Albuquerque Comic Con expected to have record turnout
Jan 16, 2025
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – One of the most anticipated events of the year is back in Albuquerque Comic con. But after devastating wildfires rage on in California. Some guests may not be in attendance.
“So we're anticipating hitting our capacity every day.”
Come this weekend, more than 50,000 visitors will make their way to the Albuquerque convention center for the annual comic con.
“So this year, though, we were scaling up to be the largest show we've ever done. We had 140 guests scheduled,” said Jim Burlson, owner and promoter of Albuquerque Comic Con.
Some may be a little disappointed because some of their favorite stars may not be able to make it be due to the California wildfires.
“We ended up losing a total of about I think there were 16 people that we lost because of the L.A. Fires,” said Burlson.
Actor Giancarlo Esposito won’ t be able to attend. Stars like Elijah Wood and Jared Padalecki are still planning on coming, even Vernon wells who lost his home will still be there.
As for vendors, they are trying to help accommodate those who have been impacted by the fires.
“So we actually made an offer to any vendors coming in from California that if they wanted a refund on their booth, we would refund their booth in full,” said Burlson.
Not all is sad for Comic Con in fact organizers say they are still seeing 30-percent more special guests than years past.
“We still have one hundred and thirty four guests on our guest list,” said Burlson.
Plus there is the waiting list for over 300 vendor, and for people coming to enjoy the convention this year, be prepared for long lines because Saturday is already sold out.
“You know, so there's so many great things that Albuquerque comic con brings beyond just the access to that one superstar you wanted to meet,” said Burlson.