Looking for an escape from the looming dread of finals week? For many students across the state, Emerald City Comic Con (ECCC) provided just that. The four-day convention returned to the Seattle Convention Center for the 22nd year in a row March 6 through 9. 

Crowds of visitors, many dressed in highly detailed costumes, flooded the streets seeking like-minded fans to connect with. Colorful swarms of superheroes and villains transformed the city into a panel straight out of a comic book. It was a diverse bunch: children ran around supervised by parents or even grandparents while teens and young adults posed for photos or admired merchandise being sold. While the high volume of attendees may have seemed intimidating, the environment was supportive and uplifting, creating a strong sense of community.

Spanning two buildings and multiple floors, the massive convention had something for everyone. While comics may be in the name of the convention, they’re far from the only aspect of fan culture represented. A quick walk through Artist Alley revealed a wealth of fan art and collectibles from video games, anime, TV, movies and more. Creativity had a chance to shine, as hundreds of artists with unique styles displayed their craft. Nearly every geeky hobby, no matter how obscure, could most likely be found in some form.

For attendees searching for specific fan communities, panels often serve as gathering places. These may be as niche as an interview with a local author or artist, or as popular as celebrity appearances. This year’s highlights included interviews with the cast of the hit video game “Baldur’s Gate 3,” currently-airing series “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” psychological horror series “Hannibal” and more.

“I got to see the Hannibal cast at a panel, I’ve been a fan of the show for a few years and I have never been able to see them in person before! I also really wanted to be around other Hannibal fans,” Maya Stefanovic, a first-year psychology major who attended the convention, said. “My experience was definitely a fun one! Everyone in the crowd was super excited and respectful of the guests. Though the interviewer could’ve been better, she asked very bland questions, seeing the actors live made it worth it.”

For students coming from more rural or suburban areas without nearby conventions, ECCC’s convenient location close to campus provides an opportunity to explore their interests in a way they were unable to before moving to a larger city.

“I knew this would be an amazing event I’ve been wanting to experience for years, but at first I wasn’t interested in going because the date was close to finals week and I didn’t like the price of the tickets. It wasn’t until a friend offered me his ticket for half off that I decided to go,” fFirst-year Biochemistry mMajor Monroe Redden said after attending the convention for the first time. “What surprised me the most was how long I stayed. Me and two of my friends arrived at 11 a.m., and stayed ‘till 5 p.m.”

Others, like First-year Criminology Major Taryn Blake are no strangers to the convention experience. This was Blake’s fifth year at ECCC, an experience they ranked as one of their favorite years so far due to the wealth of hands-on experiences offered.

“The highlight of my trip was the lightsaber choreography training! I made friends and the trainers were really patient when it came to learning the moves,” Blake said. “We got to put together a wonderful short performance and I enjoyed it so much that I am considering joining the lightsaber guild for Seattle!”

For those interested in attending the convention for the first time, it’s important to be prepared. Attendees recommend dressing comfortably, expecting crowds and high temperatures, and bringing food and water to avoid exorbitant fees inside the venue.

“Make sure that you go with someone, specifically someone who has been before because it is very very daunting as it’s a massive venue and spans multiple buildings,” Juno Fuja, a first-year marketing major recommended, reflecting on their experience attending for the first time this year.

The best way to enjoy the convention, however, is to simply allow yourself to participate in the experience to the fullest.

“One piece of advice I have for people interested is to just go for it! Wanna dress up? Do it! Attend a panel or demonstration? Go for it! Ask for photos or make friends? Don’t be shy! The fun is in exploring your interests and sharing that passion with others, that’s how you make your experience memorable!” Blake said.

Emerald City Comic Con will return to the Seattle Convention Center on March 5–8, 2026. Celebrity guests and ticket sales will be announced in the coming months, and can be found on the official website and Instagram account.