Central Canada Comic Con’s predecessor was a quite modest trade show called the Manitoba Collector’s Expo. It showcased all kinds of collectible items such as sports cards, toys, comic books, antiques, etc. As times changed, so did the show. In 2000, it reduced the sports cards and dropped the antiques. To reflect this change, the event was renamed the Manitoba Toy & Comic Expo.
Six years later, the trade show transformed into a full-fledged pop culture convention. The rebranded event was named the Manitoba Comic Con. It focused on comic books, toys, gaming, anime, science fiction, fantasy, horror, wrestling, and everything in between. Over the years, it has become the largest fan convention in Central Canada. In 2011, it was renamed Central Canada Comic Con to emphasize its importance for the region.
Central Canada Comic Con used to be one of the fastest growing multi-genre conventions in Canada with an attendance over 44,000 in 2013. After the 2010 edition, the convention was purchased by Wizard World, one of America’s largest producers of fan conventions. However, the deal was canceled in June 2011. In 2013, the convention was awarded the Winnipeg Tourism Marketing Campaign Award of Distinction in recognition of its innovative and creative marketing campaign.
C4’s program was similar to that of other pop culture conventions. It featured Guest Alley (meet & greets, panels, photo-ops and autograph sessions with celebrity guests), Cosplay Alley (meetings with cosplay guests and costume competitions), Artist Alley featuring dozens of artists and crafters, gaming events for every type of gamer, official after parties, wrestling tournaments, workshops, screenings and previews, and other attractions. Every convention featured celebrity guests such as comic book authors, actors and filmmakers.
In 2019, the organizers announced that C4 was canceled for good. Two months late, CapeFlow Productions launched its de facto successor, Winnipeg Comiccon.
Photo by Kay Pike
