FANTASY BASEL – The Swiss Comic Con attracted over 62,000 visitors last year – a new attendance record. This makes the festival one of the largest and most important pop culture festivals in Europe. In addition to film, series, comics, manga, fantasy and science fiction, fans can expect a larger gaming zone and an expanded cosplay offering with numerous high-profile cosplay stars.
One of the star guests in the cosplay, gaming and social media area is Anni The Duck. Also confirmed are Freddie Stroma, “Bridgertons” Prince Frederick of Prussia, “Harry Potters” Cormac McLaggen and “Peacemakers” Adrian Chase aka Vigilante. Additional star guests will be announced on an ongoing basis.
The James Webb telescope and the Stormtroopers
From science fiction to science, the organizers are making the transition in the large space area: The Swiss Space Museum is bringing a model of the world-famous James Webb telescope to Basel. Volunteers have spent over 800 hours working on the faithful replica of the world’s most modern telescope. In addition, visitors can expect an interactive space exhibition as well as exciting discussions by scientists from all over the world. Among others, the researcher for extraterrestrial colonization Dr. Ing. Christiane Heinicke will be present. The geophysicist is developing living and working spaces for the Moon and Mars at the Center for Applied Space Technology and Microgravity at the University of Bremen.
To mark the 25th anniversary of the Swiss Garrison, a “Star Wars” fan group, there will be a large “Star Wars” fan exhibition with giant movie props. More than two hundred Stormtroopers in original costumes are expected, accompanied by many other visitors from distant galaxies.
Gamers competing for a spot in European Championships
On Thursday, May 18, the official “Splatoon 3 Swiss Championship” featuring the popular game from Nintendo will take place live at the festival in the large gaming hall. At this tournament, the best Swiss teams will play to qualify for the final of the “Splatoon 3 European Championship 2023”. At various booths, everything a gamer’s heart desires will be on display, including e-sports players and content creators.
Star illustrator John Howe back in Basel
More than 300 artists from all over the world will show their works in the Artist Alley. In addition to many cartoonists from the comic book universe, John Howe, one of the illustrators of “The Lord of the Rings,” will be back in Basel. The best Swiss street artists will create works live on site. Many other areas of current pop culture can be experienced in the five halls; from action sports zones to tattoo art and virtual reality.
Please use advance tickets sale and public transport
Tickets are already available in advance through See Tickets. It is recommended to buy tickets only through the official advance ticket office and plan to travel by public transport.
