The term “Comic Con” refers to a multi-genre convention for pop culture fans that encompasses comics, anime and manga, science fiction and fantasy films, television series, gaming, etc. Such conventions are called Comic Cons as an homage to the world’s most famous fan convention, San Diego Comic-Con International.
Comic Con Stuttgart was conceived by a group of comic fans who attended the Leipzig Book Fair and Comicmesse Köln (Cologne Comic Fair). They thought that Stuttgart needed a comic convention modeled after San Diego Comic-Con International. The first Comic Con Stuttgart was organized by the same team that has been running FedCon since 1992 and used to run Ring*Con and Hobbit Con.
The inaugural Comic Con Stuttgart was held on June 25–26, 2016 at Stuttgart Trade Fair (Messe Stuttgart), the ninth biggest exhibition and trade fair center in Germany. It attracted over 50,000 attendees which is quite impressive for a first first edition of a convention in Europe.
Comic Con Stuttgart 2016 featured comic book authors, small and big comic publishers, cosplayers, actors and other exhibitors and guests from Germany and abroad. Celebrity guests included actors James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Torchwood), Robert Picardo (Star Trek: Voyager, Stargate Atlantis), Nicole de Boer (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), Marc Dacascos, Ming-Na Wen and Brett Dalton of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., John Wesley (The Flash), and others.
The program of Comic Con Stuttgart is similar to that of other fan conventions. It includes panels, Q&As, photo-ops and autograph sessions with celebrity guests, thematic zones (anime, comics, video games, etc.), cosplay contests, lectures, workshops, screenings, and more. Of course, there is a large Exhibitor Area with vendors and exhibitors offering merchandise, handmade items, comic books, etc.
Photo: comiccon.de
