The very first official organization of comic book fans was the Academy of Comic-Book Fans and Collectors (ACBFC) by Jerry Bails. Bails was often described as the “father of comics fandom.” One of the first things that Bails created was the “Alley Award” which would honor comic books in a variety of categories, like the Academy Awards. Co-created by Bail’s friend, Roy Thomas, the name of the award came from the syndicated caveman comic strip, Alley Oop. (According to Thomas, “because surely a caveman had to be the earliest superhero chronologically.”) In 1961, the Best Regularly Published Comic Book to receive an Alley was Justice League of America. But they also declared the Worst Comic Book Currently Published which went to Wonder Woman, both by DC Comics.
The first official comic book convention known as New York Comicon was held on July 24, 1964. It has been said that author George R. R. Martin was the first of a little over 100 attendees to have signed up for the event. The first 3-day Comic-Con convention was held in San Diego in 1970.
Today, there are a lot more of these annual events from coast to coast. They have changed a lot over the years too. In addition to appearances by comic book writers and artists, today’s comic-cons also include appearances by movie and television stars. You’ll also fans of video games, board games and at least half of all of the attendees dress up as their favorite characters too.
It is difficult to keep track of all of the comic-cons, but below you’ll find some of the biggest events happening in the first weeks of 2025.
It’s a Back to the Future’s 40th anniversary reunion at Fan Expo New Orleans, happening January 10-12 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The whole gang’s here including Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Tom Wilson, Claudia Wells, Jeffrey Weissman, James Tolkan, Henry Waters Jr., Donald Fullilove, Frances Lee McCain, Charlie Croughwell and even Huey Lewis and the News!
On Saturday night, you’re invited to the “Enchantment Under the Sea Dance” with drinks at the Sand Bar. Naturally, there will be anniversary merchandise will be sold here as well.
Superman is making a big impact as well with guests like Tom Welling, Michael Rosenbaum, Kristin Kreuk, Laura Vandervoot, and Erica Durance (from Smallville), Brandon Routh (Superman Returns), Tyler Hoechlin and Bitsie Tulloch (Superman & Lois), Dean Clark (Lois & Clark) and Tim Daly (Superman: The Animated Series). Welling and Rosenbaum will award some guests with prizes from their own Smallville collection during the “Smallville Nights” event.
Some after hours events include “Comics and Cocktails” (where you can join comic creators, pick up a free comic and get some autographs during a geeky happy hour), a convention “Foam Fighting tournament” (which is exactly as it sounds), “Spidey-Team: On Tour Karaoke” (billed as a “Clone Hero” experience like no other), a live taping of Comic Book Club, “Drink and Draw” (with cartoonist Joe Wos), a “Hazbin/Helluva Sing Along” and more.
The cast from Supernatural is the big draw at Fan Expo Portland, happening January 24-26 at the Oregon Convention Center. Special guests include Jared Padalecki, Mark Sheppard, Mark Pellegrino, Alexander Calvert, Jim Beaver, DJ Qualls, Samantha Smith and Ruth Connell. A variety of Supermen (and one Lois) will appear too including Brandon Routh (Superman Returns), Tyler Hoechlin (Superman & Lois), Dean Cain (Lois & Clark) and Bitsie Tulloch (Superman & Lois).
A mini reunion is on for the cast of The Flash TV series including Grant Gustin, Candice Patton and Tom Cavanagh. Other guests at the fest include Temuera Morrison (The Book of Boba Fett and Moana), Dante Basco (Hook), Kate Micucci (Garfunkel & Oates), Rachelle LeFevre (Twilight), Catherine Tate (Doctor Who), Peter Facinelli (Twilight), George Newbern (Scandal), Corbin Bleu (High School Musical), David Giuntoli (Grimm), James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer).
After hours events include “Comics and Cocktails” (where you can join comic creators, pick up a free comic and get some autographs during a geeky happy hour), “Drink and Draw” (with cartoonist Joe Wos), a murder mystery event put on by The Murder Mystery Co. and a couple of after parties.
A LOT of star reunions will be taking place at Megacon Fan Expo at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida February 6-9. First up – it’s a family reunion with Ron Howard, his daughter Bryce Dallas Howard and brother Clint Howard. As you know, before making it big as a movie director, Ron became well-known playing Richie Cunningham on Happy Days. Three other stars from that series will be too: Henry Winkler, Anson Williams and Don Most.
Newly married Millie Bobby Brown from Stranger Things will be featured in her own after-hours event to answer all of your burning questions. Other stars from the show will be on hand too including Joseph Quinn and Jamie Campbell Bower.
Those of a certain age will enjoy seeing the cast from former teen movies like Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson and Anthony Michael Hall (The Breakfast Club), Alicia Silverstone (Clueless), Matthew Lillard and Skeet Ulrich (Scream) and Dante Basco (Hook).
For more upcoming comic con and fan events, check out the new Comic Cons page.
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