WonderCon 2014

This was my first real comic convention. I was just a strange girl, in a strange place all alone… and omfg what fun I had! I’m extremely socially awkward but I felt more than at home at WonderCon. Costumes are beautiful, panels are delightfully enthralling, and from what I was constantly told by veteran nerds, its way less crowded than San Diego Comic Con and has more heart. I’m biased from the marvelous first experience of Wondercon, it is better. Really great alternative if you’re a comic con reject (couldn’t get tickets through their impossibly stupid and difficult purchasing process).

Been going for a couple of years now and I’ve been slowly seeing all it has to offer. First off, Dress up, like any costume party it will be a funner experience. Second, find some panels on subjects you like and listen. Third, look around the unknown comic area, most of these people are nice and just trying to share some stories. Just because you never heard of them doesn’t mean they aren’t any good. Take your time looking at stuff and maybe a second trip around because you will notice new things. The items they sell are overpriced and seem like a money grab for those who like particular movies are TV characters, so if you cant help yourself bring some spending money.

Keeps getting better and better every year, San Francisco was OK but the drive into the city, the lack of parking and the high priced hotels make Anaheim a much better venue, all they need to do is get some more panels with high powered Hollywood Stars, rooms that are too small for the number of people that want to see aforementioned stars and it will be just like San Diego with ½ the people, but seriously it’s got the vendors, it’s got the artist, it’s got the publishers (except for Marvel, what’s up with that) it’s got the fans and with cheaper prices than San Diego for Tickets and Hotels it makes a great alternative to the Big Con down south, not to mention if you get tired of the convention you can always go across the street to Disneyland.
The only reason for 4 stars is because it’s still not quite up to the level of Comic-​Con

Another great year attending Wondercon, this thing just keeps bigger and bigger and better and better. I had such a blast is was great for all three days. Its not as crazy as San Diego but its going to get that way as the years move on.
So many great things to check out from the toys to the panels to the cos players. This year I even dressed up for Saturday. I was Shredder from the Ninja Turtles
It was a lot of phone and a total geek out move but worth it. Fun taking pictures with all the kids and other fellow nerds. I will do it again next year for sure. My advice is even if your not a big fan of comics you have to check out the Comic Con even for just one day. So much cool stuff to see, from the artists to the panels to the classic toys you remember as a kid.
I recommend if you really want to take everything in is to get the 3 day pass. That way you can spend a day do everything you want from shopping to panels to autograph and art sessions. Its a lot of waking so make sure you have comfy shoes. If you get tired and need a drink check out the Sandbox Bar & Grill across the street for some good priced beers and food. CHEERS!!!

This was my first time attending WonderCon since I moved to the area and I loved it! I can’t wait to go back next year. It’s not as low-​key as the Long Beach Comic and Horror Con, but definitely not as packed as SDCC. That being said, there’s still a lot of booths to see, a ton of great artists in Artists’ Alley, and some pretty good panels as well.
Parking is pretty abundant if you park across the street from the convention center (in the shared Disneyland lot) — $ 12/​day isn’t too horrible, especially comparing it with SDCC where it can be upwards of $ 20.
There’s always a good number of excellent food trucks. Sadly, I wasn’t able to try some, but I really wanted to try Chef Joe’s Tasting Spoon… one day!
I was able to pick up commissions from Peter Nguyen and Minion Me, and I got to stop by Katie Cook’s booth to get a couple of custom watercolors :)
Cosplayers are abundant here as well, and they’re always in good spirits for pictures.
Also, how awesome was it that Chris Hardwick was on the floor???
Can’t wait for next year!

I absolutely LOVE cons! It seems as though Wondercon 2014 was way more crowded than 2013. The booths were placed too close together and you could barely take a step without ramming into a Wookie or getting smacked in the face by a battle-​axe. The food situation was utter chaos. The food truck lines were about an hour long wait each and the hotel’s food court was a madhouse. Nonetheless, the costumes were fantastic and the tickets were very reasonably priced.

Wonder Con is the little sibling of the SD Comic Con. If you want to pay less money, still see people dressed up, go and see some booth (some that actually sell comics) then this might be the place for you to go.
It is ran by the same people that put on SD Comic Con so somethings are familiar but what it doesn’t have is the Hollywood star power behind it — which is a good thing if that’s what you are looking for.
My hubby tells me it was like the way SD Comic Con was before Hollywood starting promoting all the movies/​shows and all the stars started coming down for it.
We went in 2012 and now in 2014 and I can tell you it has grown since then but I really like the fact you can get parking, walk down aisles and not be surrounded by people all the time.
We were able to do the whole con in one day (in at 10 and out by 5).

