The team behind Portsmouth Comic Con are, rightly, celebrating after over 7500 fans flocked to Portsmouth Guildhall at the weekend – and tickets are already on sale for 2025.

Celebrating all things comic, film, TV and pop culture-related, the event was packed full of displays, exhibitions, workshops, panels, interactive fun and immersive experiences. And the cosplay was incredible, especially so in the hot weather that must have taxed many – especially the Wookies and Stormtroopers!

The Comic Con returns in 2025 on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th May – the same weekend as the annual Free Comic Book Day (on Saturday) and Star Wars Day (Sunday). Tickets are already on sale.

The popular event included appearances by comic creators such as Gary Erskine, Andy Fanton, Me (John Freeman), Paul Gravett, Tini Howard, Laura Howell, Russell Mark Olson, Cavan Scott, Ant Williams, and even a very rare convention appearance by Roy of the Rovers artist Barrie Mitchell, his first in 20 years, and many, many more, thanks to the event’s Artistic Lead, David Baillie, supported by the Comic Con team.

One of the highlights and new experiences for 2024 was the Strangely Marvellous Wizarding Walk-Through, where visitors entered through Platform 9¾ to the world of Harry Potter, with the chance to ride a Nimbus 2000 and make Dobby dance digitally on a giant VR screen, before being able to lift Thor’s Hammer, sit on the sofa of Stranger Things’ Byers family, and much more.

Other experiences on offer at the largest family-friendly Comic Con of its kind included the biggest Star Wars experience yet, with scene set-ups, replica props and character interaction; a Jurassic Experience with dinosaurs, and the chance to paint and take your own baby dino egg; and a celebration of the 40th anniversary of Ghostbusters, featuring the Ecto-1 which appeared in the recently-released Frozen Empire film.           

As a new series of Doctor Who launched, visitors could meet the Seventh and Eighth Doctors, Sylvester McCoy and Paul McGann, and companion ‘Ace’, played by Sophie Aldred. All three featured in a panel taking place on the event’s main stage, with the Guildhall steps acting as an amphitheatre in the May sunshine. An exhibition of Doctor Who props and characters, including Davros and a Weeping Angel was on display, and many a visitor posed in front of a TARDIS prop provided by Bailey’s Jurassic Jeep.

There was also the opportunity to meet some of the most renowned creators from the film industry and delve into the workings behind the fandoms through a fascinating range of insightful panels and exhibitions, including a Star Trek panel I ended up chairing unexpectedly in my capacity as current editor of Star Trek Explorer, thankfully aided by artists Rachael Stott and Russell Walks.

Emerging creatives were given the opportunity to develop their own works through interactive workshops led by some of the comic world’s biggest talents.

Fun and activities could be found across four floors of the iconic Guildhall and Guildhall Square, including retro and board gaming, a doodle room, craft activities, and a Tech Truck, alongside a huge array of merch and collectables available to purchase. 

For many, the highlight of the weekend were the colourful cosplay parades led by Dream Team Portsmouth, where once again the creativity and talent on display was something to behold, with an impressive selection of cosplays being showcased. Plus, who couldn’t be impressed by the amazing costumes and dedication of Gosport Steampunk Society, also on hand to enliven proceedings?

Portsmouth Comic Con, produced and managed by The Guildhall Trust, is just one of the inspirational events in the charity’s portfolio which engages a wide and diverse demographic, enabling people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with culture.

Event Director, Nick Coles, said: “The reviews and feedback for this year’s Con have been incredible – the event just gets better and better every year! We thank all of our partners who make Portsmouth Comic Con what it is, but most importantly thank all of our visitors who create the magical and inclusive atmosphere we are renowned for so that everyone can attend and feel welcome. Next year’s event falls on Star Wars weekend, 3rd and 4th May, and we are already full of ideas to make Portsmouth Comic Con 2025 even more amazing!”   

• Portsmouth Comic Con – International Festival of Comics 2025 are confirmed as Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th May, with super-early bird tickets already on sale at www.portsmouthcomiccon.com | Direct Link

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.

Categories: Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events, Exhibitions

Tags: Ant Williams, Barrie Mitchell, David Baillie, Doctor Who, downthetubes News, Events British Comics, Gosport Steampunk Society, John Freeman, Paul Gravett, Paul McGann, Portsmouth Comc Con, Portsmouth Comic Con, Rachael Stott, Russell Walks, Sophie Aldred, Star Trek, Star Wars, Sylvester McCoy, The Guildhall Trust