Comic-Con’s ‘little sister’ is growing bigger

If you were unable to buy tickets for this summer's Comic-Con, you might want to consider WonderCon, Comic-Con's little sister. But don’t hesitate because WonderCon is looking to sell out as well.

WonderCon will kick off its fourth year in Anaheim this Friday. The event is similar to Comic-Con in that it's a popular arts convention that centers on comic books, movies, TV, toys and gaming. But at 60,000 attendees, it is half the size of Comic-Con.

David Glanzer is the spokesperson for Comic-Con International, which oversees both conventions. He says badges for WonderCon are once again only available online.

If you were unable to buy tickets for this summer's Comic-Con then you might want to consider WonderCon, Comic-Con's little sister. But KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando says don’t hesitate because WonderCon is looking to sell out as well. Transcript for audioclip 24085

"We decided last year, or maybe the year before, not to sell badges onsite, and the reason being we didn’t want people to show up and have the show be sold out," Glanzer said. "So badge sales are only done online. Right now Saturdays are sold out, three-days are sold out, there’s probably still some Fridays and Sundays but those are going pretty quickly."

The organization has been surprised by the rapid growth of WonderCon in Anaheim and there is still room to expand at the convention center.

"We’re not using the entire space yet, and not only that, but I think that there’s talk of [the Anaheim Convention Center] expanding," Glanzer explained. "It’s a great facility, there’s a lot of room, so I think that we could conceivably grow if need be. Right now it seems to be a good size. If fans love it and more want to attend, we will certainly accommodate that."

If Hollywood movies seem to have taken center stage at Comic-Con, TV seems to be reigning over WonderCon. There will be panels on "iZombie," "Gotham," "The Flash" and "Teen Titans Go."

Films will also have a presence with panels from Warner Brothers, and ones on "Unfriended" and "Insidious Chapter 3."

For the second year in a row, WonderCon will host the premiere of a new DC Universe direct-to-video animated movie. Last year it was "Son of Batman," and this year it will be the sequel, "Batman vs. Robin."

As with Comic-Con, there will be plenty of vendors on hand to feed your need for comics, toys, costuming, props, gaming, original art and more. Plus how-to panels and spotlights on sci-fi, fantasy and comic book writers.

"I will say one thing, WonderCon, even though it’s half the size of Comic-Con and has 60,000 people, which is really a lot of people, it still has a very relaxed vibe," Glanzer said. "It had that vibe in San Francisco and that seemed to have transferred to Southern California as well and we’re happy about that."

The program guide is online.

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Beth Accomando

Arts & Culture Reporter

I cover arts and culture, from Comic-Con to opera, from pop entertainment to fine art, from zombies to Shakespeare. I am interested in going behind the scenes to explore the creative process; seeing how pop culture reflects social issues; and providing a context for art and entertainment.

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