Comic Con Comes To Dublin 2015

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The times have a-changed and this year’s Dublin Comic Con is predicted to attract 16,000 visitors.
Once a sub-stratum of society, a whole army of geeks are alive and kicking in Ireland. There are comic book geeks, Whovians and Trekkies, Dungeons and Dragons fanatics, cosplay enthusiasts and “Bronies” – that’s “Bros” who are fans of My Little Pony.

Aware of the emerging fiefdom of geekiness, Derek Cosgrave (35) and his business partner KARL WALSH (29) founded Dublin Comic Con three years ago. Karl tells Noel McGuinness what’s going on.
The convention is based on the much-hyped San Diego Comic Con, a gathering of such size and scale it’s often dubbed “Glastonbury for nerds”.

The Dublin version takes place in the Convention Centre this weekend, and its organisers have pulled in a pretty impressive guest list.
‘Star Trek’ actress Gates McFadden, Nicholas Brendon of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ fame, and ‘The Walking Dead’s’ Michael Rooker are all flying in for the occasion.

“Fans get to meet, talk and dress up as their heroes,” explains Karl.
Around 90pc of the attendees at Dublin Comic Con will arrive in fancy dress.

The price of the costumes can range from a few hundred euro to over €5,000.
“Some of the latex costumes cost more than a car,” Derek notes. “It can be an expensive hobby.”

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