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 2020.
Comic Con | April 10 – 12 | 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 | April 10 – 12 | 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 | Feb 28 – Mar 1 | Chicago
The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) returns Feb 28 through March 1st at Chicago’s McCormick Place, with the organizers expecting a record-breaking attendance. In 2018, C2E2 had an announced attendance of 80,000 and they’re expecting to break 100,000 for 2020. @C2E2official
Wizard World | January 24 – 26 | 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 31 – Aug 2 | 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.
In 2017, Otakon moved to our new home, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in our nation’s capital of Washington, DC.
Truly “for fans, by fans”, Otakon is run all by volunteers under the non-profit organization Otakorp, Inc.
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 8 – 11 | New York
New York Comic Con is the East Coast’s largest pop culture convention and the only one that takes place in the comic book, publishing, media, and licensing capital of the world — Gotham City. We foster and provide a home for a unique, diverse community where fans can truly be themselves while celebrating the best pop culture has to offer. We create lifelong memories and experiences for fans to share with friends new and old. These experiences transcend beyond the walls of the Javits Center – throughout Hell’s Kitchen – and continue to live beyond the weekend of NYCC through online world of Reedpop digital content. @newyorkcomiccon
MadFest Sydney | March 7 – 8 | Sydney
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
Fan Expo Vancouver | Feb 15 – 17 | Vancouver
FAN EXPO Vancouver a three- day pop culture convention in Vancouver, British Columbia, at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Attendees can shop hundreds of vendors and exhibitors, check out panels and workshops, meet their favourite stars and creators, and celebrate what makes them geeky with thousands of other fans in cosplay. There is something for every fan at FAN EXPO Vancouver. @FanExpoVan
