The Edinburgh Comic Con (ECC) was founded in 2014. Modeled after other fan conventions (primarily Comic-Con International: San Diego), its program features a series of standard events and activities such as panels and talks with celebrity and industry guests, displays and exhibitions, a cosplay competition, and more.
The Edinburgh Comic Con features guests such as comic book artists, writers and publishers, famous cosplayers, and actors known for their roles in science fiction and fantasy films and television shows. For example, the guest list at the 2016 convention included Cas Anvar (The Expanse), Femi Taylor (Star Wars), Patricia Tallman (Star Trek, Babylon 5, Night of the Living Dead), Jimmy Vee (Doctor Who), Kerry Ingram (Game of Thrones), Peter Roy (Star Wars), Ian Hanmore (Doctor Who, Game of Thrones) and Julian Seager (Guardians of the Galaxy).
Although panels, autograph sessions and photo-ops with celebrities are the most popular events at the convention, the Edinburgh Comic Con has many more events and activities to offer. Its program also includes complimentary panels and Q&A sessions, prop/model/vehicle displays, small press and indie publishers, free to play arcade, Artists Alley, a large marketplace, film screenings, an after party, and a cosplay championship. ECC features numerous exhibitors such as comic dealers, publishers, collectible toy dealers, artists, crafters, manga dealers, and table top dealers.
Since 2017, ECC has been hosting Yancy St Awards. They are presented to recognize and celebrate the best of the year in the comic book industry. The award was named after the Yancy Street Gang, a fictional street gang occasionally featured in Marvel’s Fantastic Four comics.
One of the main features of Edinburgh’s Comic Con is its sense of community and social conscience. Every year it hosts charitable events to raise money for this year’s charity of choice. The convention has already supported Barnado’s, Cash4Kids, Edinburgh Women’s Aid, Make a Wish UK, Midlothian Food Bank, the Sick Kids Friends Foundation, etc.
Photo: edinburghcomiccon.co.uk
