CHU’s first visit to Wondercon in Anaheim, CA was over the weekend of March 24th to 26th, 2023. This convention is run by Comic-Con International and just as well executed as SDCC. I’ve been wanting to attend this one for many years but it kept landing on Easter weekend, then covid, then restrictions, now we are finally here!
While last year was a big rebuilding year for cons, I predict 2023 will be business as usual. I was surprised walking by the line of cars stretching across Katella Ave in front of Disneyland, not sure what they did after parking was sold out. These were some of the biggest crowds I have seen for a convention that was very light on big name celebrities. Some of the biggest cosplay crowds as well, the front of Anaheim Convention Center was an ongoing photo op.
Adam Hughes was in attendance making it his first con since 2019. He had a few copies of Pop Kill 4 on his table when the show opened, and those disappeared quickly.
Jenny Frison drew a huge line as it was also her first show since 2019. CCI Staff was prepared as they had her table at the corner and plenty of room to queue the long line against the wall. I appreciate it was well staffed by CCI to avoid any cutters. Jenny is one of my favorite cover artists, been waiting a long time to meet her. She had some really nice prints which I picked up because I like to display them with the retail comic. Also picked up her exclusive from KRS, they brought several Wondercon variants that were heating up and doing well on secondary:
DC Comics conducted a Dawn of DC Writer panel including Tom King, Mitch Gerads, Dennis Culver, Jeremy Adams, and several more. You’re probably aware by now of this year’s publishing initiative to move out of darkness and focus on the classic DC characters, this panel was about the next few upcoming titles and giving the fans time with the writers. Batman Brave and the Bold will be popular as it’s another Batman VS Joker storyline. Unstoppable Doom Patrol, which just came out, will feature a new character (Beast Girl). Wonder Woman will be getting a new #1 and Harley Quinn will be integrated with the ‘Dawn’ storyline as well.
Knight of the Zodiac was the only large Hollywood movie there, along with the cast of Famke Janssen, Madison Iseman, and Nick Stahl. Looks like a quality production based on trailers and nice to see a big movie that is not a sequel.
This one slipped past me in prepping, Z2 Comics was there to my pleasant surprise, they bring some unique guests to their booth including the hosts of one of my favorite road trip podcasts: Last Podcast on the Left.
Discovered Sumerian Comics, formerly Behemoth Comics, doing a mystery box the right way. I like how they included full storylines, that’s the best way to get introduced to a new comics publisher rather than getting a box filled with random issues. Picked up “How I Became A Shoplifter 1” by Tom Breyfolge who was there to sign. Great book!
If I could have one wish for a Game of Thrones level treatment of a fantasy comics franchise on film, it would be the Asunda series from Stranger Comics and creator Sebastian A. Jones. I’m a sucker for oversized hardcovers and have their whole collection. Picked up their stunning Wondercon exclusives by Thani Farr. Recommend signing up for their next Kickstarter if you haven’t checked them out yet.
Where is the real madness? The Funko booth! Funko was celebrating 25 years, booth access was given via an online lottery. They did have a standby line available in case product was left after each buying session, and yes, fans would be willing to wait all day in that line. It’s worth getting in if you can, with Funko it’s never just a line. They find new ways to entertain the crowd and get audience participation, always a high energy experience.
One interesting side note- I was standing at the booth with a CGC employee who mentioned they will be launching their own Pop! Grading service to compete with other Pop! Grading services. No firm date yet but sounds like pricing should be in line with other services. Look forward to this as it would be nice to get a few of my favorite pops encapsulated, especially from a company I already know
The Funko panel was packed, and it included all of the usual shenanigans: multiple giveaways, endless announcements, and celebrity guest stars. Funko may not be your thing but it’s hard not to get sucked into all of the hoopla.
Don’t think comics vendors were not a part of it, plenty of vendors there, probably 20% of the floor. You could bin dive all day.
(When I was 12, I knew, one day, that 2 hour line for Death of Superman would pay off!)
While the bare concrete floors definitely took a toll on my ankles, I loved Wondercon! I plan on coming back. If you would like a SDCC quality experience without the frantic badge sale and apocalyptic crowds, this is a really fun and accessible show.