In my view: I love the mad world of the Comic Con
In My view: Matthew Stogdon - Credit: Archant
What would you say was the big event during the bank holiday weekend? Massive Eurovision party of 20 people perhaps? Maybe you were lucky enough to get tickets for the 50,000 strong Radio 1 Big Weekend? Or were you one of the 85,400 who went to Wembley to see Norwich progress to the Premier League?
Comic Con enthusiasts a young Superman with mum meet Star Wars during The MCM Birmingham Comic Con at The NEC, Birmingham. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday November 24, 2013. See PA story SOCIAL Comic Con. Photo credit should read: Rui Vieira/PA Wire - Credit: PA
Depends who you ask.
Personally, I was exhibiting with my fellow filmmakers for an army of 122,000 people in the ExCel centre in London.
With such a huge attendance you'd think everyone would be able to name this event but finding any coverage would be a bit of a task.
I am, of course, referring to the MCM London Comic Con, the UK's biggest pop culture convention.
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If you've never witnessed a convention it can be quite mad to explain. Essentially tens of thousands of people pack into an enormous hangar lined with stalls advertising new films, games, comics, TV series and commerce celebrating all things 'geek'.
If you've ever wanted to battle a Jedi, this is the place to do it. Want a hand-drawn Iron Man or a hug from one of the Minions? You won't get a finer opportunity.
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And every year the scale and intensity of the convention grows, ushering in a new breed of con-attendant.
There was a time when these events would only appear in major American cities but with niche pop culture quickly becoming the highest grossing entertainment sources worldwide, a stable credibility has formed.
Gone are the stereotypes of dark rooms filled with overweight single men arguing about minute details (although they still exist) – now conventions are open to all.
Families of all ages take the weekend off to queue for hours on end to be immersed and surrounded by the things they love, part with their hard-earned money for mountains of merchandise and possibly meet the stars of their favourite TV shows.
As a member of Cheesemint Productions, we had a table set up and got a chance to engage with fans of our work, showcase new footage on a staged panel and tout our wares to as many passers-by as physically possible.
It can be daunting but it's a thoroughly unique experience; like Disneyland with none of the rides. A three-day pass is about the price of a theme park ticket, so if you're feeling curious and courageous, we'll see you next year!
