Stuart Blight’s Favourite Article of 2025.
I’m a nerd….and proud of it!
Specifically, a comic book nerd. Ask me a question about Spider-Man, and I’ve got the answer.
So when I see a Comic Con (Convention, kiddos!) event advertised in humble Hastings, my Spidey Sense starts to tingle and I have to be there.
Held over the weekend of June 14-15, The White Rock Theatre hosted Hastings Comic Con 2025.
An event catering for geeks of all ages, the organisers promised a weekend full of activities and attractions for fans of comic culture.
On arrival, I was slightly taken aback by the overly thorough security check. Seeing as I was the oldest in the queue by about 30 years, I guess I was easy prey… my invisible force field obviously wasn’t working on the day. Dammit.
I was greeted on the concourse by a roving Dalek, which I’m happy to say, threatened me with extermination. I’m unhappy to report however, that it refused to answer my question of “how do you get up the blinking stairs, mate?”
Joining the throng in the main auditorium, a quick circuit of the floor revealed little of interest to me personally (where are the comics?!) but lots of sparkly, shiny jewellery, accessories, toys and witchy-poo clothing, had many a youngster pointing and tugging at mum and dad’s sleeves.
Cos Play (Costume Play, gramps!)… Apparently, this isn’t something restricted to the privacy of one’s bedroom with a partner of choice, rather a dressing up as a superhero or fantasy figure with often incredible attention to detail…. it certainly adds to the sense of occasion and photo opportunities are requested en masse.
The authenticity of these characters’ outfits very nearly supersedes the need for a physique that might do that Captain America outfit justice… but not quite. To the gym with you Captain!
Activities seemed to be well attended. A ‘Wand Battle Workshop’ (it says here) drew early attention on Sunday.
Said Wand Battle was hosted by a good-looking fellow, who looked like he may well do yoga and teach tantric sex techniques to Sting, is probably a vegan, regularly walks the Earth bare foot, definitely wears Lycra and sports a man bun. Naturally, he was full of zestful energy and enthusiasm. The kids who volunteered to ‘pretend’ to skewer their enemies, I’m sure, will take these fond memories all the way to their next Instagram post.
Not too much for the ‘serious’ comic collector here. Beam me up, Scotty!
At the time of my visit, the ‘Artist Alley,’ industry professionals willing to sketch, autograph and chat (for a pretty penny, mind), seemed to be facing a losing battle against the neighbouring retro Space Invader arcade games situated near the bar area…. the waft of fried, salty comestibles completing the inappropriate pub vibe.
Now, by far the wiser, I may well leave the Comic Con scene to the Harry Potter fans out there and, as a more discerning comic book nerd, I’ll be keeping my bionic eyes peeled for the items that actually made all this possible…. real comics!
I say well done to all involved. A lot of effort must have been made to put on such a niche event.
May the force be with you, dear reader.
