WonderCon, The Lesser Known Younger Sibling Of San Diego Comic-Con
Image Source: CultureSlate
California is known for hosting many large conventions. From E3, and Anime Expo, to the famous San Diego Comic-Con, the Golden State is the place to be during the summer. While fans around the world clamor for a chance to attend San Diego Comic-Con each year, the world-famous event has a younger sibling that not many are aware of that is perfect for those who want to dip their foot in the convention scene.
The last time I went to WonderCon was in 2009 when I was a young poor college student. We made a spontaneous trip to San Francisco because we heard that Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher would be signing autographs there. Fast forward to 2023. I have now been to San Diego Comic-Con a couple of times, participated in “line con,” braved the crazy crowds, and hunted for exclusives. After all the hustle and bustle of San Diego Comic-Con, WonderCon is a nice breath of fresh air.
RELATED:
Atmosphere
First and foremost, the atmosphere of WonderCon is certainly more relaxing. There are badges available for purchase onsite. This is unlike San Diego Comic-Con where you have to fight others around the world in hopes of snatching badges that will sell out in less than 30 minutes. You can stop by for a stroll to check things out if you happen to be in the area.
Because of the laidback nature, you can take your time checking out what the convention has to offer and just take it all in. While browsing through the $1 comics bin in the exhibit hall, one of the vendors happen to be playing Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way.” Queue impromptu singalong among all the shoppers flipping through the comics bin (myself included).
Panels
Creators of Animaniacs
Image Source: CultureSlate
Due to the increase in popularity in the last decade, San Diego Comic-Con is now where big franchises bring exclusive sneak peeks, and make groundbreaking announcements. This means that everyone wants in on its panels with many camping out overnight in hopes of making it into the coveted Hall H or Ballroom 20. On the other hand, WonderCon’s panels are more laid back. Some panels like exclusive movie screenings may require you to line up perhaps an hour ahead of time. For the most part, you can just walk in a couple of minutes before the panel starts and grab a seat. This was the case for the 30th Anniversary Animaniacs panel I went to. There were plenty of seats. Everyone was having fun singing the theme song, laughing along at video clips, and reminiscing with the show’s creators.
WonderCon essentially gives a chance for smaller franchises to make their mark. It also allows fans to check out new franchises that they may not have had the opportunity to do so before. I happen to check out NBC’s Quantum Leap panel in the main arena before the Funko: Pop Talk LIVE! panel. I heard about the show when it first premiered but just could not fit it among all the shows I am currently watching. After listening to the cast discuss the deeper issues being presented in the show, I realize that it is more than just a typical remake of an older series. At the end of the panel, all the cast members stayed on stage to sign autographs, which never happens at San Diego Comic-Con where guests of larger panels are rushed off-stage.
Celebrities
The cast of Quantum Leap
Image Source: CultureSlate
Many flock to San Diego Comic-Con for the chance to meet their favorite celebrity. This leads to only a few lucky ones who win the lottery for the meet-and-greet, or autograph sessions. This is not the case for WonderCon. You might just be able to walk right up to the signing table of the Animaniacs creator without having to wait in line for hours. As a side note, Mason Alexander Park of Quantum Leap is such a sweetheart. They were just casually strolling through the exhibit hall and were more than happy to stop and give me an autograph. You may not find Marvel stars here, but those from smaller fandoms are very much accessible.
Artist’s Alley
Image Source: CultureSlate
A highlight of every convention is the artist’s alley. This is where you can find talented artists showcasing their works. However, setting up a table at larger conventions like San Diego Comic-Con may be cost-prohibitive for many artists who are just starting out. WonderCon is a good balance of being large enough to attract buyers and small enough that it is not too expensive to set up a table. For attendees, this means that you will see unique artworks that you may not have seen anywhere else before. The exhibit halls may have the same merchandise year after year, convention after convention. Every convention’s artist’s alley is one of a kind.
Image Source: CultureSlate
The more laidback nature of the artist’s alley at Wonder Con allows you to take your time checking out the artwork. I first met David Wong back at Sac-Anime in 2009 and I have seen him everywhere over the years at many conventions like Bak-Anime, Anime Expo, and San Diego Comic-Con. It is always nice to catch up with him each year (and also buy his newest artwork).
Image Source: CultureSlate
It is near impossible to get to Patrick Ballesteros’ humble booth at San Diego Comic-Con. His work is one of a kind, and WonderCon is probably the only place where you can walk right up to his booth and have a chat with him.
Cosplay
Genshin Impact Cosplay by mtkiseki, onecuppacoffee, ebonquill, callista.cos
What is a pop culture convention without cosplay? Talented fans work hard to transform themselves into their favorite characters. Because of the smaller crowds at WonderCon, you can get very good pictures of beautiful cosplays. Photographers can set up their equipment outside the convention center and you will see many cosplayers have their pictures professionally taken. This is more difficult to do at San Diego Comic-Con when everyone is in a hurry to get to a panel and it is too crowded to stop and pose without blocking the walkway.
WonderCon is a good place to start for someone who is just getting their feet wet in the convention scene. It is more relaxing and not as crowded as larger conventions while offering similar content. People may not travel across the country just to attend WonderCon, but it is a great convention to check out if you happen to be in the area that weekend. (Also, Disneyland is just across the street!)
READ NEXT:
Latest News
Featured
