Emerald City Comic Con

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

New this edition

• 1

  —

  Recent editions have given self-publishing creators a large dedicated Artist Alley block separate from publisher and dealer booths, which is the area attendees head to first for commissions and sketch covers.

• 2

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  Cosplay has moved from an attendee side activity into scheduled programming, with photo meetups, costume repair supplies on the floor and dedicated backdrops inside the hall.

• 3

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  Tabletop free play and publisher demo tables have grown alongside the comics floor, giving board, card and role-playing players a reason to stay for all four days rather than a single Saturday.

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Arrival airports

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

Frequently asked

Glossary

1

Artist Alley

The section of the show floor where self-representing comic artists, illustrators and writers sell their own work: original pages, commissions, prints and self-published comics. It is separate from publisher and dealer booths, and creators usually take cash and card on the table.

2

Variant cover

An alternative cover printed for the same issue, often in limited numbers and sometimes sold only at a specific convention. Collectors check print runs and per-person purchase limits before queuing.

3

Show exclusive

Merchandise, comics or collectibles produced specifically for this convention and not sold through normal retail. Exclusives frequently sell out on the first morning, so check the exhibitor list for who is carrying them.

4

Blank sketch cover

A comic printed with a plain white cover so an artist can draw on it. Buyers bring blanks to Artist Alley to commission a one-of-a-kind cover during the show.

5

Commission

A paid, made-to-order piece of art, from a quick head sketch to a fully painted page. Artists usually quote prices and turnaround at the table, and pickup may be later the same day or by post after the show.

6

Back issues

Older single-issue comics sold from dealer bins, often priced by condition and key-issue status. Serious collectors arrive with a want list and check bins early before the best copies move.

7

Graded or slabbed comic

A comic that has been professionally graded, encapsulated in a rigid case and given a numeric condition score. Graded stock trades at a premium and is usually sold by specialist dealers rather than general vendors.

8

Cosplay

Costume play: attendees dressing as characters from comics, anime, games and film. Cosplayers often plan photo meetups, repair kits and changing arrangements around the show schedule.

9

Photo op

A scheduled, ticketed photograph with a guest, usually sold separately from admission and run in a dedicated photo area with a set time slot.

10

Signing or autograph line

A guest's scheduled signing session, where items may be signed for a fee set by that guest. Bring the item you want signed and check the guest's listed price and any per-person item limits.

11

Panel

A scheduled stage or room session with creators, cast members or publishers, often including audience Q and A. Popular panels fill up, so plan which room and arrive early.

12

Badge

The admission credential for the show. Emerald City Comic Con sells Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday single-day passes, a 4-Day Pass and a discounted Kids 4-Day Pass, with prices published on the official ticket page.

13

Tabletop free play

Open gaming space where attendees borrow or bring board and card games and join pick-up tables, usually alongside publisher demo tables running scheduled teach sessions.