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Portsmouth Comic Con 2020 Super Early Bird Tickets On Sale Now

By John Freeman on August 3, 2019

Following the second stonking year of a major comics event in Portsmouth, the city’s The Guildhall Trust has opened ticket sales for next year’s Portsmouth Comic Con, taking place on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd May 2020, with a Super Early Bird discount for those who buy tickets before 31st October.

We’ve already had advance word of two great US comic creators heading to next year’s event, yet to be revealed by organisers.

Just some of the many attendees enjoying the 2019 Portsmouth Comic Con. Image: Portsmouth Comic Con

The main creator and dealers room at 2019 Portsmouth Comic Con. Image: Portsmouth Comic Con

The largest event of its kind in the South returned to Portsmouth Guildhall earlier in the year attracting 6,500 aficionados, fans and families alike to enjoy the best of comics, TV, film and pop culture entertainment in what is fast becoming a landmark event for the city of Portsmouth.

Welcoming some of the key names of the comic industry from across the globe who have worked on the likes of Star Wars, Batman, Superman, Avengers, Wolverine, Doctor Who, Game of Thrones and many more, including the proteges of Stan Lee, Roy Thomas and Steve Englehart, Portsmouth Comic Con is a truly International Festival of Comics.

Artist Sean Phillips sketching at the 2019 Portsmouth Comic Con. Image: Portsmouth Comic Con

Stan Lee Tribute at the 2019 Portsmouth Comic Con. Image: Portsmouth Comic Con

Image: Portsmouth Comic Con

Working in partnership with Tripwire Magazine, Portsmouth Comic Con offers a fascinating insight to the biggest properties in genre through the finest guests and a captivating series of panels.

Satisfying the desire to meet some of the stars of the screen, film and TV celebrity guests included Brian Wheeler (Star Wars, Harry Potter), Clem So (Doctor Who, Sherlock), Marc Silk (Scooby-Doo, Johnny Bravo), Tina Simmons (Star Wars, The Dark Knight), Matthew Dale (Doctor Who, Stella) and Tom Clarke-Hill (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them).

Comic Buying at Portsmouth Comic Con 2019. Image: Portsmouth Comic Con

In addition, the event which was almost double the footprint of its inaugural year, treated visitors to a host of interactive fun with state of the art technology with University of Portsmouth, VR experiences with Novatech, Retro Gaming from Game Over, Board Gaming with Dice Portsmouth, a Steampunk Deck, exclusive art from Westover Gallery and a whole range of exhibitions, displays, workshops and a packed Comic City full of collectables.

A host of costumed characters, superheroes, celebrity cosplayers and competitions on a Carnival of Cosplay stage were led by new Event Partner, GoGeek Events bringing creativity and imagination to life embracing a safe, fun and friendly environment for all to express themselves.

Retro Gaming Image: Portsmouth Comic Con

StarWars Cosplay at the 2019 Portsmouth Comic Con. Image: Portsmouth Comic Con

Both this and last year’s event proved a huge hit with attendees, some of them at a Comic Con for the first time, who told organisers they loved the event. “Next year we will be back as a whole family. Lots to see and do and everyone is so friendly!”, said one of the inaugural 2018 con.

“I loved it – you never knew who you would bump into when you turned the corner,” enthused another.

Image: Portsmouth Comic Con

With plans already well underway for 2020, the first big guest and entertainment announcements are set to be made at the end of the summer with people advised to book early to avoid disappointment after several sessions being a sell-out each year.

“We are delighted to continue to make our mark on the UK Convention calendar and now be rated as one of the best in the country, appealing to serious comic book fans and families alike,” said Chief Executive Officer for The Guildhall Trust, Andy Grays said . “Priding ourselves on the quality of our guests and the welcoming, inclusive nature of our Comic Con we have some very exciting plans that we are putting in place for next year that we look forward to sharing very soon!

For announcements follow @PortsmouthComicCon or sign up online to receive the latest news to your inbox.

• Portsmouth Comic Con 2020 tickets on sale now at www.portsmouthcomiccon.com or call 0844 847 2362 (calls cost 7p per minute + network access charge). The first x100 people to buy tickets will be entered in a prize draw to win a super prize of comics and merchandise

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.