Sci-fi, superhero and fantasy fans across Northern Ireland will be in their element this weekend, as Comic Con makes its return to Lisburn’s Eikon Exhibition Centre for the third year running.
The annual event, taking place this Saturday and Sunday, boasts another star-studded line-up, including Doctor Who stars Billie Piper and Jodie Whittaker, Lord of the Rings legend Andy Serkis, and Harry Potter’s Mark Williams (AKA Arthur Weasley).
Andy Serkis. Credit: Comic Con NI
Previous events have been hailed as the ultimate pop culture experience by comic, TV and film fans.
Last year’s line-up included Lord of the Rings stars Elijah Wood and Sean Astin, in addition to stars from Twilight.
The largest Comic Cons in San Diego and London often attract crowds of more than 100,000.
Tens of thousands of people visited the Eikon in September 2023, but regular attendee Dermot Devlin believes the NI event continues to grow each year.
The disability activist and campaigner, from Omagh, goes to two or three Comic Con congregations annually and has now attended over 30 in his lifetime.
Dermot Devlin in Superman cosplay
“I work quite hard during the year, along with the other work I do, and, like a lot of people, we are all quite busy in our own lives, but Comic Con is a chance to go somewhere for the weekend, enjoy yourself, and give in to your passions, dressing up as your favourite film and comic book characters,” he told the Belfast Telegraph.
“It’s a chance to do that without people looking at you, thinking: ‘What are you at?’
“Everyone has shared interests, and there’s around two dozen people coming up from Omagh to go to the Lisburn Comic Con this weekend.
“It is getting bigger and bigger… The taboo of being a ‘geek’ or a ‘nerd’ isn’t as much of a thing any more.”
Billie Piper. Credit: Comic Con NI
With popularity in franchises such as Star Wars, Marvel and DC continuing to grow, Dermot added that new eyes are constantly being attracted to in-person Comic Con celebrations.
“I went to the Comic Con in Dublin a few weeks ago, and my sister, who lives in London with her sons, came to surprise me,” he explained.
“Her sons, who had never been to one before, thought it was fantastic and they’re thinking of going to one in London next.
“For me, as a disabled person, dressing up is a fantastic icebreaker. People come up to me and the first thing they ask me about is the costume.”
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In the past, Dermot has attended Comic Con as a range of characters, including Superman, Super Mario and a Ghostbuster, and this weekend he’ll be showing up as Wolverine.
Thanks to his costumes’ creative flair and workmanship, plenty of Comic Con-goers approach Dermot.
“Then they might ask me about my disability — and so it takes the fear away of asking a question, but also leaves people walking away having learned one new thing, which is great,” he added.
Although he’s met Billie Piper a few times, Dermot is excited about running into her again on Saturday, as well as Jodie Whittaker and Mark Sheppard, best known for the show Supernatural.
Other celebs attending over the weekend are Kat Graham and Joseph Morgan (The Vampire Diaries), Maggie Grace (Lost), Laz Alonso (Avatar), as well as Peggy (AKA Dogpool) and plenty of supporting priest characters from Father Ted.
Dogpool. Credit: Comic Con NI
Alongside famous faces and innovative cosplay costumes, attendees at this Comic Con can expect interactive workshops on topics such as comic book writing and special effects make-up, Q&A panels with star actors and an exhibitor hall which will be filled with vendors selling comics, collectibles, apparel and more.
Artist Alley will showcase the best local painters and sculptors, while the gaming zone will allow people to shut off from the world and play an array of video or board games. And as Comic Con NI is an event for all ages, families can enjoy a variety of activities including kids’ cosplay and drawing workshops.
Tickets for Comic Con Northern Ireland are still on sale now. Secure yours via www.comicconnorthernireland.co.uk