Portsmouth Comic Con 2026

Over the weekend (2nd and 3rd May) Portsmouth Guildhall hosted the annual Portsmouth Comic Con. A wonderful event full of performances, workshops, panel sessions, guest speakers, stalls, exhibitions and more.

Zones and Fandoms

Each year the experience zones get bigger and better. There's more props, sets and walk throughs to enjoy and opportunities to talk to zone hosts/ cosplay marshals. I think, kind of linked to the experince zones and cosplays, you can often pick up a more common theme or dominant fandom of interest (at that point in time). There will be more focus, not necessarily from the event but from attendees, in a particular fandom/ universe. In previous years I'd say that's been Marvel, Dr Who, Star Wars and Star Trek. This year however, I think that split was much more even. There didn't seem to be a 'dominant fandom'. Not a key fact, just an interesting reflection from me.

The three or four times I walked around to the Star Wars Experience the queue looked long (this happened last year, and I forgot, it's a part thats best to go to at the start or end of the day) and I felt the Nerf Arena was best left to those with more energy. However, I did enjoy a little time with the LEGO Zone and Jurassic Zone. Both areas that at first look may seem to be for a younger audience. But I saw (and was one of) many adults getting involved, any honestly I can see LEGO Parties for adults totally being a thing; I did ask a LEGO rep if they did these and they said they haven't, but would; so there's your next party idea!

The Portsmouth Ghostbusters, who I'd also seen at Gosport Comic Con a few weeks ago, had a great set up. It was also cool to hear them talk about some of the charities they've supported; something I also saw happening on one of the Star Wars stands as well. As someone that works at a, and has a passion for, mental health charities. It was really nice to see this crossover happening in a more visiable way. I've mentioned in previous years the importance and value of the cosplay community to those of us with mental health illnesses and struggles. And that opportunity to escape your current situation through cosplay, and to also find a community/ support network. But to see the other side of these cosplay groups, visibly supporting, promoting and signposting to these different cause related charities was really positive.

I spent limited time in the Bookish Block, however I really liked how the zone had been set up; with bean bags, books, guest author meet and greets all next to the cafe. It felt like a very cosy zone. I wonder if this is a zone that may grow in future, as I can totally see a space where people stop to sit and read books or comics for 10-30 minutes being really popular. Given the limited space, I wonder if there is a way to utilise the upper circle seating area for some of this? It likely wouldnt be as cosy, but could make good use of the space, and add something.

Panels

My Saturday was packed with panels and speaker sessions. I had intended to go to the 'Friends like these' panel session, however I got distracted by 'Curtain Call - Snow White'. I think being first on stage, as people are still entering is a cool opportunity, but also a kind of thankless one. Seemingly everyone walks past, enjoying your performance for a moment or two as they enter the event. But few stop to watch and enjoy the full performance. Nonetheless, this was a lovely fun stage production and really helped to welcome attendees with positive vibes, and a good performance. It caught me, I did stop, sit down on the Guildhall steps and listen along.

While I did miss my planned session, it meant I was just round the corner for Tom Rosenthal's session at Speakers Corner. And, I think this may have been my favourite part of the day. Tom spoke very openly about his experiences acting and doing stand-up. It was very insightful, interesting and was the part of the day I talked most to my partner about at home.

Next up was the Scream 'What's your favourite scary movie' panel. This panel was a bit of a disappointment for me. Most of the panels I've been to a Portsmouth Comic Con, especially the good ones, have had three things. 1. Industry experts 2. Students studying/ just entering the industry or huge fans of the subject/ topic 3. They are hosted by Lincoln Geraghty.

While this panel had two of those things, lacking an industry expert meant this panel felt a lot more like a university debate or seminar. I actually left the room wanting to hear more from the people in the audience that spoke. It did make me really appreciate the panel sessions I'd been to in previous years, that had the wider maybe more informed panels.

Having seen their stand earlier in the day I was interested to listen to 'Diafight and Type 1 Diabetes' talk about their comic book series and the educational and awareness work they are doing through comics. I like having the guest speakers, again Tom Rosenthal was ace, but having slots where people with stands or zones, like Diafight, Portsmouth Ghostbusters, Portsmouth Pride and Andy's Man Club get to have 'speaking time', is a really good way to help increase the reach or awareness of those stands/ zones and their activities or causes.

Then it was back outside for the end of the Marvel vs DC Rap Battle, leading into the Cosplay Parade with Dream Team. However, as soon as the hosts stepped onto the stage, the rain came down, and pretty hard. It was a real shame for those wanting to show, share and celebrate their cosplay attires. However, I believe most people did get to come onto the stage very breify for a pose. This also meant my planned final part of the day, listening to ROKKET and Amba Tremain on stage wasn't possible.

Thank goodness for those printed programmes though. After looking through I decided to go to the Marvel vs DC panel. This panel was a treat, with some nice audience interaction and voting throughout.

Summary

There were great stalls around the Comic Village (outside marque) and within the Guildhall itself. I really liked the themed zones with props and or hosts from Game of Thrones, LEGO, Bookish Block/ Portsmouth Library, Seeker Create, Dinosaur/ Jurassic Zone, Pokemon Zone, Dice Board Games, Ghostbusters and Star Wars.

While the Scream panel was a shame, all of the other panels and speakers where great. Tom Rosenthal was amazing.

I am still enjoying my sweets from the Comic Village, I have the Podcast of Steel in my next up list, and definitely want to find out more about some of the exhibitors: Firestorm Mandos, Portsmouth Ghostbusters, Dream Team and at some point I feel like I should learn how to play Pokemon!

As always a huge well done and thank you to the individuals and teams that pull this event together. I think seeing local groups and organisations like Dream Team, Portsmouth Library, Seekers, Pokemon League, Portsmouth Ghostbusters, HSDC, University of Portsmouth all coming together with Portsmouth Comic Con and Portsmouth Guildhall is such a positive thing for Portsmouth and for local individuals and our wider community. I'm already excited for next year!

On their website the Portsmouth Comic Con Team says "Portsmouth Comic Con is one of the largest family-friendly comic cons of its kind, presenting the best in comic, film, TV and pop culture entertainment in a fully immersive and fun day out for all. Visitors can explore the biggest franchises around through interactive experiences, displays, exhibitions, workshops and fascinating panels and discussions. Follow Portsmouth Comic Con on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok for more announcements as they happen."

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Blogger's note: This post does include sponsored content; as I have been provided a media pass for the event. However, Portsmouth Comic Con (and all exhibitors and speakers) did not ask to, and have not, seen this post before it is published. Nor have they instructed me on what to say. The views, experiences, thoughts and insights expressed in this post are my own. The links included in this post are direct web links and are not affiliate links.