A Global Event Phenomenon, or 10 things what to see at comic-con
Comic-con is an event that attracts millions of pop culture fans worldwide. From a small gathering of comic book enthusiasts, comic-con has grown into a global celebration where comics, movies, TV series, games, and cosplay culture merge into one spectacular show. This year, for the sixth time, this unique event will open its doors in Vilnius, at the “LITEXPO” exhibition and congress center.
What is Comic-Con?
The first comic-con event was born in 1964 in New York when a small group of comic book lovers gathered for the first convention of its kind. Later, in the 1970s, the legendary “San Diego Comic Con” started in California, becoming the gold standard for these events. Back then, these were modest gatherings where collectors shared rare items and made friendships with like-minded individuals.
Over the years, the conventions have fundamentally changed. Although the spirit of community remains, these conventions are now huge, colorful festivals encompassing not only comics but also sci-fi movies, board games, and other pop culture areas. Major publishers and even Hollywood studios have entered this world. From modest gatherings that attracted a few hundred fans, these conventions have turned into massive pop culture festivals that now draw hundreds of thousands of people.
Tickets Sell Out in 74 Minutes
The largest comic-con, which annually attracts over 130,000 pop culture enthusiasts, takes place in San Diego, California. This most influential event of its kind is considered the most important pop culture industry event. Due to its immense popularity, tickets to “San Diego Comic Con” sell out in an instant – in 2023, they disappeared in just 74 minutes.
The uniqueness of “San Diego Comic Con” lies not only in its size but also in its content diversity. It is a platform where the pop culture industry shapes its future, showcasing previews of upcoming movies and TV series, exclusive meetings with actors and creators, and revealing important news and trends.
The comic-con phenomenon, which started in the USA, soon spread worldwide, including Lithuania. These events provide an opportunity not only to have fun but also to get acquainted with the latest trends, discover new talents, and share your passion with like-minded people.
The Largest Convention in the Baltics in Vilnius
For the sixth year in a row, the largest pop culture event in the Baltics – “Comic Con Baltics 2024 powered by Samsung Galaxy S24” – returns to Vilnius on May 24th. This three-day pop culture and computer games fiesta promises to surprise visitors with a wide range of activities, entertainment, and discussions.
- Meetings with Actors and Content Creators
Are you a fan of “Harry Potter” or “Guardians of the Galaxy”? Or do you nostalgically remember the “Highlander” series? Then don’t miss the chance to meet the bright stars of these projects. This year, the event will feature an impressive guest list: actor Adrian Paul who played Duncan MacLeod in “Highlander”, “Harry Potter” actors Natalia Tena and Devon Murray, “Marvel” movie actor Sean Gunn, actress Natasha Halevi, and internet comic stars Rob DenBleyker from “Cyanide & Happiness”, “Natural Habitat Shorts”, “Nobody Sausage”, and Nathan W. Pyle, creator of “Strange Planet” comics. - Baltics Gaming Expo
For the second year, the “Baltics Gaming Expo” will bring together video game enthusiasts and professionals from Lithuania and other European countries. The event will feature presentations of the latest technologies, a game developer area, and impressive international tournaments of “Counter Strike”, “Valorant”, “Rocket League”, “League of Legends”, “Trackmania”, and other games. - Cosplay Contest
On Saturday and Sunday, visitors will be able to admire elaborate costumes and extraordinary performances during the largest cosplay contest in the Baltics. On Sunday, the contest will culminate in an award ceremony, revealing who will represent our country at the “Europe Cosplay Cup”. - Family Area
The event will feature a special family area with dozens of engaging activities and activations for young attendees and their parents. Different museums, universities, technology manufacturers, and game representatives will come together to offer unforgettable experiences for everyone. Expect more than 200 square meters of “Nintendo” zone, an audition opportunity for the animated film “BFF”, the largest Barbie doll collection in Lithuania, and many more unforgettable experiences. - Artists’ Alley
The artists’ alley is expanding every year, and this year visitors will meet over 90 artists not only from the Baltic countries but from around the world. Creators from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Norway, Serbia, and Kazakhstan will be present. - Merchandise Zone
Under one roof, visitors will find a space full of pop culture treasures. The merchandise zone will feature comics, figurines, posters, replicas from movies and TV series, home decorations, films, records, DVDs, clothes, accessories, food products, and much more. - Meet Lithuanian Film Industry Platform
Want to peek behind the scenes of international film projects? For the third year, the event will feature a unique platform – “Meet Lithuanian Film Industry”. Here, you can hear firsthand about Lithuanian experiences in projects like “Stranger Things”, “Chernobyl”, “Loki”, “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”. This year, the event will host more than ten engaging conversations with film professionals. - Movie Decorations
Each year, one of the biggest attractions at the event is the decorations brought from famous movie and TV projects. This weekend, you can view and take photos with 12 unique characters. Two of them are even 3 meters tall! - Autographs and Photo Sessions
A unique opportunity at the event is to meet the visiting actors up close, get their autographs, and take photos with your favorite stars. Note that a special ticket will be required, which can be purchased at the event. - Food Zone
You definitely won’t go hungry at the event! Outside, visitors will find an impressive food zone where they can not only enjoy a delicious lunch but also various entertainment: try your strength in the “Pin-Ball” area, watch “K-POP” dance performances, robot battles, and more.
The Most Unique Weekend of the Year in Vilnius
This year’s event program is particularly rich, so this is just a glimpse of all the fun awaiting! “Comic Con Baltics 2024 powered by Samsung Galaxy S24” from May 24-26 at the “Litexpo” exhibition halls promises unforgettable experiences and unique entertainment.
