Since 1970, the world has seen many comic conventions come to life. Comic inspired elements across genres – including horror, Western animation, anime, manga, toys, collectible card games, video games, webcomics, and fantasy novels – bring together celebrities, readers, and fans, to these fun and exciting conventions.
Below is our list of the most anticipated Comic Conventions, you can expect to see in 2019.
Comic Con | July 18 – 21 | San Diego
Comic-Con isn’t just an annual event; it’s a San Diego staple that’s now older than many of the people attending it. It was founded in 1970 by a handful of local comic book enthusiasts. With attendance topping 130,000 in recent years—in a convention center facility that has maxed out in space—the event has grown to include satellite locations, including local hotels and outdoor parks. Programming events, games, anime, the Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival, and the Eisner Awards all take place outside of the Convention Center, creating a campus-type feel for the convention in downtown San Diego. @comiccon
Wondercon 2019 | March 29 – 31 | Anaheim
WonderCon was started in 1987 in Oakland, California, as “The Wonderful World of Comics Convention.” The show was the brainchild of Bay Area comics retailer John Barrett, who called on a number of friends and associates to help realize his vision, including Bob Borden, Bryan Uhlenbrock, Rory Root, and Mike Friedrich WonderCon Anaheim has continued to grow in its southern California home. @WonderCon
The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo | March 22 | Chicago
The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) returns April 6 through 8 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, and the organizers are expecting a record-breaking attendance – and have already expanded to include an additional hall over last year. Last year, C2E2 had an announced attendance of 80,000, and event director Mike Armstrong tells Newsarama that he expects an even larger number this year based on early figures – even expecting to break 100,000 by 2020 and grow to the size of New York Comic Con. @C2E2official
Comikaze Expo | October 11 – 13 | Los Angeles
Comikaze Expo is a three-day event held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, California. In 2018, the event saw over 100,000 people, a record number of attendees for the event. @ComicConLA
Wizard World | February 22 – 24 | Portland
Wizard World is traveling pop culture expo for fans of comics, sci-fi, movies, gaming, and more. Join them to tour their artist’s alley, explosive costume contests, meet your favorite celebrities, and celebrate your fandom at any and all of their shows. @wizardworld
Otakon | July 26 – 28 | Washington
Founded in 1994, Otakon is an annual convention held in the summer months to celebrate Asian pop culture (anime, manga, music, movies, video games, etc) and its fandom. The event runs from Friday to Sunday and is packed with a schedule that has tons to do. 2014 was the most successful year of the event with the number of participants reaching 33,929. Until 2018, that record has not been broken with only 28,116 participants. @Otakon
Anime Expo | July 4 – 7 | Los Angeles
Anime Expo is the largest celebration of anime pop culture in North America, where will be bringing fans & industry members together for an annual celebration of Japanese pop culture. 110,000 fans of Japanese pop-culture descended upon the Los Angeles Convention Center in 2018 to experience Anime Expo (AX). @animeexpo
New York Comic Con | October 3 – 6 | New York
New York Comic Con is the largest pop culture convention on the East Coast and the only one that takes place in the comic book, publishing, media, and licensing capital of the world — Gotham City. In 2018, more than 250,000 fans purchased tickets to attend New York Comic Con. @newyorkcomiccon
MadFest Brisbane | May 25 – 26 | Brisbane
Madman Anime Festival is a truly unique event that brings all things anime and Japanese culture to you! Featuring international guests and exhibitors, cosplay, and super exclusive anime events, Madman Anime Festival has something for every anime fan. @MadmanAnimeFestival
