Neil Gibson reviews CCC ’14


I believe in team work. Indeed Comics are all about team work because most good comics are born when a writer and an artist work together to create something special. Cypriots seem to love telling me that organisation in Cyprus can be a little lacking and that teamwork is rare. Well, you could have fooled me!

The organisation behind the Cyprus Comic Con was superb! I have been to large cons in many countries which didn’t have anywhere near the smooth operations I saw. Slick adverts, professional videos, tempting displays, interesting talks, artists and dancers, a master of ceremonies and the most fun cosplay judging I have ever seen. The fact that this was Cyprus’s first ever con made it even more impressive.

But more than all the organisation it was the atmosphere. People were so happy just to be there and to take part. Everyone was smiling this con was by fans for fans. In fact I would like to share one story. Just before the end of the cosplay parade, one of the attendants grabbed the microphone. He wasn’t supposed to but he seized the moment. This is the gist of what he said

“I would just like to say that when I first heard about comic cons, I thought ’what a cool thing. I wish something like that could come to Cyprus’. I never thought it would and yet, now it’s here. You’ve done it. I just want to say thank you to the organisers for making my dream come true.”

His words alone were moving. But when the whole room erupted with cheers and applause, well, I just felt proud that I could be a part of something so touching.

Going back to how I started my review, I believe Cyprus comic con 2014 was an outstanding success because of the team involved. The volunteers put their heart and soul into the event and I this is just the start. This event will run for decades and it couldn’t have a better team running it because, just like the very best comics out there, these guys have worked together to create something special indeed…