Wonder Con 2016 was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The event was 3 days and badges aka tickets were only available online. BADGES: to purchase a badge, you have to first register on comic con . com . A separate registration is necessary for every individual. In other words, you can't buy 3 badges under your name for 3 different people. Children 12 and under are free and you pick up a badge for them when you pick up your badge on site. There individual badge prices based on the day or days you attend. I chose the Sunday only badge for $18 since Saturday was sold out. PARKING: can be atrocious . I've read that parking under the LACC was available for $20 , that honestly isn't bad. Please don't park at the $35 -$30 parking lots , that's a waste of money. I drove 5 blocks east and parked for $7 . I was tired at the end of the day but it was worth saving that money. FOOD: there are food vendors inside the LACC with basic fare like burgers and fries and drinks. I think one of the best parts of attending cons are the food trucks ! Bring cash and debit/credit cards. The food truck I dined at accepted cards only (odd since it's usually the other way around). I have one major gripe about the food truck I ate from. They were charging FOUR dollars for a regular (16.9 fl oz) bottle of water and only TWO dollars for soda. Is there something wrong with that picture???? I think so!!!! I'd run out of my own water from all the walking but next time I'll be smarter and bring a gallon . COSPLAY: the costume play at Cons is something not to be missed. In fact, for some that's the sole reason to attend a con . You will see a wide variety of costumes and mash ups of costumes. Some of these cosplayers take this hobby / lifestyle very seriously and it shows! PANELS: I admit I am not one to attend panels but from what I've seen, Wonder-Con doesn't really deliver in regards to panels or guest appearances. I don't think attendees go to Wonder-Con for the panels themselves like they do to their older sibling, Comic-Con. VENDORS: There's a large variety of vendors, artists selling their wares. I'm careful when it comes to shopping at cons, prices tend to be hyper inflated. I'm not paying $35 for a t shirt when I can just grab a business card and go to their website later and purchase it for less! There are some amazing one of a kind artist collectibles and many hand made items. Overall, Wonder-Con is so much fun! I've taken my son to Wonder-Con for 3 years now and we look forward to it every year. read more

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I've been to SD Comic Con but this was my first Wondercon. Firstly, I hate that Wondercon waits almost a week or so before posting their celebrities guests for autographs and often times they have surprise guests that people find out too late to plan. We had the 3 day pass and went on Saturday morning to wait in line for a raffle to get autographs from the actors who voice the cartoon Justice League vs Teen Titans. The line isn't as bad as Comic con and on our second try in line, we got our ticket to get an autograph from Jerry O'connell (Sliders, Jerry McGuire), Jason O'mara,Christopher Gorham (ugly Betty) and many others on a free movie poster. My 10 yr old son was stoked. The cosplayers were great. I really wished it was in Anaheim since LA was loaded with construction. Can't wait till next year. read more

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WonderCon is a good comic convention in a world now riddled by shows using the "comic" moniker who are less about traditional comic books and comic book creators (artists, writers and publishers), and more about the multi-media and related fringe interests of having a pop culture festival with B and C list named celebrities charging for their autographs and charging to take photographs with 'em; as well as the whole 356 Halloween aura of "Cosplay" (those who like to dress up in costumes attending the shows); games; and other things not directly comic related. So, from a comic con standpoint, this is a good show, where you can buy new and old comic books, visit publishers like DC Comics, Valiant, Aspen, IDW, Top Cow, Image, Boom, and others. You can buy high grade, investment quality comic books priced in the thousands if not tens of thousands, as well as find boxes of back issues of comics for under $1 each, plus new releases. You can meet some of your favorite artists such as Ale Garza, Joe Benitez, Jaime Hernandez, Mario Hernandez, Mike Mayhew, Greg Horn, John Romita Jr., Terry Moore, Bill Sienkiewicz, Neal Adams, Dean Yeagle, Sergio Aragones, Norm Rampund, Marat Mychaels, Rob Liefeld, Jim Lee, Clayton Henry, Ryan Benjamin, Kyle Baker, Jimmie Robinson, Kieron Grant, Jaime Tyndall, and many others who appeared at the 2016 convention. Wonder Con is organized by the same group who puts together the San Diego Comic Con International in the Summer every year, which is the mecca of pop culture and worldwide mega show. Oddly, as many think WonderCon is a mini-comic con, it really isn't. It's smaller, but not proportionate to scale in terms of diversity and pageantry It's a good solid show, but not a replacement for fans in lieu of Comic Con for those who can't get tickets to SDCC. It's a good show 'tho, and happens for 3 days, Fri/Sat/Sun. Parking was easy, 'tho I saw prices go from $10-15 on Fri to $20-30 on Sat to then upwards towards $40 on Sun at some of the local outdoor parking lots. The other option many chose was LA's public transit the Metro / MTA which was easy and convenient ('tho got crowded at times and can be considered sketchy to many non-urbanites). Overall, the convention is worth attending every year if you're local. I'm not sure if it's a "destination" convention worth traveling to get to (and enduring the expenses of travel and lodging), but if you're in So Cal, it's probably the #1 local show outside of Comic Con in San Diego if you're interested in actual comic books more so, in a show. read more

