On 22nd August, DC Comics launched their free virtual convention for fans all over the world, called the DC FanDome. With the ongoing restrictions due to the pandemic, being able to hold a physical convention is merely impossible. For DC, this was a chance to interact with fans, by giving them a chance to see exclusive trailers, celebrity panels, and gaming news, right in the comfort of their own homes. However, it really begs the question: is it possible for conventions to be virtual in the future?
Before the event, DC released a map on what the convention would hold. The vast range of events went from hall of heroes, kids section, an area where fans could show of their creations, an area to watch videos from the day, and even an interactive section where you could even ride a virtual rollercoaster.
However, prior to the event, it was announced that the 22nd August would only be the hall of heroes and everything else would take place later in September. There went my dreams of going on that rollercoaster.
Therefore, on the 22nd August, DC FanDome created a continuous livestream, with it’s own scheduling starting at 6PM to 2AM (for us Brits). The show had a variety of international hosts, based on an interactive platform to really set the scene. Jim Lee, who created the set design, said in one of the DC segments, that his inspiration came from the Justice League Watchtower.
The stream kicked off with the Wonder Woman 1984 panel. The panel consisted of an interview with the cast and director, fan questions and then an exclusive trailer, which revealed Cheetah in all of her CGI-ness. Which in fact, was really cool to see for the first time.
The set up for most of the panels within the convention were based on video call (duh). So getting to see all the cast interact with each other, made it so much more enjoyable, than if I were to see it in person. Considering we were all in our own rooms, it felt personal, that we were there face to face. Some of the panels made it feel more like you were in a friendly group chat. My personal favourites were The Suicide Squad panel, purely for the amount of chaos it caused, and the Shazam! panel, which was renamed Shazoom.
Throughout the evening, fans were bombarded with new information. Concept art for the upcoming The Flash film were released, Zack Snyder popped in to release the teaser trailer for his Justice League, and Matt Reeves gave everyone the trailer for the much anticipated The Batman. Even the Rock had his own panel to promote the Black Adam film, to which he announced what characters would be appearing alongside him. (Very hyped for Dr. Fate).
However, it wasn’t just films that were being released at the FanDome. Video games such as Gotham Knights, which follows the Bat-Family, and The Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League, were announced for all the gaming fans. There were even panels to celebrate the diversity within DC comics such as the Females of Colour panel, and the surprise comic panel which featured Static.
The convention itself, proved successful. It allowed fans to be within the moment all at the same time, and it allowed them to interact with their favourite actors with fan questions. Having the likes of Gal Gadot, Robert Pattison and Matt Reeves look directly at you as they’re talking, makes the connection so personal and more like a one-to-one conversation. Something you couldn’t get anywhere else. However, one disadvantage was that the website did keep crashing because there were so many people online, but considering it was DC’s first try, you can’t really blame them. Also, staring at a screen for 8 hours straight really does drain you. Towards the end of the night, I was feeling it.
The succession of DC FanDome proves that conventions can be done online. The simplicity of just turning on your computer, sitting back and relaxing in the comfort of your own home, really is appealing. Especially when physical conventions are limited to certain countries, it gives fans the opportunity to get in on the action as well. With a few tweaks here and there, I wouldn’t be surprised if they become more common in the future.
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