Comic Con Northern Ireland hosts stars of sci-fi, screen - and snooker
Some of the biggest names in the sci-fi world come into land in Ulster this weekend – but they might be hoping not to get snookered by a homegrown star, in the shape of sporting legend Dennis Taylor.
Co Tyrone’s master of the baize was famed for his distinctive, specially designed super-tall glasses during his career heyday in the 1980s, a fashion almost as unusual as those seen in the far-flung futures and fantastical worlds the guests at Comic Con Northern Ireland are used to seeing.
So perhaps cast members from ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ won’t be too surprised if the 77-year-old busts out an unusual pair of goggles – and at the very least, it would help him fit in with the gaudily-dressed fans in costume as their favourite characters who flock to the annual event.
Held in the Eikon Exhibition Centre near Lisburn, Comic Con stages two action-packed days centred around film, television, gaming and comics fandom this Saturday and Sunday.
As well as Taylor, big names arriving include multiple cast members of ‘Buffy’ and its spin-off show ‘Angel’, Catherine Tate from ‘Doctor Who’, Edward James Olmos and Mary McDonnell from ‘Battlestar Galactica’, Jenette Goldstein – best known as tough, gun-toting space marine Vasquez in Aliens – and Tyler Hoechlin, the first half of the title roles in ‘Superman and Lois’.
Of course, the star guests are only the beginning, as the Eikon Centre will be packed with a huge celebration of everything fans love about their treasured shows, movies and comics.
The weekend boasts live question and answer sessions, professional photo opportunities, cosplay competitions, artists showing their work, fan-built props and sets, and a large trading floor with comics, anime and manga merchandise.
Patrolling the area will be a squad of sci-fi bounty hunters, Nexu Covert UK. Based in Northern Ireland, they’re the UK and Ireland branch of the Mandalorian Protectors Costume Club, who dress as the spacefaring Star Wars race and are recognised by Lucasfilm.
Also on hand to make sure no spooky ghouls trouble the weekend are Ghostbusters Northern Ireland, while medieval fighters from across the island of Ireland, including Ulster’s own Knights of North Down, will be donning their armour for live combat exhibitions, showcasing one-on-one duels and swordsmanship.
And the stars of Irish grappling outfit Over The Top Wrestling will be stepping into the squared circle, bringing their trademark hard-hitting action, huge moves and larger-than-life personalities to the event.
Meanwhile video gamers can test their skills on challenges old and new, with a big-screen retro area allowing visitors to race friends in Mario Kart, battle it out on Street Fighter II, and head into the world of Minecraft for multiplayer action.
State organisers: “The venue will once again be transformed for the occasion, creating an energetic and colourful environment where fans can meet their heroes, discover new fandoms and celebrate the characters, stories and worlds they love.”
Comic Con Northern Ireland has previously welcomed some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Ian Somerhalder, Paul Wesley and Christopher Lloyd, helping establish the event as a major date in the province’s events calendar.