Boston Comic Con 2016 offered something for every comic book fan from in-person meet and greets with A-list celebrities, to panel discussions with comic artists including Frank Miller, to the celebration of the 50^th anniversary of Star Trek with a VIP appearance from the original Captain Kirk, actor William Shatner. During the three-day comic extravaganza at the Seaport World Trade Center, from August 12 – 14, more than 40,000 fans enjoyed the show that was put together by Nick Kanieff, a small business owner from Framingham.  When Nick and his friend Jim Talbot started Boston Comic Con nine years ago, it was a one-day show with only 900 attendees.

Nick attributes the explosion in attendance and in the popularity of comic con shows to Hollywood. In an interview with the Boston Business Journal, Nick told reporter Sean McFadden that Boston is a great city for Boston Comic Con because of the passionate fans:

“Take a look at Boston sports fans, just as an example. They eat, sleep and drink their sports. Bostonians have the reputation of being the most hard-core fans in the country. I’ve got news for you: The comic book fans in Boston are no different. I don’t know what it is. It must be something in the water here. When Bostonians decide they want to be a fan of something, they want to do it better than everybody else.”

Boston Comic Con was showcased throughout the city prior to the main event.  On August 4, Faneuil Hall Marketplace hosted the 4th Annual Boston Comic Con Costume Parade and Contest where the public was invited to join the fun and dress up in their favorite superhero and enter to win tickets to the show.

First place went to Cindy Tran of Lowell, Mass. As “Postman Link” from the Legend of Zelda series; Second place went to Kelsey Entder of Boston as “Supergirl”; Third place went to Jennifer Williams of Salem, Mass. As “Judy Hopps” from Zootopia; and the kids winner was four year old Niah Roy from Winthrop, Mass. as “Hit Girl” a Marvel Character.

On Thursday, August 11, Boston Comic Con cosplayers made a special visit to the Pediatric Unit at Spaulding Rehabilitation Center in Charlestown, Mass.  Iron Man, Spider Man, Black Widow and two Dr. Whos (No. 6 and No. 10) visited with the kids and brightened their day.

On Friday, August 12, Boston Comic Con opened its doors to throngs of fans, many of them moms and dads with kids in tow for the first Family Day at the show.  It was a huge success and offered kid-friendly programming and special events throughout the day.

It was “Batter Up” for Boston Comic Con Cosplayers who joined actor William Shatner on the field at Fenway Park for the ceremonial first pitch as the Red Sox hosted Boston Comic Con night for the second straight year.  Shatner also did an interview on NESN and stayed for the game as the Sox played the Arizona Diamondbacks.

O’Neill and Associates is proud to provide communications services to Boston Comic Con.