DesignerCon 2023 – All the Best Parts of NOT being a Comic-Con
DesignerCon 2023 set up shop in the Anaheim Convention Center once again - possibly for the last time!
When you’re looking for a con that puts the art above all else, setting aside the usual focus on comic books, DesignerCon is the place to be. While there were a smattering of comic-related content found among the many aisles at the Anaheim Convention Center, the fullest expression of art at this show was not limited to just a narrative style. DesignerCon (or DCON as some call it) is a place where the creatives express themselves mainly through prints and accessories like pins or patches as well as three dimensional mediums such as toys and every form of collectible.
This is a place where pop art, pop culture, and commerce collide. Creators at all levels of notariety fill the hall, some just making their mark while others are icons in the art world. Big names like Medicom Toy, Mighty Jaxx, MONDO, Four Horsemen Studios, Johnny Cupcakes, Tokidoki, Shein X, Tristan Eaton, Super 7, and countless others, some strong in the art world, others in the toy and collectibles world, all bring their best stuff to the floor. And much of it is exclusive to the event, available nowhere else. Need an ultra rare Bearbrick for your LA mansion? Yeah, it’s here. Want a one-of-a-kind hand-made action figure on it’s own unique backing card? They have it. They have A LOT of them. Some of them don’t make any sense, but I don’t think they’re supposed to. It’s art.
But whether your art hangs on the wall, sits in a hermetically sealed display case, or is worn on your back, DesignerCon provides all of that in spades. Yes, your average mega Comic-Con has a lot of variety when it comes to collectibles, but there’s rarely enough room for the kinds of companies and non-comic book indie creators that DesignerCon provides. I’ve done so many different types of cons (comic, anime, gaming, etc), but when I want to hunt down something truly unique to add to my collection, I go to DesignerCon.
Sadly, this was the last year for DesignerCon in Anaheim. Next year, they’re heading to Las Vegas! I have a feeling that a whole new audience will open up for the creators and collectors attending next November 15-17, 2024. Each year seems to take on an unofficial theme and I can’t help but think that Sin City might impose it’s own little twist on the art that debuts there. We’ll just have to wait and see. I’m always looking for another reason to head to Vegas.
