On the 8th of October, I had the pleasure of attending the “Sheffield Unleashed” comic con, which was hosted by Unleashed Events. The venue was buzzing with excitement as fans of comics, movies, anime, and gaming gathered together to celebrate their love for all things geeky in a vibrant display of passion and creativity.
One of the first things that struck me when getting into line was the sheer diversity of attendees. Many were dressed up in full, high-quality cosplay, meticulously designed to capture the essence of their favourite characters. With attendees embodying all sorts of iconic figures from various media, like the intricate outfits of the Ghostbusters and Resident Evil’s Umbrella Corps, to the whimsical costumes of wild RPG fantasy characters – it was a truly sight to behold.
For those who didn’t fancy sweating profusely all day in heavy, full-kitted cosplay, it was still a day where you could proudly display your love for any of your desired franchises. People sported T-shirts and merch, proudly representing their beloved shows, games, comics, and media. I too, wanted to blend in with the sea of fans, so I opted to wear my screen-printed shirt of “Neon Genesis: Evangelion”, which I’d actually bought it at the Film and Comic Con up in Earls Court, London. If I’m honest, I couldn’t imagine cheating on that event and attending another convention without at least wearing a piece of my fandom. Equally, I couldn’t risk looking like a “normie” amidst the crowd.
The day was packed with exciting events and activities. With there being a live band that opened and closed the event, filling the venue with tunes that set a great tone for the day. The cosplay showcase was also a highlight, with attendees taking to the stage to display their painstakingly detailed costumes – as an opportunity to appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into creating these fits.
Throughout the day, there were many guest speakers who shared their insights and experiences with the attendees, such as actors Adam Basil and Kevin R. McNally. Fans had the chance to chat with these guests, take pictures with them, and even participate in the organisers’ planned Q&A sessions so they can connect with people who’ve made significant contributions to all sorts of Sci-Fi media.
The con had numerous stalls that were primarily focused on memorabilia. With many stalls that were packed with Funko Pop figures, clothing and accessories like T-shirts, hats, patches, and pins, comic books, posters, RPG accessories like dice and figurines, and cards from popular franchises like Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokémon. However, for an event billed as a “comic” con, I couldn’t help but notice that there was only one stall dedicated to selling comic books – a trend I’ve noticed at many conventions in recent years, where the focus seems to shift towards catering to younger audiences and those seeking a fun day out – rather than to the more hardcore collectors.
One of the most striking aspects of the event was the outstanding quality of the cosplay. Some of my personal favourites included one individual who impeccably portrayed the Chainsaw Man, and another who dressed as a character from mine and my best mate’s top gore flick, Terrifier. The attention to detail and dedication to their craft was really impressive. It felt as though some of these cosplayers had just stepped off the set of the movies and shows they were depicting.
The venue itself was spacious which was a pleasant surprise, as it’s always a bit disheartening to attend an event that turns out to be a quick, hour-long circuit where you’ve seen everything before you know it. However, Sheffield Unleashed Comic Con had much more to offer than I’d anticipated. Alongside the various events held throughout the day, there was a cafeteria just outside the venue, the Magna Science and Adventure Centre, with all sorts of food and drink to keep attendees’ stomachs full. With so much to see, do, and experience, the £10 ticket felt like a tremendous value for money.
Overall, my day at Sheffield Unleashed Comic Con was nothing short of a blast. Whether you’re a die-hard aficionado or a closeted geek, the event offered something for everyone. The passionate community, the stunning cosplay, the diverse merchandise, and the engaging activities make it an event I would be more than happy to attend again in the future. It’s a day filled with excitement, creativity, and the joy of sharing one’s passions with like-minded individuals.
Sheffield Unleashed Comic Con is undoubtedly a paradise for all things geek, and it’s an experience I’m sure many won’t be disappointed by.
