Monopoly Events is a Manchester-based company founded in 2015 by Andy Kleek, who channeled his enthusiasm for the 1980s pop culture, vintage toys and props into organizing a Star Wars-themed convention titled “For the Love of Force”. The convention was a success, so the organizers expanded it to include other sci-fi media and rebranded the event as “For the Love of Sci-Fi”.
Over time, Monopoly Events expanded its operations and introduced three types of fan conventions.
- “For the Love of…” conventions focus on a specific genre or type of media, for example, “For the Love of Sci-Fi”, “For the Love of Fantasy”, “For the Love of Wrestling”, and “For the Love of Anime”.
- Comic Cons are multi-genre pop culture conventions modeled after the famous San Diego Comic-Con.
- Comic Con Manias are small, one-day conventions held in cities that are not large enough for a full-fledged Comic Con.
Monopoly Events is based in Manchester, so it’s no surprise that one of the company’s first Comic Cons took place there. The first Comic Con Manchester was held on June 29–30, 2019 at the Bowlers Exhibition Centre (BEC Arena). It was marketed as a celebration of 1980s and 1990s pop culture alongside the broader comic-con format, reflecting Andy Kleek’s interest in those decades.
After the successful inaugural edition, the event went on a brief hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic but returned in 2022 and has since become an annual event. Like most comic cons, it is a multi-genre, multi-fandom event covering film, television, comics, anime, manga, gaming, and sports entertainment.
Comic Con Manchester follows the format common to many fan conventions and thus celebrity guests are one of its main attractions. For instance, the 2026 lineup included David Boreanaz, Emily Deschanel, Helen Hunt, James Marsters, Julie Benz, Charisma Carpenter, Amy Acker, Manu Bennett, Michelle Gomez, and Tommy Flanagan—all known for their roles in notable sci-fi, fantasy, and superhero franchises.
Celebrity events at Comic Con Manchester include live Q&A panels, autograph sessions, and photo opportunities. Anyone with admission can attend the Q&A panels, while tickets for autographs and photos must be purchased separately, in addition to the entry ticket. Other events and attractions include cosplay competitions, retro and modern gaming areas, an artist alley, prop and set displays, and a trader area where attendees can purchase artwork, comics, toys, collectibles, apparel, and other merchandise.
Like all Monopoly Events conventions, Comic Con Manchester offers several types of entry tickets: Diamond Pass, Standard (ages 10+), Concession (ages 5–9), and Toddler (ages 1–4, free of charge).
Comic Con Manchester should not be confused with MCM Manchester Comic Con. The latter was a separate convention organized by MCM/ReedPop that ended in 2019.
Photo: Comic Con Manchester
