Portsmouth's historic Guildhall transformed over the weekend once again to welcome pop culture fanatics from all over the Solent area and beyond. The event took place over the weekend from Saturday 11th to Sunday 12th and was packed full of comic artists, cosplayers and nerds.
What was on?
Comic Con Portsmouth had a wide range of the usual con events such as vendor halls, comic city, indie artists and pop culture panels. Along side these the con also offered several different experiences themed around popular franchises including Star Wars and Doctor Who. There were even special guests from all walks of film and TV who were offering signatures and photographs.
Special Guests
Some of the highest anticipated names in attendance at the convention were Paul McGann, Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred. To fans of the long running Sci-Fi series Doctor Who, these names are recognisable as the Eighth Doctor, Seventh Doctor and Ace respectively. The three actors answered questions from host Lincoln Geraghty on a sunny afternoon, The panel was free to attend and had a sizeable turnout of fans of the beloved TV show.
McGann, McCoy, Aldred and host Geraghty spoke about the new era of Doctor Who and their experiences on set, Paul McGann touching a lot on the "wilderness years" of Doctor Who. McCoy was bringing in the laughs by just being himself and Aldred spoke playing an iconic female character for so long.
Sci-Fi Experience
Along side the panels and guests, there were plenty of things for guest to see and interact with. One of the biggest experiences at the convention was the Star Wars Experience.
The experience was at the back of the iconic building and was made up of props, displays, replicas and cosplayers walking around in character while interacting with guests. The Star Wars experience was organised by Joker Squad, a charity costuming group specialising around Star Wars specifically. Joker Squad pride themselves on "prioritising fun, charity and star wars" which was clear from the fun and light atmosphere of this area. Find out more about Joker Squad here.
Comic City and Comic Village
A key part of any Comic Con is the wide variety of independent artists and vendors selling art, crafts and creations based around pop culture. Portsmouth's Comic City and Comic Village was full of artists and merchants, There was something for everyone to enjoy. You can find a small handful of some of the artists in attendance here.
BloodZombie is an independent artist who was located in Comic Village selling prints, pins, notebooks and other apparel.
"Hello, I’m blood zombie and I had a stall in the comic village tent. The comic con was a first time thing for me and I really did enjoy every second of it. Everyone’s cosplays was amazing and the over all vibe really helped me through the day :)" - BloodZombie
Crafty Red Bear is an artist who was located in Comic Village selling prints, stickers, 3D displays.
"Portsmouth Comic Con holds a special place in our heart as last year's was our first time selling at a comic con, so it was lovely to return again! And we had a ton of fun once again! Hearing so many compliments of our work means the world. We get comments asking "why do you draw the characters as bears?" and the answer is "everything's better with bears!" So if you like framed gaming scenes for nostalgia or want a cuteness overload with teddy bears dressed as gaming characters then you've found the right people!" - Crafty Red Bear.
Todd's Hollow is an artist / voice actor who was outside selling handmade prints, stickers, and pins.
"It was loads of fun! I met so many lovely people, and saw a ton of gorgeous cosplays! I had a fantastic time. I've been to this con once before, the first was miserable, and this was a blast.
I sold my illustration work on prints, stickers, badges, wooden pins as well as on handmade journals bags and shirts. I also sold imports from DarkChibiShadow that I voice a character for. My favourite part had to be the Chilchuck cosplayer that traded me a treasure bug trinket! 10/10 Would attend again."
Idol Mind is an artist who was located in Comic Village selling prints, stickers, pins, patches and other apparel.
"My time at Portsmouth Comic Con was Rad, it's such a great convention with a nice mix of stuff. It's fun cause I get to catch up with a lot of friends that have stalls and props.
It was what I was expecting, the con grows year on year and being a seasoned seller, I think I've done it 5 times now. I sell art prints, stickers, pins, patches and loads more. You can find me on any social media @idol.mind" - Idol Mind
                 Idolmind's Website
Thank you to the artists mentioned here for giving comment for this article, Check out their links and socials to support independent artists and creatives.
Portsmouth Comic Con in Pictures
Alongside everything mentioned thus far their were other experiences and panels that guests could enjoy. There were immersive events from Jurassic Park, Ghostbusters and Doctor Who. The event had a very large turn out of families, nerds and press walking around the lively con. Portsmouth Comic Con was very accessible with lifts to every floor and ramps all around the outside entrances, the staff were also very nice and helpful.
Portsmouth Comic Con returns once again to The Guildhall in May 2025, This time taking place on May 3rd and May 4th.
Tickets are currently on sale for the 2025 event and all information can be found on the conventions official website.
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