Wondercon was fantastic this year!
I have always described this event as a «very chill version of comic-​con.»… And that is EXACTLY what it is! It’s just like California to give you ample time to get you prepared for the big one in San Diego.
For the most part, WonderCon was not overly crowded. It was a bit packed on Saturday, but it was accompanied by great people and even greater costumes.
So many spectacular costumes this year! I’ve been going to cons for years and never partook in the Cosplay so it was really fun to put together a simple costume and get praise for it!
Being so close to Disneyland has it’s advantages. Taking a break and watching even crazier people in costume. Not to mention the amount of hotels available in the area. I don’t want to be THAT GUY, but the Anaheim Convention center is intensely larger than SDCC. Still, comic-​con is a beast on its own.
The only reason I did not give it five stars was because the panels weren’t as great as they usually are. Though, it was a consolation being able to walk right into the enormous arena without having to wait 8 hours in line.
Make sure you bring lots of cash and pack snacks. Also take advantage of being in Anaheim! Take frequent breaks. Sit in the quad to people watch. Take a nap in the balcony of the arena. Go to the many restaurants in the area!
Comic-Con’s are an experience like no other. How many times can you go to the urinal and pee next to a storm trooper and super Mario? Or high five a deadpool on the amount of free swag available? Or watch a celebrity squeeze out his last bit of fame from being the third storm trooper signing autographs at a booth?
Until next year WonderCon! Hope to see you all at Comic-​Con! EXCELSIOR!

I attended Comic Con back in 1997 and 1998, back when you could walk right in with hardly any hassle and cosplayers were few and far between. Enter the 21^st century… and Comic Con blows up and it has been nearly impossible to get tickets to said event.
Quick fix… any of the slightly lesser publicized conventions.
Wonder Con was a breeze to get tickets for. Tickets were not available at the door, online only. We were able to get tickets for Sunday only on Friday morning for $ 15. You must register on Comic Con’s website and use your user name and password to buy tickets for Wonder Con. When you show up to Wonder Con you go to pick up your badge. It was super easy and a breeze. I just showed them the email on my phone and boom! Badge acquired.
If anyone reading this is wondering what wonder con or comic con is, it’s basically a convention for fans to attend and even dress up. Fans of what? You ask? Fans of any and everything fiction, fantasy, or make believe in all forms of media such as books, comic books, movies, tv shows, cable network shows, and animé. Cosplayers are costume role players, people who dress up and look just like one of their favorite characters.
Aside from the hundreds of cosplayers in attendance, there are artists, vendors, comic books, art, and guest speaker panels. There are also opportunities to see movie or tv show trailers. We didn’t spend any money, we felt everything was overpriced! There were lots of goodies to see, definitely a geek, nerd, or fans shopping paradise if one is looking to expand their collections.
My 11 year old son had a blast, it was his first time ever attending this type of convention. He was so happily overwhelmed with all the cosplayers! He couldn’t stop naming them, it was so much fun for him. I can’t wait to take him to more conventions. He had fun asking cosplayers to take pictures with him.
The food trucks outside were awesome. We snacked from two trucks, once on our way in and again on our way out. It was a nice relief from the convention center food inside, we weren’t looking forward to dining from there!
It was a tad warm inside, we were all sweating and had to keep taking breaks. There lots of people roaming around so it was hard to look at the booths without having someone in the way or getting bumped into. We met up with a group of friends who met up with their friends, it was difficult to keep us together since everyone wanted to do their own thing. I think it’s best to split up into smaller groups or pairs, especially with the crowds.
Wonder Con is awesome, great experience for all alike. Who isn’t a fan of one thing or another? Kids definitely love it, I know my son did.
Next convention we will be there super early, bring our own cold water, come fed, and dress lightly.

So much fun! Loads of people dressed up (even on the last day)… Lots of free swag… Discounted trades… What’s not to like??? Oh, yeah, the one and a half hour drive around 2 blocks looking for parking. -.- Still, it was a great con & we had a lovely time!
Tip #1: Kids 12 & under get in for free
Tip #2: Sign up to volunteer for 3 hrs and you get free admission for that day
Tip #3: Park at the Anaheim Garden Walk. It’s $ 12 for the whole day, or you can eat at one of the restaurants there & get your parking validated!

