So, on the 9th and 10th of
November 2024 Malta will once again welcome the annual Comic Con Malta event! As I type I realise that likely, I will
be posting this blog just after the event which should be fine. This will
have been the third post-COVID event of the sort I would have attended, and I
think I can gamble knowledgeably when I say that it will have been a
thoroughly enjoyable event.
Well, Comic Con Malta has managed to establish itself as an important event in the Maltese
pop culture calendar, drawing enthusiasts from across the Mediterranean island
and beyond. This gathering
celebrates comics, film, television, and gaming,
providing a platform for fans to immerse themselves in their favourite
fictional universes and connect with like-minded individuals. Over the years,
the convention has evolved, reflecting global trends in popular media, and
adapting to the changing landscape of fan engagement.
I think this year, fans my age might be
in for a treat. Three egregious actors will be present during the event,
signing off autographs for those interested. For anyone who was into Martial
Arts in the 80’s and 90’s the name of Cynthia Rothrock should be familiar.
Cynthia Rothrock is an American martial
artist and actress known for her martial arts films. She holds black belt
rankings in seven styles of martial arts and was a high-level competitor in
martial arts before becoming an actress. In 2014, she was inducted into the
International Sports Hall of Fame.
Another notable Hollywood actor set to
attend Comic Con Malta is Sam J. Jones, recognised by film and sci-fi
enthusiasts for his portrayal of the titular character in the 1980 film Flash
Gordon. He also starred in the short-lived television series The Highwayman
(1987–1988)
Initially, another notable voice-over
actor, was also earmarked as a guest in this year’s event, Stefan
Kapičić, who did the voice-over for the character of Colossus in
the recent runaway hit Deadpool and Wolverine. However, he had to call off
his attendance due to other work commitments.
Back to the event itself, I think that the roots of
Comic Con Malta can be traced back to the early 2010s when a group of
passionate fans and locals recognised
the growing appetite for comic book culture and related media on the island. Taking their inspiration from the success of larger
international conventions, they
went about creating a
uniquely Maltese experience aimed at catering to the local fanbase while also attracting
international visitors.
The first Comic Con Malta was a
modest event, held in a small venue with a
handful of local artists, cosplayers, and vendors. Despite its small scale, the
event struck a chord with attendees, tapping into a previously underserved
market of pop culture enthusiasts. The positive reception encouraged organisers
to expand the event in subsequent years, gradually increasing its scope and
ambition.
As the convention grew, it began
to attract more prominent guests from the world of comics, television, and
film. International artists and writers were invited to showcase their work and
participate in panel discussions, while actors from popular franchises made
appearances, much to the delight of fans. These additions helped to elevate
Comic Con Malta's profile and cement its status as a must-attend event for pop
culture aficionados in the region.
Growth and Expansion
Throughout the 2010s, Comic Con Malta grew in popularity. The organisers secured larger
venues to accommodate the growing crowds, and the event duration
extended from a single day to a weekend.
This expansion allowed for a more diverse range of activities and exhibits,
including discussion panels and
workshops, gaming tournaments, and cosplay competitions
.
As franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Game of
Thrones captured the public imagination, Comic Con Malta became a focal point
for fans to celebrate these properties and engage with fellow enthusiasts.
Local artists and creators also benefited from the expanded platform, using the
convention as a launchpad for their work and connecting with a broader
audience.
This link between popular culture and the
event itself cannot be emphasised enough. In truth the ascent of franchises
is echoed in the growing number of patrons visiting Maltese Comic Con. A
quick look at the current trends in both the movie, streaming and comic book
industries leave one to appreciate that for the time being the numbers are
encouraging and still essentially high. While many have touted the demise of
the MCU (The Marvel Cinematic Universe) in truth there are still venues which
the industry is just about starting to explore. When people tell me that
these new “venues” are marginal and less popular areas, I am reminded of two
modern MCE staples that were based on what many considered B-level characters
at best. I am here referring to Iron Man which practically became the
cornerstone of the entire MCU Infinity Saga and the Guardians of the Galaxy
which garnered an unprecedented following among fans the world over.
Japanese Manga and anime have
experienced a significant surge in global popularity, attracting vast
audiences eager for diverse content. This growth is further supported by the
expansion of streaming services, which facilitate access to live adaptations
of popular titles such as One Piece, Death Note, Bleach, and Fullmetal
Alchemist. These adaptations effectively engage both new and longtime fans,
making the genre more accessible and appealing than ever before.
All this feeds straight into the
fandoms, the merchandise, the cosplayers and the creatives eager to express
themselves through an inclusive and highly diverse medium. Comic Con Malta in
turn is all about this. It is truly a pleasure to see the artists showcase
their incredible comic book, fantasy and sci-fi creations on display during
these events. I personally find it very difficult to walk away without
grabbing a few pieces of original art, but my problem is more about how to go
about displaying them at home and where.
Challenges and Adaptation
As with many sizable events, Comic Con Malta
faced its share of challenges. The rapid growth over the years required careful management to maintain
the event's quality and ensure a positive experience for attendees. This was not always achieved year-on-year,
but each event served as a learning exercise feeding into the next. Organisers
had to balance the desire for high-profile guests with budget constraints and
logistical considerations unique to Malta's island location.
The convention also had to
navigate the evolving landscape of pop culture fandom. As digital platforms
became increasingly prominent, Comic Con Malta adapted by incorporating social
media engagement, live streaming of select panels, and virtual meet-and-greets
with guests. These innovations helped to extend the convention's reach beyond
the physical event space and keep fans engaged throughout the year.
