Why does nobody talk about how the crowd at the Portland comic con changed in just 3 years?

Went in 2021 and it was mostly older guys in superhero shirts, but this year I saw way more families and people cosplaying characters from stuff like 'Heartstopper' and 'The Owl House'. The vendor hall had way less back issue bins and way more artists selling prints of original characters. Honestly felt like a different event. Anyone else notice their local con shifting like this?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_joel2mo ago

Honestly, it's the ticket prices! Cons got too expensive for just collectors, so now they NEED families and younger fans to fill seats. That changes the whole vibe they aim for, which changes who shows up. The old crowd got priced out.

shanewells2mo ago

Yeah, it's happening everywhere. The stuff that gets popular online now is so different from the old superhero movies, and it shows up at these events. Feels like a whole new crowd found their place.

blake3021mo ago

Oh man, you are SO right! I saw the same thing at my local con last fall. It used to be wall-to-wall Star Wars and Marvel, but now half the floor is anime and indie webcomic artists. The energy is totally different, way more upbeat and creative. I miss the old comic bins sometimes, but it's cool seeing so many new people excited to be there. The whole scene just feels bigger and way more welcoming now.