WonderCon isn’t necessarily getting better as it’s getting bigger.
Although it’s run by the same organization as the legendary San Diego Comic Con International (a.k.a. Comic Con), it’s not necessarily a sister show, more on the scale of Cinderella’s step-​sisters.
With that I’m only giving it * * * which is still A-​OKAY! Good. It really deserves * * * * four stars to a degree, but if you factor comparing it to the shows once held in San Francisco (pre-​2011 I think) and the potential of what this show could be vs what it delivers, it gets penalized a little bit from my standpoint of rating it.
It’s an okay show, not bad at all, and in fact I’d challenge to say it’s the best show in So Cal (with only really Long Beach and Comikazie competing against this show) for pop culture and comic book genre events.
I think the problem or issue I have is that this show has so much potential and it’s year after year, never seemingly realized, so it falls short on it’s perceived ability to become a great show.
The tickets sold out in advance for Saturday, and it’s a 3 day event, Fri, Sat, Sun, with tickets only sold online (not at the door or day of the event at the venue), so that is a testament to the fact that it’s a show that is supported by fans attending. I think tickets were $ 25 a day or $ 50 for all 3 days. I think Comic Con is $ 45 a day comparatively.
The convention has a lot of what most shows have, with comic books, an «artist’s alley», entertainment panels, celebrity guests, and all sorts of collectibles dealers and corporate industry booths, mainly from publishers.
What this show lacked was a lot of the pageantry and «energy» that Comic Con has. This felt like a big convention hall of dealers selling stuff. That’s not to say it’s a bad vibe, it just didn’t feel as entertaining as Comic Con does. I’m imagining with Comic Con, there’s a lot of things to do for free that comes with buying an admission pass, but of course with that comes a lot of waiting and waiting and waiting in lines and a lot of disappointment by waiting and getting shut out and turned away due to max capacity room controls.
Usually at Comic Con there’s tons of freebies and promotional giveaways for the fans. This show it seemed very limited if not non-​existent in terms of the unique quality of swag.
Also, there’s big name guests and announcements as well as panels. I’d assume with WonderCon only less than 1 hr driving distance from Hollywood, the entertainment capitol of the world, they’d be able to pull mega celebrity guests to appear and speak, take photos and sign for guests in exchange for promoting forthcoming films, TV shows and projects… but I didn’t get a sense there were an «A-​List» roster of special guests.
There were, are and always will be the usual suspects of the same ‘ol guests who have exhibit booths at almost every convention across the country for the sole purpose of selling autographs, photos and meeting fans who have nostalgic memories and fandom of these idols like Lou Ferrigno (TV’s «The Hulk») and so others. This year they also had «The Gorn» from Star Trek’s 1960’s TV show as well as Seinfeld’s «Soup Nazi» actor and a lot of other sci-​fi actors/​actresses.
The artists alley didn’t seem to have any elusive headliners this year and most of the artists have been to WonderCon in years past or run the convention circuit all too frequently, so there’s no fresh new blood being added to the guest list roster. The artists attending were still top notch talent like Tony Daniel, Ale Garza, Dean Yeagle, Joe Benitez, Georges Jeanty, Mike Mayhew, Eric Basaldua, Rob Liefeld, Whilce Portacio, Marat Mychaels, Nei Ruffino, Alex Sinclair, Paul Gulacy, Bernard Chang, Norm Rapmund, Terry Moore, Katie Cook, and many others. I know Jim Lee also appeared at the DC exhibit booth to sign autographs in a meet n’ greet too.
The check-​in process was easy, unlike San Diego Comic Con. Maybe it’s all about the volume of numbers, since it is the same organizers.
The parking was/​is easy @ $ 12 all day without any time limits that I knew of.
The local food options are okay and walkable, so the venue itself is good, probably better than the LA Convention Center.
It’s accessible right off the freeway, ‘tho beware when you exit and listen to your GPS, as you may find yourself in a one way line into the Disneyland parking lot where you’ll have to explain your situation, which they’re accustomed to hearing (validating the fact the routes are indeed very confusing) and they’ll let you turn around and exit without any penalty other than wasting time and gas.
I do think that this show can go from GOOD to GREAT with a few seemingly easy modifications. WonderCon can alleviate the fan frenzy while satisfying the demands by so many people who want to attend the summer Comic Con show as a great alternate convention to attend every year, so in fact there’s two (2) Comic Cons, one in the spring & one in the summer

Lots of great artists with their work for sale. Lots of comic books. tons of toys. And a majority of the people were dressed up as different characters.
It was pretty easy to park and get to the convention. Pricing was pretty good, and it was easy to buy your tickets online. In addition to that, there wasn’t a huge ass line to get into the convention center like there usually is for other conventions like. Comikaze.
I most likely will be coming back again next year!