The Impact of COVID-19 and the Post-Pandemic Resurgence
It’s been four years now since the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 which presented an unprecedented
challenge to Comic Con Malta, as it did to all events worldwide. With large gatherings
prohibited and international travel severely restricted, the organisers were
forced to cancel the in-person convention for the first time in its history.
This setback was felt by the local community of fans and
vendors who had come to rely on the annual event as a highlight of their year.
In response to these
extraordinary circumstances, Comic Con Malta went virtual. Online panels, digital artist
alleys, and virtual cosplay contests allowed fans to participate from the
safety of their homes. While this format could not fully replicate the energy
and excitement of an in-person event, it helped bolster the Maltese community and the organisers' commitment to maintaining the convention's
presence even in challenging times.
As restrictions eased, anticipation
for the return of in-person events grew. The bottled-up demand for social gatherings and shared
experiences led to a significant increase in interest for Comic Con Malta.
Fans, having been deprived of the convention experience, eagerly awaited the opportunity to reconnect with their
community and immerse themselves in the world of pop culture once again.
The first post-pandemic Comic Con
Malta was met with a lot of enthusiasm. Ticket sales surged,
with many sessions during the
convention selling out well in advance. The organisers, fully aware of
ongoing health concerns, doubled
down on safety measures while striving to
deliver a high-quality experience attendees
had come to expect. The success of this event signalled a triumphant return and
set the stage for even greater things to come.
Comic Con 2024 Blog – Sunday
10th November 2024.
So, this is the part where I
tell you about Comic Con 2024 and how it all worked out. It’s almost 9pm on
the 10th of November 2024 as I sit down to type, and I got back
home at around 6pm. Understandably I am a bit tired, but I think it was worth
it. This year I attended the second and final day of the event which, as I
mentioned earlier, was held at the Eden in St. Julians. I made a day of it by
arriving in Paceville, St. Julians, at around 08:30 AM with my son Neil in
tow.
I arrived early due to the
area's limited parking, and fortunately found a spot. I then took some time
to show my son around places I used to visit as a child when I lived there.
At around 10am, ticket in hand
we headed for the Comic Con Venue
I was surprised by the venue's
size, which featured plenty of space and numerous stalls. However, as I've
noted in previous editions of the Con, there was a lack of signage to help
visitors navigate. It seemed patrons had to wander around in hopes of finding
a stall that caught their interest.
The venue showcased a
remarkable variety and quantity of stalls, but I felt the board gaming
community was significantly underrepresented. While shops were present, they
primarily focused on action figures, collectibles, model kits, and a vast
array of comic books, art, and Japanese manga. Despite this, I still managed
to find, and purchase, a copy of the board game “Invincible, the
Hero-Building Game” from Dire Wolf Games.
I also noticed an almost hidden
area at the back of the venue designated for live board games, but it was
nearly empty, with few people available to set up a game. This was quite
disappointing, as I was eager to try “Art Society,” which seemed to be one of
the options. Unfortunately, the boxes looked lonely and neglected, with no
gamers in sight to play.
Determined to enjoy myself, I
explored the displays to see what was trending this year. Gundam kits were
particularly popular, dominating the offerings, although there were a few
Star Wars and Star Trek kits available. If you looked closely, you could also
find some true collector's items from classic anime series that celebrated
the Mech genre, including Grandizer models—which I knew as Goldrake—and Jeeg
sets, which I used to watch when I was just about as old as my younger son.
A closer look at the manga and
anime references embraced by patrons and cosplayers revealed two dominant
titles currently capturing collective attention, “One Piece” and “Jujutsu
Kaisen” (or “Demon Slayer”). Every stall featuring related merchandise had a
substantial number of products from either of these franchises on display.
To be fair, Marvel and DC are
still present, and this year's "Deadpool and Wolverine" has sparked
renewed interest in the genre. However, it's reasonable to say that these
franchises are not nearly as popular as they were at the height of the MCU's
success during the Infinity Saga, that culminated in 2019’s Avengers Endgame.
As the hours passed, just
before lunch, an engaging discussion took place on the main stage featuring
Sam J. Jones and Samuell Benta. Jones, known for his role as Flash Gordon and
for starring in The Highwayman, and Benta, who played a Black Power Ranger in
one of the series, shared insights about their early careers and how they
landed their iconic roles. Jones recounted setbacks he faced before Hollywood
recognised him, emphasising that his determination and belief in himself
ultimately revitalised his career. In contrast, Benta is still young and
embodies a strong entrepreneurial spirit, choosing to write, direct, and
produce his own projects instead of waiting for the right opportunities to
come along.
After enjoying lunch away from
the venue and taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the convention, my
son and I, returned to check on the performances that were set up on the main
stage for everyone to enjoy. The event featured a little bit of everything, a
magic show, a movie quiz for enthusiasts, and, as the grand finale, a parade
of cosplayers, some of whom were truly remarkable.
In summary, that concludes this
year’s Comic Con Malta. It was a mixed experience for me, but I still enjoyed
it. Will I return next year? It's highly likely! However, I would have
appreciated seeing more board gaming options available, perhaps with some
organised games instead of relying on casual walk-ins from attendees who
might stumble upon the gaming tables. Additionally, having more board games
showcased at the stalls would have been a nice touch for someone like me who
is passionate about this hobby.
Until next year, that was Comic
Con Malta 2024!
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