SMALL BUT MIGHTY
Reporting From the Floor of Wonder-Con 2025
Article by Justin Bowler
There is an abundance of articles recapping the WonderCon scene this past year in Anaheim. Everyone from bloggers to vloggers, to TikTokers and item hawkers. But, what they may miss is the giant difference between WonderCon and Comic-Con. Personally, I love them both, but, for different reasons. Comic-Con is half a week of excitement, and news, and stars, and parties, and panels. Essentially, a vortex of pop culture opens up in downtown San Diego for over a hundred hours straight and it doesn’t let up until Sunday evening rolls around and the reality of returning to work Monday morning sets in. It’s a blast and I look forward to it every year, but it is not nearly as family friendly as WonderCon.
WonderCon is fantastic in it’s own right. Think of it as Comic-Con Junior. Not just because it is smaller and more local to Hollywood, but also, it is a place for kids, and a fantastic way to expose them to the world of Cons.
First off, kids love costumes! (So, do I!) (And so do most of the people at WonderCon!) The place reeks of cosplay on display. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite aspects of WonderCon. (Yes, they have even more cosplay at SDCC, but here it is easy to take a picture with them. And they are nicer.) Obviously, kids love seeing their favorite superheroes, princesses, and characters walking around. Just look at this guy? What kid doesn’t want to meet Jedi Santa!
Or Doc Oc
There’s also a Kid’s Cosplay Contest, where little ones can show off their costumes in a fun, welcoming environment. Plus, it is a lot easier for younglings to partake in the cosplay here. You never know who you will run into.
WonderCon features a designated family or kids zone with crafts, games, and quieter spaces tailored to younger attendees. Included are interactive workshops. From drawing lessons with real comic book artists to LEGO building areas and creative storytelling sessions, kids can get hands-on with their imaginations. With plenty of security, volunteers, and organized family amenities, WonderCon is designed to be a comfortable space for all ages.
There are tons of booths and vendors with age-appropriate graphic novels, comics, and books designed to inspire young readers. Of course you can find Watchmen, but you can also find Dog Man and Captain Underpants!
It offers a wide range of kid-focused panels, activities, and screenings, including animation previews, Q&A sessions with voice actors, and more. Whether it’s a children’s author, a cartoonist, or someone who works on a favorite animated show, kids can meet the minds behind the magic. (Not sure if Digital Circus is really appropriate for the little ones, but younger audiences are certainly aware of it. Here a child poses with one of the artists behind Pomni.)
There is inspirational fun at every turn. Where else can a child see several R2 droids at the same time, and have his dad find out how to make one of his own? Plus, giant displays, themed sets, life-size characters — perfect for making memories and snapping photos kids will love.
And what does this get you? Well, being surrounded by creativity, art and storytelling often inspires kids to start drawing, reading, or dreaming up their own characters and worlds. One of these children will be the next Alex Ross. Or Dav Pilkey.
Badges for WonderCon 2026 are on sale NOW!