I decided to treat my bf to wondercon! Since we weren’t able to get tickets for ComiCon (sad face)
We came here on the last day of the convention, Easter Sunday.
It wasn’t as packed that I thought it was going to be.
My favorite part of the whole experience is looking at all the people dressed up in their favorite character! BEST THING EVERRR!
This convention is for «geeks» and «fanatics» of the comic book/​sci-​fi/​dc/​marvel/​cartoon world!
Loved the atmosphere.
This only consisted of 2 halls. The Anaheim convention center is pretty small to begin with.
I scored an awesome hoodie from «STEPPIE» and a cute HK bag from some random booth.
We were done walking around and looking at the sites in 2hours.
Tickets were general admission $ 15 military/​child/​senior: $ 8
parking was $ 12

Alan L., you were down for WonderCon? Dang! Wish I knew so I could have said, «Hi,» in person. Sad face.
Thus lies one of the main reasons I like this con: being one of the higher-​capacity cons, I get to see many more of the geeky brethren I recognize. Lots of hugs were had the last couple days.
But alas, I’ve been getting spoiled hanging around the smaller cons with tightly-​knit communities. Walking around WonderCon during peak hours was draining. Thousands of people all slowly moving in all directions, many seemingly oblivious to those around them as they’d unapologetically run into people or suddenly stop. At least it’s not to the level of Comic-​Con, where most of the folk are competing for one thing or another at any given moment and people shamelessly elbow you in the ribs or sneeze, uncovered, in your face as they are wont to do. WonderCon still has manners.
To speak of what I saw at 2014’s show, there were hundreds of outstanding cosplayers, MANY friendly people, and some great panels. I spent the first half of Saturday in the Arena, watching the Warner Brothers and 20^th Century Fox presentations. I got to be in the multitude of people cheering for the extensive «Godzilla» clip, getting a sneak peak at «Secret Service,» falling in love again with the look of «How To Train Your Dragon,» and seeing talented folks like Gary Oldman, Andy Serkis, Richard Armitage, and Bill Paxton.
WonderCon staff were wonderful, as far as I could tell. The line for the Arena was well-​managed and registration went smoothly for me. My favorite aspect is still the Hospitality Suite, called 10 Forward for the Guinan they have working it. She is so cool and remains in character through the service. And hey, free snacks and drinks.
The hired security companies (StaffPro, CSC, etc) were also quite courteous and helpful when I’d ask them for directions. Matter of fact the ONLY group I saw getting short with people were the Arena staff when it came to seating. The two managing our area in particular were curtly telling people to scoot over in one direction or another, were telling people they couldn’t go to the bathroom, and refused to inform those who asked how to access the tier above for more seating, despite it already being open. I get that they’re just trying to ensure that as many people as could fit in the Arena would get in to enjoy the show, but there was no call for sternly telling people they couldn’t use the restroom between panels because they’d mistake the saved seat for an open one.
Also, there’s always been the rule that no one should film ANYTHING on the screen (trailers, clips, concept art, etc) during panels. It was sort of funny watching these four burly guys in suits descend on someone following the special «Godzilla» clip to make them delete what footage they got. It’s necessary to keep the cool things coming to the con. Something gets leaked online, and the studios stop bringing the exclusives for the paying attendees.
Overall, I had another pleasant con-​going experience, just as I have the previous years it’s been in SoCal. If only Comic-​Con International had announced it was going to be in Anaheim again sooner. While there were still several panels and booth with big names, it felt like less due to the delay. I don’t know. Still, I’ve always felt that the large presence and high quality of cosplayers is a sign of a good, healthy convention, of which there were many.
Is it returning to Moscone next year, I wonder? I know it’s the popular opinion to demand it back in the Bay Area, but I’m still loving it down here while Anaheim has had it. I feel it’s thrived and grown outward, while it seemed stifled in Moscone. Again, not the popular opinion.
So yeah, good stuff.

Just arrived… getting checked in… looks good so far.
Day 1 of WonderCon
Arrived at 11am… picking up my badge was fast and easy… I had anticipated long waits and long lines… but this time all tickets were pre-​purchased over the internet months ago… just bring your receipt and an ID to pick up your badge and it gets you inside.
Once inside there are many things to see and buy.
Lots of people are Cosplaying as you can see by the pictures I’ve posted. People are selling comic book, artist are on hand displaying their art work. Superhero’s are signing autographs. Everyone is just having fun and the people are real nice.
There is plenty of food… lot’s of food trucks outside…
I was lucky to book a room that is just across the street from the convention center which is great. Makes me feel a home like so.
Highly recommend it … at least make it a one time appearance and you will fall in love with the fun.

