Oh, how it’s good to be back at Dublin Comic Con. I can hardly believe how big this event has gotten. I still remember it being a very small humble event, with a niche audience that took me ages to get to, now it is a huge event for all ages held in the very heart of Dublin. And I have to say the team behind this event seems to learn from each previous year because Summer 2023 was so well organized, the line to get in just flew by and once you were in the crowds were evenly spread out.

As with every other year, DCC had some amazing guests including the legendary Linda Hamilton. Unfortunately, we at Nerdgeist only attended a few panels, in the very comfortable auditorium. That was for the Halo Cast, which might I add was surprisingly heartwarming.

Then the utterly delightful Veronica Taylor’s talk – if you do not know her, she was the original voice of Ash from Pokémon and finally James Marsters, as in Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, where he revealed that the near-mythical John Barrowman has very supple, lips but let’s face it, we already knew this.

Of course, it would not be much of a convention if there was no merchandise to buy and I can guarantee you this, Dublin Comic Con had it all. From Antman to the Z fighters you could find whatever your nerdy hearts desired. I am talking about board games, card games, second-hand N64 cartridges, Swords, cosplay, collectibles, and custom pieces were all on offer. And if you wanted something a little more unique you could easily move from the main hall up to the artist’s alley where creators from all over are there to display their wares.

If you are reading this article, I am going to assume that you would not be offended by some gaming. If that’s the case then once again Dublin Comic Con has you covered, on the higher-up floors of the convention center there was plenty of card and board gaming (and let’s face it if on the day you decided you wanted to join you could easily purchase yourself a full set of card, figures, or dice at the convention to join in on all the fun). But if you were looking for something a little more digital, you need not worry because the main Auditorium was also being used for some proper competitive gaming.

I know I have already completed a separate article on this, and I know I have said this repeatedly but the cosplay at these events just seems to get better and better with each passing year and the talent on display at this year’s event was outstanding. So many gorgeous and amazing costumes. Not only that but it has become commonplace for men to be comfortable dressing up as their favorite female character and to me, that is just awesome.

Not only could you grab photos with all the guests in attendance, but the convention had several other great opportunities for its attendees. Up high in the cosplay village, there was a nice setup for official photographers, at the back of the main hall there was an area that let you be photographed in the Stranger Things Living Room, a Barbie Box, or a toy store surrounded by Chuckie Dolls. On the second floor, you could have your picture taken in a recreation of the Star Ship Enterprise and in the main foyer there was a Dublin Comic Con action figure box and a recreation of the infamous closet from Springfield Elementary School, complete with its very own do not touch Willie sticker.

With the gorgeous weather, and it was gorgeous, many of us congoers were able to escape the comfortable confines of the inside and go and enjoy the dreaded but glorious “OUTSIDE”. Not only could you just chill with your friends but there was plenty of entertainment with a group of medieval combat experts literally beating each other black and blue for your entertainment. Not only that, but you could grab yourself a nice cup of coffee while enjoying the beautiful scenery around you. Cosplay, coffee, and a gorgeous city. What more could one ask for?

The lone coffee truck outside was not the only food and drink on hand and here once again Dublin Comic Con has made an improvement. On the upper floors, you could grab yourself a delicious pizza or a giant hot dog to sate your appetite. And if you got thirsty Lucozade where there as a sponsor giving out what felt like an infinite amount of drinks. Though if I was going to critique the convention this is something they could improve upon, more food options would be fantastic. Other conventions usually find a way to bring in various local food trucks/stalls and from being to the taste of Dublin food festival I know this is definitely possible and something a lot of people would enjoy.

And finally, there were the people, I never appreciated how great this crowd was until I spoke to two friends about it, they had never been to Dublin Comic Con and they repeatedly pointed out how relaxed the crowd was and how polite everyone was. There was a mix of old and young, and everyone was there simply to enjoy the atmosphere.

Dublin Comic Con perfectly blends the warmth of Irish Hospitality with the joy of all things nerdy, I cannot wait to go back in the spring.