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Only at a con can you see a dance-off between Mortal Kombat characters and Spider-man. I gotta say, I had a ton of fun at WCA2016. I feel like with each year I go to cons, I get more adept at timing and navigating. This con was no different, except for getting used to RFID badges. I thought the use of RFID badges went relatively smoothly, considering it was CCI's first venture into the technology. Two problems I noticed were: 1) the readers were not really friendly to taller people, and 2) readers will serve as bottlenecks in larger cons. But all in all, I appreciate the use of RFID, and prefer the RFID cards as souvenirs compared with disposable papers. Maybe make the back blank so we can get some nice art on there! Being at the LACC compared with Anaheim, I could really feel the size difference. The density on the floor was closer to SDCC than WCA, and I felt like the rooms were also smaller. Parking was also a lot worse than at the Anaheim convention center. I can't wait until WCA moves back to Anaheim next year! There were some awesome sights to see, including a really awesome Thanos makeup, a danceoff, a HUGE POP! Groot, and meeting Katrina Law on the floor! https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/wondercon-2016-los-angeles?select=FeziG7lchgkkPFnfSkQrgA https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/wondercon-2016-los-angeles?select=zJ_oQTqKbxy_DMDF0E7QPQ https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/wondercon-2016-los-angeles?select=iQ9sUfCymofb4S-QpjVX5g https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/wondercon-2016-los-angeles?select=sEn5qZYhzMbol002SBso6w read more

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This was my first time that I've been to WonderCon, having gone to Anime Expo 5 times in my prior years and slowly disliking it more and more until I've decided to give WonderCon a try. While I've attended a multitude of anime conventions, I have to say that this is the first time I've attended a comic convention, so bear with me. Even though I only decided to come for one day only (Friday), compared to Anime Expo, Wondercon has been a far more pleasant, kid-friendly, less creepy experience. I've ranked WonderCon from A+ to F for various things, so see below. -------------------------------- Parking/Preregistration: A-/A We parked in the South Hall Garage which was $20, which is right next to the convention center on the left of Figueroa if you're coming from Highway 10. If you think $20 is reasonable to park right underneath the convention center, this is for you. While Anime Expo (AX) has its registration/badge pickup line out on the street in the South Lobby, WONDERCON HAS THE PREREGISTRATION/BADGE PICKUP INSIDE WEST EXHIBIT HALL. This is important, so if you're handicapped it's probably best to park near West Hall or park at South Hall, go outside and cross Pico Blvd (Which is the street going right through South Hall and West Hall). We got here at 9am on Friday and there was plenty of parking under South Hall and no lines for badge pickup in West Hall. Once in West Hall the line was really fast and efficient, with props check just past the exit of the badge pickup. Oh, the line for prop check was long but moved fast once staff entered the booth. I was confused at first as to why the line was in West Hall, but then I think it's because it provides for a nice, air conditioned line to stand in as opposed to the hot outdoor lines that AX was plagued with. -------------------------------- Cosplay: A Fantastic all around cosplay can be seen here. There's a good, healthy mix of amateur and professional cosplayers that are nice enough to take pictures with people. -------------------------------- 3DS StreetPass: A+ StreetPass Tags, 10. OUTSTANDING! Just check for the message above every 5 minutes. -------------------------------- Venue: A+ In addition to the tables and chairs that are normally in the convention, Wondercon is generous with the amount of tables and chairs they put in South and West Hall, something that I WISH AX had (those organizers make us sit on the floor). Also, badges are scan in, scan out, which made sense that only the halls and the top floor needed them. It made walking around easy. -------------------------------- Attendees: A The crowds are much more dispersed and won't invade your space like they do in AX. There's plenty of space to walk around and it's nice being able to walk in robes without some dirty jerk stepping on it. I have this vibe here that there are FAR less creepy fans here than AX, and the place is far friendlier for families with kids. -------------------------------- Vendors: B- While there was a VERY large selection of venders to choose from, I just couldn't find myself buying much from the vendors as I'm less familiar with comics than I am with anime. Don't think badly of it! My wallet just felt a bit too full upon leaving because I just couldn't find much that I liked. -------------------------------- Food: C- Honestly, this was the weakest part of the convention, but that's expected of every large-scale convention. The food truck guy had to leave in the middle of the order and go grab "something" from another food truck (Do these guys have pretty much the same food?) when I bought some food for my co-attendee. Bring your own food or go to the Smart and Finals several blocks north of the convention center on Figueroa for food and drinks if you're hungry.. -------------------------------- Panels: B+ I only saw one panel, which was a pilot episode for a TV show and it turned out to be really entertaining. However, I didn't really find anything else too interesting. I do wish there was a teeny-tiny more diversity of types of panels here, but that's just me. -------------------------------- Staff: A+ The staff were courteous, bubbly, reasonable, and very friendly in all my experiences with them, from the badge pickup to finding out where something is located. This was by far the best con for me because the staff were so helpful and friendly and I left with a very good impression of this place. Overall I really enjoyed Wondercon, and hope to come again. Can't wait for Comic-Con International this July! read more