«I think, that if the world were a bit more like ComicCon, it would be a better place.» –Matt Smith
Actually, ComicCon is hot, sweaty, crowded, and claustrophobic. Nevertheless, it IS fun. I was looking forward to my first WonderCon ever, as I was told by countless friends that it is so much better than ComicCon… less crowded, similar vendors, just as much fun, with half the humanity.
Well, I suppose the secret was out because it was every bit as cattle-​prod inducing, congested and crowded as the 405 Fwy in rush hour traffic. From the moment we walked in on Saturday morning, to the moment we left an hour before it closed for the day, movement through any of the show areas and aisles was a contact sport.
As far as vendors go, there were way more comic /​manga vendors than I even encounter at ComicCon! I didn’t get a chance to sit in on any panels, and that would probably have made my experience better.
Tons of unique merchandise, apparel, books, DVD’s, toys, plushies, and artwork you could never find anywhere else but at these kinds of conventions. There were a few Sci-​Fi stars from TV /​Movie’s past there to give autographs (for a price, but that’s normal).
Still a fun experience. Hope you all get to experience a ComicCon /​WonderCon at least once in your lives!

For the second straight year, wondercon has been held in anaheim. SInce the convention center is located in the heart of disneyland, there are a number of hotel and food options in the area. Another nice feature to the show was that there was always 4 gourmet food trucks parked outside which is nice change of pace to your traditional convention center fare. The show this year grew bigger with all three days selling out.
My only complaint about the center is their security staff. THe security staff at this convention hall need to take a class in ettiquite and need to be better informed. I was hassled by the sercuity staff becuase i didnt have my name on my badge. Absollutely ridiculous since they were letting in other folks without names since that was how the badges were given at the registration area. Secondly, since their was another show setting up next to wondercon, security staff had people walking all over the place to enter the exhibit area.
Other wide beside the secuirty staffing at the convention, the folks at comic con have developed another great show and I hope that the show returns to anaheim on a annual basis.

The moment I walked in, I could smell it… the smell of nerds…
I usually go to a convention once a year and I’m always enthralled by the passion people have for comics, animé, video games, and etc. I came here on Sunday, the last day because tickets were the cheapest and a lot of the vendors have stuff on sale.
They had all kinds of booths, and vendors, it all became a blur of marvel, funk pop figurines, and star wars stuff. For the most part, I liked the way the convention was arranged and how all the vendors are in one area, artists in one, and gaming. However, even though it was the last day, it was still very crowded and at some points it was impossible to move around. –_​-​.
Overall, it was a positive experience and I wouldn’t mind going again in the future.
Live long and prosper, and may the force be with you my fellow brethren!

Not sure why this came up as Wizardcon on check-​in but Wondercon was here in Anaheim this past weekend.
Really fun! Not nearly as big as a comicon — but just as cool for a scaled down show. Would definitely recommend it when it comes back. Apparently they sold out this year but the crowd wasn’t overwhelming like comicon. Good selection of comics, toys, apparel and other related paraphernalia of comics, animé, video games, etc.
Cool celeb appearances — Seemed like Lou Ferrigno (aka the Original Hulk) was the fave! (I might be dating myself admitting this!). Even an interactive nintendo area to try the new games (haunted mansion Luigi and lego city, etc.) on the wii and 3ds.
Lots of peeps dressed up as characters especially the stormtrooper ensemble and a few hit and misses — like the skinny homer, skinny spider-​man with baggy tights, etc. Good clean fun. If you like superheroes, animé, comics, video games — Wondercon is a great place to get your geek on!

Came here last day (sunday), parking is terrible. the convention center and the hotel parking is full, only disney parking left.
If you come Sunday don’t expect to see much of announcement or contest those are done previous day or 2. There’s reason why ticket in the last day cost a lot less.
However the best about coming in Sunday, if you wanna get some real discount deal buying shirts, comics and toys. Shirt getting little discount but those toy and book can be heavy discount. any 10 big or small paper or hardcover comic for $ 60 is definite best deal I had see, some of the comic retail $ 30 – 50. The let down is lack of booth from Marvel. A lot small Independent comic artist to sell their works. But mostly is vendors sell shirt, toy etc. I not complaining since I got some very good deal and the admission is about same as Auto Show.
In summary if you see the latest and best comic con is still no brainer, but if you don’t wanna spend full day or 2 and get real tire this is more idea to try it.