The team behind Dublin Comic Con has exciting news for fans as they announce a new event set to take place in Cork, marking a significant expansion for Comic Con Ireland. Following the anticipation surrounding the Dublin Horror Con, which is scheduled for November 2025 in Swords, the organization is branching out beyond the capital for the first time since 2017.
Comic Con Ireland revealed on social media that the inaugural Cork Comic Con will occur on October 4th and 5th, 2025, at Cork City's Marina Market. The announcement generated considerable buzz among fans eager to experience the festivities in Munster.
Co-directors Karl Walsh and Derek Cosgrave expressed their enthusiasm about the upcoming event. In a statement to Geek Ireland, they said, "We're thrilled to finally announce that we're hitting the road and bringing Comic Con to Cork. This event has been in the works for quite some time, so to finally have the news out there is amazing. We're really looking forward to coming to the Rebel County to take over the Marina Market for a weekend and can't wait to share more of what we have cooking with everyone." This sentiment reflects the excitement within the community as they prepare for the new event.
Meanwhile, across the sea in Rotterdam, another comic convention took place, showcasing a blend of films, series, books, and manga. The Comic Film & Manga Fest attracted a diverse audience, featuring both casual fans and dedicated cosplayers. Despite its smaller scale compared to other conventions, the event was vibrant and engaging, allowing attendees to move freely without the usual congestion often seen at larger conventions.
This year, the Comic Film & Manga Fest highlighted notable guests, particularly from the popular series The Vampire Diaries. Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, known for their roles as the Salvatore brothers, attended along with Kat Graham, who portrays Bonnie Bennett. Other international stars included Sean Astin from the Lord of the Rings, Ricky Whittle from The 100, Ed Speleers from Star Trek, and Alyssa Sutherland from Vikings.
Cosplayers also played a significant role in the fest, where they not only showcased their talents but also participated in judging the cosplay parade. The event featured a wider variety of vendors this year, offering unique handmade items, which was an improvement over the previous edition.
Looking ahead, the Comic Film & Manga Fest organizers have announced a special Salvatore Con scheduled for March 14, 2026, in Rotterdam, specifically catering to fans of The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, and Legacies. This dedicated convention is expected to draw even more fans eager to celebrate their favorite series.
Back in the United States, Michigan's Motor City Comic Con is gearing up for its own exciting weekend. Hollywood icon Martin Sheen has been confirmed as a guest for the event, which will take place from May 16 to May 18, 2025, at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. Sheen, known for his roles in classics such as Apocalypse Now and The West Wing, will be present on Saturday and Sunday, adding star power to the lineup.
Other notable guests announced for Motor City Comic Con include Jeremy Renner from the Avengers franchise, Bryce Dallas Howard from Jurassic World, and Famke Janssen from X-Men. The event will also feature Sean Astin, Rainn Wilson, Angela Kinsey, Christina Ricci, and many more beloved actors from various genres.
As the comic convention scene continues to thrive, fans can look forward to a plethora of events catering to their interests, whether it's horror, fantasy, or general pop culture. The excitement surrounding these conventions showcases the growing community of fans eager to connect with their favorite stars and fellow enthusiasts.
With Cork Comic Con on the horizon and the successful events in Rotterdam and Michigan, the comic con world is proving to be as vibrant and diverse as ever. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for more announcements regarding guests, activities, and ticket information as these events draw closer.
