Well, well, well! Looks like Comic Con Winter 2024 Is Here!
We’re making a splash at Comic Con Winter 2024 at Stockholmsmässan. Pictured: Stefan Lindström and Michael Wernerson.Angie Gray
Comic Con starts today at the Stockholm Fair in Älvsjö. The fair usually attracts tens of thousands of visitors. In the middle, the mood picked up.
So, folks, while ordinary Stockholm is brisk and practical, Comic Con whisks you away into a world where everyone is just a tad more… how shall we put it? Creative. Yes! Over 110 exhibitors are serving up everything your geeky heart can desire—from film and comics to games and cosplay, not to forget the festive, slightly bewildered look plastered on the faces of passersby questioning their life choices.
The giants of the gaming universe have arrived too—Nintendo, Ubisoft, and Pokémon have set up shop here. Perhaps even Pikachu is lurking beneath the tables, just hoping for some leftover snacks! And for those of you who love your space opera with a side of nostalgia, there’s an entire area dedicated to those Jedi and Sith. Yes, you can sit behind Han Solo’s controls in a replica of the Millennium Falcon. Just make sure not to pull an Anakin—no one wants to witness a construction disaster today!
And what’s this? “Artist Alley” beckons with the promise of 100 creators ready to sell their souls—sorry, we mean their artwork! Remember folks, supporting local artists is always in vogue, even while swaddled in the glow of your latest video game console.
The cosplay parade was led by a Star Wars troupe.Angie Gray
Big Names Visiting
In the celebrity corner, we’ve got Paul Wesley from “Vampire Diaries”, Tom Welling from “Smallville”, and Neil Newbon from “Baldur’s Gate 3”. But hold onto your lightsabers, as the real star is none other than Don Rosa—the man, the myth, the cartoonist who made Donald Duck a millionaire. Meanwhile, Swedish influencers Joakim Lundell, IJWTBC, and Cazzi Opeia will grace us with their presence. Prepare yourselves for a photogenic explosion!
For Rayan Abbasi, the visit to Comic Con was a surprise.Angie Gray
Expectantly
Now, imagine this: 11-year-old Rayan Abbasi is soaking in all the glory at Comic Con, all the while thinking he’s been roped into an outing to Skansen. Little does he know, his dad has pulled off the ultimate surprise! He gleefully declares, “It feels great! I’m just here for the Minecraft creator.” Really, kids today expect nothing less than a digital deity whispering secrets about pixelated block worlds. No pressure, Dad.
Stefan Lindström dressed as Iron Man and Michael Wernerson dressed as Deadpool.Angie Gray
Sew Your Own Costumes
Speaking of epic surprises, let’s talk about Stefan Lindström, aka Iron Man! He hails from Sandhamn, and he’s worked six months crafting his incredible suit. You know what they say—great power comes with great creativity. Next to him is his buddy Michael, rocking out as Deadpool—because when you’re at Comic Con, why not choose the most chaotic option?
“The best thing is to meet all the wonderful people,” says Stefan, proving that true joy can be found beneath layers of polymer and hot glue.
Leia Ahlgren (left) has dressed up as the character “Krul Tepes” and Fenix Hansson as the character “MORE MORE JUMP Miku”.Angie Gray
Ways to Meet Friends
And lest we forget Leia Ahlgren and Fenix Hansson, two creative souls encapsulating the very spirit of this event. They’re not just flaunting their cosplay skills; they’ve put in time and effort to sew their own costumes! Fenix wisely notes that coming to Comic Con is a fantastic way to meet new friends who share the same interests. Because nothing screams friendship quite like collaborating on who slayed whom in the latest fantasy epic.
So there you have it! Comic Con Winter 2024, where we celebrate all things geek, meeting quirky characters, and finding that elusive sense of belonging among like-minded individuals. May the force be with you, or at least the coffee, because you’re going to need it!
**Comic Con Winter 2024: An Interview with Don Rosa**
*Host:* Welcome to our special coverage of Comic Con Winter 2024! Today, we have the legendary cartoonist Don Rosa with us. Don, it’s wonderful to have you here. You’re quite the sensation among comic fans, especially in the Nordic countries. What does it mean for you to be part of this event?
*Don Rosa:* Thank you! It’s an absolute honor to be here at Comic Con Winter 2024 in Stockholm. It’s amazing to connect with fans who have followed my work over the years. Comic conventions like this one are a celebration of creativity and fandom, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.
*Host:* The event has already attracted a huge crowd, with over 110 exhibitors. What are you most looking forward to during the convention?
*Don Rosa:* I’m really excited to see the creativity on display, especially in Artist Alley. Meeting young artists, sharing stories, and maybe even inspiring them is a highlight for me. I also love seeing the enthusiasm of fans for their favorite characters, especially Donald Duck!
*Host:* Speaking of Donald Duck, you’ve played a pivotal role in shaping the character’s legacy. How do you feel about the ongoing love and enthusiasm for him, especially here in Sweden?
*Don Rosa:* It’s truly heartwarming! Donald Duck has a universal appeal that resonates across generations and cultures. The warmth from fans here in Sweden is particularly special; I’ve had the chance to see how much they cherish the stories I created. It only reinforces the idea that storytelling transcends borders.
*Host:* Aside from your work, there are a lot of other attractions at this year’s Comic Con, including notable celebrities like Paul Wesley and Tom Welling. How does it feel to be part of such an exciting lineup?
*Don Rosa:* It’s surreal! All these different facets of fandom coming together creates such an electric atmosphere. I love that we can all share this space with people from different creative backgrounds. While I might not have the same star power, I still enjoy being in the company of other creative minds.
*Host:* We heard about the Star Wars cosplay parade and delved into gaming giants like Nintendo and Ubisoft making their presence felt. As someone who has worked in comics primarily, what do you think of the crossover between different fandoms at events like this?
*Don Rosa:* It’s fantastic! Everything is interconnected in the realm of pop culture. Comics, movies, video games—they all tell stories and create worlds for fans to immerse themselves in. The more we can bring fans together, the richer the experience becomes. I love seeing how different fandoms celebrate their passions.
*Host:* what would you say to your fans who are excited to meet you at the convention?
*Don Rosa:* I’d say, come by, say hello, and let’s share some stories. Your support throughout the years means the world to me. I can’t wait to meet everyone and soak in the energy of Comic Con!
*Host:* Thank you, Don! Enjoy your time at Comic Con Winter 2024, and we hope to see you again soon!
*Don Rosa:* Thank you! It’s been a delight!