Boston Comic Con used to be an independent comic book convention organized by the fans for the fans. It was founded in 2007 to give New England comic book fans an opportunity to meet comic book authors and media guests. Originally a one-day show, it has eventually expanded to three days. In 2016, the show was sold to Informa plc, a multinational publishing and events company based in London that produces the Fan Expo line of conventions. Since 2017, the convention has been held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. In 2018, the Comic Con name was replaced by FAN EXPO Boston.
FAN EXPO Boston is a multi-genre convention that attracts over 50,000 pop culture fans from all over New England. It offers diverse programming that includes panels, autograph sessions and photo-ops with celebrity guests, the Annual Costume Contest and Cosplay Parade, Artist Alley, an art auction, workshops, film screenings, a gaming room, and more. Although primarily focused on comic books, the convention also features media guests from film and television, as well as cosplay guests.
Like other conventions, FAN EXPO Boston has a large exhibitor area featuring over 160 exhibitors that offer products in a wide range of categories such as comics, books, posters, prints, original art, clothing, T-shirts, accessories, jewelry, action figures, toys, collectible card games, video games, cosplay, and more.
As far as celebrity guests are concerned, each edition of FAN EXPO Boston has featured actors and actresses known for their roles in sci-fi and fantasy films and television series. For example, 2017 celebrity guests included the cast of The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Tim Curry, Meat Loaf, Barry Bostwick, Patricia Quinn), Matt Smith (Doctor Who), Ian Somerhalder (The Vampire Diaries), Ming-Na Wen (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Katie Cassidy (Arrow), Felicia Day (Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, Supernatural), filmmaker Kevin Smith, and others.
Photo: bostoncomiccon.com
