Walking into a convention is both an overwhelming and mesmerising experience. I’ve seen grownups run around like little kids in a toy shop, trying to cram in every attraction available. I’ve seen people who normally wear a shirt and tie to the office casually dress up like Batman, Wolverine or Spock. But above all that, I’ve seen an unadulterated celebration of all things pop culture, where people can enjoy their hobbies together without fear or ridicule.
This year, Belfast will get its first taste of the MCM Comic Con, as one of the top organisers of comic conventions in the UK sets up shop in the King’s Hall on the 07 - 08 June. It’s been a long time coming, especially for the hundreds of fans who normally would have to trek to Dublin for such an experience.
To dismiss an event like this on the premise that it’s for the ‘geeky’ or ‘nerdy’ is just plain ignorant. Too often are people pigeon-holed for being particularly passionate about comic books, computer games and cult television. Ifthe Amazing Spider-Man 2 tops the box-office and Game of Thrones is the world’s most watched television show, it’s clear that on some level these unique facets of pop culture appeal to us all.
I grew up on a steady diet of Red Dwarf and it is, was and always will be one of my favourite television shows. Created by Doug Naylor and Rob Grant back in 1988, the character driven comedy developed a cult following thanks to its hilariously unforgettable grungy sci-fi universe, filled with smegheads, simulants and space core directives.
So when I heard that Chris Barrie, Robert Llewelleyn and Hattie Hayridge, who play Rimmer, Kryten and Hollie respectively on the show, would be the special guests at Belfast’s inaugural MCM Comic Con, I admittedly and unashamedly got rather excited.
Having met Craig Charles earlier this year (albeit briefly) at Belfast’s Aether and Echo, the prospect of meeting the rest of the people from the Dwarf could make my year.
These conventions aren’t just about the special guests however. Writing about retro games for a number of my Itchy Fingers articles often makes me wish I had kept some of my old consoles. Thankfully, I’ll be able to indulge in a little nostalgia, with an area dedicated to retro gaming, arcade machines and pinball also available to ticket holders. Let’s hope they have the original Street Fighter II on offer.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a comic convention without comics. Whether you’re an avid fan of Marvel or DC, you’ll be glad to hear that there’s a whole village dedicated to the more literary medium. Special guests include artists such as Simon Bisley, Glenn Fabry and Belfast’s very own John McCrea who between them have illustrated some the biggest books in the industry, such as Judge Dredd, Batman, Preacher, and beyond. For those looking to break into the comics business, these are the people to talk to as many of them once stood in your shoes.
Don’t let preconceptions get in the way. Conventions like this are meant to inspire and nurture our passion for pop culture. Even if your Darth Vader costume is away at the dry cleaners, it doesn’t mean you should miss the event. For one weekend in June, the King’s Hall will be transformed into what looks like a page from a comic strip and I for one hope that a scene as colourful as that will become an annual occurrence in this city.
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