didn’t disappoint. However, my journey to the convention was nothing short of a rollercoaster, marked by last-minute uncertainties and a whirlwind of emotions. As a member of the press, I received my confirmation less than 24 hours before the event—a stressful situation, as I had been eagerly awaiting word on whether I would be granted access.
Comic-Con Wales 2024
Unfortunately, this late notice meant I was unable to purchase any additional tickets or secure a spot at the much-anticipated Q&A panel featuring the cast of Supernatural, which was scheduled for Sunday afternoon. Missing out on the chance to see Jensen Ackles, Danneel Ackles, and the rest of the beloved Supernatural crew was truly disheartening. The show has a massive fan base, and the opportunity to hear the cast share behind-the-scenes stories and insights would have been a highlight of the event.
Despite this setback, the convention was packed with unforgettable moments and star power. The guest list was a who’s who of pop culture icons, spanning television, film, and gaming. Jensen and Danneel Ackles were joined by Supernatural co-stars Mark Sheppard, Samantha Smith, DJ Qualls, and Kurt Fuller, who drew huge crowds eager to catch a glimpse of their favourite characters. Fans of The Lord of the Rings were thrilled to see Sean Astin, while comic book enthusiasts were excited to meet Arrow stars Stephen Amell and Colton Haynes.
The Torchwood team was out in full force with John Barrowman, Gareth David-Lloyd, and Kai Owen delighting fans with their charismatic presence. Stephan Amell, Colton Haynes, and Brandon Routh, famous for playing Superman, made up the Arrow panel sharing stories from their time in the DC Universe. The line-up continued with a stellar cast from The Boys, including Laz Alonso and Jessie T. Usher. The Boys panel was one of the most anticipated of the weekend, and the room was so packed that people were standing just to catch a glimpse.
As a massive fan of Jensen Ackles, I was disappointed to find out he wouldn’t be joining the panel. It became clear that the production company behind Comic-Con Wales, Monopoly Events, had kept him behind a paywall, where he was signing autographs and taking selfies with fans for a hefty £155 each. However, despite my initial disappointment, Laz Alonso and Jessie T. Usher stole the show. Their chemistry, humour, and engaging stories made the panel a highlight of the weekend, and by the end, I had almost forgotten about Ackles’ absence.
Another memorable and anticipated Q&A of the weekend was the The Walking Dead panel. The cast, including Ross Marquand, Seth Gilliam, and Cooper Andrews, took the stage and turned what could have been a standard Q&A session into something extraordinary. The atmosphere felt less like a formal panel and more like a casual evening out with friends at the pub. They answered every question from the audience and the panel moderator with a mix of humour, insight, and candid anecdotes that had everyone in stitches.
Their camaraderie was infectious, making the panel feel like a lively conversation rather than a structured event. It was a rare treat to see such genuine chemistry and humour from a group that has spent so many years surviving a fictional apocalypse together. Though I couldn’t attend every panel or secure a seat at the Supernatural Q&A, the weekend was still filled with incredible encounters. Meeting these stars and hearing their stories reminded me of the unique connection between fans and the actors who bring their favourite characters to life.
The cosplay championship on the Saturday and the masquerade shows on both days were also standout highlights. I popped into the show not expecting many contenders, however was surprised at the fantastic display of creativity, imagination and dedication of the fans. Entrants took to the stage showcasing some incredibly made costumes displaying fine details of craftsmanship while others donned simple and elegant designs.
You really need to appreciate the time and effort these cosplayers put into creating their outfits—they were nothing short of amazing. The winner of the championship will now go on to compete at Comic Con Liverpool, facing off against a whole new group of talented cosplayers.
The Auditorium and Main hall of the convention centre was a treasure trove of stalls, offering anything you could possibly want from various franchises spanning gaming, movies, TV shows, and more. Mystery bags were plentiful, adding an element of surprise to the shopping experience and there were POP Vinyls and Legos as far as the eye can see. Whether you were looking for rare collectibles clothing, artworks or unique memorabilia, the sheer variety of merchandise ensured there was something for everyone.
Outside the venue, there were additional stalls in addition to an exhibit of notable vehicles such as the Impala from Supernatural, Bumblebee and Barricade from Transformers to name a few.
I always appreciate discovering unique stalls at events like these, and this time, I was delighted to come across The Mid Wales Ghostbusters. These well-outfitted and costumed paranormal fans make up a fundraising charity with a unique USP known for its distinctive and engaging approach to supporting various causes. This year, they are focusing their efforts on the Wales Air Ambulance, this vital charity provides life-saving services across the region, and their presence at the convention was a powerful reminder of the positive impact that community-driven efforts can have.
Seeing fans come together to support such a worthy cause added an extra layer of meaning to an already unforgettable weekend. At their stall, attendees were treated to iconic props from the Ghostbusters films evoking fond memories of the movie and the opportunity to participate in Venkman’s (Bill Murray’s) ESP test—minus the electrical shocks. Their enthusiasm for their mission and the nostalgic appeal of their display made them a standout favourite.
However, not all areas of the convention were as impressive. The gaming area, unfortunately, fell a bit short of the mark and felt more like an afterthought. It was literally only retro systems like the NES, SNES, and Mega Drive. Having attended larger gaming conventions like Gamescom, EGX, and E3, the setup here was underwhelming. It didn’t reflect the broader gaming culture or offer much for modern gamers, leaving a lot to be desired.
On a more positive note, there was a child-friendly area that, while limited, was a thoughtful addition for parents with young children. It offered activities like colouring, a few consoles, and board games—all suitable for kids up to around six years of age. As a parent myself, I appreciated the effort to provide a space where families could relax and entertain their little ones after the excitement of the convention had reached its peak, making the experience more enjoyable for all.
Comic-Con Wales 2024 may have started with some uncertainties, but it ultimately delivered a weekend full of excitement and cherished memories. From the vibrant displays of creativity in the cosplay championship to the engaging panels with stars from beloved series, the event was a celebration of all on screen fantasy, sci-fi, gaming and animation. Despite the challenges of last-minute ticketing and some areas falling short—such as the retro-focused gaming section—the convention offered something for everyone creating an overall sense of enjoyment that permeated the event.
While prices were slightly higher compared to other events, the sheer volume of attendees indicated a lot of satisfied fans, many of whom left with cherished signed memorabilia. The wide array of stalls and merchandise, the unique presence of The Mid Wales Ghostbusters supporting a vital cause, and the thoughtful child-friendly area all contributed to a well-rounded experience along with plenty of shopping bags filled with exciting new merchandise
Overall, Comic-Con Wales 2024 was a testament to the passion and dedication of fans and organizers alike. While some aspects were not as polished as others, the enthusiasm of attendees and the joy of discovering new treasures and interacting with favourite stars made Comic-Con Wales 2024 an event to remember. As the convention wrapped up, it was clear that despite any hiccups, the sense of community and shared excitement made the experience worthwhile for all who attended. Here’s looking forward to next year’s event, with hopes for even more memorable moments and a continued celebration of the best in pop culture.
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