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WonderCon 2016. The Adventure Line for Registration The line to wait for entry badges was a fairly unhappy experience. We were in line for over 45 minutes before my friend and I were able to check in and receive our badge. This was my fist time attending a WonderConn. But I would hope there are more efficient queuing systems than the one management decided to run for the event. The Conn There was lots of fan merchandise available for purchase, however I found most if my time being a audience member of the TV show and character actor panels. Even got a chance to meet the Black Ranger from the original Power Ranger TV Series. A great childhood memory come to life. It was fun seeing people dressed up in character costumes! Some of my favorites were Master Chief, Laura Croft, and a particularly badass Wolverine. Final thoughts If this is your first time attending this event be prepared to walk around for hours. Believe me when I say there's alot to see! Tip to WonderConn Management: Serve Alcohol Tip to fellow Yelpers: If no alcohol being served at next years event bring flask. read more

WonderCon 2016 - Standing in line for badges Day 1 WonderCon ! - Festivals Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Ive been to comic con in sd for 3 years. This was my first time at wondercon. I was bummed it wasn't in Anaheim this year but I guess I could wait till next year. I also heard that you used to be able to buy tickets at the door but they changed that this year. I bought my ticket the week of and the only day left was Sunday...which was fine. Parking panda made life easier because you can just pay and reserve a spot at many locations. We parked on the back side of the convention center and had to walk all the way around to get to the front for badges. What I really like about wondercon is that there aren't nearly as many people as comic con. The exhibit hall was not crowded at 10 am and barely started getting more foot traffic when I left at 1pm. Almost everything at booths were still in stock too. One thing that wasn't as great was the program line up. Nothing really stood out for me so I didn't check out any of the programs. read more

Wonder Con itself gets 4 stars, having it at the LA Convention center drops us down to an overall 3. The con was great, there were lots of things to see and do but getting to the convention and parking was not reasonable, Part of the problem was there was too much else going on in the area so parking was high, traffic was high and the walks were long. There is not much else to do near the convention center as there is in Anaheim. Glad it is moving back to Anaheim next year, Much better venue, with better staff, and infrastructure. Once you get inside the convention there is a lot to do and you have a great experience. read more

Not the best WonderCon, but certainly not the worst. As much as I love L.A. (believe me, I feel like I'm always defending it), I'm glad the con will be returning to Anaheim next year. Sorry, SF, guess it's ours now? Let's address one of the bigger, more affecting changes: the TAP card-like badges you had to scan to get in and out of convention areas. I understand where they were going with this. It's more sophisticated, harder to bootleg, and frankly, it was kinda fun initially. But you also had to line up to tap your badge in order to GET OUT of the areas, even with exit doors aplenty. What are they going to do if there's an emergency that requires evacuating? Would your badge be forfeit if it wasn't TAP'd on leaving? I never was informed of the consequences. We'll have to see if they institute this at Comic-Con in July or if they'll even keep the system at all next year. When it came to programming, I wasn't all that impressed with the line-up this year. There wasn't anything I was dying to see on Saturday -- usually the biggest, most slam-bang day of any con. I think the only thing I was bummed to miss was the "Preacher" screening Friday night (I mean, I've been aching to see an adaptation to it since I had to read it in secret as a kid in the '90s.) Yet, there were ridiculously long lines for every panel room at almost all times. They had a good, strong exhibit hall. Glad to see several big industry booths. Image had such a bigger showing compared with DC. No Marvel, no surprise. They hoard their essence for D23 nowadays. Hell, people were entertained just watching random guys button-mashing "Street Fighter V" up on a flat screen, even with every other match being Ryu and Ken spamming hadouken at each other. What I enjoyed most at con were the people. Pretty much every attendee I encountered was freaking cool, and the cosplayers this year were top-notch. Honestly, I'm a very introverted person, but this con was really chill and I got to talking with a lot of great people. Ten Forward was a fun aspect, as usual, but damn was it a long freaking walk to get to from the convention center. We took Metro Rail to get to and from the con. Parking was averaging $40 anywhere near the area. Remember 10 years ago when $15 was considered highway robbery during Wizard World with a Laker game going at the same time? Good times. read more

