Virtual Con, Stay Home Comic Con announced for Coronavirus-hit comics fans

By John Freeman on March 19, 2020

Two virtual comic events to help ease the gloom of self isolation and countrywide lockdowns due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. We’re sure they won’t be the last.

The Geek Asylum Facebook Community has set up Virtual Con, taking place 26th April 2020, as a way for fans to still come together in this trying time where some of our favourite events have had to postpone.

All profits from Virtual Con will go to Facebook‘s ‘COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fundraiser for WHO with $10 Million Match‘ by the United Nations Foundation.

“Virtual Con will never replace the real life con, so support your local and national events,” urge the organisers.

“We will have a fun-packed day of celebrity guests, cosplay, competitions, tutorials, workshops and shopping without having to leave your home!

“Feel free to post your pics throughout the day and browse the various stalls as they come up!

“Prizes will be available to win all day, so stay tuned for that!

“Thank you to everyone who is supporting us in this quite experimental venture. We really do just want to bring people together, have some wholesome fun, and do something good in the world!”

Virtual Con is not the only virtual event to be announced. Taking place 28th – 29th March is Stay Home Comic Con, set up by a group from the the Netherlands, both a platform and an event.

“Many conventions are cancelled due to the Coronavirus,” the Stay Home Comic Con team note. “A lot of artists, dealers, publishers and other small entrepreneurs depend on this income. To help our community we are organising an Online Comic Con, both a platform and an event.

“How cool would it be if our visitors can still visit us and get access to our artwork! All together, in on place. Just like a real comic con!”

The Stay Home Comic Con event is free as is admission and virtual tables for creators who want to take part, but donations toward costs are welcomed.

• The Geek Asylum Facebook Community

• The Geek Asylum Facebook Community Virtual Con Tickets

• Stay Home Comic Con

• Make sure you check the respective event pages and their organiser’s group to see when their rescheduled dates are – or check our events page

With thanks to Richard Boom

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.