What Is Rose City Comic Con?
Welcome to Portland’s premier pop culture extravaganza! Rose City Comic Con (RCCC) is more than just a convention—it’s a vibrant celebration of all things geek. Whether you’re a seasoned cosplayer, a devoted anime enthusiast, or a die-hard fantasy fan, RCCC has something special in store for you. Picture a colorful blend of comics, gaming, sci-fi, and fantasy, all wrapped up in a family-friendly, three-day event. And yes, there’s even room for that obscure fandom you secretly adore.
Mark Your Calendar: Dates and Venue
- When: September 6–8, 2024
- Where: Oregon Convention Center, Portland, Oregon
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Schedule:
- Friday: 1 PM – 8 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 7 PM (Programming runs until 9:30 PM)
- Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Origins and Early Charms
The story of RCCC began during a fateful road trip to San Diego Comic-Con in July 2011. Founders Ron Brister and Paula Brister realized that Portland needed an event with the same allure as San Diego’s iconic convention. Armed with a budget of less than $20,000, they officially launched Rose City Comic Con in late summer 2011. Originally slated for October 2012, the event was swiftly rescheduled to September to avoid clashing with other major cons. The first official announcement took place at Jet City Comic Show, and little did they know that RCCC was about to become a sensation.
From DoubleTree to Oregon Convention Center
The inaugural convention in 2012 unfolded at the DoubleTree hotel near the Lloyd Center. But RCCC’s growth was unstoppable. By 2013, it had outgrown its cozy confines and joined forces with Emerald City Comic-Con (ECCC), the Pacific Northwest’s largest comic book convention. The move to the Oregon Convention Center was a game-changer, expanding RCCC’s footprint to over 120,000 square feet and boosting attendance by a staggering 405%. Since then, RCCC and ECCC have formed a dynamic partnership, uniting Seattle and Portland in their love for all things geek.
Star-Studded Guests: Who’s Graced RCCC?
Let’s roll out the red carpet for some past special guests:
- Agnes Garbowska: A talented artist known for her delightful illustrations.
- Chip Zdarsky: The multi-talented writer, artist, and co-creator of “Sex Criminals.”
- Claudia Gray: A bestselling author behind captivating novels like “Lost Stars.”
- Craig Rousseau: A seasoned comic book artist with an impressive portfolio.
- Joseph Schmalke: A master of dark and gritty storytelling.
Vendor Alley: Where Magic Happens
RCCC’s Vendor Alley is a treasure trove of exclusive merchandise, rare collectibles, and quirky finds. Keep an eye out for these key vendors:
- Helioscope Studio: Home to a talented collective of artists.
- Mercury Studio: Renowned for their unique creations.
- Periscope Studio: A hub of creativity and collaboration.
Unforgettable Moments: Past Key Events
- Cosplay Extravaganza: Witness jaw-dropping costumes and creative flair.
- Artist Spotlights: Get up close and personal with your favorite illustrators.
- Nerd Trivia Showdown: Test your geek knowledge and win epic prizes.
Voices from the Con Floor: Attendees and Vendors Speak
“RCCC feels like coming home. The sense of community here is electric.” —Cosplayer extraordinaire
“As a vendor, RCCC is where magic happens. The fans’ enthusiasm is contagious!” —Vendor selling handmade wands
What Lies Ahead: Upcoming Guests, Vendors, and Events
The current lineup looks to include:
- Ian Cardoni - voice actor known for his role as Rick Sanchez in Rick and Morty.
- Harry Belden - voice actor known for his role as Morty Smith in Rick and Morty.
- Spencer Grammer - actress and voice actor known for her roles as Casey Cartwright in Greek, and as Summer Smith in Rick and Morty.
- Kari Wahlgren - voice actress with roles as Haruko Haruhar in FLCL, as Robin Sena in Witch Huner Robin, and animations like Rick and Morty, and Phineas and Ferb.
While the future remains shrouded in mystery, whispers suggest appearances by legendary creators, surprise panels, and perhaps even a cosplay parade led by a friendly dragon. Stay tuned!
Unlocking the Ticket Portal: Prices and Levels
- 3-Day Pass: Starts at $85
- Daily Pass: $45–$55
- Kids: $15 (because even young wizards deserve a magical weekend)
So, fellow fans, grab your capes, polish your lightsabers, and join us at Rose City Comic Con. Let’s celebrate our shared obsessions, swap fan theories, and create memories that’ll last until the next cosmic alignment. See you there! 🌟🎉
