SDCC 2020 Canceled: Fans mournful about event cancellation but offer to support freelance artists hurt by move
With SDCC's historic cancellation of this year's Comic Con for the first time in 50 years, fans are understandably upset. The blow was worsened with Anime Expo also canceling its event this year. With the coronavirus looming over everyone's heads, the fans believe that the decision to cancel the events was the correct one, but are still heartbroken that it had to happen.
"So San Diego Comic-Con is cancelled; first time in 50 years - which I guess we all knew was coming but REALLY sucks all the same. It feels wrong to be too upset, as so many have suffered real tragedy from COVID-19; so I'll just say I'm sorry I'll miss seeing friends," writes a user on Twitter. Writer Seanan McGuire shared her conflicting feelings, writing, "I am heartbroken that the cancellation of #SDCC was necessary. I've been every year since I was sixteen. I am overjoyed that the convention is putting the lives of fans over selling a few exclusive prints."
A lot of users are especially disappointed that they will miss seeing their friends there. "Gosh, well I'm pretty depressed about the cons, I wasn't even going to AX/SDCC but like they're the biggest in the country, its just realizing that the others will fall like dominos and its for the best, this virus is killing people, i don't blame staff/cons. i just miss people," one person tweets. "I'm gonna miss #SDCC. I'm gonna miss doing weird cosplay, being so tired you sit down everywhere, and so hungry you're always about to pass out. I'm gonna miss seeing my favorite celebs. But I'm especially going to miss my friends. That's what always made Comic Con special," shared another user.
Some fans are finding the silver lining in the cancellation. "SDCC finally admitting fetch wasn’t going to happen is bittersweet. On one hand, I miss 5-6 days of partying with everyone I love. On the other, I don’t have to experience the brutal slog that is being 5 days of being yelled at by security guards who just hit puberty last year."
However well the fans are taking it, there is also a lot of concern and support for freelance artists and other creators, for whom comic cons provide a vital opportunity to make a living with their art, like this creator, who tweets, "Losing SDCC this year, along with two other big shows in June is probably gonna ruin me. Times like these I wish I were under contract somewhere. At least my creating would earn."
"This is obviously the best to do for the attendees but I feel for all the vendors and artist that count on the convention for their year," writes a concerned fan. "AX and SDCC cancelled this year. I hope they try to organize a virtual artists alley or something. I still want to support artists, especially those from AX. The artists alley is probably the main reason I even go. All these cons being cancelled must be hurting," notes this tweet.
The official Unofficial SDCC Blog shares this concern, tweeting, "If you're feeling sad/disappointed about not being able to see a favorite vendor/artist at #SDCC this year... go buy something from them online TODAY. That is how you help ensure they make it to #SDCC 2021 at all. We will get off our soap box soon (or maybe we won't!), but seriously guys, SO. MANY. VENDORS. and artists rely on #SDCC to help them get through the year. Many are REALLY worried right now. Go buy some cool stuff! Commission art! Treat yourself on this bad news day!"
If you would like to help online artists, check out the #artshare or #artistsupport hashtags to find creators you can support.