Wales needs more comic and gaming conventions. Unlike England, which is fortunate to have the London and Birmingham MCMs as well as Wales Comic Con (in Telford!), Wales is lacking Elysiums for geeks, gamers and fans. Luckily, Ricky Webber, Adam Wilmot and Simon Kendrick have managed to work together to sate our hunger, creating Swansea Comic & Gaming Convention.
Fun and friendly, particularly for newcomers, if you’re a gamer just looking to play alongside new friends, a DM seeking someone else to control the campaign or a cosplayer who just wants to learn the tricks of the trade, this is the convention for you.

There were no shortage of things to do and people to speak with at the SCGC. I met Joe Glass, creator of LGTBQ+ comic book series The Pride, and Stephanie Hans, illustrator and co-creator of the Die comics. I witnessed guest artists quickly scribble beautiful pieces at the request of their audience. Thanks to Cardiff’s Arcade Vaults, I played games on devices I’d never even heard of, let alone previously tackled. I even got a compliment from an actual Dalek!

The prize for my favourite activity of the entire event, though, must go to the cosplay competition, judged by the likes of Discworld Cosplay, Karoinna and Taylored Makes. The competition was split into three categories, where a cosplayer would be judged on either their skills in craftsmanship or performance – or just their essential fun factor! I got the chance to witness some skilled prop design, costume design and even a full-on dance number.

Swansea Comic & Gaming Convention was brilliant and engaging – a perfect weekend trip.
Swansea Arena, Sat 9 + Sun 10 Apr
Swansea Comic & Gaming Convention plans to return in 2023. Info: scgc.org.uk
words GWIL WILLIAMS photos GRAHAM MORSE

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