Ok so aside from the 30 dollars a day to park and horrific food options i have to say that this convention was clean, organized and not as exciting as SDCC. You come here to buy, spend money and be stuck in traffic for a while (unless you live near the convention center). Great cosplay and very easy and relaxing con, not horribly over crowded and smelly like SDCC but also missing the big hollywood presence and big names. read more

Definitely a unique and amazing experience. Great for all ages and caters to just about anything you could desire. Was well organized and had a very convenient set up. We parked right under the convention center for 20 dollars which was perfect for when we needed to either grab or put something away in our vehicle. The people and atmosphere are really the icing on the cake. Everyone is beyond respectful and courteous and if you dress up you're going to walk around and feel like a celebrity. The food trucks were on point, BUT where is the ALCOHOL??? Praise Odin my buddy Jack Daniels decided to hang out in the car the entire day. Just one beer garden would have been the perfect addition. Would have also maybe liked to see a bigger celebrity presence, but overall a great time. read more

WonderCon, FanTasTic, Great , AwEsoMe , LoTs of Fun. IT wAs ManY Of us wHo CamE and We Had a BlAsT. ThiS wAs thE plAcE tO bE iF yOu Are anY KinD oF FaN. ThEy Had so MaNy BooThs oF ALL KiNds of Posters, PrinTs , Figurines, Swords, LaSerS of aLL cOlOrs, you HavE tO hAvE bEen thEir tO aPPreCiaTe it.BeautiFuL and UglY ouTfITs . Normally thIs EvEnT iS HeLd iN AnahEiM Ca , BuT L.A. ConVenTioN CenTer GaVe iT a TrY. ThEy CouLd HaVe UtiLizEd sPacE mUcH bEttEr, I dOn'T knOw wHo wAs In ChArgE bUt dOn'T dO thE sAmE nExT yEAr.OvErAll iT wAs GreAt .MeT grEaT PeOpLe, anD We aLL haD a GrEaT tiMe.PaRKinG wAs BaD ,ReAllY Bad. read more

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While WonderCon is a great convention, this review is on their location, and the security company they used. LA Convention Center is HORRIBLE!!! Parking was $20!!! But only if you're lucky and got there early. If not, Parking was $30-40. Hotels in the surrounding area were charging $45 per day to park in their structure, even though you have a room there. What a ripoff! This convention cannot handle the parking needs of WonderCon and caused many of their customers to find parking away from the con and pay even more. So many people had to park far and uber to the con! Seriously! Once you got INTO the convention hall, the hired security were ignorant & rude. They were stationed all over checking badges, which wouldn't be a problem if I was actually trying to go INTO the convention or program rooms. They would even ask you "where is your badge" while on your way to actually pick up your badge! WOW! They checked badges for people trying to go up the escalators to the cafeterias. Telling these people you are not going into the con and just getting a pizza is apparently not acceptable. If you asked them questions about where is the entrance to the con floor or where do you pick up the badges, they haven't a clue. they just send you down the hall to the next person or call someone on their walkie talkie. If you don't want to wait for them to give you an answer anymore, they give an attitude when you try to walk away and tell you that "you can't leave". what the hell? Besides that they were loudly rude, making derogatory comments about attendees in cosplay. Horrible security! Once you get INTO the convention hall to enjoy the con, it's fine. A lot of good vendors and celebrities. WonderCon always has great talent to book for their show, but this location and their security they chose was poor. These issues diminished the enjoyment of the con. So glad WonderCon will be back in Anaheim next year and I HOPE they will never go back to LA again. read more

This was my first time at wondercon I brought my 7 year old son and 8 year old nephew here it was a surprised for them what a better way to celebrate easter ...They had such a good time here they loved the gaming area and to see all their favorite characters was exciting for them the people that got all dressed in costume where so nice about taking pictures with them .Take lots of money because there's lots of vendors . The kids got excited to meet the voice over for there favorite gaming characters and cartoons that was cool. The bad part of this convention was the food very expensive and not great ...They didn't check bags as you go in or check each individual person I thought that was strange after all lately every big event they check bags and or scan each person going in but not here. So bring your own snacks and drinks to hold you over till the event is over . Parking varies the closer to the convention the more the parking is $40 the further $5 over all this was a great experience will be back next year. read more

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