This year, WonderCon offered a different level of energy, and I’m here to talk about it.
The annual three-day pop culture convention, WonderCon, returned to the Anaheim Convention Center from March 27-29, 2026, attracting new and returning attendees. Marketed as the smaller-scale, more accessible alternative to its sister show, San Diego Comic-Con, WonderCon has always been more compact compared to its predecessor. However, WonderCon 2026 noticeably lacked the high energy and heavy hitters from previous years, leaving attendees with mixed feelings. This brings up the question: Is WonderCon worth attending anymore?
On Opening Day, I approached the convention center with high hopes and noted a fair share of attendees outside, chatting, taking photos, or lining up for the food trucks. With my badge ready, entry into the convention center was smooth with no issues. Once I was inside the Exhibit Hall, I was surprised by the almost calm atmosphere. Yes, there were still evidently hundreds of attendees, but the energy in the air felt different from previous years. More relaxed, tame even.
Regardless, I started exploring the first portion of Artists’ Alley, browsing what was for sale and talking with the vendors. Per usual, Artists’ Alley offered themed stationery, washi tape, sticker sheets, prints, charms, keychains, fanart, and more for sale. There were also handmade plushies, leather masks, custom jewelry, 3D printed figures, fidget toys, ceramics, and soaps. Naturally, I love the variety of styles seen across Artists’ Alley, and interacting with vendors and other attendees has always been one of my favorite pastimes.
Within the first hour, I had made my first WonderCon purchase from comics writer Johnny Parker II, who pitched his graphic novel Broken, as Sailor Moon meets Pokémon. As a major fan of magical girls and pocket monsters, I was very happy to buy this book and read it when I got back home. I also bought a pocket doodle of Pikachu from freelance artist and creator of the Mystery Babylon comic series, Val Hochberg. And I participated in a Pokémon-themed stamp rally hosted by six tabling artists, which had me running from one side of the Exhibit Hall to the other. With less crowding, it was much easier to navigate the showroom floor.
Then I navigated further down the Exhibit Hall, noting the convention’s one movie activation, which highlighted the 2026 survival-horror thriller film, Send Help, and offered attendees an escape-room experience. There was also a Star Trek set and a Peanuts display, modeled after Lucy’s psychiatry booth, a running gag in the Peanuts comic strips. Outside these attractions, there seemed to be little to no interactive activities for attendees, which was admittedly disappointing, but did not stop me from looking for other ways to engage with vendors and other attendees over the weekend. Many exhibitors were offering freebies for attendees, artists were hosting stamp rallies and promoting their passion projects, and attendees were fawning over the wide range of cosplays.
Author and Lilac Grove Entertainment founder S.G. Blaise was also present during WonderCon weekend, sponsoring the 21st annual WonderCon Masquerade and promoting her Seven Galaxies Chronicles and Mythical Hunters comic book series. As always, it was great seeing a familiar face from previous conventions, and wonderful to see an author reach new readers. Upon recognizing me, S.G. was kind enough to sign my badge, which featured the Seven Galaxies Chronicles in design, and gave me the first issue of Mythical Hunters, set in the same universe as The Last Lumenian series. If you are interested in reading a coming-of-age sci-fi story, consider stepping into the Seven Galaxies with S.G. Blaise!
Elsewhere on the showroom floor, attendees also had the luxury of browsing vintage and modern comics and collectibles, as well as toys, figures, graphic novels, and manga. For example, the non-profit organization Prism Comics sold LGBTQIA-friendly comic books and graphic novels and had authors present to sign their books. And Eisner-nominated comic book retailer Nuclear Comics sold a wide selection of comics and graphic novels at discounted prices. As a book lover who could spend hours just browsing the shelves of a bookstore or library, I was excited to peruse their collections and discover new titles.
For Opening Day, I mainly committed to exploring the Exhibit Hall and engaging with vendors and other attendees. I eagerly participated in the free stamp rallies hosted by the tabling artists, browsed nearly everything for sale, and spent a good few hours enjoying the atmosphere and people watching. But I was seated promptly for the Creating Outside the Box panel with American actress, author, web series creator, and pop culture trailblazer Felicia Day, one of the Special Guests enlisted for WonderCon 2026.
I grew up watching the Supernatural television series, and Felicia’s character, Charlie Bradbury, quickly became one of my favorites in the show. As a quirky, creative thinker, I resonated a lot with the hacker-turned-hunter Charlie and enjoyed her sarcasm and wit. I inevitably began following Felicia’s career as a fan, inspired by her journey and active support toward gaming and fandom communities. Creators like her have really helped me come out of my shell and be more open about my interest in pop culture, so hearing her story directly was a major highlight for me.
During the panel, Felicia talked about her childhood, career, and passion projects. She delved into what inspired her newly released graphic novel, The Lost Daughter of Sparta, and answered questions from the audience. But before that, her panel was ambushed by one nightmare-inducing unicorn! Did this stop Felicia Day? Nope. She invited them up front to strut their stuff and show off their epic, equine cosplay!
After the panel and further exploring, I bought a signed copy of Felicia Day’s self-help book, Embrace Your Weird, from WonderCon vendor and independent bookseller Mysterious Galaxy, which was set to sell signed books from diverse authors over the weekend. I couldn’t score a ticket for her signing, but seeing Felicia on stage, laughing and eagerly encouraging others to embrace their weirdness as a superpower, was enough. She’s a great role model for anyone looking to appreciate and embrace the weird things in life.
Compared to Friday, Saturday offered a slightly heavier crowd but nothing overwhelming. The foot traffic was heavier in some aisles of the Exhibit Hall. Still, it was easy to maneuver the convention center, which arguably made for a more enjoyable, less draining experience. Like Friday, Saturday attendees of all different ages were present, with families, friends, and couples in and out of cosplay. I especially loved the crossover cosplays, such as Sailor Spider-Man, and it was great seeing older attendees cosplay and enjoy the convention. It felt like proof that you could embrace your interests at any age. Among my favorite cosplays were Dracula from The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, Shadow Weaver from the original She-Ra: Princess of Power, Star Butterfly from Star vs. the Forces of Evil, and Giffany from Gravity Falls.
Throughout Saturday, I interacted with more vendors, participated in another stamp rally, and bought another book, If We Survive This, written and signed by Racquel Marie, from the Mysterious Galaxy booth. I asked an attendee (holding a sign that read “Ask Me About My Rats”) about his rats, learned about his PiRATs pilot soon to launch on Kickstarter, and got gifted a postcard featuring its characters. And I also sat down for the X-Men Fandom and Cartoon Voices panels, which were both entertaining in their own ways. In the end, I left satisfied with my WonderCon experience.
Yes, this year, WonderCon 2026 offered a smaller-scale, more intimate experience than its previous years, which disappointed a fair share of attendees. Nonetheless, I witnessed loads of attendees enjoying themselves, connecting, and making wonderful memories. I had great, encouraging conversations with the tabling artists and authors, and saw some incredible cosplays.
Plus, where else could you spy Freddy Fazbear sharing coffee with stormtroopers? Strangers squealing over The Super Mario Bros. Super Show? Rumi and Rapunzel bonding over hair care? Or half a dozen Spider-Men recreating the Spider-Man pointing meme?
WonderCon may no longer host the heavy hitters of Hollywood, but if you are looking for a convention that appeals to local interests, has a strong cosplay presence, and a wide selection of comics, WonderCon 2027 and future cons will be worth attending.
Mark your calendars! WonderCon will return to the Anaheim Convention Center from March 26-28, 2027!
