MY VISIT TO THE CYPRUS COMIC CON EVENT
by Sandra Yolanda
A CELEBRATION OF FANDOM, CREATIVITY & THE ISLAND'S POP CULTURE
A WEEKEND OF COMICS, FILM & POP CULTURE
When the opportunity arose for me to attend Cyprus Comic Con in Nicosia, I did not really know what to expect. I knew that the annual event had been around for a few years and that it had quickly gained a reputation amongst fans of pop culture on the island, but I was still unsure of exactly what to expect. After further research, I discovered that this event is an opportunity to immerse oneself in a colourful world of creativity, connection, and celebration, whilst providing an exciting way to mingle with other visitors, share strategies, and celebrate a mutual love of pop culture. The event typically takes place over a weekend in October and is organised by a dedicated team of volunteers, passionate about comics, films, science fiction and general pop culture.
A VIBRANT ATMOSPHERE
There was an instant buzz in the air as soon as I arrived and as I slowly disembarked the bus, I continued to make my way through the crowd of families that were slowly gathering by the main entrance. I arrived early so I had time to savour some lovely food from the various vendors in the foreground of the venue. After this I exchanged my ticket for quite a detailed printed schedule of the day’s proceedings and upon entering the venue, the vibrant atmosphere inside immediately struck me. I immediately realised that I was about to have a very interesting time when a man dressed as Dr. Spock from Start Trek greeted me. The stunning visuals included colourful displays and graphic sounds that all seemed to highlight my growing interest for this event. All of the major players in the industry, such as Blizzard, Paramount, Square Enix, and Disney, were well represented, and I could feel the excitement building up as loud announcements from the schedule were being made.
A PACKED SCHEDULE OF VARIOUS THEMES & EVENTS
The event prides itself on featuring local talent alongside renowned international stars and the packed schedule was an ample reflection of this, featuring them side by side. Each area had something different on offer and there was a live stage offering non-stop music and some lively entertainment that included some pro wrestling. There was also a film festival, a hobby workshop, a medieval and a kid’s zone and several pop-up booths that featured independent artists and hobbyists. Some workshops offered me the chance to get involved and I came across one that featured digital illustration, and this allowed me to delve deeper into various aspects of comic book creation and fandom. I along with some others were shown some techniques that professional illustrators used and I was given some great tips for creating my own comic book art. These interactions were meaningful as they provided me with insight into the creative process behind their work that I had admired for so long. I realised straight away that this hands-on experience also fostered a sense of camaraderie among participants, and I appreciated the welcoming environment that encouraged collaboration and learning.
THE ARTISTS ALLEY
The Artists Alley was another highlight of the convention for me. Professional artists prominently featured their work and there was endless talent on display. This was also an opportunity for independent comic book creators to present their latest pieces to other illustrators and I had the opportunity to engage with several of them. I purchased a unique print that was created specifically for Comic Con 2024. The artist alleys also featured various local creators, highlighting their artistic talents, and I noticed that there were several workspaces and panels focused on various interesting themes, that included each process of comic book creation, as well as storytelling, and the nuances of some brilliant animation. One of the creative corridors also featured original artwork not yet released along with some interesting news regarding other new upcoming releases.
SEVERAL SPECIAL GUESTS
Special guests, including artists, writers, and voice actors, were holding interactive sessions, where they shared advice, personal stories and industry insights to eager listeners. I attended a panel on comic book writing where the novelist shared tips on storytelling and character development. I also participated in an interactive questions and answers session with a prominent voice actor from one of my favourite animated series, which was both entertaining and enlightening. I also came across several local board game creators, artists, and other hobbyists who were holding also holding various workshops in their pop-up booths. They all had their latest designs and creations on display and they were engaging the public with book signings and photo opportunities. There were various tournaments and competitions also taking place and witnessing Darth Vader playing chess with Batman was hilarious.
COSPLAY
I somewhat felt underdressed when I saw some fellow attendees dressed in a plethora of costumes. These included superheroes and character villains from several comic books, anime, video games, and science fiction movies. It was quite funny bumping into some of my favourite movie characters, such as Sherlock Holmes and Spiderman and I enjoyed seeing them again on stage during cosplay. The Mediterranean Cosplay Championship and the Cosplay Masquerade brought loud cheers from the crowd and these contests were for both new and seasoned cosplayers. The cheering crowd was presented not only with varied creativity but also with a lively show of expression, as a host of iconic characters, were parading across the stage, strutting along to the music in their elaborate costumes.
THE GAMING ZONE
The games zone encouraged several people to try their hand at a variety of classic games. As well as general gaming activities, there were also several competitions, limit breaks, and tabletop gaming contests. Video, tabletop, and some popular board game tournaments were also being staged, and these contests allowed all visitors to engage in friendly competition, although some also offered great prizes to the winners.
A MAGICAL DAY SPENT MAKING NEW CONNECTIONS & FRIENDS
I thoroughly enjoyed celebrating my time with other fans of popular culture on the day and this immersive event, with its activities for people of all ages and its combination of engaging panels, exhilarating competitions, and creative workshops, truly made it a day to remember. The convention’s focus on the importance of creativity, originality, and collaboration among fans, artists, and creators was quite essentially refreshing. The event on the day also provided me with an unparalleled experience that allowed me to forge new connections and friendships with other like-minded people on the island. I could now fully understand how this event has captured the hearts of so many and on reflection, my visit was nothing short of magical. Leaving the event, I felt both inspired and invigorated by the talent that I had experienced and the growing community surrounding it. As I sat on the bus home, I could not help but think about the next year’s event, eager for another chance to connect with my newfound friends. Overall, I was both grateful and very pleased that I had been allowed to explore the limitless world of its pop culture that made Cyprus Comic Con 2024 an unforgettable event filled with creativity, inspiration, and a whole lot of fun!
